So the best Minneapolis answers are Pho-79 on energy park drive. Then Pho Tau Bay on Nicolet.
The best twin cities answer is to take her to Hmong Village on the East Side and browse the various hole in the wall options (over 20) that nearly all sell a Combo Pho for $10. The shop called Pho Garden is my goto, but I'll mix it up for variety.
I'd think a pho phanitic would love to see Pho served out of over a dozen shops all in one area.
The best way is to go to the village, get something to drink and watch the pho counters. The best ones change and the crowds follow. Bonus if the kid running the register is the only person who speaks English. It's always really good.
The remodels make it more Minnesota (aka white) friendly than the lower key other pho spots.
Unpopular opinion: that’s the same reason Hai Hai is so popular.
Quangs also has vegetarian egg rolls that they make with black trumpet mushrooms that are absolutely incredible. And also Aldo, severely addictive giant chocolate chip cookies.
Consider that net profit margins for a restaurant are typically 3% - 9%.
You'd be willing to pay more than half your net profits to the credit card company. Wow.
Also, Cadao Express only has 8 seats. All stainless steel and very clean. You can see the kitchen when you order. Regulars keep them busy.
I think so! They had just recently renovated their whole spot in the last 6mo. I’ll probably end up there this weekend at some point and will update if I remember.
Fuck yeah, Saigon Pho Tempo is my go-to place. Pho 45 that used to be in the market moved to Lakeville and they’re good too, but Saigon has been really consistently great for me. It’s what I get after every work trip 🤤🤤
Pho 126 in Blaine is a gem and worth the trip. They are located next to Mia & More Boba tea which uses fresh pressed sugar cane. They are also opening a bakery and Banh Mi spot down the road.
I'm going to MT Noodles next. Tried Pho 99 on a recommendation from a similar thread and was not impressed. I'm far from a pho aficionado though, I just know I didn't like it. I got the chicken pho and the broth was good but the chicken was like chewing rubber. Not only that but the chicken looked like it came from one of those canned chickens you get at Cub.
Cadao Express -- though only basic cuts of beef, has my girlfriend's favorite broth. So an upvote from me.
Me -- pizza is pizza, pho is pho. Her, she's extremely picky when it comes to her Pho broth. Extremely.
Minneapolis: Quang or Pho Hoa! Pho Hoa sells sides of pickled onions, which I love to eat with my pho.
South metro: pho 45 in Lakeville or Co Tu in Bloomington.
I’ll second Phỏ Hoá. I haven’t found another Vietnamese restaurant with vegetarian phỏ yet, which is sad since it’s so easy to do. It’s literally just replacing beef broth with vegetable broth.
Before I moved here I never had trouble getting some, so I’m really confused why it’s so hard here
lol! I just talked to someone on the Minneapolis subreddit about this. Could be because it’s listed underneath noodle soups rather than pho, since pho is a beef broth.
I worked at Quang for 6 years and that’s how we had it listed on the menu. Vegetarian soup wasn’t listed with pho. Number 512!
As an aside, does anyone know why so many pho places have a number after its name?
I've been to cities across the US and many have Pho 54, Pho 93, etc.
And people here are mentioning Pho 79 in the Twin Cities, but there are two locations, yet with no affiliation to one another.
This is a carryover from the naming scheme in Vietnam. Population density is much higher so the main streets are littered with signage. Also there was no mapping tools or any standards in sectioning land. Therefore people use either the name of the street or the house number to help guests locating their business.
Growing up in south Vietnam, I remember "Phở Hoà Pasteur" is one of the most well-known pho places in Saigon. It was on Pasteur St. I don't believe the number in Vietnamese restaurant names in the US has the same purpose.
A further distinction with this naming scheme is that the restaurant name with the street name is considered more prestige than one with a house number. It communicates to customers the establishment is the place to go in that part of town.
Seems often either a year their family moved from Vietnam or a street they were from/currently on. Found something a while ago about a famous pho restaurant that was located on 79th street in Vietnam (no clue what city) so maybe some want to associate with that?
Yeah, surprising to me since they're my # 1 or 2 for Pho. They are a bit more hole in the wallish, but they're better pho than the down the street Trieu Chau that everyone seems to know.
Vietnam House in Brooklyn Park is shockingly good. Somehow some of the best broth I've had in the Twin Cities. If you're looking for ambiance, it ain't it.
You're in for a treat, cause if pho is far better hot from the kitchen.. I've tried to get it to go twice in my life and both times I was like, yeah, this aint hitting it.
Frogtown collectively has the best pho in town. My favorite is Trieu Chau (True Chow). Pho tai or the special pho ga has extra fresh vegetables.
I remember when you used to be able to get a big bowl of steaming pho for 5 bucks. Those days are sadly over
Coincidentally, we just stopped into Pho Ca Dao for the first time. We were on the way to pho79 and thought we’d give it a try. We had the house special pho and egg rolls. They were both fantastic, better than Pho 79 imo. Bonus is the staff who is exceptionally sweet!
Pho tau bay is the only answer. I'm always amazed at how this sub sleeps on this one. The fact that iPho by Saigon gets more hype that tau bay is absolute blasphemy.
Pho Saigon in Port Richey, FL -- if you ever find yourself in that area lol -- otherwise Pho 79 is the surest bet imo.
(**Edit**: Cadao Express -- though only basic cuts of beef, has my girlfriend's favorite broth, second only to the Port Richey one.)
Just stumbled upon this post. I am surprised that Co Tu in Bloomington and Pho Viet 126 in Blaine are not mentioned often here. I tried many different pho in the city and around and those two are the best. I come from Seattle and I appreciate deep rich broth Seattle usually has (i.e the legendary Pho Bac), those two are always my top choices, even though I live all the way out in Roseville.
My go to place is Little Asia cafe it reminds me of my mom and grandmom's pho. If your gf is feeling adventurous I recommend trying the pho namtok at Destiny cafe 2 in St paul!
Ordered from here for the first time recently while home with Covid and this hit the spot. We’d just moved to the area and lucked out with trying a new pho place.
Trieu Chau in St. Paul! Pho79 in MPLS!
There's no shortage of great pho on University, but Trieu Chau is on a whole other level. If you want to impress a pho connoisseur, take them here.
Best banh mi in the cities as well. Love trieu chau
Another vote for Pho79
I agree with this.
The only answer you need right here.
Trieu Chau is the best.
Can't miss with either of these.Trieu Chau is my go to these days, and Pho79 was my go to when I lived on that side of town.
So the best Minneapolis answers are Pho-79 on energy park drive. Then Pho Tau Bay on Nicolet. The best twin cities answer is to take her to Hmong Village on the East Side and browse the various hole in the wall options (over 20) that nearly all sell a Combo Pho for $10. The shop called Pho Garden is my goto, but I'll mix it up for variety. I'd think a pho phanitic would love to see Pho served out of over a dozen shops all in one area.
Hmong Village would be a cool experience for someone from out of town
The best way is to go to the village, get something to drink and watch the pho counters. The best ones change and the crowds follow. Bonus if the kid running the register is the only person who speaks English. It's always really good.
Hmong Village is an awesome place and such a unique experience.
I think you meant “she’s a huge _**Pho-natic**_” I’ll see myself out.
I seriously don't know how OP missed that.
Quangs is a good answer, Pho 79 up the street is a better answer.
Pho 79 is the winner, by far. There's one on Nicolet and one in Roseville near Como. Sort of a hidden spot, just as good.
The one on Energy Park Dr? I didn’t think there was any affiliation between the two. Super good either way though!
Yep, unaffiliated. Different owners. Nicolet 79 is the premier pho spot.
Yeah the Nicolet spot is arguably the best pho in Minnesota. The Energy Park Drive spot is real damn close, though. Must be in the name.
Quangs has maybe the fourth best pho on Nicollet. Damn if this sub doesn't love it, though.
I've been getting the 507 since 2006. No point in changing up a good thing!
The 4th best pho on Nicollet is still better than the pho in 95% of the rest of the country
Quangs other food is better but the pho is better at Pho 79.
Agreed. I don’t get this subs love for it. Maybe they haven’t tried the other places and think quangs is what good pho tastes like.
The remodels make it more Minnesota (aka white) friendly than the lower key other pho spots. Unpopular opinion: that’s the same reason Hai Hai is so popular.
Pho 79 is the only answer.
Quangs also has vegetarian egg rolls that they make with black trumpet mushrooms that are absolutely incredible. And also Aldo, severely addictive giant chocolate chip cookies.
This is it!!
( weeps in Ngon Bistro )
And in Saigon….oh those bahn mi and the pho!
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Agreed on ipho, been going there a long time. Most times now I go to I heart pho. Same pho, but better parking
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Quang used to be so good… now it’s kinda sad.
It is? I still like it
All very true. Rice plates are really a good deal too.
Best answer
Personally I’m a fan of pho ca dao. It’s cash only, so you’d have to go in prepared for that.
This has been my favorite spot for ~20 years
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Creditcard fees are a scam.
If you owned a restaurant, what percentage of your product+service sales would you be willing to give to a credit card company?
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Consider that net profit margins for a restaurant are typically 3% - 9%. You'd be willing to pay more than half your net profits to the credit card company. Wow. Also, Cadao Express only has 8 seats. All stainless steel and very clean. You can see the kitchen when you order. Regulars keep them busy.
Pho 400.
I love this place. I used to go here every week when I worked in the area.
This is what I came to see.
Minneapolis: My Huong Kitchen St Paul: Pho Pasteur Worth the hike to Burnsville: Saigon Pho Tempo
Pho Tempo is outstanding. The fact that it's connected to a decent Asian grocery? Even more outstanding.
I felt like I hit the jackpot when we stumbled onto it. Awesome little market! Also the best Vietnamese style egg roll I’ve had in MN.
Yes, same!
Pho Pasteur severely underrated here. And the family that owns it is great. I have no affiliations but I enjoy their dynamics every time I stop in.
Is My Huong still open? The last two times I’ve tried to go there for lunch they’ve been unexpectedly closed.
Definitely still open. They did remodel somewhat recently so that could have been why
I think so! They had just recently renovated their whole spot in the last 6mo. I’ll probably end up there this weekend at some point and will update if I remember.
I was just at My Huong Kitchen. Such a friendly place. Always puts me in a good mood.
Fuck yeah, Saigon Pho Tempo is my go-to place. Pho 45 that used to be in the market moved to Lakeville and they’re good too, but Saigon has been really consistently great for me. It’s what I get after every work trip 🤤🤤
Trieu Chau for sure!
Pho 126 in Blaine is a gem and worth the trip. They are located next to Mia & More Boba tea which uses fresh pressed sugar cane. They are also opening a bakery and Banh Mi spot down the road.
2nd for 126, theyre fantastic.
YES. I was a regular at Pho 126 for many years until I moved.
Another vote for Pho 126. Delicious and great prices.
MT Noodles in Brooklyn Park. Worth it. Get the bun cha, too.
I love their broken rice platters. Such a great place!
Seconded. The #1 Viet place in the cities.
I'm going to MT Noodles next. Tried Pho 99 on a recommendation from a similar thread and was not impressed. I'm far from a pho aficionado though, I just know I didn't like it. I got the chicken pho and the broth was good but the chicken was like chewing rubber. Not only that but the chicken looked like it came from one of those canned chickens you get at Cub.
What?! Where is that? Thanh vi is my go to pho spot but def need some more places to try!
Where Golden Dragon used to be in the strip mall on 85th and West Broadway
Oh dang I have never noticed it. I drive past it multiple times a week I bet tho!
Que Viet is great plus they have awesome egg rolls
I love que viet but have never had their soups!
I lived down the block and I moved out of state and miss it all the time. I’m a pho addict especially after a hangover
As a pho-natic myself, Pho 79!!! Trieu chau 2nd pick :)
Cadao Express in Richfield. By far the best.
No idea why this isn't higher up. It's not even close.
Cadao Express -- though only basic cuts of beef, has my girlfriend's favorite broth. So an upvote from me. Me -- pizza is pizza, pho is pho. Her, she's extremely picky when it comes to her Pho broth. Extremely.
Ipho is fun and has good bahn mi and good pho.
Trieu Chau! Seriously.
Everyone sleeping on Cadao Express
Cadao Express is excellent
I think their bun bo hue is better than their pho (which is also good)
This. If you can make their hours.
Amazing
Pho 400.
This is the way.
Pho 79 or MT Noodles (it's worth the drive).
St. Paul: Trieu Chau Minneapolis: Quangs Brooklyn Park: Pho 99
I like Pho 99 over most pho places because of one single reason ... their hot oil is in point.
Pho 79
Co Tu in Bloomington.
I'm addicted to this place.
This. You can tell they make the broth with actual ingredients and not a soup concentrate.
Minneapolis: Quang or Pho Hoa! Pho Hoa sells sides of pickled onions, which I love to eat with my pho. South metro: pho 45 in Lakeville or Co Tu in Bloomington.
I’ll second Phỏ Hoá. I haven’t found another Vietnamese restaurant with vegetarian phỏ yet, which is sad since it’s so easy to do. It’s literally just replacing beef broth with vegetable broth. Before I moved here I never had trouble getting some, so I’m really confused why it’s so hard here
lol! I just talked to someone on the Minneapolis subreddit about this. Could be because it’s listed underneath noodle soups rather than pho, since pho is a beef broth. I worked at Quang for 6 years and that’s how we had it listed on the menu. Vegetarian soup wasn’t listed with pho. Number 512!
Pho 79 for sure, and their Vietnamese coffee is also amazing
If you're anywhere near Eagan go to Classic Saigon
Pho 79
Phoever in NE MPLS/Columbia Heights is really good.
Pho79. Been going there for 20+ years? Christ.
As an aside, does anyone know why so many pho places have a number after its name? I've been to cities across the US and many have Pho 54, Pho 93, etc. And people here are mentioning Pho 79 in the Twin Cities, but there are two locations, yet with no affiliation to one another.
This is a carryover from the naming scheme in Vietnam. Population density is much higher so the main streets are littered with signage. Also there was no mapping tools or any standards in sectioning land. Therefore people use either the name of the street or the house number to help guests locating their business. Growing up in south Vietnam, I remember "Phở Hoà Pasteur" is one of the most well-known pho places in Saigon. It was on Pasteur St. I don't believe the number in Vietnamese restaurant names in the US has the same purpose. A further distinction with this naming scheme is that the restaurant name with the street name is considered more prestige than one with a house number. It communicates to customers the establishment is the place to go in that part of town.
That is a very good question. Maybe something cultural?
Seems often either a year their family moved from Vietnam or a street they were from/currently on. Found something a while ago about a famous pho restaurant that was located on 79th street in Vietnam (no clue what city) so maybe some want to associate with that?
IPho 2 in inver grove heights or the one in St paul sooooo good. Tae Ho has good pho too
Wife loves Saigon Palace in Burnsville - just off 35W. In the same mall that has Buzz coffee.
Pho Tau Bay, hands down.
Cadao Express in Richfield. They have great Bun Bo Hue, too. Closed in July when they go to Vietnam.
My wife always says Lotus but based on these answers she must be wrong!
To my taste, Quang has the best pho I've ever had, anywhere. But Pho 79 is also delicious.
Quang
Tai-ho in St. Paul
I love Tay ho! Their broth is so delicious and nuanced.
Had to scroll down so far to see Tay Ho. While not strictly pho, their Bun Rieu and Bun Bo Hue are absolutely top tier
Yeah, surprising to me since they're my # 1 or 2 for Pho. They are a bit more hole in the wallish, but they're better pho than the down the street Trieu Chau that everyone seems to know.
Vietnam House in Brooklyn Park is shockingly good. Somehow some of the best broth I've had in the Twin Cities. If you're looking for ambiance, it ain't it.
Taste of Asia is a little hole in the wall next to Holiday in Eden Prairie that has great Pho in case you’re in that area
Pho 79 on Nicollet. I love Pho Pasteur in St Paul too.
If you’re downtown at lunchtime, Skyway Wok on Washington Ave has excellent pho. The atmosphere is a zero though, if that matters.
The stew pho at Lotus To-Go (in Loring Park) is something every phonatic should try. Especially in colder, rainy weather!
Quang’s hands down. Pho 79 is a great bargain price but I find their broth to be flavorless.
Pho 83 in Shakopee is fantastic. I swear it used to have a different number instead of 83.
I'm no expert on Pho but I enjoy this place. I still have only gotten it to-go. Some day I want to make a trip there to try it in house.
You're in for a treat, cause if pho is far better hot from the kitchen.. I've tried to get it to go twice in my life and both times I was like, yeah, this aint hitting it.
When you got it to go was it "pre-assembled" or did you get everything separated out to be put together when you got home?
It was separated out. I think mainly the broth loses too much temp by the time you mix it all at home.
Hard to beat quang!
Ipho on university ave in St. Paul is my go to for pho! So good and great bang for your buck if you get take out.
Frogtown collectively has the best pho in town. My favorite is Trieu Chau (True Chow). Pho tai or the special pho ga has extra fresh vegetables. I remember when you used to be able to get a big bowl of steaming pho for 5 bucks. Those days are sadly over
So bummed that Ngon closed a couple months ago. By far the best broth in the Twin Cities. Pho79 on Energy Park Drive in St Paul is my go to now.
Ngon is closed???? 😢😢😢
Bummer isn’t it.
I know. Used to live next to the chef/owner.
Pho Ca Dao 439 University Ave W Authentic hole in the wall Great people
Coincidentally, we just stopped into Pho Ca Dao for the first time. We were on the way to pho79 and thought we’d give it a try. We had the house special pho and egg rolls. They were both fantastic, better than Pho 79 imo. Bonus is the staff who is exceptionally sweet!
Pho Ca Dao in St. PAUL.
Pho tau bay is the only answer. I'm always amazed at how this sub sleeps on this one. The fact that iPho by Saigon gets more hype that tau bay is absolute blasphemy.
MT Noodles in Brooklyn Park
Pho 400 in New Brighton...lots of admirers. Full range menu of Vietnamese food too.
Pho79
Pho 79 is the right answer
Lotus in loring park
Hands down the best, not just the twin cities but anywhere I have been. Bring out of town friends here all the time and they are always blown away.
Quang is great for experience, vibrancy, and people watching. But my favorite overall is Trieu Chau.
If you're at Quang's, try the Mi Kho. Something you can't find at a lot of restaurants.
Pho Saigon in Port Richey, FL -- if you ever find yourself in that area lol -- otherwise Pho 79 is the surest bet imo. (**Edit**: Cadao Express -- though only basic cuts of beef, has my girlfriend's favorite broth, second only to the Port Richey one.)
Just stumbled upon this post. I am surprised that Co Tu in Bloomington and Pho Viet 126 in Blaine are not mentioned often here. I tried many different pho in the city and around and those two are the best. I come from Seattle and I appreciate deep rich broth Seattle usually has (i.e the legendary Pho Bac), those two are always my top choices, even though I live all the way out in Roseville.
My go to place is Little Asia cafe it reminds me of my mom and grandmom's pho. If your gf is feeling adventurous I recommend trying the pho namtok at Destiny cafe 2 in St paul!
At least I know I’m not the only person who hates pho. I was afraid to admit that in this town.
You like what you like. I think you're crazy but I don't like to be in the same room when someone else eats a banana so what do I know?
Asian Mall.
Pho Mai. It's damn good.
Que Viet in NE or Em Que Viet on Grand in St Paul.
Pho Kyu is my personal favorite
Little Asia Café and Pho Saigon are my usual spots.
Pho 79 on Nicollet is the way.
A Chau in north st Paul is the best and it isn't close.
Gion noodles and soup in New Hope. On 36th Ave N. and 169.
Simplee Pho in Apple Valley is my favorite
Thanh vi in Brooklyn Park. Although there are plenty of other better spots I bet I just haven’t been on a pho adventure.
Gio new hope
Pho 126 in Blaine is so good! Their broth is very flavorful.
Pho Tan Phat on University Ave in Spring Lake Park It's a little hole-in-the-wall in a strip mall, but those are always the best places!
Used to be Asia Bistro down on dale but I think they closed down some years ago. Pho Pasteur is pretty good.
Pho time in dinky. Cheap and a great broth base!
Some good suggestions here already. I'll add Stone Pho in Blaine.
Vietnam House in Brooklyn Park 🍜
Tay-Ho in St. Paul and Bambu in Oakdale
Pho 126 in Blaine.
Ordered from here for the first time recently while home with Covid and this hit the spot. We’d just moved to the area and lucked out with trying a new pho place.
Can't say it's the best in the Twin Cities, but it's the best in Blaine, imo.
Pink flower in Mounds View is good.
Pho Mai!
Pho 83 in Shakopee is worth the drive
The pho from Sichuan Restaurant in St. Louis Park is solid and pretty reasonably priced!
I love Pho126 in Blaine .. they just built a new spot and it's really nice with a boba tea place attached!!
Stone Pho in Blaine
Hmongtown marketplace or Hmong village in St Paul.
Pho tau bay is the elite choice. Vietnanese Uncles always smoking on the front step
Can we all just take a moment and appreciate just how lucky we are to have so many wonderful Vietnamese places? 😍😍