One of the best things about living in Seattle—aside from the fantastic views, the easy access to nature and the reasonable weather (polar vortex, anyone?) is the wide and delicious variety of available ethnic cuisine. From Thai to Mexican to Italian to Greek, if you crave it, chances are you can get it, and it’s going to be good. Pho (pronounced “fuh”, for the uninitiated) is the latest craze in the Vietnamese dining scene—a new restaurant will likely pop up in your ‘hood before you can say Sriracha. But which ones are kid-friendly? Never fear, foodie family—flip through for nine fantastic pho joints for the whole pho-mily.

Best Ambiance: Monkey Bridge (Ballard)

Located on a quiet corner of Market Street in Ballard, this quiet restaurant offers a tranquil setting, including an actual fountain burbling away by the door and pretty artwork throughout the space. Although this may not be the ideal location for a dinner with a toddler (think splashing in the fountain), their service is friendly and helpful, their menu is varied (and includes veggie pho in veggie broth) and delicious, and if you ask, they’ll gladly create any dish in a kid-friendly size for your mini-me.

We recommend: The chicken pho offers fresh, tender chicken in a hearty chicken broth, and the dumpling noodle soup is perfect for kiddos who prefer their soup without all those pesky veggies and meats.

Monkey Bridge
1723 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-297-6048
Online: themonkeybridge.com

What is Pho?
With an estimated 73 Pho restaurants in the Seattle area (#3 in the nation according to the website phofever.com), you’re likely to find one around every corner. Pho is a Vietnamese beef noodle soup, consisting of rice noodles and a variety of meats (or tofu and veggies) in a beef (or chicken or veggie) broth seasoned with anise, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Yum! Provided with every order, fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges and jalapeno slices can be added, as well as Sriracha and hoisin or plum sauces, depending on your pho preferences.

Also Pho-nomenal
What the Pho: Great for the pho beginner—Southcenter, Bothell & Bellevue
La Lot: Fancy pho—Downtown Seattle
Papaya Vietnamese Cafe: Offers a “light pho” option with zucchini noodles—Renton & Bellevue
Pho Tai: Nice kids’ options, friendly service—White Center

Where’s your favorite place to eat pho with the kids? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston (words and some photos)

Photos thanks to: Rowena D on Yelp; Atn H on Yelp;  Jesse P on Yelp; Paula R on Yelp; Meme S on Yelp

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