Pho Bac focuses on the preparation of authentic Vietnamese soups and traditional rice noodle bowls. The menu highlights slow-simmered beef and chicken bone broths infused with star anise, cinnamon, and ginger. Patrons customize their bowls with fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, sliced jalapenos, and lime wedges provided at every table. Beyond the signature noodle soups, the offerings include crispy spring rolls and grilled meat vermicelli plates served with pungent fish sauce. The dining environment maintains a functional, high-turnover layout designed for efficient service of hot meals. Stainless steel tables and minimalist seating emphasize the practicality of the culinary experience. This establishment serves as a dedicated destination for individuals seeking classic, broth-based comfort food prepared according to established regional standards without unnecessary garnish or complex culinary embellishments.
Pho Bac is widely regarded as a staple in Chinatown for authentic, traditional Vietnamese comfort food, with many diners praising the rich, flavorful broth and generous portion sizes. The restaurant is often celebrated for its warm, family-oriented atmosphere and fast, efficient service, making it a favorite for both locals and travelers. While the food is consistently highlighted as a highlight, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the building's maintenance, specifically concerning unpleasant odors and dated decor. Despite inconsistent experiences with service and varying reports on food quality in recent times, the majority of visitors appreciate the restaurant for its excellent value, delicious soups, and genuine hospitality.
First time been here & first time trying North Pho noodle. I was not sure if it was the exact taste of North Pho, so gave it a try, the soup was not salted, not too much flavor compared to other Pho I tried. It was ok. Fast service. I ordered a Special Pho (M size) & 1 combo of beef pho + 1 spring roll. I paid cash & was charged without tax, of course I tipped. The price was pretty not bad. Would recommend.
I ate many Pho & Vietnamese food of many different stores. but this store , Pho tasted plain. The portion of beef compared with other store didn't good amount. Too much soup & lack of toppings: noodles, meat.
I ordered Phở nạm / well-done beef pho. The taste was surprisingly okay. My only complaint would be that the beef didn't have enough fats 🙁 (way too lean, actually). The broth was light like Northern Pho, obviously the taste wasn't there yet but def acceptable. Really optimal for quick & feel good lunch. The service was really efficient, I ordered when I got seated & got my bowl of Pho ~2 minutes later. You paid at the front. The restaurant was crowded when I was there. The order lady does speak broken English & French if this is your concern.
This is hole-in-the-wall place, not fancy, not exactly anything to write home about, but the food is truly authentic. It doesn't just serve pho, but also curry dishes & rice. Their range of combos provide an excellent way to try several items without over-ordering. The service is not great. The server (perhaps the owner) merely toss the menu at you as soon as you sit down. No words spoken, no pleasantries. Once he gets your order, your steaming pho arrives in less than 3 minutes (yes, we timed him). Food is great, large chunks of beef, lots of scrumptious soup, & very tasty. We have eaten here twice & will come here rather than freeze to death outside the handmade noodle place next door! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ordered number five extra large, the overall experience was decent. The soup was not too salty, but there's not so much flavor, it's a bit bland & doesn't taste like MSG. The quality of meat was subpar. The beef was stuck together, like other reviewers have described. the quantity of meat is a bit on the low side, compared to other pho places. ingredients are not the most fresh. The service is efficient, but rushed, as you would expect at lunch hour.
Tight little restaurant. Very nice people. I went for take out & the lady told me to "sit my bum" then she poured me a pot of tea to warm me up she said. So kind. The food was alright too! So I went back the second night. Take what out of this. I'll be going back tomorrow for some more beef soup.
Been going to Pho bac for pho for many years. I was there just yesterday for lunch & ordered my usual tripe & beef pho & I have to say I was disappointed. The broth was lacking flavour & the beef quality was just really poor. The slices were stuck together & some pieces were hard. The prices have also gone up since the last time I have been there & I don't feel the quality reflects the price anymore. I will need to find a new spot to go for pho.
I ordered beef saignant pho (number 7). I haven’t eaten here since covid, the food was good, the soup wasn’t too salty which I usually find with other pho places. However, I think the beef was frozen or cooked before I ordered, cuz it was fully cooked & stuck together. Still pretty good overall. Service was really fast, the food came within 2min of order or so!! I usually go for large size with other restaurants, but was full with medium.
