Pho Vietnam
7040 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA, 98117
Pho Vietnam Menu
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Address :
7040 15th Ave NW
Seattle, WA, 98117 - Phone (206) 783-4310
- Website https://www.phovietnams.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Matthew L.
I have been going to this restaurant since I was in high school. For the last ...15 years....they have been my staple. When I moved to the other side of the city I would trek the hour commute just to have their pho. It has some of the highest quality meat I've found as well as being VERY consistent. On top of that its run by the same family that opened it, the owner still works as well as his kids and what I can only assume are his grandkids. They are fast, polite, and delicious! I have recommended this restaurant to several of my friends and will continue to do so. *Brought to you by my wife, Taryn.
(5)Krystina F.
Pretty good. Wish the broth was darker. It wasn't busy when I went, so my order came out fast. Still looking for a really good one.
(3)Moni O.
I'm really not sure how this place has 4 stars. The pho lacked flavor and depth. The spring rolls had too much lettuce and were made with wilted bean sprouts and the sauce had the consistency of water. I've had much better pho in Arkansas. The server brought out one measly lime wedge for 2 bowls of pho. New to the city, so I'm not sure if people are just being extra nice here.
(2)Owen H.
Best pho ive ever had. The broth is addicting. Get a large, you will feel like a happy pregnant woman. Even when the broth gets cold it's still good. Does not have a strange dishwater residue like some pho places. :)
(5)Jason T.
I've been here a few times now with my dad who likes to come here for a bowl of pho from time to time. For years, it's been his go to spot. Now I know why! The staff is super friendly and the service is quick. A hot bowl of pho with beef brisket and meatballs will be out in just a matter of minutes! The pho is up there with the rest of them. Come here if you're looking to warm up in this cold weather! Or if you're hungover or something.
(4)Margaret S.
Battling a terrible hangover, I sent my boyfriend to pick up some chicken pho and egg rolls for us. We are from the SF bay area and have yet to find a good pho spot down there, but this place was pretty darn good and made me wish we lived close to a good pho restaurant. It was my life saver for the day and made me feel like I was half human again. Everything was super tasty. We both got the large sizes, but could have done with a large and small considering the portion size!
(4)Scott D.
I had the broccoli and tofu pho tonight and it was great! I usually don't eat tofu but broccoli sounded good and I was really pleasantly surprised. I think they lightly pan fry the tofu first which added flavor and a great crust to the outside of the tofu. The broth was lighter then some other pho (maybe veggi broth?) and the pastry was delicious! highly recommend Pho Vietnam.
(5)Grace A.
This is my favorite pho place. It's near enough my house, with a true small (without being a kid's size) for $5.45 --- the meat is never over done, though I get mine on the side and add it myself for extra rareness. The owner is usually working, and no, no one speaks very good English, but that's fine. The atmosphere is lacking but the music can be pretty funny. You sort of start to wonder what station it is that plays top 40 and then also pop music from high school. Seriously. What station is that? Pay at the front! Some sketchy parking in the back. Two things I think you deserve to know? Well, this is one of those pho places that really only serve pho (and spring rolls, egg rolls). Pho comes with a free cream puff, though, but don't come here looking for bahn mi or vermicelli plates. Just pho! And the second thing? To go containers are 50¢ a piece. Really delicious thai iced tea.. I'd recommend this place to any North Seattle pho lover.
(5)Tom B.
This place is rock solid. It's on a busy uphill stretch of 15th and looks like it probably always has a crowd as a result. It's in a somewhat older building with tilt-out windows they probably have to leave open any time they're working; the kitchen probably swelters. You walk in kind of in the middle; there are two doors but one leads to the kitchen. There are a couple of tables and then a divider mini-wall with a bigger dining room on the other side. It's clean and bright, and there are menus under the glass tabletops. Service is quick, and the pho comes out fast. The broth is pleasant and mild, and the ingredients are in good shape. Condiments could be a bit fresher, and there could be a little more of them. But the flank was clearly never frozen, which is a plus. Flavors are good throughout, and prices were fair. Overall, there's nothing nudging this place up or down in terms of quality or value. They deliver across the board, but without pushing into extraordinary territory anywhere. Would gladly return.
(3)Andrew B.
Straight forward and consistently good pho. The space is exactly what you would expect from a pho place that has been open off the beaten path for well over a decade - lots of semi-over grown plants in the entry way, somewhat sparse dining room decor, and the focus is obviously on the broth and not the surroundings. They're still touting that "best pho in Seattle" award from 1999. One of only two places I've found in Ballard that make a good veggie pho. Kind of goes without saying, but don't get take out. They charge for each container and the food is never quite as good at home. They are only open until 8:30, but this has also make me realize how often I toe the line on most places' 9:00 closing time. Plan accordingly.
(4)Hang C.
We love the pho here! Well priced tasty bowl that makes being a regular easy- we like going at least once a week. The owner is the kindest gentleman and he's always there. His war story is pretty wild too ... He spent over a decade in as a prisoner of war. Heck go just to meet him :). Be careful with the driveway if you decide to park in the back, you have to go in at an angle to not scrape the bottom of your car. ...and of all the free cream puffs we've tried at other pho restaurants, I think pho Vietnam's are the best.
(5)nari k.
Still consistently the best pho in Ballard. Their broth is amazing, vegetables are fresh as ever, and chili oil is delicious. My family's favorite pho.
(5)Keith O.
Very good pho at a very good price. The service time for pick up is ridiculously fast. The eye round steak is particularly good with very thin slices. Ask for it raw and cook it in the hot broth for a delicate texture that is very tender. I also recommend the soft tendon.
(5)Cowboy T.
Come here if you don't have the time to go to the better spots. The food is not as easy on the stomach as other establishments I have experienced. Ask for water when you get there because they do not give it to you.
(2)Jason P.
It's so nice to have a great bowl of pho so close to home! There is no shortage of pho joints in this town, but I truly enjoy Pho Vietnam! The service is always fast, the soup is hot and delicious! And where else is a can of soda still a dollar? I had the eye round and brisket tonight with extra noodles and am stuffed. A great place!
(4)Kris L.
I give it a Phour out of Phive. For Pho, this place is solid. The broth is so tasty! One thing though, I would never dine in. I've always gotten the soup to go because the establishment is such a dive and not a dive in that cool, hip, Seattle dive type of place. It just plane looks like a sucky place to eat a meal. Since they offer food to go, I wont mark down any stars. If you like hot flavorful Pho, chicken, beef, or meatball, you will love this place. Just call and order to go and it's ready in 10mins. Perfect for a cold day, or a cold virus.
(4)Stephanie H.
Hot, fresh pho with tofu with homemade sauces and accompanied with shrimp and beef spring rolls. They provide free cream puffs. The service was focused and appropriate. The prices beyond reasonable. The decor does not help the place, but the food was great for the prices.
(4)Aiyana A.
I am loyal to this Pho Restaurant. Their service is ridiculously fast, their menu focuses on this one dish so you get your food almost immediately, you get a cream puff, it's super cheap AND they take debit now! I am always satisfied whenever I come here and my husband was totally shocked by the low prices for the amount of food he got. Where he used to go in the Bay Area it's at least $9 for an extra large bowl. Here, the bill for the both of us is never over $15. Sweeeeet deal, and we'll always be coming back :)
(5)Melody P.
Vietnam is always my favorite pho place, especially in Winter time. I ordered a small No. 14 with extra meat and one order of fried eggrolls. I find that this is the best combination. Everyone eats pho differently. But, this is how I like my pho: 1) extra lime 2) a lot of hot sauce 3) leave the soup last to finish. The fried eggrolls came with some kinda fish sauce with chopped carrots in. I bite off a little of my rolls and let it soak in the sauce for a few seconds before I eat.
(4)Bill A.
Do not judge a book by its cover ... love this place!
(5)Monica N.
To be honest, I was scared to try this place. It's dingy, run down and not very inviting. But, being home with a flu, a giant bowl of Pho Tai sounded like the perfect comfort. My wonderful SO went to get take out from Pho Viet Nam and When he got back I was delightfully surprised! Everything was packed neatly, noodles in one container, broth in another and sprouts, herbs and raw beef in another. It barely fit in the largest soup bowl I could find. They didn't include any Sriracha or chili sauce, but I always have that stocked! The pho was good, not the best I've had, but perfect for what I needed at that moment. Oh, and SO said the restaurant was pretty clean, in contrast to the outside appearance! :)
(3)David M.
Second day in a row that something has woke me up wanting PHO'...that being said. I went and had lunch there again in as many days. Spring rolls with a plum peanut sauce and Tra CUC. I'm not an aficionado, but as A. Bourdain says, "If my last meal were to be this...just give me a bowl of something good." "This is it." There is nothing striking about this restaurant but the food(and what you go out to eat for...right?), hot, incredibly good broth, balanced, kind staff, and fast. It just doesn't get old....
(5)Mailani W.
If I'm not near enough to Pho Bac in the I.D., Vietnam Restaurant will always be my first runner up for pho. I'm not a publicist for pho establishments, but unless you speak Vietnamese, do not count on ordering your food like Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally. Keep it simple, if you have requests, make them when you're actually dining in (slowly), OR check your take-out order in the establishment. Moving on... I usually go with the #6: brisket and well done flank which is delish. Their tofu pho is solid too with ample amounts of broccoli. The chicken pho is meh, way too dry for my taste, so I'd stay away from that. I'm a big fan of their broth, rich flavors, no star anise BS, no msg, not too sweet, no ice rink of fat when my soup sits in the fridge. Just a smidge of hoisin sauce to make it even better. (I should just drop my microphone like Dave Chappelle son). Their take out takes less than 5 min. They pack up the noodles, meat, broth, and condiments in separate containers so the 50 cents they charge is no biggie in my book. Oh and you kids with the slammed Acuras, watch the sharp incline to get to their parking lot in the back. It looks subtle but not so much when you can hear the undercarriage getting assaulted. P.S. Ladies, do not use their restroom. I think that's where Chuckie lives.
(4)Michael G.
I've been on a bit of a pho kick this week. Maybe because I have a cold. Since I have been sick, I've been going to pho places closer to my house. Big mistake, as I should just come to Viet Nam whenever I want pho. This is my favorite in Seattle. I always get a large #2, sometimes with extra meat if I'm a little hungrier. You should try it. There's nothing fancy about this place, but that's not what I'm looking for when I get pho. Really fresh food, not-too-fatty meats, firm noodles and amazing broth. No reason to go anywhere else.
(5)Tali H.
This is really just your standard, run-of-the-mill pho shop. Sort of a sketchy little place - being situated right next to a major road hasn't been kind to it, and the building itself is pretty grimy on the outside and just run-down on the inside. The food is fine, though, and they give you a free cream puff, as seems to be customary with these places.
(3)Cody H.
Best pho in Ballard! Parking behind the restaurant, fast service and the complimentary creme puffs make this my go to for pho in Ballard.
(5)Alicia M.
Got takeout here the other night when we were craving Pho, and was disappointed. Our go-to is Pho Than Bros, but thought we'd try something new. Probably won't go back. Noodle portion seemed smaller than a standard large. Meat was overcooked and tough. Broth was alright. Cream puff was pathetic. I asked for an extra hoisin sauce as I don't eat the siracha they mix in with the to-go ones and I didn't get it. There are many other options for Pho in Ballard, so I think I'll stick with my fave!
(3)Teman C.
The meat is tender, the noodles are tasty and the broth is well balanced. Not too salty, MSG-y, greasy, etc. This is my new go-to place (and it's close to my house). -1 star for some weak lemonade.
(4)Kathleen D.
After hearing so many good things about the pho here, I thought I'd give it a chance, a change from my regular Pho Big Bowl. My husband brought home takeout and it was packaged well. Unfortunately, the tofu was very, very freezer burnt and inedible. After removing the tofu, the broth and noodles were just fine - hence the two stars. But I don't have a reason to come back, after the bad tofu.
(2)Collette C.
Good Pho!
(4)Yo Y.
Pho juice! This is the best pho I've had consistently. Hands down the most flavorful soup in this part of town. I've taken my entire family here many times and the pho has always been splendid. I highly recommend this place. ..you will not be sorry.
(5)Grace W.
I was really craving pho so I looked on yelp to see if there were any good Vietnamese restaurants near where we were at. Yelped suggested this place so we went for lunch. They only have pho here and don't have bun or any other rice dishes. That was okay though because we wanted pho. We ordered the spring roll, egg roll, and two large brisket pho noodle soups. The prices are very reasonable, cheaper than anywhere else we've been to in Seattle. A large pho costed about $5. The food came out really fast. I really enjoyed eating the egg rolls because they were crispy and the meat and vegetables were really tasty. When the pho came out, it was a huge bowl, probably too much for me to finish alone. The pho also came with a cream puff per pho order. After we finished, I was going to give them 4 stars but when I was packing the leftovers into a box, I found a hair in the soup. Also, about 30 minutes after, my husband and I felt really thirsty. I think they must have put some msg into it because one of the supposed effects of ingesting msg is thirst. I thought the food portions were good and the prices fair. Would I come back again? I'm not sure.
(3)Anne P.
Love! Love! Love! I love how the older gentleman always know when I phone in and order! And the pho is delicious too of course!;)
(5)Stacy K.
This is my "go to" place even though I live on Queen Anne and between my house and this place in Ballard there is 10 more Pho places I could stop at (including Than Bros on LQA) and I have tried all of them and this place is better and worth the few extra minute drive up 15th. Granted, it is not the best service in the world, not bad, just very much... "which one do you want, here it is, here is your bill, thank you" . 90% of the time I get it to go, so I am not looking for 5 star service anyway and let's face it, this is not built to be a great dining experience, it's a quick service place and they are nice enough people running a family business. They do charge for to go boxes, but they give you everything separated, so a lot of boxes and lids, so I don't mind paying an extra .50 on a $6 to go order so that when I get home all my food is still hot, in different containers and ready to be assembled the way I like it. I have paid twice as much for Pho that was half as good. This place is good at one thing and they do it well. side note: Those cream puff things are really good too.
(4)Nick G.
The best Pho that I have had in Seattle. Period. I've been about a dozen times in the last year, and every time I get the young coconut milk. It is served with large thin slices of coconut and the round ice cubes with the holes in em (the best kind of ice in my opinion) The service is exactly what you would expect from a Pho place.
(5)Betsey S.
Mm, mm, MM. The best pho around. Every time we try it from another place in the 'hood, I wish we'd gotten Vietnam's. A great take out dinner for the fam, since I can split a large veggie with my daughter and it's like $6. She LOVES the "brof," and I think their broth is the best, too.
(4)Crystal G.
What do you get when you cross good food and a big health department no-no? One star. I wanted to try the pho here the night of Yelp Prom but for some reason they weren't open. So I popped in this Monday to give them a shot for lunch. The pho was good, so much like Than Brothers that it had me wondering what came first. The cream puff was different than Than, I prefer the latter, but this one wasn't half bad. The kicker - I went to pay and the nice old lady hand rolling spring rolls got up and helped me. After giving me, and the people behind me our change, she went right back to hand rolling the spring rolls...no gloves...no handwashing. YUCK! I felt like I'd just licked a dollar by eating there. Don't get me wrong, the food tasted good...but sheesh...money is DIRTY. Makes me question the rest of the kitchen. Bleh. (Yes, these were the FRESH spring rolls...so if you got some of those on Monday...well...yeah)
(1)Adrienne S.
Ordered spring rolls, 1 large Pho with brisket, and a bubble tea & Thai iced tea. It was all delicious, fast & fresh. The bubble tea was a blended ice drink, which I didn't expect but it was good.
(4)Trina C.
First timer and won't be the last timer. Good pho broth and the noodles aren't clumped together. I ordered the small and it was still a lot of food. The free cream puff at the end is even tasty.
(4)Jennifer B.
I have the flu. I got out of bed and drove there for the Pho. There was nothing I wanted more. I waited in the car because I look of the walking dead. He brought it to my car...sweetheart. I love this place.
(5)Ian P.
The best pho I've found, and close to the cheapest (3.85 for a small that will mildly distend your stomach or 4.85 for the full distension, or 5.95 for the kiddie pool). They, like a small handful of Pho places, offer a full veggie broth for their pho chay instead of the one derived from boiling beef bones for 16 hours. Other than that, there's no gimmicks about the soup. They have thai iced tea, a few iced coffees, and that bubble tea crap too (for the kiddies). Just be rest assured... I have never received soggy noodles or goofy beef. Just good stuff. Ahh... yes, thinking about it just makes me feel better. Plus... DAMN good spring rolls (2.25 for 2? aww schucks, I'm not even hungry, but bring me those as well!) There's free parking behind the restaurant. I think I may be the only customer that knows this. You can enter in through the back door. And to those who have complained that the waiter service is not par excellence bon parfait... YOU'RE PAYING LESS THAN FOUR DOLLARS FOR A MEAL. YOU'RE UPTIGHT AND SUCK IF YOU EXPECT TO EVEN BE WAITED ON AT THAT PRICE!!!! Seriously!
(5)Omarosa H.
Note to Will. Most Pho restaurants do NOT bring you a check. You go to the counter to collect it and pay. Tran Brothers does this, as do many other informal Vietnamese restaurants. Don't dis the restaurant because you don't know the customs. The food is good, service friendly and quick. The cream puffs seem to have gotten smaller and the atmosphere is utilitarian, but a great neighborhood restaurant.
(4)Paul E.
Let me kick off by saying that when I travel I eat street food and I really like Asian street food. So, when I eat Phad Thai I want the tastes to carry me off Bangkok, and when I eat Pho I want to be transported for a few blissful minutes to the busy streets of Hanoi. This place is pretty good for that 'close your eyes and be carried far away feeling'. The normal pho 'cargo' of beansprouts, chili and basil were fresh, the broth hearty and the rice noodles good, but dense. Excellent value at $6 too. If I am passing-by at lunchtime, this is definitely a restaurant I 'd stop at again - you should too.
(4)Krystina B.
I love the flavor of their broth SO MUCH it has become a weekly ritual. I do suspect that they use MSG, but I really don't want to know so I don't ask. Even if they do, I don't friggin' care, it is SOOOOOO good! I always get #C - tofu and broccoli. One time recently I was super-hungry so I ordered extra large, with extra tofu, AND extra noodles. Boy, that was a serious TUB! The owner lady/our server thought it was hilarious and immediately brought out a to-go container. She kept checking on me to see if I was gonna eat it all. I gave it my best shot, but walked away with a ton of leftovers. The only downsides I've experienced are: they are stingy with the condiments (it seems you get the same amount of bean sprouts, basil, etc. whether there's one or two people) and the napkins. Plus they don't take credit cards - I don't carry checks so I always have to get cash beforehand. Despite the minor drawbacks, I'll probably never eat pho anywhere else.
(5)Allison W.
Rock solid. Similar to Than Bros., but IMO slightly better. Surly service and bad lighting merely add to the awesomeness.
(4)Amy F.
I am a little embarrassed to say this but this place is dirty....aaaaand one of my favorite pho places in the universe. Its pretty straight forward pho but their broth is the best in town and their prices are cheap and the staff always super friendly.
(4)Jeanny M.
Pretty decent pho. Cash only and their parking lot is up high on the curb so you bottom out unless you're driving a monster truck. It does not matter how slow you go, just park on the street. My sister likes their veggie pho the best and it's filled with...duh, lots of veggies/tofu, and a broth that is lighter than its meat counterpart, which is a good indicator that it's truly veggie. Sometimes you just have to suspect that they use the same meat-based broth but throw in veg to call it veggie, not here though. I ordered a small (medium is a size skipped on the menu, goes to large and extra large) #15, which I didn't read carefully..and is a more customized order. I really wanted a #14, which I believe I received. It was good, lots of variety, but I could have done for more marbled meat. Yum. It did take some time to get the order packages up to go (at extra 50c per to-go order), which was kind of annoying. But everyone was nice enough. They've been in business at least 10yrs (from the review posted under each table), so congrats to them and the proprietor reminds me of my grandfather. heh. The broth had cooled a bit from the less than 10mins drive home, but that made it easier to slurp after I added all the accompanying herbs, sprouts, and sauces (plus lots extra from my personal stash). The complimentary cream puff was meh so I didn't bother finishing it later at home. That's saying a lot because I love those things. In sum, would go again but only as a call-in pick-up order, have cash ready, and park on the street! They are open late'ish, until 9p which is pretty cool. :)
(3)Laura P.
I'd give this place a half star if i could :-/ ..... while still in search of a Pho place since my relocation to this area from south Seattle, I have yet to find anything in comparison. This place especially. I called in my to - go order, small #1 & small #3 which is : eye round steak and well done flank, with a side of extra jalapenos. I'll just get this out of way, charging for to go boxes is ridiculous!!!! The fixings for the Pho were so skimped, only one thing of mint leaves for each bowl, a small handful of sprouts and only TWO thin slices of jalapenos in both orders. I got charged for my extra jalapenos but was never given them, or even a fair amount of jalapenos as it is! Oh i forgot to mention BOTH meats were dripping BLOOD! We had to throw all the meat in a frying pan to cook it so we didn't get food poisoning. This has to be the worst Pho experience i have EVER had, i do NOT recommend it and will never go back. Very Disappointed with all my fellow yelpers reviews and with my experience :(
(1)Nina H.
Since moving to the North Seattle area, I haven't been able to find good pho. The places on Aurora seem a little sketchy and I'm hesitant to try any of those just yet. My friend took me to Pho Vietnam after a night of drinking. And you know what they say about pho. It IS the best hangover cure, no joke! But seriously, sometimes I can't quite taste the difference between pho broths, but I can usually determine whether or not it's good if I finish the broth. Today I definitely finished most of the broth of my #2 with extra meatballs. I always add a bunch of bean sprouts and I dab my meat in the oyster sauce instead of pouring the sauce directly into the bowl. But anyway, the broth was sooo tasty, I don't know, maybe I was thirsty but it was some darn good pho. I can't forget to mention the creampuffs too, they were very soft and the cream inside was quite tasty! I liked this place a lot!
(4)Whitney A.
My go-to pho place. I get the veggie, so I'm not a good judge for all the meaty stuff, but everyone else who eats the meat versions says it's delish. I recommend this place to everyone who comes to visit me, you should go there too! Except, I don't like the spring rolls. Cash only.
(4)Julian M.
I found Vietnam Restaurant yesterday while wandering around Ballard for a quick, cheap meal. With that in mind, the eatery perfectly succeeded in providing an affordable (cheapest Pho I've seen in Seattle), edible bite and speedy service. The beef brisket pho broth was decent and the cream puffs were bland and forgettable. However the spring rolls and accompanying sauce were delicious. While the employees were abrupt, I wouldn't consider them rude, and while the place looks like it hadn't been updated in years, it wasn't particularly dirty. It also appears that the old credit card complaints are out of date, as they also accept VISA now.
(2)Michelle F.
Pho is very simple. You either get it right or get it wrong - there's simply not very many components. I've been there half a dozen times (thanks to co-workers who aren't terribly adventurous)... - The broth was bland. - The noodles were squishy. - The rare beef came out cooked and the quality was poor. - The bean sprouts and basil were of fair quality, but meager quantity. - They give you one napkin. Just one. Have fun with that. - The service is fast, but not served with a smile and not table-side. You have to go up to pay. - They charge for to-go boxes. - The place is clean *enough,* but I wouldn't call it clean. At least it's cheap. But unless I was starved for pho and nothing else was open around it, I would eat at another pho place in a heartbeat before going back here. Also, if you're still determined to go there, park on the street. The parking lot curb is a car-eater. Beware.
(1)David F.
My happy go-to place for pho in Seattle. It's definitely not fancy, but the pho is inexpensive, the broth is deep and full, and you can get in and out of there in under 30 minutes and for less than $7.
(5)Rachael C.
Been coming here for years. Never been fancy but it's clean, quiet, cheap, and the phó has been consistently satisfying. Perfect remedy for a cold or even on a summer day. Yummy springrolls!
(4)Jill S.
I've been eating a lot of pho lately--to the point where I can really tell the difference between "just okay" pho and really good pho. Vietnam Restaurant has really good pho. The broth is excellent, flavorful without being heavy or salty. I re-read my earlier review and can't even remember thinking that the meat portions were small, they're not. It's the kind of place where you don't feel weird sitting alone either--a big plus if you're catching meals on the run between kid activities.
(5)jon M.
In general the Pho here is on the lighter side. The broth just doesn't have the same umph that it should. Actually compared to Than Bro's nearby everything is just a tad lighter. The cream puffs included. The big difference I noticed the last time I went is that it seemed like everything had shrunk. The cream puffs are sooo dinky it's crazy. Middle of the road all the way. Always easy to find a table and easier to park the other places tho.
(2)Trinh V.
Dear Ms.F. Your 1 star rating is outrageous. I have no idea what attitude you carried with you when you set foot in the restaurant but I can tell you and everyone else that the pho here is delicious and almost authentic. I agree with you that it's lame to charge for to go box but hey 1 star is ridiculous. If it's that bad you shouldn't have gone back a half dozens times then. I was born and raised in Vietnam and now living in southern california, very close to Little Saigon-home of a lot of great pho places. However, I'm always looking forward to my once a year Seattle trip to have the best pho at Pho Viet Nam and my mouth is actually watering right now thinking of the place. The reason I'm writing this review is because my vacation in Seattle will start soon and I'm just curious what kind of review this place got on yelp. And overall I'm happy with the review, I'm no food expert but I love food so much enough to know what is delicious and what is not. I've been here 3 times and each time was great. If you want a great bowl of pho, Pho Viet Nam won't disappoint.
(5)Jeff S.
The pho here is pretty good and the people are very nice, but it doesn't wow me like some of the others. I've eaten here 2-3 times and admittedly ordered the same thing, but it was consistently just pretty good. Their spring rolls were not that great and the lettuce seemed a bit old. I think the free cream puffs are a nice touch, but they're kind of dry and tasteless. Than Bros on Aurora does cream puffs justice.
(3)Law P.
First thing's first. I AM VIETNAMESE. I have eaten pho since I could eat solid food. I know the difference between bad pho, good pho, and really good pho. This establishment falls into the later. Thank god. (FYI I'll use Pho Than Brothers as a benchmark for y'all, which is GOOD pho) The tai (rare steak) beef her is sliced to a perfect thinness and is almost buttery in it's deliciousness. The broth is superb and the noodles dont arrive to your table in one big block. Yeah, this place isn't much to look at, it's about as aesthetically pleasing as Frances McDormand, but just like that esteemed actress it always does a great job and outshines most of if not all of it's peers. You know you are in a bomb pho spot when the owner is the one preparing your food. (Whattup old Vietnamese dude that reminds me of my uncle!) I will not go to any other pho place within 10 miles of my house. Thank you.
(5)Sarah M.
This is pretty much my favorite pho restaurant ever. I generally get the extra-small bowl with tofu and load up on the basil, bean sprouts and other goodie garnishes and fill mah belleh with health. Vietnam Restaurant looks like a dive, one not to be trusted from the outside. OK, OK, I admit it does need a bit of a face lift on the inside and outside. But the inside is SO TASTY. The service is friendly and quick. And the pho is delicious. And the recession (complimentary) cream puffs: A little less creamy than they used to be, but a happy ending nevertheless. Walk, don't run!
(5)Eric S.
Down home local family run pho and general Vietnamese place. I'm not an expert at pho, but I thought the vegetarian pho was great. Reasonably priced, friendly service, basic decor.
(4)Anastasia N.
I can't decide if I keep going here cuz it's 10 blocks from my house or cuz its actually good. How about this, it doesn't stand out from any other place I have had but the broth is tasty and the meat is good. You do get the standard Seattle "free" cream puff with your order...(hate those things but I know everyone else loves em). Service and take out are always fast....UNLESS you order an iced coffee with your take out, for some incredibly craptastic reason it took an extra 15-20 min for me to get the order... I was so mad that I never get coffee as take out anymore. Also once they messed up my order but hey...that happens everywhere from time to time So...since there aren't too many places in the area I do frequent this one quite a bit and will keep going...just not for the iced coffee hahah I swear I don't hold grudges:)
(3)Ely T.
I love the food from here,, but the customer service in here was horrible.RUDE and RETARDED!! I order rice noodle with rare beef and extra meatball for to go, and when I got home, I found no meat ball. I called to them and they never said sorry and blamed the fault on me!!
(3)Greewnwood G.
This is an excellent Pho Restaurant. (I'd be hard pressed to give any Pho place 5 stars as that really goes against the whole idea, which is flavorful, fast, fresh soup at a great price.) Compared to other Pho places I think the broth is more flavorful. The family owners are onsite and value your business. I like supporting small, independent, neighborhood businesses and I prefer this restaurant to the larger, chains in Seattle.
(4)Kyle S.
I love Pho and this is my go to place. The soup, bubble tea, cream puffs and spring rolls are Delicious! The only thing I don't enjoy is that from time to time a couple of the waiters seem pretty unhappy. But that's easy to ignore when their food is so good.
(4)Nam N.
Reminds me of pho at Than Brothers and all the other pho places on the Ave (U-District)...which means it could be a lot better. Since it's the closest Vietnamese or pho restaurant near our place, we'd go there if we're REALLY desperate and craving for pho right away that we don't care about the quality. To sum it up, this place is bleh.
(2)Michael G.
I love this place, I just started going out again to start trying new food (And burn giant holes in my pockets) This place is inexpensive and you get great proportions. I love it. I mean.... Visually you can't expect much from a Pho place and... I don't.
(5)Naomi S.
Ever since I discovered this joint, I am hooked on their Pho. Broth is very good and perfect for recent chilly weather. I will keep eating until my craving for the hearty soup noodle is satisfied.
(4)Kimber R.
It's a clean, basic pho spot. Good vegetarian. I've been a few times and each time is the exact same experience. Easy enough.
(3)Erica I.
Great Pho!
(5)Cameron W.
My parents are old and retired. Forgive this enormously broad OVER-generalization but old people stick to what they know and they don't venture out. My parents are the epitomy of this. Why am I disparaging the old? I only do so to make my point about how great Vietnam Restaurant is. My parents eat at this place ALL the time. They do because they know that they are getting a great meal for under $6 bucks a person - including the awesome little FREE cream puff you get as a dessert. They know that the service is always great and the owners will greet them with a smile. And they know that the bowl of pho soup they get is always consistently hearty and full of great stuff. They stick to what they know and they know Vietnam Restaurant is worth spending just the tiniest bit of their social security check there. I can't wait until I get old. =)
(5)Katie A.
Ballard doesn't have a lot of Pho restaurants. There's the obvious one that I won't call out by name and then there's the Monkey Bridge. Annie's Teriyaki sells Pho, but it ain't nothin' compared to the good stuff at Vietnam Restaurant. Now, it is cash only and it's a little (or a lot) gritty around the edges, but the Pho here is exceptional and the woman who is one of the owners is very sweet and almost always smiling. I always get a small veggie, which is more than enough, with big hunks of fried tofu and a broth that's far tastier than the stuff at 'that other place.' It's never overly crowded in here and they'll happily take your orders over the phone. There's always a lot of newspapers laying around here too on the tables when you walk in, which makes for a nice way to wait for your 'to go' Pho.
(4)Eugene C.
There are two advantages of this place over most other pho places. First there is chicken pho made with chicken broth (not beef broth, unlike a lot of other places), and shredded chicken. Second there is free parking. I prefer Pho Than Brothers overall, with the exception of the chicken pho. But overall, tasty, inexpensive, and good.
(4)Fern Z.
I completely agree with brad The bad: 1 star gone: The parking lot can take your bumper be warned! 1 star gone: The chicken is not well cooked, and probably not the freshest either. 1 star gone: Does not take a credit card, serious 2009! its the future now. The good: I really enjoy their beef Pho, get the thai iced tea. The cream puffs are uninspired but tasty.
(2)Mike T.
I have this friend Kevin who swears that if you find a particular restaurant that serves a solid type of food that you love (his example is always sushi), then why bother trying anything else because inevitably you will be disappointed. With that said, I was traveling south on 15th running errands and I had an urge for pho. When someone says pho one automatically responds "Than Brothers". I've passed by Viet Nam many times and I knew I had to make a quick decision. Do I do a Kevin and head straight to TB knowing that I will be well satisfied or do I dare try this older looking pho joint in a very nondescript stretch of 15th? I was very pleasantly surprised by Viet Nam. To tell you the truth, it reminded me of the original Than Brothers on Aurora Ave. It's older, dirtier, and rougher around the edges, but the pho is just as good and $.60 cheaper per bowl. A plus is that they also offer fresh and fried Vietnamese spring rolls. My discerning palate did notice that Than Brothers broth is a bit sweeter that Viet Nam's, but all the same the portions and quality are on par. Yes...they also offer the complimentary cream puff.
(4)Paul M.
I would have loved to give this place shining stars, but while the Pho was good (not better than Than Bros but good), it was not easy to digest with bits of left over food from previous customers still on the utensils, holders and glasses. The owners had a pretty large scale argument with the sparse customers (there were 3 tables filled at the time making for an uncomfortable dining experience. Along with that they hesitated in giving us more than 1 napkin for a party of 5. Sharing is cool, but not that way or with that many people. I have to say that IF their table area where the customers sit to eat is dirty, what must the kitchen be like? i'd suggest going elsewhere.
(1)Bill L.
The best Pho place in Washington! The broth is excellent, even the veggie pho is amazing - filled with perfectly cooked tofu, scallions and broccoli. The chicken and various meat phos are all amazing as well. Cash only - you will love it!
(5)Jeremy B.
Best Pho in Seattle. That and the owner/chef actually takes the time to skim most of the excess oil from the pho stock. Also, it is unlikely that you will get the standard "brick" of noodles floating in the middle of the broth; it will actually look like complete soup. The broth is exactly what pho broth is meant to taste like. It is not supposed to overpower, be too salty, or taste so much like anise star that you feel you've just taken a bite of potpourri. The 3-star-or-fewer ratings (although they are outnumbered by favorable ratings) all seem to complain about the blandness of the broth. These people would likely prefer the salty, tongue-numbing assault of Nissin Cup O Noodles. They are welcome to it. To show there's no hard feelings for the authentic-pho-haters; I noted there is a Panda Express coupon in the Seattle Times Weekend Edition inserts from last week. Be sure to grab it before you recycle your paper. You see? We can still be friends.
(5)Will L.
I needed Pho like I needed a hole in my head, which is desperately, because my skull is like solid bone, man. I was hungry. My friend had just gotten finished telling me about how she doesn't eat dinner anymore, but that didn't stop me from dragging her here to watch me eat. I SHOULD feel bad about that, but I don't. She makes for good company. And she was easily convinced to eat a spring roll. It seemed unusually quiet in here. We came in here laughing and talking loudly, and immediately shushed each other. Every time we giggled loudly we looked around for Conan the Librarian to come skewer us with a bookmark. There were several other diners in here, but they were seriously into their food. Or were meditating, I dunno. I'm a fan of eating noodles, not having them stick to my elbow. Or my friend's elbow. We would have been a lot happier if the table was a little cleaner. On the other hand, a series of noodle-elbow demonstrations had us laughing and shushing each other all over again. We shared the complimentary cream puff. She asked me, "why did we get that?" I shrugged. I'm not one to question the whys and hows of receiving a cream puff. When the universe deigns to give you a cream puff, you accept. I think it was complimentary. Or it was our server's method of keeping us quiet by having us stuff our faces before our spring roll got there. It got there, rather quickly. It was really good, too. I forgot about the noodle-elbow. The pho was good. I wish I had gotten a napkin, though. On the other hand, it forced me to be very tidy, which is a good thing when you're out with someone you'd like to impress with clean habits. Usually when I eat pho on my own, I wind up with a small puddle around my bowl. We sat and waited for the check, and finally gave up and headed up front. I'm pretty sure we could have just walked right on out the door and no one would have noticed. Note: if you park behind this place, be careful to let the owner know you're a customer. His parking lot is a dictatorship, and he's the dic. He'll have your car towed within minutes of parking unless you show up inside. So... don't leave and head into the Waterwheel next door for a drink until you move your car first.
(2)Danielle H.
Best veggie pho in seattle, hands down. The broth is perfect and it comes with broccoli only- which I prefer over tons of various veggies thrown in. The cream puffs ROCK.
(5)abigail b.
i live in ballard and go to vietnam restaurant often. personally, i like that it's a kind of a hole-in-the-wall sort of establishment. the people that i take there always look a bit frightened, but they come out of it extremely sated. they have their own parking lot, but it is a bit of a step up from the road and can impale the underside of your car. another thing to be wary of is that it is cash only, but everything on their menu is astonishingly inexpensive. i ate there the other day and received two orders of pho, two orders of fresh rolls, and a lemonade for around $16. you also get the complimentary cream puffs. i love their fresh rolls, and i was impressed that they were -- aside from even existing on the menu -- so full of fresh herbs and came with a sauce other than thinned peanut butter. i went there once when i had first had orthodontics done and was extremely sore, but nothing was going to get between me and those fresh rolls. the server saw how much i was struggling and brought me a pair of kitchen shears to cut the fresh roll up with. it probably wasn't the most sanitary of efforts, but the staff are very nice (though i've had some things lost in translation before -- pain, however, was not). the pho is really, really good. the noodles, as someone else said, aren't just a big block that end up splashing in your face. they're also not mushy and falling apart. their herbs and sprouts are really fresh, and it comes out almost immediately. i really enjoy the steak whereas i normally don't. their chicken is really tender and shredded rather than in unmanageable slices. their veggie is, indeed, veggie -- you can actually tell, which is comforting. as i mentioned before, they have lemonade which is freshly made and utterly refreshing. they also have boba "teas," but they're more of an icy shake than the milk tea that i was expecting. it was still good, but just not a milk tea. i assume that i am going back next week or so. it happens to be down the road from the value village, so this is convenience as its finest. thank you, vietnam restaurant.
(4)Kristen E.
I have my annual end-of-the-school-year cold. They have warm, tasty goodness in a big bowl, friendly service and kind smiles. mmmmm. happy.
(4)Antoinette H.
I've been going to this place for over 10 years, and the soup has NEVER changed. The restaurant used to be the room they use as a "prep" or "front" room, and after a couple years, they bought the large space next door and expanded. Through all that, the soup has been exactly the same. It's not my favorite Pho restaurant, that's in the ID, but if the mood strikes me, I'll come here once a week for months, and every time I'm guaranteed the same good quality of soup. The place has never been very clean, but I've never found anything strange in my bowl. I never ever park behind the place, simply because it's the tiniest one-entrance parking lot in seattle, and I just don't need that kind of stress.
(5)Daniel P.
This became my favorite pho place quickly after moving to Ballard. I used to think Than Bros. was the best, but they have them beat here! The broth is super flavorful. They have your standard HUGE pho portions and super FAST service!
(5)Katie S.
This place is a fabulous dive. Super great tasty Pho, even if they did give me food poisoning once (I am sure it was the shrimp in the fresh spring rolls). Agreeable service, super fast! I love the chicken Pho, and the #9 with three kinds of meat is great too. This place has WAY better Pho than Than bros and AWESOME french drip coffee - if you've never had this get it. It's tastier than the best espresso, let it drip into the condensed milk for a while until it's all in there and enjoy! It's sometimes hard to find the fish sauce...I guess they think most white people don't like this stuff so you have to hunt around. Tried the bubble tea once cause it was so good up at Yunny on Aurora, and it sucked. It was thick like a slushy and horrible. Great freakin pho tho!
(4)Catie B.
I didn't want to go here... I don't like change. I really like Than Bros, I go there a lot... then I was talked into going toVietnam, he was right, it is better, I hate that. I will still eat Than Bros, I mean there is one everywhere you could possibly be when needing pho but when I have time, I'll go a little farther to Vietnam. They are a little nicer and refill my water quicker at Vietnam, they also have spring and summer rolls. The cream puffs at Than are better but who cares about the cream puff really!
(4)Halley A.
This is the best Pho i have ever had. It's cheap, great, they have Young Coconut Drink (coconut water... the FRESH kind!!!). The service is up and down, but it's always worth it. I have tried Pho downtown, lower queen Anne, Capitol Hill, the U District and all the way down to Tacoma.... This is AMAZING!!!! P.S. Ask for extra cilantro P.S.S. The cream puffs are so good that you should really eat it before you finish your Pho and realize that you can't put anything else in your mouth!
(5)John H.
When I leave Seattle this is where I go last and when I come home it is my first stop. Family run and delicious. Their broth is the best in the city, and they never take down their 'Merry Christmas' sign. If you really luck out you'll get served by the one aunt who wears giant tennis shoes as clogs. Seriously- the soup is awesome and get a hot coffee with condensed milk but savor it so you have some left to go with the creme puff.
(5)briana w.
It's the all year long Christmas greeting, the tanker of delectable veggie pho, the same three friendly servers that are at your table before your gloves are off, and the pho that is at your table before your hat is off. These are all the reasons I would walk here in the rain and not to Than Brothers. But I can tell you one thing...it is definitely not the music. Air Supply and pho do not mix! One day we walked in and they were playing KEXP. THAT was a 5 star day. oh...and mushrooms in the veggie pho would be nice too.
(4)J R R.
I had a big bowl of the oh so tasty Pho... Ummmm! Delicious, lots of tripe, and lots of beef. The broth was very good, not in the least bit salty.The sprout, basil and jalapenos were fresh and crunchy... Just like they should be! Bring cash... no credit... no checks... Just a great big hot bowl of delicious, nutritious Pho! It does a body good! JR
(4)Nicole P.
wow. this was awful... i'm sick and wanted soup, and i didn't feel like going the extra 2 min to get to my usual spot so i stopped in here. MISTAKE. the food was terrible- it didn't even taste like beef broth, it was like water with over cooked noodles and the egg rolls tasted like flavorless tofu... i left well over 80% of my food on the plate becuse i found it so gross. not only was the food awful, i watched the little old lady that was taking orders get in to an argument with one of the customers after she brought him the wrong food not once, not twice, but three times. the third time he told her it was the wrong order and when she ignored him, he ate one of the spring rolls, she came out to take the food away from him then started yelling at him for eating someone else's food. long story short- next time, i'll go the extra 2 min to get to monkey bridge... and so should you...
(1)Sprizee V.
Dinner for two for $12! Yes, and that includes an appetizer, one large pho, one small pho and two creme puffs. If you want to get crazy, you can order a thai ice tea for an extra $1.60 or a bubble tea for $2.30. At that those prices you'd probably expect the food to simply be OK at best, but get this...it's really good. Fresh limes, thai basil and fresh bean spouts accompany your pho. And, if you're lucky, when the pho arrives it will be carried by the owner/chef. The service is pleasant and fast. The pho is simply flavored and so delicious. They have bubble tea and creme puffs! Give this place a try. Fair warning, if you want more than 15 creme puffs you have to order them a day in advance. Stop making that face at me. It says so right on the menu.
(3)Seth L.
Good pho at good prices. A basic family run operation. Not fancy at all, nor many choices beyond pho, but always a good meal.
(4)Johnny B.
Skip the crowd at Than Bros and head to Vietnam Restaurant for your Pho. Outside is divey, inside is clean, friendly and when I was there there were at least 6 tables full around 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. Their Pho is delicious, cheap and quick. I didn't even know it was there until someone told me about it, and it's 5 blocks from my house. Go, slurp, support these guys - they will get us through flu season!!!!
(5)Kai K.
The broth is amazing, the ingredients are fresh and it's hard to beat the price. I always leave full and happy. The French style coffee over sweeted condensed milk is yummy. I find myself craving it on a regular basis.
(5)Steve S.
One of the things I miss most about Seattle is the Pho. ANd not even really the Pho, the cream puffs that come with the pho at restaurants there. So, when my friends took me here, I was ready to stock up on some cream puff action, only to be told they couldn't sell us any extra ones. You lose yourself one star Vietnam Restaurant. Your cheap and tasty beef soup overshadowed by a lack of sugary goodness. For shame
(4)Michelle B.
Hands down the best Pho is Ballard. I've tried all the other places, and none of them compete with Vietnam. IT JUST TASTES BETTER. The staff is friendly and they put your order together very quickly. I usually order take out, but if you like the idea of 80's décor and lavender blinds, dine in to enjoy the ambiance. The only down side is cash only, but I suppose that's to be expected at a Pho joint.
(4)Laural B.
This is my favorite (cheap) pho restaurant in town. They have those bowls you can bathe a poodle in for six bucks, and the cream puffs are so good, we always get a dozen to go. The broth is always fantastic and so is the lemonade.
(4)Andrew M.
First order of business- Pho Vietnam is actually a misnomer- this business is technically called "Veitnam Restaurant" even though the sign says "PHO VIETNAM" very large and "restaurant" very small. My business partner discovered this the hard way, when he called the "real" Pho Vietnam (4235 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105) and ordered some pho for pickup, and then drove to Veitnam Restaurant and asked them why they didn't have his pho ready for him. They scrambled to supply his pho and he was on his way, only to later get the call from Pho Vietnam, asking him why he hadn't come to pick up his order. That being said, this place is great. My business partner and I eat here twice a week on average. It's delicious, fresh, and cheap. One big selling point of Vietnam Restaurant is that they have a true veggie pho, which is loaded with tofu and brocoli along with standard pho accompanyments. Their beef pho broth is definitely above average. Ingredients are all fresh, the meat is high quality. Get 'extra' meatball! The only significant problem with this place is the service can be very slow. There's one very nice old vietnamese lady who has to manage the cash register and something like 18 tables at lunch rush, and sometimes it takes a while to get noticed and get your order taken. Of course, slow for Pho is like 10 minutes, so if you can get your order in quickly you've got about 5 minutes till a bowl of hot steamy pho is right in front of you. Tasty.
(4)Stefan K.
If you want an alternative to Than Bros, then this is the place! (Not saying Than Bros is bad or anything, just suggesting an alternative.)
(4)Jeffrey S.
After my trip to Vietnam in 1996, and consequently being active in the Vietnamese dating scene during the 1990's, I've become sort of a Pho snob. I've eaten at probably 30 Pho places up and down the West Coast and this is the best I've found here in Seattle so far (out of 9). The Owner is an ex-POW which also deserves patronage. BTW, bring CASH ONLY.
(5)MamaRed P.
stop by to pick up my Chicken Pho today and it was delightful, just as how I remember it the first time.
(4)Kari F.
This is by far the best Pho in town. I've tried other Pho joints, including Pho Than, only to be disappointed. I will go out of my way to eat the gloriousness that is Pho Vietnam's beef Pho. My husband and I have been going there at least once a week for the last 3 years, and they're always excellent. We love the staff and all of their kookiness. AND you get a free cream puff! What more do you need?
(5)Reginald C.
I could explode eating their cream puffs, and I usually come pretty close just eating a medium-sized bowl of pho. Much better service than at Than brothers, although their stereo system is always tuned into the local light Christian FM station, which isn't exactly my favorite meal soundtrack. Parking on the road in front of the restaurant is usually nonexistant, so it's lucky that there's generally a spot open in the tiny 4-space dirt lot behind the building. Other than the auditory atmosphere, there's really nothing bad to be said about this place, and plenty of good to be tasted.
(4)Isabella O.
My first Pho ever was from here, and I'm guessing at this point that it will be where I get my last pho on my deathbed. I fell in love with chicken pho right away, and I've tried many other places since, and not a one compares. Some don't give you the cream puff, which in my opinion is an absolute must. Some have an oil slick on top, and I've had some chicken pho in which the chicken looks and tastes more like rat meat than chicken. Vietnam's pho comes with good chicken, fresh basil and sprouts, an ample supply of sauce, and everything else that pho should come with, including a cream puff so delicious, we fight over them at our house. We also like the fresh rolls, or spring rolls. I've eaten in the restaurant a few times, and oddly, I like to get my pho to go better, I think because they always put the perfect portion of sauce in that little container, and I think I tend to screw it up when given free license to season. Not to mention, I think the pho tastes best when it allowed to stew in a covered container after I put it together. We eat here about once a week, sometimes more!
(5)Russ K.
This place was an okay backup to my favorite pho places. They're smaller and more expensive than most pho. They give you free cream puffs, which most people seem to like, but I don't give a rat sh*t flying f*ck about. The latest atrocity is that there is an owner-related child wandering the premises smearing her greezy sneezy cheese-sandwich hands all over your dishes. Won't be back, may I introduce you to Pho Tic-Tac on Aurora?
(1)Jean-marc L.
good pho! could be cleaner though.
(4)beany b.
Best veggie Pho in Seattle, IMHO. The good: Terrific, veggie-filled veggie pho. Free cream puff. Condiments on your table. The bad: NO atmosphere. Cash only. Sometimes stingy with napkins. And you have to go up to the cash register at the end of the meal to pay; they won't come to you. I still think it's worth it; prima donnas can keep going to overhyped Thanh Brothers (which has unacceptable veggie pho), but this place is number 1 for me!
(5)Alexi M.
I really wanted this to be a winner because it's close to my house, but, alas, I was disappointed. I'd hoped to quickly stop in and pick up some steaming hot, delicious Pho, but that wasn't the case tonight... After phoning in my order, I found out they ONLY ACCEPT CASH (no cards/ no checks). Although Pho is very inexpensive, I was cashless, so an ATM visit was required (not fun on a cold, rainy night). After parking in their lot, I entered the shabby little restaurant and was forced to wait another several minutes. Luckily, there was some quality reading material for me to peruse...a 2004 YellowPages and an expired book of coupons. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and even smiled as I asked for my usual "extra sauce." Also, the food was expertly packed and not one droplet spilled during my 3 minute drive home. After a few slurps, I decided the Pho was only mediocre in flavor, something was missing...not sure what. The fresh (not fried) spring rolls we ordered unexpectedly had shrimp and thinly sliced beef(?) inside; very unique, but not good (a bit fishy tasting). Next time, its back to Than Brothers on Market; better Pho, better service and better atmosphere.
(2)Matthew L.
I have been going to this restaurant since I was in high school. For the last ...15 years....they have been my staple. When I moved to the other side of the city I would trek the hour commute just to have their pho. It has some of the highest quality meat I've found as well as being VERY consistent. On top of that its run by the same family that opened it, the owner still works as well as his kids and what I can only assume are his grandkids. They are fast, polite, and delicious! I have recommended this restaurant to several of my friends and will continue to do so. *Brought to you by my wife, Taryn.
(5)Krystina F.
Pretty good. Wish the broth was darker. It wasn't busy when I went, so my order came out fast. Still looking for a really good one.
(3)Moni O.
I'm really not sure how this place has 4 stars. The pho lacked flavor and depth. The spring rolls had too much lettuce and were made with wilted bean sprouts and the sauce had the consistency of water. I've had much better pho in Arkansas. The server brought out one measly lime wedge for 2 bowls of pho. New to the city, so I'm not sure if people are just being extra nice here.
(2)Owen H.
Best pho ive ever had. The broth is addicting. Get a large, you will feel like a happy pregnant woman. Even when the broth gets cold it's still good. Does not have a strange dishwater residue like some pho places. :)
(5)Jason T.
I've been here a few times now with my dad who likes to come here for a bowl of pho from time to time. For years, it's been his go to spot. Now I know why! The staff is super friendly and the service is quick. A hot bowl of pho with beef brisket and meatballs will be out in just a matter of minutes! The pho is up there with the rest of them. Come here if you're looking to warm up in this cold weather! Or if you're hungover or something.
(4)Margaret S.
Battling a terrible hangover, I sent my boyfriend to pick up some chicken pho and egg rolls for us. We are from the SF bay area and have yet to find a good pho spot down there, but this place was pretty darn good and made me wish we lived close to a good pho restaurant. It was my life saver for the day and made me feel like I was half human again. Everything was super tasty. We both got the large sizes, but could have done with a large and small considering the portion size!
(4)Scott D.
I had the broccoli and tofu pho tonight and it was great! I usually don't eat tofu but broccoli sounded good and I was really pleasantly surprised. I think they lightly pan fry the tofu first which added flavor and a great crust to the outside of the tofu. The broth was lighter then some other pho (maybe veggi broth?) and the pastry was delicious! highly recommend Pho Vietnam.
(5)Grace A.
This is my favorite pho place. It's near enough my house, with a true small (without being a kid's size) for $5.45 --- the meat is never over done, though I get mine on the side and add it myself for extra rareness. The owner is usually working, and no, no one speaks very good English, but that's fine. The atmosphere is lacking but the music can be pretty funny. You sort of start to wonder what station it is that plays top 40 and then also pop music from high school. Seriously. What station is that? Pay at the front! Some sketchy parking in the back. Two things I think you deserve to know? Well, this is one of those pho places that really only serve pho (and spring rolls, egg rolls). Pho comes with a free cream puff, though, but don't come here looking for bahn mi or vermicelli plates. Just pho! And the second thing? To go containers are 50¢ a piece. Really delicious thai iced tea.. I'd recommend this place to any North Seattle pho lover.
(5)Jason P.
It's so nice to have a great bowl of pho so close to home! There is no shortage of pho joints in this town, but I truly enjoy Pho Vietnam! The service is always fast, the soup is hot and delicious! And where else is a can of soda still a dollar? I had the eye round and brisket tonight with extra noodles and am stuffed. A great place!
(4)Tom B.
This place is rock solid. It's on a busy uphill stretch of 15th and looks like it probably always has a crowd as a result. It's in a somewhat older building with tilt-out windows they probably have to leave open any time they're working; the kitchen probably swelters. You walk in kind of in the middle; there are two doors but one leads to the kitchen. There are a couple of tables and then a divider mini-wall with a bigger dining room on the other side. It's clean and bright, and there are menus under the glass tabletops. Service is quick, and the pho comes out fast. The broth is pleasant and mild, and the ingredients are in good shape. Condiments could be a bit fresher, and there could be a little more of them. But the flank was clearly never frozen, which is a plus. Flavors are good throughout, and prices were fair. Overall, there's nothing nudging this place up or down in terms of quality or value. They deliver across the board, but without pushing into extraordinary territory anywhere. Would gladly return.
(3)Andrew B.
Straight forward and consistently good pho. The space is exactly what you would expect from a pho place that has been open off the beaten path for well over a decade - lots of semi-over grown plants in the entry way, somewhat sparse dining room decor, and the focus is obviously on the broth and not the surroundings. They're still touting that "best pho in Seattle" award from 1999. One of only two places I've found in Ballard that make a good veggie pho. Kind of goes without saying, but don't get take out. They charge for each container and the food is never quite as good at home. They are only open until 8:30, but this has also make me realize how often I toe the line on most places' 9:00 closing time. Plan accordingly.
(4)Hang C.
We love the pho here! Well priced tasty bowl that makes being a regular easy- we like going at least once a week. The owner is the kindest gentleman and he's always there. His war story is pretty wild too ... He spent over a decade in as a prisoner of war. Heck go just to meet him :). Be careful with the driveway if you decide to park in the back, you have to go in at an angle to not scrape the bottom of your car. ...and of all the free cream puffs we've tried at other pho restaurants, I think pho Vietnam's are the best.
(5)nari k.
Still consistently the best pho in Ballard. Their broth is amazing, vegetables are fresh as ever, and chili oil is delicious. My family's favorite pho.
(5)Keith O.
Very good pho at a very good price. The service time for pick up is ridiculously fast. The eye round steak is particularly good with very thin slices. Ask for it raw and cook it in the hot broth for a delicate texture that is very tender. I also recommend the soft tendon.
(5)Cowboy T.
Come here if you don't have the time to go to the better spots. The food is not as easy on the stomach as other establishments I have experienced. Ask for water when you get there because they do not give it to you.
(2)Kris L.
I give it a Phour out of Phive. For Pho, this place is solid. The broth is so tasty! One thing though, I would never dine in. I've always gotten the soup to go because the establishment is such a dive and not a dive in that cool, hip, Seattle dive type of place. It just plane looks like a sucky place to eat a meal. Since they offer food to go, I wont mark down any stars. If you like hot flavorful Pho, chicken, beef, or meatball, you will love this place. Just call and order to go and it's ready in 10mins. Perfect for a cold day, or a cold virus.
(4)Stephanie H.
Hot, fresh pho with tofu with homemade sauces and accompanied with shrimp and beef spring rolls. They provide free cream puffs. The service was focused and appropriate. The prices beyond reasonable. The decor does not help the place, but the food was great for the prices.
(4)Aiyana A.
I am loyal to this Pho Restaurant. Their service is ridiculously fast, their menu focuses on this one dish so you get your food almost immediately, you get a cream puff, it's super cheap AND they take debit now! I am always satisfied whenever I come here and my husband was totally shocked by the low prices for the amount of food he got. Where he used to go in the Bay Area it's at least $9 for an extra large bowl. Here, the bill for the both of us is never over $15. Sweeeeet deal, and we'll always be coming back :)
(5)Melody P.
Vietnam is always my favorite pho place, especially in Winter time. I ordered a small No. 14 with extra meat and one order of fried eggrolls. I find that this is the best combination. Everyone eats pho differently. But, this is how I like my pho: 1) extra lime 2) a lot of hot sauce 3) leave the soup last to finish. The fried eggrolls came with some kinda fish sauce with chopped carrots in. I bite off a little of my rolls and let it soak in the sauce for a few seconds before I eat.
(4)David M.
Second day in a row that something has woke me up wanting PHO'...that being said. I went and had lunch there again in as many days. Spring rolls with a plum peanut sauce and Tra CUC. I'm not an aficionado, but as A. Bourdain says, "If my last meal were to be this...just give me a bowl of something good." "This is it." There is nothing striking about this restaurant but the food(and what you go out to eat for...right?), hot, incredibly good broth, balanced, kind staff, and fast. It just doesn't get old....
(5)Bill A.
Do not judge a book by its cover ... love this place!
(5)Monica N.
To be honest, I was scared to try this place. It's dingy, run down and not very inviting. But, being home with a flu, a giant bowl of Pho Tai sounded like the perfect comfort. My wonderful SO went to get take out from Pho Viet Nam and When he got back I was delightfully surprised! Everything was packed neatly, noodles in one container, broth in another and sprouts, herbs and raw beef in another. It barely fit in the largest soup bowl I could find. They didn't include any Sriracha or chili sauce, but I always have that stocked! The pho was good, not the best I've had, but perfect for what I needed at that moment. Oh, and SO said the restaurant was pretty clean, in contrast to the outside appearance! :)
(3)Mailani W.
If I'm not near enough to Pho Bac in the I.D., Vietnam Restaurant will always be my first runner up for pho. I'm not a publicist for pho establishments, but unless you speak Vietnamese, do not count on ordering your food like Meg Ryan from When Harry Met Sally. Keep it simple, if you have requests, make them when you're actually dining in (slowly), OR check your take-out order in the establishment. Moving on... I usually go with the #6: brisket and well done flank which is delish. Their tofu pho is solid too with ample amounts of broccoli. The chicken pho is meh, way too dry for my taste, so I'd stay away from that. I'm a big fan of their broth, rich flavors, no star anise BS, no msg, not too sweet, no ice rink of fat when my soup sits in the fridge. Just a smidge of hoisin sauce to make it even better. (I should just drop my microphone like Dave Chappelle son). Their take out takes less than 5 min. They pack up the noodles, meat, broth, and condiments in separate containers so the 50 cents they charge is no biggie in my book. Oh and you kids with the slammed Acuras, watch the sharp incline to get to their parking lot in the back. It looks subtle but not so much when you can hear the undercarriage getting assaulted. P.S. Ladies, do not use their restroom. I think that's where Chuckie lives.
(4)Michael G.
I've been on a bit of a pho kick this week. Maybe because I have a cold. Since I have been sick, I've been going to pho places closer to my house. Big mistake, as I should just come to Viet Nam whenever I want pho. This is my favorite in Seattle. I always get a large #2, sometimes with extra meat if I'm a little hungrier. You should try it. There's nothing fancy about this place, but that's not what I'm looking for when I get pho. Really fresh food, not-too-fatty meats, firm noodles and amazing broth. No reason to go anywhere else.
(5)Tali H.
This is really just your standard, run-of-the-mill pho shop. Sort of a sketchy little place - being situated right next to a major road hasn't been kind to it, and the building itself is pretty grimy on the outside and just run-down on the inside. The food is fine, though, and they give you a free cream puff, as seems to be customary with these places.
(3)Cody H.
Best pho in Ballard! Parking behind the restaurant, fast service and the complimentary creme puffs make this my go to for pho in Ballard.
(5)Alicia M.
Got takeout here the other night when we were craving Pho, and was disappointed. Our go-to is Pho Than Bros, but thought we'd try something new. Probably won't go back. Noodle portion seemed smaller than a standard large. Meat was overcooked and tough. Broth was alright. Cream puff was pathetic. I asked for an extra hoisin sauce as I don't eat the siracha they mix in with the to-go ones and I didn't get it. There are many other options for Pho in Ballard, so I think I'll stick with my fave!
(3)Teman C.
The meat is tender, the noodles are tasty and the broth is well balanced. Not too salty, MSG-y, greasy, etc. This is my new go-to place (and it's close to my house). -1 star for some weak lemonade.
(4)Kathleen D.
After hearing so many good things about the pho here, I thought I'd give it a chance, a change from my regular Pho Big Bowl. My husband brought home takeout and it was packaged well. Unfortunately, the tofu was very, very freezer burnt and inedible. After removing the tofu, the broth and noodles were just fine - hence the two stars. But I don't have a reason to come back, after the bad tofu.
(2)Collette C.
Good Pho!
(4)Yo Y.
Pho juice! This is the best pho I've had consistently. Hands down the most flavorful soup in this part of town. I've taken my entire family here many times and the pho has always been splendid. I highly recommend this place. ..you will not be sorry.
(5)Grace W.
I was really craving pho so I looked on yelp to see if there were any good Vietnamese restaurants near where we were at. Yelped suggested this place so we went for lunch. They only have pho here and don't have bun or any other rice dishes. That was okay though because we wanted pho. We ordered the spring roll, egg roll, and two large brisket pho noodle soups. The prices are very reasonable, cheaper than anywhere else we've been to in Seattle. A large pho costed about $5. The food came out really fast. I really enjoyed eating the egg rolls because they were crispy and the meat and vegetables were really tasty. When the pho came out, it was a huge bowl, probably too much for me to finish alone. The pho also came with a cream puff per pho order. After we finished, I was going to give them 4 stars but when I was packing the leftovers into a box, I found a hair in the soup. Also, about 30 minutes after, my husband and I felt really thirsty. I think they must have put some msg into it because one of the supposed effects of ingesting msg is thirst. I thought the food portions were good and the prices fair. Would I come back again? I'm not sure.
(3)Anne P.
Love! Love! Love! I love how the older gentleman always know when I phone in and order! And the pho is delicious too of course!;)
(5)Stacy K.
This is my "go to" place even though I live on Queen Anne and between my house and this place in Ballard there is 10 more Pho places I could stop at (including Than Bros on LQA) and I have tried all of them and this place is better and worth the few extra minute drive up 15th. Granted, it is not the best service in the world, not bad, just very much... "which one do you want, here it is, here is your bill, thank you" . 90% of the time I get it to go, so I am not looking for 5 star service anyway and let's face it, this is not built to be a great dining experience, it's a quick service place and they are nice enough people running a family business. They do charge for to go boxes, but they give you everything separated, so a lot of boxes and lids, so I don't mind paying an extra .50 on a $6 to go order so that when I get home all my food is still hot, in different containers and ready to be assembled the way I like it. I have paid twice as much for Pho that was half as good. This place is good at one thing and they do it well. side note: Those cream puff things are really good too.
(4)Nick G.
The best Pho that I have had in Seattle. Period. I've been about a dozen times in the last year, and every time I get the young coconut milk. It is served with large thin slices of coconut and the round ice cubes with the holes in em (the best kind of ice in my opinion) The service is exactly what you would expect from a Pho place.
(5)Betsey S.
Mm, mm, MM. The best pho around. Every time we try it from another place in the 'hood, I wish we'd gotten Vietnam's. A great take out dinner for the fam, since I can split a large veggie with my daughter and it's like $6. She LOVES the "brof," and I think their broth is the best, too.
(4)Crystal G.
What do you get when you cross good food and a big health department no-no? One star. I wanted to try the pho here the night of Yelp Prom but for some reason they weren't open. So I popped in this Monday to give them a shot for lunch. The pho was good, so much like Than Brothers that it had me wondering what came first. The cream puff was different than Than, I prefer the latter, but this one wasn't half bad. The kicker - I went to pay and the nice old lady hand rolling spring rolls got up and helped me. After giving me, and the people behind me our change, she went right back to hand rolling the spring rolls...no gloves...no handwashing. YUCK! I felt like I'd just licked a dollar by eating there. Don't get me wrong, the food tasted good...but sheesh...money is DIRTY. Makes me question the rest of the kitchen. Bleh. (Yes, these were the FRESH spring rolls...so if you got some of those on Monday...well...yeah)
(1)Adrienne S.
Ordered spring rolls, 1 large Pho with brisket, and a bubble tea & Thai iced tea. It was all delicious, fast & fresh. The bubble tea was a blended ice drink, which I didn't expect but it was good.
(4)Trina C.
First timer and won't be the last timer. Good pho broth and the noodles aren't clumped together. I ordered the small and it was still a lot of food. The free cream puff at the end is even tasty.
(4)Jennifer B.
I have the flu. I got out of bed and drove there for the Pho. There was nothing I wanted more. I waited in the car because I look of the walking dead. He brought it to my car...sweetheart. I love this place.
(5)Allison W.
Rock solid. Similar to Than Bros., but IMO slightly better. Surly service and bad lighting merely add to the awesomeness.
(4)Amy F.
I am a little embarrassed to say this but this place is dirty....aaaaand one of my favorite pho places in the universe. Its pretty straight forward pho but their broth is the best in town and their prices are cheap and the staff always super friendly.
(4)Whitney A.
My go-to pho place. I get the veggie, so I'm not a good judge for all the meaty stuff, but everyone else who eats the meat versions says it's delish. I recommend this place to everyone who comes to visit me, you should go there too! Except, I don't like the spring rolls. Cash only.
(4)Jeanny M.
Pretty decent pho. Cash only and their parking lot is up high on the curb so you bottom out unless you're driving a monster truck. It does not matter how slow you go, just park on the street. My sister likes their veggie pho the best and it's filled with...duh, lots of veggies/tofu, and a broth that is lighter than its meat counterpart, which is a good indicator that it's truly veggie. Sometimes you just have to suspect that they use the same meat-based broth but throw in veg to call it veggie, not here though. I ordered a small (medium is a size skipped on the menu, goes to large and extra large) #15, which I didn't read carefully..and is a more customized order. I really wanted a #14, which I believe I received. It was good, lots of variety, but I could have done for more marbled meat. Yum. It did take some time to get the order packages up to go (at extra 50c per to-go order), which was kind of annoying. But everyone was nice enough. They've been in business at least 10yrs (from the review posted under each table), so congrats to them and the proprietor reminds me of my grandfather. heh. The broth had cooled a bit from the less than 10mins drive home, but that made it easier to slurp after I added all the accompanying herbs, sprouts, and sauces (plus lots extra from my personal stash). The complimentary cream puff was meh so I didn't bother finishing it later at home. That's saying a lot because I love those things. In sum, would go again but only as a call-in pick-up order, have cash ready, and park on the street! They are open late'ish, until 9p which is pretty cool. :)
(3)Laura P.
I'd give this place a half star if i could :-/ ..... while still in search of a Pho place since my relocation to this area from south Seattle, I have yet to find anything in comparison. This place especially. I called in my to - go order, small #1 & small #3 which is : eye round steak and well done flank, with a side of extra jalapenos. I'll just get this out of way, charging for to go boxes is ridiculous!!!! The fixings for the Pho were so skimped, only one thing of mint leaves for each bowl, a small handful of sprouts and only TWO thin slices of jalapenos in both orders. I got charged for my extra jalapenos but was never given them, or even a fair amount of jalapenos as it is! Oh i forgot to mention BOTH meats were dripping BLOOD! We had to throw all the meat in a frying pan to cook it so we didn't get food poisoning. This has to be the worst Pho experience i have EVER had, i do NOT recommend it and will never go back. Very Disappointed with all my fellow yelpers reviews and with my experience :(
(1)Nina H.
Since moving to the North Seattle area, I haven't been able to find good pho. The places on Aurora seem a little sketchy and I'm hesitant to try any of those just yet. My friend took me to Pho Vietnam after a night of drinking. And you know what they say about pho. It IS the best hangover cure, no joke! But seriously, sometimes I can't quite taste the difference between pho broths, but I can usually determine whether or not it's good if I finish the broth. Today I definitely finished most of the broth of my #2 with extra meatballs. I always add a bunch of bean sprouts and I dab my meat in the oyster sauce instead of pouring the sauce directly into the bowl. But anyway, the broth was sooo tasty, I don't know, maybe I was thirsty but it was some darn good pho. I can't forget to mention the creampuffs too, they were very soft and the cream inside was quite tasty! I liked this place a lot!
(4)Julian M.
I found Vietnam Restaurant yesterday while wandering around Ballard for a quick, cheap meal. With that in mind, the eatery perfectly succeeded in providing an affordable (cheapest Pho I've seen in Seattle), edible bite and speedy service. The beef brisket pho broth was decent and the cream puffs were bland and forgettable. However the spring rolls and accompanying sauce were delicious. While the employees were abrupt, I wouldn't consider them rude, and while the place looks like it hadn't been updated in years, it wasn't particularly dirty. It also appears that the old credit card complaints are out of date, as they also accept VISA now.
(2)Michelle F.
Pho is very simple. You either get it right or get it wrong - there's simply not very many components. I've been there half a dozen times (thanks to co-workers who aren't terribly adventurous)... - The broth was bland. - The noodles were squishy. - The rare beef came out cooked and the quality was poor. - The bean sprouts and basil were of fair quality, but meager quantity. - They give you one napkin. Just one. Have fun with that. - The service is fast, but not served with a smile and not table-side. You have to go up to pay. - They charge for to-go boxes. - The place is clean *enough,* but I wouldn't call it clean. At least it's cheap. But unless I was starved for pho and nothing else was open around it, I would eat at another pho place in a heartbeat before going back here. Also, if you're still determined to go there, park on the street. The parking lot curb is a car-eater. Beware.
(1)David F.
My happy go-to place for pho in Seattle. It's definitely not fancy, but the pho is inexpensive, the broth is deep and full, and you can get in and out of there in under 30 minutes and for less than $7.
(5)Rachael C.
Been coming here for years. Never been fancy but it's clean, quiet, cheap, and the phó has been consistently satisfying. Perfect remedy for a cold or even on a summer day. Yummy springrolls!
(4)Jill S.
I've been eating a lot of pho lately--to the point where I can really tell the difference between "just okay" pho and really good pho. Vietnam Restaurant has really good pho. The broth is excellent, flavorful without being heavy or salty. I re-read my earlier review and can't even remember thinking that the meat portions were small, they're not. It's the kind of place where you don't feel weird sitting alone either--a big plus if you're catching meals on the run between kid activities.
(5)jon M.
In general the Pho here is on the lighter side. The broth just doesn't have the same umph that it should. Actually compared to Than Bro's nearby everything is just a tad lighter. The cream puffs included. The big difference I noticed the last time I went is that it seemed like everything had shrunk. The cream puffs are sooo dinky it's crazy. Middle of the road all the way. Always easy to find a table and easier to park the other places tho.
(2)Trinh V.
Dear Ms.F. Your 1 star rating is outrageous. I have no idea what attitude you carried with you when you set foot in the restaurant but I can tell you and everyone else that the pho here is delicious and almost authentic. I agree with you that it's lame to charge for to go box but hey 1 star is ridiculous. If it's that bad you shouldn't have gone back a half dozens times then. I was born and raised in Vietnam and now living in southern california, very close to Little Saigon-home of a lot of great pho places. However, I'm always looking forward to my once a year Seattle trip to have the best pho at Pho Viet Nam and my mouth is actually watering right now thinking of the place. The reason I'm writing this review is because my vacation in Seattle will start soon and I'm just curious what kind of review this place got on yelp. And overall I'm happy with the review, I'm no food expert but I love food so much enough to know what is delicious and what is not. I've been here 3 times and each time was great. If you want a great bowl of pho, Pho Viet Nam won't disappoint.
(5)Jeff S.
The pho here is pretty good and the people are very nice, but it doesn't wow me like some of the others. I've eaten here 2-3 times and admittedly ordered the same thing, but it was consistently just pretty good. Their spring rolls were not that great and the lettuce seemed a bit old. I think the free cream puffs are a nice touch, but they're kind of dry and tasteless. Than Bros on Aurora does cream puffs justice.
(3)Law P.
First thing's first. I AM VIETNAMESE. I have eaten pho since I could eat solid food. I know the difference between bad pho, good pho, and really good pho. This establishment falls into the later. Thank god. (FYI I'll use Pho Than Brothers as a benchmark for y'all, which is GOOD pho) The tai (rare steak) beef her is sliced to a perfect thinness and is almost buttery in it's deliciousness. The broth is superb and the noodles dont arrive to your table in one big block. Yeah, this place isn't much to look at, it's about as aesthetically pleasing as Frances McDormand, but just like that esteemed actress it always does a great job and outshines most of if not all of it's peers. You know you are in a bomb pho spot when the owner is the one preparing your food. (Whattup old Vietnamese dude that reminds me of my uncle!) I will not go to any other pho place within 10 miles of my house. Thank you.
(5)Sarah M.
This is pretty much my favorite pho restaurant ever. I generally get the extra-small bowl with tofu and load up on the basil, bean sprouts and other goodie garnishes and fill mah belleh with health. Vietnam Restaurant looks like a dive, one not to be trusted from the outside. OK, OK, I admit it does need a bit of a face lift on the inside and outside. But the inside is SO TASTY. The service is friendly and quick. And the pho is delicious. And the recession (complimentary) cream puffs: A little less creamy than they used to be, but a happy ending nevertheless. Walk, don't run!
(5)Eric S.
Down home local family run pho and general Vietnamese place. I'm not an expert at pho, but I thought the vegetarian pho was great. Reasonably priced, friendly service, basic decor.
(4)Anastasia N.
I can't decide if I keep going here cuz it's 10 blocks from my house or cuz its actually good. How about this, it doesn't stand out from any other place I have had but the broth is tasty and the meat is good. You do get the standard Seattle "free" cream puff with your order...(hate those things but I know everyone else loves em). Service and take out are always fast....UNLESS you order an iced coffee with your take out, for some incredibly craptastic reason it took an extra 15-20 min for me to get the order... I was so mad that I never get coffee as take out anymore. Also once they messed up my order but hey...that happens everywhere from time to time So...since there aren't too many places in the area I do frequent this one quite a bit and will keep going...just not for the iced coffee hahah I swear I don't hold grudges:)
(3)Ely T.
I love the food from here,, but the customer service in here was horrible.RUDE and RETARDED!! I order rice noodle with rare beef and extra meatball for to go, and when I got home, I found no meat ball. I called to them and they never said sorry and blamed the fault on me!!
(3)Greewnwood G.
This is an excellent Pho Restaurant. (I'd be hard pressed to give any Pho place 5 stars as that really goes against the whole idea, which is flavorful, fast, fresh soup at a great price.) Compared to other Pho places I think the broth is more flavorful. The family owners are onsite and value your business. I like supporting small, independent, neighborhood businesses and I prefer this restaurant to the larger, chains in Seattle.
(4)Kyle S.
I love Pho and this is my go to place. The soup, bubble tea, cream puffs and spring rolls are Delicious! The only thing I don't enjoy is that from time to time a couple of the waiters seem pretty unhappy. But that's easy to ignore when their food is so good.
(4)Nam N.
Reminds me of pho at Than Brothers and all the other pho places on the Ave (U-District)...which means it could be a lot better. Since it's the closest Vietnamese or pho restaurant near our place, we'd go there if we're REALLY desperate and craving for pho right away that we don't care about the quality. To sum it up, this place is bleh.
(2)Michael G.
I love this place, I just started going out again to start trying new food (And burn giant holes in my pockets) This place is inexpensive and you get great proportions. I love it. I mean.... Visually you can't expect much from a Pho place and... I don't.
(5)Naomi S.
Ever since I discovered this joint, I am hooked on their Pho. Broth is very good and perfect for recent chilly weather. I will keep eating until my craving for the hearty soup noodle is satisfied.
(4)Kimber R.
It's a clean, basic pho spot. Good vegetarian. I've been a few times and each time is the exact same experience. Easy enough.
(3)Cameron W.
My parents are old and retired. Forgive this enormously broad OVER-generalization but old people stick to what they know and they don't venture out. My parents are the epitomy of this. Why am I disparaging the old? I only do so to make my point about how great Vietnam Restaurant is. My parents eat at this place ALL the time. They do because they know that they are getting a great meal for under $6 bucks a person - including the awesome little FREE cream puff you get as a dessert. They know that the service is always great and the owners will greet them with a smile. And they know that the bowl of pho soup they get is always consistently hearty and full of great stuff. They stick to what they know and they know Vietnam Restaurant is worth spending just the tiniest bit of their social security check there. I can't wait until I get old. =)
(5)Erica I.
Great Pho!
(5)Katie A.
Ballard doesn't have a lot of Pho restaurants. There's the obvious one that I won't call out by name and then there's the Monkey Bridge. Annie's Teriyaki sells Pho, but it ain't nothin' compared to the good stuff at Vietnam Restaurant. Now, it is cash only and it's a little (or a lot) gritty around the edges, but the Pho here is exceptional and the woman who is one of the owners is very sweet and almost always smiling. I always get a small veggie, which is more than enough, with big hunks of fried tofu and a broth that's far tastier than the stuff at 'that other place.' It's never overly crowded in here and they'll happily take your orders over the phone. There's always a lot of newspapers laying around here too on the tables when you walk in, which makes for a nice way to wait for your 'to go' Pho.
(4)Eugene C.
There are two advantages of this place over most other pho places. First there is chicken pho made with chicken broth (not beef broth, unlike a lot of other places), and shredded chicken. Second there is free parking. I prefer Pho Than Brothers overall, with the exception of the chicken pho. But overall, tasty, inexpensive, and good.
(4)Fern Z.
I completely agree with brad The bad: 1 star gone: The parking lot can take your bumper be warned! 1 star gone: The chicken is not well cooked, and probably not the freshest either. 1 star gone: Does not take a credit card, serious 2009! its the future now. The good: I really enjoy their beef Pho, get the thai iced tea. The cream puffs are uninspired but tasty.
(2)Reginald C.
I could explode eating their cream puffs, and I usually come pretty close just eating a medium-sized bowl of pho. Much better service than at Than brothers, although their stereo system is always tuned into the local light Christian FM station, which isn't exactly my favorite meal soundtrack. Parking on the road in front of the restaurant is usually nonexistant, so it's lucky that there's generally a spot open in the tiny 4-space dirt lot behind the building. Other than the auditory atmosphere, there's really nothing bad to be said about this place, and plenty of good to be tasted.
(4)Laural B.
This is my favorite (cheap) pho restaurant in town. They have those bowls you can bathe a poodle in for six bucks, and the cream puffs are so good, we always get a dozen to go. The broth is always fantastic and so is the lemonade.
(4)Mike T.
I have this friend Kevin who swears that if you find a particular restaurant that serves a solid type of food that you love (his example is always sushi), then why bother trying anything else because inevitably you will be disappointed. With that said, I was traveling south on 15th running errands and I had an urge for pho. When someone says pho one automatically responds "Than Brothers". I've passed by Viet Nam many times and I knew I had to make a quick decision. Do I do a Kevin and head straight to TB knowing that I will be well satisfied or do I dare try this older looking pho joint in a very nondescript stretch of 15th? I was very pleasantly surprised by Viet Nam. To tell you the truth, it reminded me of the original Than Brothers on Aurora Ave. It's older, dirtier, and rougher around the edges, but the pho is just as good and $.60 cheaper per bowl. A plus is that they also offer fresh and fried Vietnamese spring rolls. My discerning palate did notice that Than Brothers broth is a bit sweeter that Viet Nam's, but all the same the portions and quality are on par. Yes...they also offer the complimentary cream puff.
(4)Paul M.
I would have loved to give this place shining stars, but while the Pho was good (not better than Than Bros but good), it was not easy to digest with bits of left over food from previous customers still on the utensils, holders and glasses. The owners had a pretty large scale argument with the sparse customers (there were 3 tables filled at the time making for an uncomfortable dining experience. Along with that they hesitated in giving us more than 1 napkin for a party of 5. Sharing is cool, but not that way or with that many people. I have to say that IF their table area where the customers sit to eat is dirty, what must the kitchen be like? i'd suggest going elsewhere.
(1)Bill L.
The best Pho place in Washington! The broth is excellent, even the veggie pho is amazing - filled with perfectly cooked tofu, scallions and broccoli. The chicken and various meat phos are all amazing as well. Cash only - you will love it!
(5)Jeremy B.
Best Pho in Seattle. That and the owner/chef actually takes the time to skim most of the excess oil from the pho stock. Also, it is unlikely that you will get the standard "brick" of noodles floating in the middle of the broth; it will actually look like complete soup. The broth is exactly what pho broth is meant to taste like. It is not supposed to overpower, be too salty, or taste so much like anise star that you feel you've just taken a bite of potpourri. The 3-star-or-fewer ratings (although they are outnumbered by favorable ratings) all seem to complain about the blandness of the broth. These people would likely prefer the salty, tongue-numbing assault of Nissin Cup O Noodles. They are welcome to it. To show there's no hard feelings for the authentic-pho-haters; I noted there is a Panda Express coupon in the Seattle Times Weekend Edition inserts from last week. Be sure to grab it before you recycle your paper. You see? We can still be friends.
(5)Will L.
I needed Pho like I needed a hole in my head, which is desperately, because my skull is like solid bone, man. I was hungry. My friend had just gotten finished telling me about how she doesn't eat dinner anymore, but that didn't stop me from dragging her here to watch me eat. I SHOULD feel bad about that, but I don't. She makes for good company. And she was easily convinced to eat a spring roll. It seemed unusually quiet in here. We came in here laughing and talking loudly, and immediately shushed each other. Every time we giggled loudly we looked around for Conan the Librarian to come skewer us with a bookmark. There were several other diners in here, but they were seriously into their food. Or were meditating, I dunno. I'm a fan of eating noodles, not having them stick to my elbow. Or my friend's elbow. We would have been a lot happier if the table was a little cleaner. On the other hand, a series of noodle-elbow demonstrations had us laughing and shushing each other all over again. We shared the complimentary cream puff. She asked me, "why did we get that?" I shrugged. I'm not one to question the whys and hows of receiving a cream puff. When the universe deigns to give you a cream puff, you accept. I think it was complimentary. Or it was our server's method of keeping us quiet by having us stuff our faces before our spring roll got there. It got there, rather quickly. It was really good, too. I forgot about the noodle-elbow. The pho was good. I wish I had gotten a napkin, though. On the other hand, it forced me to be very tidy, which is a good thing when you're out with someone you'd like to impress with clean habits. Usually when I eat pho on my own, I wind up with a small puddle around my bowl. We sat and waited for the check, and finally gave up and headed up front. I'm pretty sure we could have just walked right on out the door and no one would have noticed. Note: if you park behind this place, be careful to let the owner know you're a customer. His parking lot is a dictatorship, and he's the dic. He'll have your car towed within minutes of parking unless you show up inside. So... don't leave and head into the Waterwheel next door for a drink until you move your car first.
(2)Danielle H.
Best veggie pho in seattle, hands down. The broth is perfect and it comes with broccoli only- which I prefer over tons of various veggies thrown in. The cream puffs ROCK.
(5)abigail b.
i live in ballard and go to vietnam restaurant often. personally, i like that it's a kind of a hole-in-the-wall sort of establishment. the people that i take there always look a bit frightened, but they come out of it extremely sated. they have their own parking lot, but it is a bit of a step up from the road and can impale the underside of your car. another thing to be wary of is that it is cash only, but everything on their menu is astonishingly inexpensive. i ate there the other day and received two orders of pho, two orders of fresh rolls, and a lemonade for around $16. you also get the complimentary cream puffs. i love their fresh rolls, and i was impressed that they were -- aside from even existing on the menu -- so full of fresh herbs and came with a sauce other than thinned peanut butter. i went there once when i had first had orthodontics done and was extremely sore, but nothing was going to get between me and those fresh rolls. the server saw how much i was struggling and brought me a pair of kitchen shears to cut the fresh roll up with. it probably wasn't the most sanitary of efforts, but the staff are very nice (though i've had some things lost in translation before -- pain, however, was not). the pho is really, really good. the noodles, as someone else said, aren't just a big block that end up splashing in your face. they're also not mushy and falling apart. their herbs and sprouts are really fresh, and it comes out almost immediately. i really enjoy the steak whereas i normally don't. their chicken is really tender and shredded rather than in unmanageable slices. their veggie is, indeed, veggie -- you can actually tell, which is comforting. as i mentioned before, they have lemonade which is freshly made and utterly refreshing. they also have boba "teas," but they're more of an icy shake than the milk tea that i was expecting. it was still good, but just not a milk tea. i assume that i am going back next week or so. it happens to be down the road from the value village, so this is convenience as its finest. thank you, vietnam restaurant.
(4)Kristen E.
I have my annual end-of-the-school-year cold. They have warm, tasty goodness in a big bowl, friendly service and kind smiles. mmmmm. happy.
(4)Antoinette H.
I've been going to this place for over 10 years, and the soup has NEVER changed. The restaurant used to be the room they use as a "prep" or "front" room, and after a couple years, they bought the large space next door and expanded. Through all that, the soup has been exactly the same. It's not my favorite Pho restaurant, that's in the ID, but if the mood strikes me, I'll come here once a week for months, and every time I'm guaranteed the same good quality of soup. The place has never been very clean, but I've never found anything strange in my bowl. I never ever park behind the place, simply because it's the tiniest one-entrance parking lot in seattle, and I just don't need that kind of stress.
(5)Daniel P.
This became my favorite pho place quickly after moving to Ballard. I used to think Than Bros. was the best, but they have them beat here! The broth is super flavorful. They have your standard HUGE pho portions and super FAST service!
(5)Katie S.
This place is a fabulous dive. Super great tasty Pho, even if they did give me food poisoning once (I am sure it was the shrimp in the fresh spring rolls). Agreeable service, super fast! I love the chicken Pho, and the #9 with three kinds of meat is great too. This place has WAY better Pho than Than bros and AWESOME french drip coffee - if you've never had this get it. It's tastier than the best espresso, let it drip into the condensed milk for a while until it's all in there and enjoy! It's sometimes hard to find the fish sauce...I guess they think most white people don't like this stuff so you have to hunt around. Tried the bubble tea once cause it was so good up at Yunny on Aurora, and it sucked. It was thick like a slushy and horrible. Great freakin pho tho!
(4)Catie B.
I didn't want to go here... I don't like change. I really like Than Bros, I go there a lot... then I was talked into going toVietnam, he was right, it is better, I hate that. I will still eat Than Bros, I mean there is one everywhere you could possibly be when needing pho but when I have time, I'll go a little farther to Vietnam. They are a little nicer and refill my water quicker at Vietnam, they also have spring and summer rolls. The cream puffs at Than are better but who cares about the cream puff really!
(4)Halley A.
This is the best Pho i have ever had. It's cheap, great, they have Young Coconut Drink (coconut water... the FRESH kind!!!). The service is up and down, but it's always worth it. I have tried Pho downtown, lower queen Anne, Capitol Hill, the U District and all the way down to Tacoma.... This is AMAZING!!!! P.S. Ask for extra cilantro P.S.S. The cream puffs are so good that you should really eat it before you finish your Pho and realize that you can't put anything else in your mouth!
(5)John H.
When I leave Seattle this is where I go last and when I come home it is my first stop. Family run and delicious. Their broth is the best in the city, and they never take down their 'Merry Christmas' sign. If you really luck out you'll get served by the one aunt who wears giant tennis shoes as clogs. Seriously- the soup is awesome and get a hot coffee with condensed milk but savor it so you have some left to go with the creme puff.
(5)briana w.
It's the all year long Christmas greeting, the tanker of delectable veggie pho, the same three friendly servers that are at your table before your gloves are off, and the pho that is at your table before your hat is off. These are all the reasons I would walk here in the rain and not to Than Brothers. But I can tell you one thing...it is definitely not the music. Air Supply and pho do not mix! One day we walked in and they were playing KEXP. THAT was a 5 star day. oh...and mushrooms in the veggie pho would be nice too.
(4)J R R.
I had a big bowl of the oh so tasty Pho... Ummmm! Delicious, lots of tripe, and lots of beef. The broth was very good, not in the least bit salty.The sprout, basil and jalapenos were fresh and crunchy... Just like they should be! Bring cash... no credit... no checks... Just a great big hot bowl of delicious, nutritious Pho! It does a body good! JR
(4)Nicole P.
wow. this was awful... i'm sick and wanted soup, and i didn't feel like going the extra 2 min to get to my usual spot so i stopped in here. MISTAKE. the food was terrible- it didn't even taste like beef broth, it was like water with over cooked noodles and the egg rolls tasted like flavorless tofu... i left well over 80% of my food on the plate becuse i found it so gross. not only was the food awful, i watched the little old lady that was taking orders get in to an argument with one of the customers after she brought him the wrong food not once, not twice, but three times. the third time he told her it was the wrong order and when she ignored him, he ate one of the spring rolls, she came out to take the food away from him then started yelling at him for eating someone else's food. long story short- next time, i'll go the extra 2 min to get to monkey bridge... and so should you...
(1)Sprizee V.
Dinner for two for $12! Yes, and that includes an appetizer, one large pho, one small pho and two creme puffs. If you want to get crazy, you can order a thai ice tea for an extra $1.60 or a bubble tea for $2.30. At that those prices you'd probably expect the food to simply be OK at best, but get this...it's really good. Fresh limes, thai basil and fresh bean spouts accompany your pho. And, if you're lucky, when the pho arrives it will be carried by the owner/chef. The service is pleasant and fast. The pho is simply flavored and so delicious. They have bubble tea and creme puffs! Give this place a try. Fair warning, if you want more than 15 creme puffs you have to order them a day in advance. Stop making that face at me. It says so right on the menu.
(3)Seth L.
Good pho at good prices. A basic family run operation. Not fancy at all, nor many choices beyond pho, but always a good meal.
(4)Johnny B.
Skip the crowd at Than Bros and head to Vietnam Restaurant for your Pho. Outside is divey, inside is clean, friendly and when I was there there were at least 6 tables full around 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. Their Pho is delicious, cheap and quick. I didn't even know it was there until someone told me about it, and it's 5 blocks from my house. Go, slurp, support these guys - they will get us through flu season!!!!
(5)Kai K.
The broth is amazing, the ingredients are fresh and it's hard to beat the price. I always leave full and happy. The French style coffee over sweeted condensed milk is yummy. I find myself craving it on a regular basis.
(5)Steve S.
One of the things I miss most about Seattle is the Pho. ANd not even really the Pho, the cream puffs that come with the pho at restaurants there. So, when my friends took me here, I was ready to stock up on some cream puff action, only to be told they couldn't sell us any extra ones. You lose yourself one star Vietnam Restaurant. Your cheap and tasty beef soup overshadowed by a lack of sugary goodness. For shame
(4)Michelle B.
Hands down the best Pho is Ballard. I've tried all the other places, and none of them compete with Vietnam. IT JUST TASTES BETTER. The staff is friendly and they put your order together very quickly. I usually order take out, but if you like the idea of 80's décor and lavender blinds, dine in to enjoy the ambiance. The only down side is cash only, but I suppose that's to be expected at a Pho joint.
(4)Andrew M.
First order of business- Pho Vietnam is actually a misnomer- this business is technically called "Veitnam Restaurant" even though the sign says "PHO VIETNAM" very large and "restaurant" very small. My business partner discovered this the hard way, when he called the "real" Pho Vietnam (4235 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105) and ordered some pho for pickup, and then drove to Veitnam Restaurant and asked them why they didn't have his pho ready for him. They scrambled to supply his pho and he was on his way, only to later get the call from Pho Vietnam, asking him why he hadn't come to pick up his order. That being said, this place is great. My business partner and I eat here twice a week on average. It's delicious, fresh, and cheap. One big selling point of Vietnam Restaurant is that they have a true veggie pho, which is loaded with tofu and brocoli along with standard pho accompanyments. Their beef pho broth is definitely above average. Ingredients are all fresh, the meat is high quality. Get 'extra' meatball! The only significant problem with this place is the service can be very slow. There's one very nice old vietnamese lady who has to manage the cash register and something like 18 tables at lunch rush, and sometimes it takes a while to get noticed and get your order taken. Of course, slow for Pho is like 10 minutes, so if you can get your order in quickly you've got about 5 minutes till a bowl of hot steamy pho is right in front of you. Tasty.
(4)Stefan K.
If you want an alternative to Than Bros, then this is the place! (Not saying Than Bros is bad or anything, just suggesting an alternative.)
(4)Jeffrey S.
After my trip to Vietnam in 1996, and consequently being active in the Vietnamese dating scene during the 1990's, I've become sort of a Pho snob. I've eaten at probably 30 Pho places up and down the West Coast and this is the best I've found here in Seattle so far (out of 9). The Owner is an ex-POW which also deserves patronage. BTW, bring CASH ONLY.
(5)MamaRed P.
stop by to pick up my Chicken Pho today and it was delightful, just as how I remember it the first time.
(4)Kari F.
This is by far the best Pho in town. I've tried other Pho joints, including Pho Than, only to be disappointed. I will go out of my way to eat the gloriousness that is Pho Vietnam's beef Pho. My husband and I have been going there at least once a week for the last 3 years, and they're always excellent. We love the staff and all of their kookiness. AND you get a free cream puff! What more do you need?
(5)Isabella O.
My first Pho ever was from here, and I'm guessing at this point that it will be where I get my last pho on my deathbed. I fell in love with chicken pho right away, and I've tried many other places since, and not a one compares. Some don't give you the cream puff, which in my opinion is an absolute must. Some have an oil slick on top, and I've had some chicken pho in which the chicken looks and tastes more like rat meat than chicken. Vietnam's pho comes with good chicken, fresh basil and sprouts, an ample supply of sauce, and everything else that pho should come with, including a cream puff so delicious, we fight over them at our house. We also like the fresh rolls, or spring rolls. I've eaten in the restaurant a few times, and oddly, I like to get my pho to go better, I think because they always put the perfect portion of sauce in that little container, and I think I tend to screw it up when given free license to season. Not to mention, I think the pho tastes best when it allowed to stew in a covered container after I put it together. We eat here about once a week, sometimes more!
(5)Russ K.
This place was an okay backup to my favorite pho places. They're smaller and more expensive than most pho. They give you free cream puffs, which most people seem to like, but I don't give a rat sh*t flying f*ck about. The latest atrocity is that there is an owner-related child wandering the premises smearing her greezy sneezy cheese-sandwich hands all over your dishes. Won't be back, may I introduce you to Pho Tic-Tac on Aurora?
(1)Jean-marc L.
good pho! could be cleaner though.
(4)beany b.
Best veggie Pho in Seattle, IMHO. The good: Terrific, veggie-filled veggie pho. Free cream puff. Condiments on your table. The bad: NO atmosphere. Cash only. Sometimes stingy with napkins. And you have to go up to the cash register at the end of the meal to pay; they won't come to you. I still think it's worth it; prima donnas can keep going to overhyped Thanh Brothers (which has unacceptable veggie pho), but this place is number 1 for me!
(5)Alexi M.
I really wanted this to be a winner because it's close to my house, but, alas, I was disappointed. I'd hoped to quickly stop in and pick up some steaming hot, delicious Pho, but that wasn't the case tonight... After phoning in my order, I found out they ONLY ACCEPT CASH (no cards/ no checks). Although Pho is very inexpensive, I was cashless, so an ATM visit was required (not fun on a cold, rainy night). After parking in their lot, I entered the shabby little restaurant and was forced to wait another several minutes. Luckily, there was some quality reading material for me to peruse...a 2004 YellowPages and an expired book of coupons. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and even smiled as I asked for my usual "extra sauce." Also, the food was expertly packed and not one droplet spilled during my 3 minute drive home. After a few slurps, I decided the Pho was only mediocre in flavor, something was missing...not sure what. The fresh (not fried) spring rolls we ordered unexpectedly had shrimp and thinly sliced beef(?) inside; very unique, but not good (a bit fishy tasting). Next time, its back to Than Brothers on Market; better Pho, better service and better atmosphere.
(2)Ian P.
The best pho I've found, and close to the cheapest (3.85 for a small that will mildly distend your stomach or 4.85 for the full distension, or 5.95 for the kiddie pool). They, like a small handful of Pho places, offer a full veggie broth for their pho chay instead of the one derived from boiling beef bones for 16 hours. Other than that, there's no gimmicks about the soup. They have thai iced tea, a few iced coffees, and that bubble tea crap too (for the kiddies). Just be rest assured... I have never received soggy noodles or goofy beef. Just good stuff. Ahh... yes, thinking about it just makes me feel better. Plus... DAMN good spring rolls (2.25 for 2? aww schucks, I'm not even hungry, but bring me those as well!) There's free parking behind the restaurant. I think I may be the only customer that knows this. You can enter in through the back door. And to those who have complained that the waiter service is not par excellence bon parfait... YOU'RE PAYING LESS THAN FOUR DOLLARS FOR A MEAL. YOU'RE UPTIGHT AND SUCK IF YOU EXPECT TO EVEN BE WAITED ON AT THAT PRICE!!!! Seriously!
(5)Omarosa H.
Note to Will. Most Pho restaurants do NOT bring you a check. You go to the counter to collect it and pay. Tran Brothers does this, as do many other informal Vietnamese restaurants. Don't dis the restaurant because you don't know the customs. The food is good, service friendly and quick. The cream puffs seem to have gotten smaller and the atmosphere is utilitarian, but a great neighborhood restaurant.
(4)Paul E.
Let me kick off by saying that when I travel I eat street food and I really like Asian street food. So, when I eat Phad Thai I want the tastes to carry me off Bangkok, and when I eat Pho I want to be transported for a few blissful minutes to the busy streets of Hanoi. This place is pretty good for that 'close your eyes and be carried far away feeling'. The normal pho 'cargo' of beansprouts, chili and basil were fresh, the broth hearty and the rice noodles good, but dense. Excellent value at $6 too. If I am passing-by at lunchtime, this is definitely a restaurant I 'd stop at again - you should too.
(4)Krystina B.
I love the flavor of their broth SO MUCH it has become a weekly ritual. I do suspect that they use MSG, but I really don't want to know so I don't ask. Even if they do, I don't friggin' care, it is SOOOOOO good! I always get #C - tofu and broccoli. One time recently I was super-hungry so I ordered extra large, with extra tofu, AND extra noodles. Boy, that was a serious TUB! The owner lady/our server thought it was hilarious and immediately brought out a to-go container. She kept checking on me to see if I was gonna eat it all. I gave it my best shot, but walked away with a ton of leftovers. The only downsides I've experienced are: they are stingy with the condiments (it seems you get the same amount of bean sprouts, basil, etc. whether there's one or two people) and the napkins. Plus they don't take credit cards - I don't carry checks so I always have to get cash beforehand. Despite the minor drawbacks, I'll probably never eat pho anywhere else.
(5)