Pho Viet Anh

 

20

24

Rita S.

Seattle, WA

Really good pho. Decent spring rolls, though not a ton of flavor in them. Extremely prompt and friendly service. I had carry out, so I can't say much about service in the dining room, but I was happy with my dinner tonight, and I suspect I'll enjoy lunch just as much tomorrow.

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Elite '08

15

77

Doni W.

Seattle, WA

You know the only thing that sounds amazing the day after being stricken with one of the worse 24 hour stomach bugs ever to gnaw at my tummy?  A giant bowl of broth.

Knew nothing about this place except that from the outside it looks a little sketch but, alas, it is a short 5 block walk from my abode.  I hiked my stomach-cramped hobbled body inside and was immediately welcomed by one of the nicest hostesses I've ever met (then again perhaps she just pitied me a little).  I'd only had pho twice before (and ordered for me by others) so I told her my short list of things I was looking for; she nodded and pointed to the exact item I should order and that was that.  Instead of the usual upgrade most places try to give you, she insisted that the small bowl would be plenty for me (she was right, I still have left overs), rang up the bill, and with a 30% tip (I'm quite thankful when helped when I'm sick) it was still only $9.  Sat down for all of 2 minutes and my to-go bag was ready to roll, and that sort of speed doesn't even happen in drive-thrus anymore.  I'd barely had time to look around the restaurant itself but it was actually quite lovely, quaint if not slightly intimate atmosphere, only about 1/3 of the tables filled so not too busy... just a nice little local restaurant.  As I baby stepped it back up the hill to home, I made an immediate mental note that I would be back very, very soon.

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1

4

Tina K.

Seattle, WA

This is where I go when I want to go a couple notches up from the cheaper pho at Pho Than Brothers (and have a few extra dollars to spend).  It's nothing incredibly pricey--after a two-person dining session, I typically only spend about $17-18 including the tip (as opposed to the $8-10 for cheaper pho).

Anyway, the restaurant is cute and warm.  It's small, colorful and clean.  Even the dishes are cute.  The staff is friendly too--especially the owner.  Some of the younger staff isn't as personable, but nothing problematic.  Most of the tables are for two people, though I've seen them accomodate groups of six or so with some quick table rearranging.

The food is also great.  I typically get the chicken or veggie pho selections, while my boyfriend always gets something with beef.  It's all very flavorful--the chicken has a nice ginger and onion-y broth, the veggie has delicious and generous portions of tofu (fried or soft--you can choose), though I do wish the veggie had mushroom in it.  Also, the beef broth is extremely flavorful.  The different cuts of beef actually taste like different cuts of beef (like steak or brisket), as opposed to them all tasting like sliced roast beef at cheaper places.  The broth is also distinctive with a hint of pineapple.  In addition, they also offer hot & spicy pho, which is something I haven't seen elsewhere, yet.

They also offer fried rolls and spring rolls.  I usually don't order them since just a small bowl of pho is enough for me, but I've tasted them all and liked them--especially the fried roll.  In addition, the menu includes other dishes other than pho, but I haven't tried them.  They are more expensive, and I'd just rather have the soup.

The only thing that ever hinders my experience there is having to hear some of the other customers' conversations--though it does add some comedy at times.  Last time, I observed an awkward first (or second or so) date.  The woman kept talking about how having to use chopsticks was really making the meal terrible, or "so unsatisfying," but wouldn't ask for a fork.  But that's not Pho Viet Anh's fault.

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Elite '08

19

117

Rebecca B.

Seattle, WA

I don't know about you, but I'm just plain annoyed with how drab and lifeless most Pho places are. They may have awesome noodle soup, but there's nothing stimulating about it. Their color scheme is often nothing more than white and a dull sky blue.

That's why I was SO please when I came to Pho Viet Anh. As soon as I walked in, I breathed a sigh of relief. They actually put effort into the appearance of the place! It's quite classy, actually, down to the formation of the napkins, plastic chop sticks and soup spoons. The prices of their food is slightly higher, but I justify it by saying that they have to pay for their interior design with something. :)

The owner is extremely friendly and accommodating, and is working every time I walk in there. He remembers most customers, which I find unbeatable as far as customer service goes.

The fresh rolls are large and amazingly good, and their fried rolls are the same. The presentation is pretty and simple.

Their Pho is to die for. They have the option of a spicy broth or just regular, and their Veggie Pho actually comes with Veggie broth (did you know that most Veggie Pho's aren't "veggie" at all- they actually are served with a chicken-based broth?). Speaking of Veggie Pho, unlike most places, this one comes with heaps of veggies and large chunks of UNFRIED tofu (you can request soft tofu as well). I tell you what, nothing disgusts me more than a limpless, lifeless sponge of fried tofu. None of that here.

My boyfriend gets the combo with spicy broth, while I obviously get the Veggie. The small is plenty for me, and besides, I have this theory that there's no difference between a small and a large except the amount of broth.

Parking is street only, which actually, in that part of the street, is pretty easy to find unless there is an event at the Seattle Center. Don't try parking in the Bamboo Garden parking lot, they actually have someone that will come out and yell at you if you attempt it. Woops.

Please go here. Not on a Sunday though- they're closed.

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6

18

Phil E.

Seattle, WA

Before I moved from Lower Queen Anne, this place was a regular stop of mine. Sometimes take-out, sometimes eating there - but everytime the food was absolutely awesome. Henry (the great guy who runs the show there) was always personable, remembered who I was (even over the phone), and his wife cooked up great eats in the kitchen.

They serve a seasonal hot and spicy pho - which is great pho me as I am, according to People Magazine, "hot and spicy". And I do loves spicy food - I just wish the "hot and spicy" pho was a year round tradition. But out of all the pho places I've been to in Seattle, this one is my favorite. Not just because of their killer broth, but because of it's character - great place inside, small outdoor patio during the summer, and the people running the show over there are terrific people.

I must also put a word in about their fried vegetarian spring rolls. Ordinarily, I like the fresh rolls at the Vietnamese Restaurants (unfried, rice paper wrapped tofu or chicken with basil and sprouts with peanut sauce). Healthy, fresh, and they don't go straight to my child bearing hips. But I make an exception when I go to Pho Viet Anh because their fried spring rolls are so good. I had them once and now they're a tradition.

Put simply, this is a great spot. I only wish I still lived a few blocks away.

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1

19

Christopher M.

Seattle, WA

We stopped here just short of closing time, and we were still treated to impeccably friendly service from the waiter/owner.  The restaurant was fairly empty during our visit, but the stream of takeout customers was steady until well after closing time.  We left nearly 20 minutes after closing and were not the last ones out of the door, but we did not feel any pressure to rush at any point during the meal.

To start, we decided to try an appetizer, the five-spice chicken wings.  They were moist and not too oily.  They were tasty overall, but I would probably pass on these next time, as they were not uniquely good in the world of fried chicken wings.  The next menu item to arrive at our table was the pho.  As I had been sick that week, I went with something new, the chicken pho, which included all the standard accompaniments.  She went more traditional with the beef pho combo of brisket, steak, fatty flank and meatball.

Both were delicious and easily in the top tier of my still short list of Seattle pho.  The chicken pho was light, but still very rich.  The sliced chicken breast was slightly tough, but that had more to do with slicing method, rather than cooking method.  On the other side of the table, the beef pho had a very deep and richly flavored broth.  The brisket was slightly dry, but the moist and tender meatballs more than made up for it.  The steak and fatty flank were cooked just right and very tender as well.

Hoping for some decent pho in the neighborhood, we were pleasantly surprised by Pho Viet Anh.  Although the prices are a little high at $6.50 for a small bowl, the friendly service and quality food make this a place I would recommend and visit again myself (on not too frequent occasions for the sake of my wallet).

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0

2

Tony G.

Seattle, WA

Pho Viet Anh has good Pho, but is it worth it? A recent reviewer mentioned that he didn't think the Pho was as cheap as others had stated and the reason is the prices have gone up by $1.50 in the past year for a large Pho. The cost for most extras for your Pho have also gone up from $1 to the current price of $2.50 per item. There used to be a $5 lunch special but this appears to have gone the way of the dinosaur.

The price increases or disappearance of the lunch specials aren't too surprising considering they are located in a costly neighborhood. Their Pho price is still less expensive in comparison to other restaurants in the Queen Anne area, but is their Pho worth the extra money compared to other cheap Pho restaurants in Seattle? The answer is probably not and you may want to look elsewhere for Pho if you do not live in or happen to be around Queen Anne. If you are in the area, however,  and want some Pho and don't mind the extra cost, then it's well worth visiting here and you will receive very good service as well as some good Pho!

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Elite '08

17

106

Bryce S.

Seattle, WA

$8 (including 15% tip) gets you the small pho beef combo bowl, good enough for one person, but probably not enough if you have a big appetite. Decent pho and decent service -- not great but not terrible either.

I'm a little surprised people think this is an inexpensive place. I've had bigger and better pho for $6, but that's in restaurants located away from tourist areas.

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3

21

Brandi B.

Seattle, WA

The Vermicelli noodles with lemongrass onion tofu is delicous, the Pho with the spicy broth is divine, and the limeade is a refreshing liabation to wash it all down.  

           Even if the food here was just mediocre it would be overshadowed by the staff. Who are a family Father mother and 4 adolecent daughters who are very sweet and extremly welcoming. I am so lucky to have this place in my hood. who doesn't like fast moderatly healthy inexpensive food???

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3

10

jesse p.

Seattle, WA

the pho broth is not very flavorful, but the beef and noodles are good quality.  i live in queen anne, so i would only come here when i'm sick or don't feel like driving to the international district.  it is good to have an option in queen anne, even if it is lack luster.

service is great!  they served me with a smile when i walked in at 9:15pm even though they closed at 9pm that day.

can't say anything about their other menu options, only tried the pho.

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Elite '08

8

91

John R.

Seattle, WA

The Pho Viet Anh is a place I sometimes go to have Pho Ga, drink some tea, and read a little. I do this because the staff is very friendly and accomodating, and always have the courtesy of making certain you have fresh tea. The yellowish decor is nothing much to speak of, but it's quaint and suffices. The exterior of the building on Roy is a bit confusing-- it's a bit of a hole in the wall, but it is right next to Thai Heaven.

The key difference with Pho Viet Anh's soup broth is that it is not overly salty, it seems to be richer, tastes just like mom may have made it, and I have verified that it does not contain MSG. While I did not take it to a lab, I do have a friend who went there with me and she is very allergic to MSG, and she had no problems whatsoever. I do like the spring rolls-- they are fresh.

There's the typical Sriracha sauce available (also refered to as "rooster sauce" or "hot cock sauce") for those who like to burn their mouths and intestines like I do.

Of the 3 Pho places I usual eat at, this one is the least expensive and is by far the friendliest.

I like good Pho, and good hospitality, and don't like to feel rushed. If this is the kind of place you seek, then I encourage you to try it out.

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1

4

Nicholas P.

WA

Ok value.. good food.

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2

62

Maus Y.

Brooklyn, NY

Decent pho & spring rolls. The large bowl is way too big for one. Good lunch spot.

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4

15

Sunny Y.

Milwaukee, WI

From the outside, this place looks like it has nothing too offer.  The facade is covered with fake stain glass windows and you can't see inside the restaurant.  Doesn't seem at appealing to one's eyes or appetite,  but once inside the speckled painted walls and nice sheer fabric decor hanging from the ceiling gave me a renew sense of hope.  The menu consists of the usual vietnamese fare--pho, vermicelli noodles, stir fried dishes, eggrolls, etc.  The staff was very friendly and the service was good.  The food is good and the prices are right.

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