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Pho Sate
Category: Restaurants Vietnamese Vietnamese [Edit]
2814 Graham RdFalls Church, VA 22042
(703) 698-8088
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
151 reviews for Pho Sate
Review Highlights
"I love ordering a #P19 with a side of chicken rolls."
(in 23 reviews)
"The pho broth is exceptionally good here."
(in 58 reviews)
"Ba Le Bakery is two doors down if you're in the mood for..."
(in 8 reviews)
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151 reviews in English
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Review from Rose N.
1/5/2012
Probably repeating the chant of "its as good as it gets in VA". Hands down. I've been on a constant quest for quality and tasty Vietnamese food in the NOVA area since I moved here to DC. Pho Sate is currently my favorite pho/hu tieu restaurants. No fine dining here and I could care less. The food speaks volumes! You can taste the TLC in the broths. Its bloody delicious (Ramsay is rubbing off).
My ultimate hangover food is pho and a refreshing glass of lemonade (a good fresh glass of lemonade is bloody hard to find) and pho sate definitely executes! -
Review from Stephen B.
Rockville, MD
1/31/2012
If it weren't for the Sate sauce this place would be 3 stars and very run of the mill as far as Pho is concerned.
Many people have complained about the fully cooked "Tai" which I definitely found to be a problem. One of the most important parts of the Pho experience are eating the still uncooked red pieces of Tai when the soup first arrives at your table. At Sate they have it fully submerged and fully cooked upon arrival to the table :(
Not an issue for most people but an issue for me, is the lack of "fat brisket" on the menu. I enjoy fatty meat and usually get a #10 which at most places in Mo County consist of "Tai" and "Fat Brisket"
The broth was good but not any better than any other I've tried.
I will say that the pork spring roll was amazing, it had a really nice sweet and savory thing going on :) However, they do not have fresh spring rolls. I guess if you wanted you could pick some up from the 24 hour deli next store.(I think I saw a lady bring in a banh mi to eat with her soup lol)
The Sate sauce was outstanding and caused me to break my rule of only adding jalapeno to the broth. I usually only add jalapeno because it makes the soup spicier but doesn't change the flavor of the broth which can sometimes get lost if you add Siracha and Hoisin. I have this crazy thing I do where I leave most of the solids in the bowl until I have slurped about 75% of the broth and then top the noodles off with Siracha and Hoisin lol. But anyways I liked the smokey, spicy sate sauce so much that I ordered a second serving to add once my broth level got low.
I think I would like to buy some Sate to take back with me to Mo County and bring with me to my local Pho joints to create the perfect 5 star Pho!!!! lol (Some random one on Nicholson Ln. next to the Latino Mercado, which is good but not great. I go mostly because it is 2 minutes from my house and my favorite in Wheaton, "Pho Hep Hoa" which has a strange picture of the couple whom I assume own it on the menu lol. They are my favorite because of their always delicious broth and there perfect cuts of meat.) -
Review from Nelson S.
Falls Church, VA
1/31/2012 1 photo
So I've been here about a dozen times in the last year or so and havent had any issue with the Pho really. The difference between the Large and Regular size (in my experiences) has really only been more broth. It's about what you'd expect taste wise although could use a bit more noodles. I found myself adding lots of sauce though. Even so I still come back because it's on the cheaper side and is quick and close to my house.
They also have a no broth noodle dishes. If your looking to mix it up a bit these are pretty awesome. I alternate between the H-6 and H-3.
As for appetizers the crispy chicken rolls are hit or miss. sometimes larger sometimes pinky sized. When their good they're great but when they're average it's pretty bad.
All in all I come back knowing I'll have a decent meal without breaking the bank. -
Review from Joe H.
Washington, DC
1/31/2012
Pretty good all around. Get the H3 - beef noodle - they are very consistent and fast. Service is pretty good - CASH ONLY but theres an atm nearby at the gas station.
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Review from Ruth C.
Most days, I'm a broth snob. Hoisin and sriracha have its place and a staple part of the broth is not it. Yet the sate sauce is a throwback to childhood flavors, and I was so happy to have it permeating my noodles. I do wish the noodles were a bit less clumpy. Add-ons are fresh. All the meat cuts are so tender, and reasonable strips of tripe included. The really-super-ultra-hardcore purists will disdain this place for its broth, and the rest of us will praise this as some of the best pho in the area.
Four and a half stars. Basic but clean cafeteria layout. Efficient service, and Theresa and I didn't get kicked out for my potty mouth. Cash only makes me a little sad. Shared parking lot and a few doors down from Ba Le. I was sad the ca phe came pre-stirred, so I might just opt for coconut juice next time to indulge in the fruit flesh. Definitely going to be back to try their rolls! -
Review from Amanda E.
Something happened here. The only reason I can figure is when and why-ever they switched to a non-Sriracha sauce. The broth is hit or miss and although I really love the restaurant, I can't help but travel down the street instead of to Sate...
Hopefully things pick up again. Still the best chicken rolls and great ca phe sua da.Listed in: Top Restaurants, Late Night/Next Morning, Pho'd Out, My Neighborhood
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/27/2009
Decided it was time for an update as I popped in for a non-Turkey related meal on this cold and… Read more »
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Review from Sara B.
Updated - 12/21/2011
Downgrade. Got an eye round pho to last night and it made me sad.
The point of eye round is that it is served to you raw on top of your soup and then you plunge it in the hot broth to cook. They packed my meat in the broth so it fully cooked on the drive home and my noodles in a tight plastic container so they just steamed into a blob that I couldn't loosen up and chopstick into my mouf ferociously. Never enjoyed a bowl of pho less.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/16/2011
Went last night with a couple of friends since we were fiendin...we slurped so fast that… Read more »
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Review from Jeremy C.
SHHHHLUURRRPP! YUM!
If you are like me, you love pho. In my hometown, St. Louis, there are tons of Pho places. So, when I packed up and moved to Virginia/DC the Pho restaurants on every street corner were a welcome sign. I enjoy everything with soup and noodles...from Japanese ramen to pho.
I frequent Pho Sate pretty often as it is probably my go-to place for pho in virginia. Its the only place where I feel the taste is in tune with my palate. Before you walk in, the waiters generally see you coming and already have a menu in hand and ready to seat you..the service is generally very good.
I usually get a large "P-6" with the taro egg rolls. YUM! The broth is very flavorful and clean. Adding the "sate" sauce (which really is a glorified chili oil) and plum sauce really adds to the flavor. The noodles are not overly done, and not stuck togeher - perfecto!
Pros: Great pho with great tastes and textures.
Cons: Nada
Overall: Definately my go-to place for pho. Check it out! -
Review from Howie H.
Fairfax, VA
12/28/2011
The review is in....just had lunch there with a coworker and it was delicious! The broth before adding anything was very flavorful. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the meat perfectly raw while resting on top of the noodles. The sate sauce was the perfect compliment that added a "home cooked" noodle soup feel. The flavor was intense and it was excellent. The spring rolls was flavorful and tasty. This place is a must try as it is one of the better Pho places in the DMV.
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Review from Jack F.
12/18/2011
The great pho debate begins. Pho 75 (Rossalyn) or Pho Sate? Although its too early to tell, my initial impression leans toward Pho Sate. The broth is more flavorful and tastes "refreshing." By that, I mean that it lacks the oily, muddled taste of broth that's repeatedly used. The noodles are chewier. Otherwise, the ingredients are about the same. Although Pho Sate is slightly cheaper than Pho 75, the price of gas alone negates any savings you'd find by taking a trip here. The only significant difference about Pho Sate is the red pepper oil that they bring out. Otherwise, it's about the same as an pho noodle house, except slightly better. [Original Visit: December 17, 2011]
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Review from Cathy H.
10/28/2011 2 photos
I met a girlfriend here for dinner tonight. It was our first time here. It was also her first time eating pho and she enjoyed it greatly. I, on the other hand, ordered M-6, which is beef satay with egg noodles. It comes with tomatoes, julienned cucumbers, and pineapple. I was expecting the thicker egg noodles, but received the much thinner kind, which was not as good. I was also expecting cubes of steak, but received strips. Everything was only decent because the noodles are literally drowned in the peanut sauce. I would've wanted only half the amount of sauce since it was also on the salty side. This was my first time trying such a dish and was hoping for it to be the standard for comparison. I will need to look elsewhere.
To be fair, though, I will definitely return to try their rice noodle soups/dishes. -
Review from Bren L.
10/31/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is usually a great go to Pho spot, but last weekend I was disappointed with my pho. The meat was chewy and the broth was watery. It wasn't the pho that i know it can be!
What was good was that the chicken rolls were still amazing and the coffee with condensed milk was satisfyingly strong and delicious. They were really nice tho, because they ended up taking off the chicken rolls from our bill. We'll be back again next time to see if this weekend was just a fluke. -
Review from Timmortal D.
Jessup, MD
11/10/2011
Yes! This is the best pho I've had in the area. The restaurant is no frills and doesn't really try to cater to the slightly snobby. Then again, nothing in that shopping center does. The pho tastes great; the chicken rolls are fine. Great value for the price.
I'd go here more if it wasn't cash only. -
Review from Yan W.
Fairfax, VA
10/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Pho was good - rich broth, good meat, fresh veggies.
But I liked their Mi Sate Trieu Chau even more! It's this great noodle dish with tender meat (beef or chicken) smothered with veggies in a gooey delicious sauce.
Like most Vietnamese places, the service was a little off-standsih when I made a carryout order. Perhaps they will garner more stars if they crack a smile... one can hope... -
Review from Lillian W.
Fairfax, VA
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place serves very decent pho. Its located in a plaza and parking is plentiful. The restaurant itself is interesting. It's very.....green. The entire place is painted an evergreen green color. It's a bit hard to describe the greeness, but if staring at green gives you a headache, you should beware!
The pho itself is good. The broth is decent and the noodles are made well. The only thing is the temperature of the soup base wasn't hot enough, so the meat wasn't cooked enough. We had to have it reheated. What's great about this place is that they offer this sate pepper sauce which you can dump into the pho. It's very good and gives the a good "kick" to the entire pho! The prices are reasonable, but beware that they only accept cash. No credit cards.
Oh and the servers like to stare at you. It's such a small restaurant that i guess they really have no where else to look but at the customers.
Oh and there are a lot of Vietnamese patrons here which I take as a good sign since it means it's as close to authentic as possible! =D -
Review from Susie K.
9/3/2011
Pho Sate, whyyyy are you so good???
I always debate between here and Pho 75, but I almost always choose Pho Sate, because I just can't resist the sauce. And something about their chicken pho is so charming, I almost always get the chicken pho even though I get beef pho at most other places.
And, uhm, how can I forget the chicken rolls? I hope they don't put crack in that because it's just so good. It sounds so simple but something about it is just so. good.
Also, I really appreciate their cleanliness. And how their utensils come out in nice little wrappers. Makes me feel like they at least TRY to be clean, unlike a lot of pho places.
Wow, writing this review is making me drool.. -
Review from John W.
Vienna, VA
9/13/2011
Pho sate is good as it gets for pho in VA. Dunno what's going on in MD, not that I would go up there anyways.
Broth, meat, and ingredients are good, but the hook is the sate sauce that you throw in the soup. I like to add some hot sauce, hoisin sauce, and a lot of limes.
They have a bunch of other stuff on their menus too. Had a good noodle dish this one time. Go get it! -
Review from Neil S.
McLean, VA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yummy pho. Love the special sate!
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Review from Laura L.
7/6/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Awesome prices for pho at Pho Sate, but honestly, a bowl of pho should stand on its own, not have to have a sauce to cover up its shortfalls.
I came here after a friend raved about how awesome the pho was. I guess I'm a bit of a ph'nob (pho-snob) but the broth was just wasn't that great (bland is more like it) and there was a serious lack of noodles. It was a pretty disappointing bowl of pho. I got the meatballs with it too-- wasn't a fan.
The service was really great though- they're quick in serving you but I'd definitely wait a little longer if a little bit more love was put into the pho.
Would I come back to give it another try? Absolutely.
Side note: this place is cash only and there isn't a bank nearby but there's a Magruder's next door where you can get cash out at the checkout via debit. -
Review from Ann T.
Rockville, MD
7/27/2011
Bring Cash.
On the outside/inside, it looks like your typical pho restaurant...but once you taste the wonderfully seasoned and spiced broth that is Pho Sate, you will be converted.
DO dump the spice into your broth (as that is what makes the Pho standout)
DO load up your Pho with the fresh vegetables offered at the beginning of every Pho meal.
DO enjoy! -
Review from Linda T.
Updated - 7/28/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The only place where I didn't mind eating the same thing, P-9 (Pho Tai Chin) over and over again. I recently did the unthinkable and ate something other than pho at Pho Sate.
I ordered H-4 under the rice noodle soup section. Be forewarned that it is not a broth-based soup; I don't know if I would even call it soup. Call it a stew or just the sauteed chicken sauce, it was something I've never eaten before at other Vietnamese restaurants. If you're thinking you can't do without the mini sate sauce that comes with the pho, don't fret! The H-4 comes with its own mini sate sauce as well!
Keep impressing me, Pho Sate!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/9/2011
This is my absolute favorite pho place. I always get the tai chin pho and I am never ever… Read more »
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Review from Anne C.
11/4/2011
p-12 or p-13 with raw flank steak thrown on top (allows for it to took perfectly without it being overcooked) and sate sauce thrown in with some hot peppers.
YUM!!!!! -
Review from Leslie J.
9/7/2011
Pho broth is OK.
Some of my coworkers/friends swear by this place. Though the food is good, it didn't quite amaze me. Didn't find it all that special and def not my favorite in the area. -
Review from Caroline C.
Fairfax, VA
7/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
HANDS DOWN, MY FAVORITE PHO JOINT!
1. I've tried numerous pho restaurants like Golden Cow, Pho Hot, Viet House, Pho 75, Pho 50... but nothing else compares to Pho Sate. I am never disappointed!
2. Cash only. Quick food. Warm welcoming service. JUST GO NOW!
3. For dessert, walk next door to Lola's for an amazing strawberry smoothie topped w/ chopped fruit. -
Review from Arun Prakash I.
Washington D.C., DC
11/9/2011
Wanted to give the lowest star possible for this place. Horrible place. I am a vegetarian and I went with a friend. Opened the menu and ordered the ONLY vegetarian item in the menu. And the waiter says there is not a singe Vegetarian item in the restaurant. None. Nada. Zilch... I ended up having green tea for dinner watching my friend eat.
I will never go to this place again. -
Review from Ron U.
7/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The only thing that bugs about this place is that it's cash only.
Much like other reviews said, it's good, but it's not great. I will that it is my go to spot for pho in the Falls Church area mainly given that it's super close to my office. The service is on point and they're always on top with removing dishes, refills, etc. The pho itself is good, with decent flavor.
Careful, place is bananas at lunch time. -
Review from Genesis B.
Annandale, VA
8/30/2011
It's a pho restaurant and as pho restaurants go, it's not too different from other places. Couple of 2-4 seater tables here and there but plenty of room to hold a good amount of people. The waiters were quick with the order taking and the order delivering, just the way I like it for a quick in and out.
What does stand out about this place is the fantastic stock flavor of the pho. Not watered down or bland but packs a savory punch. The noodle size was a tad sparing for the regular but they did stack a good amount of proteins. For roughly $6, I can't complain when the flavor is just spot on. -
Review from M L.
Arlington, VA
11/26/2011
I'm half Vietnamese and grew up in Arlington. I've eaten pho at my family's house, restaurants in the DC area, Northern and Southern California, and in North and South Vietnam. My dad even taught me to cook chicken pho. So yes, I'm saying "I know pho."
Most other places are very inconsistent with their broth. If you go when the broth is running thin, you can just tell it's probably been "extended" with some water or canned broth. The anise and cinnamon flavors are just gone, replaced by salt and MSG.
Pho Sate is not one of these places. It's easily one of the best. The broth is rich in flavor every single time and there is a good proportion of meat to noodles. The extras (bean sprouts, thai basil, etc) are always in good, fresh condition. And of course, their signature sate spice is a unique flavor that adds a welcome change. The staff is courteous and quick. Anytime I need to introduce someone to pho, this is where I take them and over the past 7 years they have never failed me. I can't speak to the non-pho dishes, but don't bother with the spring rolls. These are a waste of time. Do treat yourself to an order of "chao quay" with your soup. You won't regret it.
Read some of the low rankings carefully. Arun for example is a vegetarian and blasts this place with one star for not accommodating him. That's like going to Popeyes and getting pissed because all they have is chicken. Pho is by definition a soup made from chicken or beef (aka animal protein). It's not Pho Sate's fault if you don't know what "pho" is! -
Review from Brenda D.
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm pretty sure this place is know for their Pho Sate (hence the name ha...ha...) so I usually order H-3 when I come here. It is a dry pho with beef, pineapple, tomatoes and vegetables with sate sauce. The beef is always tender and the ingredients always fresh to death! Some people prefer to dump the sauce on the side and mix it in, I usually don't because I think the sate sauce has enough flavor. And when they say it's a little spicy, they mean it! Tonight I was feeling particularly hungry and ordered their cha gio (eggrolls), it was awful! It was dry, flavorless and barely any lettuce. If it's your first time here, I'd recommend H-3 but they also have an egg noodle with pork, shrimp cracker and soup on the side that is pretty good. Oh, and bring CASH!
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Review from Janet H.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Was in the area with family and looking for a place to eat. Since we're not from the area, we had no clue where to go. I checked yelp for recommendation from my handy dandy phone and Pho Sate popped up. Pho with good ratings? I'm down!
Everyone talks about the special sauce but isn't it just the same chili oil you get at Chinese restaurants.. except less spicy? I actually mixed siracha with it and that was pretty good with my meat. The pho was pretty good. I thought the soup was decent but a bit on the sweet side? I ordered a large and I finished the whole thing. Portion is enough I would say. Their prices are much more attractive than some of the Pho places in MD which is usually $7.25+ for a large. Here, I think it was priced just under $7 for a large. Oh yes, I also tried their fried spring rolls.. it was okay. I've had better though. -
Review from Foo D.
Washington, DC
10/15/2011
Been going to Pho 50 and 75 for years. My Vietnamese friend took me here. The Pho is great! They don't put as much cilantro in, but they have the sate and deeper broth flavoring to make up for it! I Highly recommended. They have other things besides Pho, and just from looking around when I was there - a lot of people don't just Pho, they get the stir-fried noodles. Check it out. Now I've got a tough decision to make when I'm craving Pho.
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Review from Brett M.
Alexandria, VA
9/5/2011
Very good pho!
I like the tendon they have here more so than other places, it is a bit bigger and more robust than most I've tried.
The chicken eggroll appetizers are def worth a try, really love that sate sauce -
Review from Julie C.
Vienna, VA
8/2/2011 1 photo
Favorite Pho place in the area. I don't go anywhere else. Great flavor and staff is friendly.
Only downside is that it's cash only and you have to remember to go to an ATM before coming here or you're screwed lol -
Review from D. K.
Vienna, VA
11/5/2011
I give this place 3.5 for their pho & 4 for their egg noodle dishes. This is our go to place for noodles. I always order m-2 which is egg noodle, shrimp, slow braised pork slices, shrimp cake & fish cake with soup on the side. The pork is salty, tender and full of flavor. Add the little dish of roasted chili oil and you'll have yourself a bowl of heaven! (I sometimes add a few spoonfuls of the soup to loosen the noodles). Step outside of your pho box & try the other dishes!
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Review from David B.
Washington, DC
4/21/2011
Good Pho but not because of the quality of the Pho but because of an gimmick that you add that they call the sate sauce - consist of a special blend of chili and oil. Without the sate sauce, the Pho is very very average - but the sauce" is so amazing that it makes this place 5 Stars. I usually put 2 in my dat biet Pho.
There's gotta be some sorta of addictive on the sauce.
Sure, the menu has other selections of Vietnamese dishes but honestly who gives a shit when you can get a bowl of Pho with unlimited amounts of sate sauce? -
Review from Nicole W.
Falls Church, VA
11/1/2011
So delicious! The Pho is truly amazing and the spring rolls were some of the most delicious ones I have ever had. There was so much flavor and it really hit the spot! The prices were also amazing... so cheap! about $3o easily fed 4 people. This will be my new favorite takeout place in the neighborhood! so00o good!!!
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Review from Alison L.
Arlington, VA
Updated - 7/3/2011
Updating my review--- still awesome, about a dozen times later.
I've brought a whole clad of people who have all enjoyed the place....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2011
Smaller pho place located in a shopping center right off Lee Hwy.
I often go to Eden center, but now… Read more »
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Review from Lulu T.
This place has a very good selection of noodle soup and savory noodle entrees. It's not just Pho. They have meat, chicken, seafood and even vegetarian options.
The restaurant is simple and kept tidy and clean even with the hoards of people coming and going. -
Review from Kirt K.
Alexandria, VA
10/13/2011
I think this review is bit biased because I was taken here by a Vietnamese foodie who thinks this place has the best pho in nova. I am not a pho expert but I would have to agree with her and the sate sauce adds that extra "Umph!" Only downside to this place is the distance from my house. Who wants to drive 30 + min for pho while you're hungover?
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Review from Anthony L.
Lorton, VA
6/29/2011
If you just want a traditional bowl of pho, go elsewhere. If you want a unique Pho experience, try out Pho Sate.
I say that because their pho is really nothing special; other restaurants in the area do it better. The broth here is kind of bland and a tad overly sweet. However, the little dish of sate sauce they bring out adds a whole new element to your typical bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup. A spicy chili, lemon-grassy, oily sauce you pour into your soup that turns it into something I am at a loss of words to describe. Unique and fresh is all I can think of.
Portion sizes are okay, I ordered a large, but it didn't feel as big as other large bowls I've had at other places. The meatballs are small, and brisket servings could have been greater.
Not a bad place place to try a bowl of a type of pho you've probably never had before. I still prefer good old traditional pho though.
