"And don't forget the little cream puff you get, too."
(in 7 reviews)
"I think it's some of the best Pho I have had in the Seattle area."
(in 4 reviews)
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Than Brothers
Rating Details »
- 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
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good for:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- None
27 reviews for Than Brothers
Review Highlights
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I have always been a fan of the Than Brothers' chain of restaurants since I first tried it in U-District. I always ordered a small #2 every time I've gone here - so much that I have already forgotten what they actually put in it. Also, just recently, I just started asking for extra meatball, too.
Since my years in college, the prices for their bowls have gone up a little bit, but it still beats any pho restaurant in quality and quantity. Portions are huge. The taste is just as good as the smell of it. Ah, and by the way, I caution that if you eat in here, you will definitely walk out smelling like your lunch/dinner. But, how do you beat a place like this?!?
The one thing that irks me about this one location in particular is that while you're eating, the employees will literally switch out your napkin holders or sauces like three or four times (even though the containers aren't even empty). I don't know why or what they're doing it for, but it was a minor disturbance. The Edmonds location seems to be the only place that does that. For that, I would just give this one location four stars, but this review is actually for all their restaurants, in general.
I've been to the U-District, Edmonds, and Redmond location and the taste and portions have been consistent. This is definitely the best place anyone can get a decent bowl of pho. And don't forget the little cream puff you get, too!
I'm a fan because this place can accomidate my sucky 30 minute lunch break. I play this game when I order. I time it to see how many seconds it takes for me to get my food. They are definately quick. But then again, how long does it take to throw cooked noodles, readily prepared meat and broth in a bowl. And I think the MSG use has gone down a bit in the last few weeks. I'm not so water hungry afterwards. And I do love how they make their French coffee. That little drip perculator over a glass of thick sugary goodness that is known as sweetened condensed milk. Mix that all up and pour over ice and that is what I call the perfect pick me up to help you make it thru the rest of your work day.
Here's my pet peeve about the place. Outside on the windows they advertise themselves as a "deli" and a "bakery". They only serve pho....how is this place a deli? And just because you serve cream puffs (and only cream puffs) that does not make you a bakery.
The creme puffs is like the best part. Everyone praise about their pho, but I can find anything particular "special" of Than Bro's offering. One thing for sure is that the pho at Than Bro can be "hotter". Service here is definitely not existence, but generally this place is clean as long as you avoid the ice water. Around this area, not much of a choice; Than Bro definitely fill the Pho niche here.
Today was my first time ever having pho, and I'll definitely be coming back. We went for lunch and I got a large bowl -- wasn't exactly expecting a bowl of broth larger than my head, but I managed to get all the goodies inside of the amazing tasting broth. The service wasn't anything to write home about (or Yelp happy things about, either), nor was the decor, but I thoroughly enjoyed the food.
I might be wrong, but food is generally why we all head to restaurants in the first place, so 4 stars it is for great food!
I CANNOT have Pho anywhere else. Perhaps I was spoiled from the start, being introduced to Pho at Than Brothers. But regardless, it's the VERY BEST here. They are quick, clean, nice, and the food is good. Even with their recent raising of prices it's still well worth the money and going out of your way to come here. The Pho is delicious and to top it off you get the best little cream puff you could ask for. Do like I do, eat the one that comes with your Pho right away (mmm, appetizer) and order three more for $1.50 for later. Just typing this review makes my mouth water. Num num num num!
Okay - There is every justification in the WORLD right now to raise prices, especially at an establishment that is already renowned for having insanely low prices. I'm not mad that Than Brothers (all locations) raised their prices - I'm just a little surprised that they raised it over a dollar more, why not raise it incrementally so I would barely notice?
What used to be $3.85 small bowl of pho is now $4.95 - reasonable, but quite the difference. That's my only gripe though - still same great broth, sizable portions of meat and noodles, not to mention the infamous included cream puff, and of course prompt service. If only they would refill my water...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/26/2007
So I think I've been to five Than Brothers locations around Seattle and I must say that I remain a… Read more »
Don't order to go....ok, if you do, check your bag first! These pooters keep forgetting (or omitting) my gee-damn sauces and paid-for extra sides of veggies. Oh, and where is my tripe? You knuckleheads are probably laughing maniacally back in the kitchen and throwing it around at each other. Put it in my to-go box next time and quit dicking around!
I hate this pho place. It's the one across from the Ranch 99 Market.
*joy
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/8/2008
maybe it was because i got mine to-go, but they were skimpy with the ingredients. oh, well.
and the… Read more »
If what you want is to go to a place to get cheap pho, where you don't get bothered by attentive service beyond the initial order, this is the place for you. Don't drink your entire glass of water when you first get there because you'll need a fucking flare gun to flag down someone to give you more.
(I have NEVER had a second glass of water at ANY Than Bros location... they just don't give a shit)
However, the price is right, the place is clean, the food is good. The initial service is wonderful but the follow through is absolute rubbish.
Still you'll find me there eating, conflicted, because the pho is like crack, it gets in your blood, and makes you crave it.
Sampled many different pho places in San Diego, tried other pho places (Pho Hao in Woodinville, Pho Tu Do in Lynnwood) in Seattle, heard about Than Brothers, went there, read the reviews, and now I write one. Interesting thing is, this place got dissed by several reviewers as a "chain" and "McDonald-esque". So, you can't please all of the people all of the time. You can look at a bowl of pho as a finished product, or you can look at pho as a blank canvas. I fall into the latter category.
I thought the pho was excellent, and it's probably to my benefit that I had a chance to try other pho joints before landing here. It was rather hard to find, it's right on the corner of what's primarily a Korean Shopping Center, and if you're going Southbound, you'll fly right by.
After being seated, you better be looking at that menu under the glass instead of yapping with your lunch or dinner dates, because they'll be taking your order when your ass hits that seat. Prices are the most reasonable that I've seen in Seattle thus far. Typical condiments are available on the table. Before your dish comes, the sides of bean sprouts, basil, lime, and jalapenos come to the table. Along with this, you'll get a cream puff. Before I could even get to the cream puff, the pho hit the table.
I made the mistake of ordering the XL bowl. Ever go to a Chinese restaurant and order Egg Drop Soup? Or go to a Thai joint and order the Tom Yum Gai? Comes in a big soup taurine that can serve four people. Well, that's what the XL bowl looks like, it's ridiculous. Anyway, pho and broth were excellent. A bit heavy on cilantro (big chunks of stem), but I can overlook it and order light cilantro next time. And, no disrespect to the cream puff, it gets a lot of press, and I'm sure it's made with loving care (with a tender backstory of the birth of the restaurant), but I think it's the red herring for the Than Brothers. The pho is really good, its' all they serve!
I know what your thinking. Yup, I'm psychic. "Than Brothers? The Pho chain? 5 stars?" Yes. Not just yes, hell yes. You got a problem with that you can take it up with management.
Edmonds has a lot of Pho places within 5-10 minute driving distance from my place so this location somehow eluded me. Well, now it's on my radar and I don't reckon any Pho in Seattle will challenge it anytime soon.
I stuck with my usual - tendon and brisket. After being seated it came out three minutes later, tops. Great meat and veggies. The broth was piping hot and spicy and is the best tasting broth I've encountered in any Pho joint so far. Pop in a couple jalapenos and I'm on cloud nine.
Yes, that's right, I found cloud nine level Pho at Than Brothers in Edmonds.
Although you are all right that their service stinks, this is not the type of restaurant where you should expect good service. I love Than Brothers (all locations) not for their service, but for their cheap price, free cream puffs, and the taste of their pho. There's something about their broth that makes Than Bros my fave pho place and to top it off I don't even have to spend that much. And even though I come out with my clothes soaked in the smell of pho, I still keep comin' back for more!
The pho tai arrived at my table mere seconds after ordering from a kitchen that sounded of sneezes. The broth was mediocre, having barely any richness and no fragrance, the rice noodles were tough, the round eye was not medium rare as advertised, but a well done grey. Who knows how long ago the onions were sliced since they lacked any bite of freshness. As for the plate of garnishes: bruised basil with traces of fridge slime, a skimpy serving of just two jalapeno slices, a heaping pile of sprouts, and the lime wedge was shockingly acceptable.
What followed minutes later was the "fresh lemonade". Truth in menu laws, anyone? They served it with a spoon, so that the diner may stir in the noxious crystals of citric acid and artificial sweeteners that lurked at the bottom of the murky glass. So I drank the ice water (the best part of the meal) and accepted that I would pay the buck and change for the half of a cent worth of powdered drink mix that I would not ingest, because there is no explaining how one doesn't want to pay for crap in a glass to a pubescent non-english speaking boy who can barely count change at the register. Nasty. And the napkin dispensers were so overstuffed I had to manhandle the fingerprinted silver box to wrestle out a few ripped up shreds of paper. What a hole.
I used to live in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood and I remember well when Than Bros. moved into their digs on Broadway. After my very first meal there, I became a devotee. I ate there at least once every weekend and sometimes after work during the week for dinner if I didn't feel like cooking.
So after I decided to take the plunge into suburbia, I was delighted when I discovered that there's a Than Bros. here with soup just exactly the same as what I was used to in my old stomping grounds.
Than Bros. business model seems very clear to me and I'd like to outline it for readers who may be unfamiliar with this local chain. Essentially, Than Bros. offers the most unlikely, desirable products imaginable -- a serving of food that is:
1. Colossal
2. Satisfying
3. Healthy
4. Cheap.
To enable them to offer such an incredible combination of attributes, they expect the following of you:
1. Cash only
2. Come in, chow down, and leave.
If you like only having to pay five bucks for basically a vat of delicious homemade soup, then you have to understand that part of your payment is not being able to linger around hogging a table that could be seating other hungry (and paying) guests. In order to offer this kind of insanely affordable pricing, they need to be able to turn the tables fast. I'm happy to oblige them! I'm also delighted to pay cash only.
Beyond salt and pepper, condiments are the ubiquitous Sri Racha brand of hot sauce, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and a smoky amendment that seems to be hot pepper flakes in oil. I believe fish sauce is available upon request. You're given a cream puff ("bahn choux") at the start of your meal, usually served up with the plate of bean sprouts, lime wedges, and jalapeno slices that you'll use to amend your soup to taste.
The facilities have always been very clean any time I've eaten here.
Service is friendly and quite swift. Don't be surprised if your waiter asks if you know what you want the minute you sit down. (Remember, part of the deal here is that they need to be able to turn tables fast.) They're not being rude, they're just asking. For many patrons, like me, I have a regular dish and can tell them right off the bat I want the "Number 3." Within five minutes, it's on the table in front of me. Not long after, I'm out the door, decisively sated.
A very easy four stars.
After coming here again, I noticed that this place has been going down along with the recession. The service was really bad this time (was it ever not bad?) My friend probably asked at least 5 times for extra lime until she got pretty irritated. I think it took 10 minutes for them to finally give her some. For some reason the broth had this really weird flavor...like the meat turned bad and it was made into a broth. Eck. The fact that they keep raising the prices don't help much either. Even the free cream puff can't justify the crappy pho that I just ate. I don't like this place anymore...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/10/2008
I like to come here because pho is cheap, and it easily makes me full. Quite a few people have said… Read more »
Pho Tour 2008 took a turn for the worse at Pho Than Brothers in Edmonds. I'm not sure if it was because I was feeling down in the dumps from finding out that I was about to be fired, or if the Pho actually WAS just that terrible. It was nice to be able to shove a free pastry puff in my facehole before the Pho arrived, but AFTER the Pho arrived and I attempted to shove that in my facehole too, it just tasted bland and boring, and it was basically just noodles and meat - hardly any cilantro or green and white onions. The broth left much to be desired, and the meat was rubbery and tough and quite tasteless too. Since then, I only made the mistake once more to step into a Pho Than Brother's restaurant.
I have been a fan of the uw location since I frequented the place many many times between classes, and while skipping classes. Since this is a little chain, I assumed this place would have the same tastes....and of course it does. I drove by this location many times since moving up North and finally gave it a try tonight. We both got some #9 pho with flank,rare and brisket beef I believe. Prices are good and portions are plentiful. The broth is great, it comes with loads of meat and the service is super quick. The creme puffs were killer as usual, and we got 6 more to go, and like the pigs we were, we ate all of them on the drive home, yum yum. Remeber, cash only or you will have to bus tables for a couple hours to repay them.
This is the best Than Bros restaurant I've been to (been to 4 of them.)
Very clean and really excellent service.
So my love and I are both under the weather. Yuck! What better way to cure your sickness away then a big steaming bowl of pho?Even the menu has something to that effect. The Pho was good, and hot, but needed a bit more soup. I felt inclined enough to go back to the kitchen and ladle in some more soup like at mom's, but didn't. Hehe. We got the #14 filled with all the goodies. The place was CROWDED when we were there. Service was brisk, fast, but friendly. Prices were good.No need for seat warmers, because people come and go enough to keep the seats warm. The MSG wasn't too bad, I judge by my tummy, and she was ok but a bit rumbly. The cream puffs, were decent, but then again I am bias, not like my mom's! The lemon drink, meh....tasted artificial. Will not order that here again. As others have said...CASH ONLY, leave the plastic at home. Will I be back.....sure you got it. And for the idiot at the next table who looked over after I left, yes I did tip, but left the tip in the jar at the register. Now snicker that!
Wow, I started off explaining just why I had rated it 5 stars and it was reading just like Matt R's review, haha... But seriously, it's just another Than Brothers, right? Yeah, it is. They're good, just like the others are good. Same menu, same routine. But this one is quite clean! I mean, compared to say, the U-Dist. one or the one on Aurora next to the Seattle Kung Fu Club, it's REALLY clean! I eat at all of them regardless, but it's easier to bring skeptics in here than the one down further south on 99/Aurora. It's in a newer strip mall, anyways, so the facility is newer, next to Boohan Market. The pho is great as it is at pretty much most of them, though if you have it and the onions and stuff still seem VERY fresh, it might be a fresh batch, which might not seem as flavorful. The cream puffs are delectable treats that are just as hard to set aside for dessert as they are at each of them. It's also just down the street, less than a mile from my house, so that's the biggest plus of all! There's a couple other pho places relatively closeby. There's the one at Five Corners and the one practically across the street in the 99 Ranch complex, but I def prefer this over both of those!
Price is great, location is great for me, atmosphere is much cleaner-seeming than other Than Brothers (though the Everett one was also quite clean, the one time I went there), and they're always friendly enough. Like is their MO, bring cash!
So, I was driving home from work yesterday afternoon on I-5 Northbound. At about the MLT exit, a police cruiser shot by me going about 100 mile an hour. then traffic slowed. I was rushing up north because i wanted lunch close to my house. I didnt want to wait in the impending traffic, so i got off the freeway and headed down the hill to edmonds. I have heard alot abot Than Bros Pho, and i am a newly addicted Pho lover, so i figured, i had my last 7 bucks on me, and i wanted a bowl of that deliciousness that fills you with warmth and flavor but never makes you feel lethargic.
So, i went to the strip-mall next to the Boo-Han and stepped into Than Bros. I was seated immediately, and after glancing the menu, a server came over immediately and brought my pho accoutrements, and a little dough ball thingie (so this is the famed creampuff??? looks kind of like a cute little turd-shaped bun). He asked if i was ready, and i ordered a medium #3 (flank and round) Beef pho. The service here was lightening fast, but its nothing to write home about, all they do is pho, which the ingredients cook in the soup. I was surprised when i got my pho, that the noodles were a little more cooked than other pho places ive tried. I was expecting to have to wait a few minutes to dive my face into it, but it seemed "ready to go". Temperature wise, i would have liked the broth a little hotter, but im one of those people that like my soups scalding hot and my drinks ice cold. I call myself a "Gastronomic Extremist".
I took a sip of the broth first, and this was the most dissapointing thing to me. I was expected to be lost in the sea of star anise and cinnamon-y spices that a traditional beef pho contains. This pho had very little spice flavor to it, and even on sodium content, it was rather lack-luster. Then, i understood. This is the McDonalds of Pho restaurants. It is an Americanized Pho restaurant. Ohhhhh.... I am now enlightened, and add a healthy dose of hoisin to the broth, which made it a lot better. I enjoyed the pho, i would have liked a little more noodle, so next time ill order extra. For a quick lunch and not having to sit in traffic, this Than Bros. deserves 4 stars, I cannot bring myself to make it 5, because it tasted like "Pho" but not like PHO. This would be a great place to bring a Pho virgin to, for their first introduction to the dish. For 5.19 with tax, it was the best affordable lunch ive had in a while. I have a deep appriciation for businesses that keep their overhead low so us cheap eaters can afford to keep coming back.
P.S. The little cream puff "turd" was the perfect end to the meal, now that i know they taste so good, i might not be able to save mine till after the Pho next time!!!
Than Bros might as well be called Pho R Us. That's basically all they do, and they are very good and efficient at it. I've had Pho numerous other places, many of them quite serviceable, but none better. So I guess rating Pho for Pho, they get five stars. Like a previous yelper wrote, they take your order and they serve your order. No B.S. And no other place I've found serves as generous portion for the price. Others cost more for less. Come to Than's, and someone is there usually in under a minute, sometimes within moments, for your order. Then, usually within 1-2 minutes, sometimes a little longer if the joint is crowded, you have your accoutrements and a steaming bowl of hot soup - I usually go for the Pho Ga (chicken) - similar to what mom used to make but healthier.
And speaking of health, try going in for breakfast at 10 AM or so. Was there one Sunday and found a dozen of so people - all Vietnamese - happily slurping away at their soup. No eggs or bacon or sausage in sight. When was the last time YOU saw a Vietnamese fattie?
In the mood for a steaming bowl of noodle soup? Can't go wrong with Than's. It's what they do.
They put too much MSG in the soup. It made me sick. I usually eat pho at the other Than bro's located on the Ave next to UW. There's has msg as well, but it tastes better. It's a chain but it tastes slightly different.
i use to love this place due to the sheer volume of food you could get for a small amount of money, BUT
prices were raised which was okay until
a friend and i were going out to eat here and the only two seat open were two seats at a 4 top...next to two other people. we said we would wait for something to open up and he insisted that we sat next to the two people
they were extremely rude to us on multiple accounts including one where they basically took out food from in front of us and told us we were done and asked us to get up and leave so more people could sit down.
a friend of mine recently found a toothpick in his soup as well
go up the street to pho 99 or down the street to pho hua this place is horrible
best pho ever. forever. ive had pho in many different places now and this is by FAR the best bowl.
My favorite pho restaurant is Pho Thanh Brother, but the problem is. I don't really like their customer service. They have an attitude, seriously. I don't like putting cilantro and onions in my noodle, I like it in the side. And few times, they messed the order and gave me with cilantro and onion. And I said it nicely if I can get another one. I know I should have taken out, but I hate the taste of cilantro and onion inside my soup. Not being picky at all, I get sick afterwards, that's why. And the manager got mad at me, he made one of the cooker spit on my food.............................................. .. At first, I was thinking to myself, should I stop going here? But I can't stop going there because their pho is so cheap! And I love how they give those little bread, which I forgot the name again -0-;; Croutons? I wish they hired someone with good speaking English. It annoys me when new Vietnamese people get hired and they don't even know how to understand English, it's freaking annoying. Because it makes it look like I did something wrong, when it was their fault! They don't even admit that it's their fault, they kept blaming it on me because I know some Vietnamese words, and I heard they call me a pig LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I laughed so hard. "Heo" means pig. "that girl is heo" I heard it all XDDD
I had just got done talking to my fisherman buddy who had just got back from Alaska, he was bragging about after being out to sea for 4 months that he needed something cheap, quick and easy. .......so off to highway 99 we went. We drove for a while and saw a newer strip mall and decided to get out and walk around. I too now was in the mood for something quick, cheap and easy that would satisfy me and yet would be good enough to introduce to my mother. It was cold out and I was yearning hot and spicey when I noticed a cute Asian gal. I made contact with her and she took my money and within 30 minutes I was the most satisfied guy in Edmonds. I felt guilty but my needs and desires were full filled.........Yes I had some of the best damn Pho in the Seattle area. The broth arrived in less then 3 minutes and I did feel guilty about paying such a low fee for such a hearty meal........and Yes I did take some to my Mom, she lives 8 blocks away. This place is clean, always busy and very quick. I think it's some of the best Pho I have had in the Seattle area. Parking can be tight, but it's worth the effort.
This restaurant has got to have the worst service I have ever had in my life! We went to Thanh Brothers in Lynnwood on Fathers Day - when we arrived, we asked to be seated by the fish tank becuase my son wanted to sit by the fish...we were immediately rejected and told to sit elsewhere...even though the restaurant was nearly empty! Then my son opened two packages of chopsticks - when a worker saw him - he reached over onto our table and REMOVED THE UTENCIL HOLDER even before my husband and I got our spoons! RUDE! For one, those chopsticks cost 1 cent each and it costs 3 cents to make pho! So I approached the counter and asked to pay. The lady was nice, but to owner approached and asked what was wrong and I said i thought it was rude that they took the utencil holder away over two chopsticks - and you know what he said - THOSE CHOPSTICKS ARE NOT RECYCLABLE, WE THROW AWAY AND HE ALREADY OPEN MANY! OMG - are you seriously having a cow over two chopsticks! So I am officially boycotting all Thanh Brother restauants - they are NOT kid friendly, they are rude and penny pinchers!
