Absolutely Pho-bulous: 9 Slurp-Worthy Spots for Pho

Ready to get your pho on? Flip through to find out which places are dishing up the best Vietnamese noodle soup in town.

By Erin Cranston January 28, 2014

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 No-Frills Pho: Pho 99 (White Center)

You’re not going to be wowed by the ambiance at this White Center favorite, tucked away in a quiet strip mall across from a liquor store. They don’t have a website, so you’re just going to have to trust us (or Yelp—we’ve included a link to reviews). What you will be wowed by is the pho. Flavorful and aromatic, they offer all varieties of pho, as well noodle and rice dishes, teriyaki, spring and egg rolls and a great kids’ meatball and well done brisket pho meal for $4.75 that includes a drink. This place is almost always packed at meal times, which we also think is a good sign. And if all else fails, get their take-out and cook up your own little pho masterpiece at home. (They also own Pho In & Out in Kent and Pho 99 in Bellingham.)

We recommend: Being adventurous! Try something from their “Adventurer’s Choice” menu section, like the rare steak pho and fatty brisket (or the quail egg if you’re really feeling frisky) and add a little extra sriracha. You’ll thank us later.

Pho 99
9828 15th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, Wa 98106
206-762-4699
Online: yelp.com/biz/pho-99-seattle

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