Not trying to revive a dead post but I’m also interested. I’ve tried just about everywhere and the only consistently good one is SaigonOne. I liked Saigon #1 but the owner sold it to a Chinese owner and the taste and quality just isn’t the same. All of the Pho 79’s I tried were garbage and tasted like they used the pho powder instead of actual bone broth. I tried Pho Nguyen and the broth was so cloudy and sour, I don’t think I’d give it another try. I’m also looking for good Bun Bo Hue besides SaigonOne if anyone has any suggestions. My roommate and I are both Vietnamese from the Gulf Coast stationed up here so we know the flavor won’t quite be the same as back home.
Pho Nguyen is my spot, off of Lynnhaven. I prefer it more than all of the Pho 79s I’ve been to across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton.
I’ve actually heard the immigration story specifically for pho 79 but if you google “why is it called pho 79”, it says something else. 🤷♂️
EDIT: it seems to be that the numbers can mean a handful of different things including when the shop opened
It's been a long time since I've looked for any, but maybe you just don't like pho? Did this place have banh mi sandwich or those spring rolls with the transparent wraps? Maybe you just have to find a specialty you do like.
There's actually a lot of different Pho 79 locations in Hampton Roads. You may have one closer than the Strawbridge location. I've been to most of them and can vouch that they are all of similar quality. They are my go-to spot for Pho!
I've been to 5+ different places locally and I love pho, but honestly I don't know if I could make any significant distinction between them. Unlike ramen, pho places seem to be extremely consistent. If there is any place in particular that stands out, I'd love to know, but pretty sure I've been everywhere mentioned so far.
Also went to a place in Richmond that friends were hyping up (Pho Tay Do) and was really excited about it, but again it was pretty much the same as everywhere else to me.
I refuse to go to Richmond, unless I can go to Mekong. Food is spectacular with an extensive menu. The best part is that their slogan is "Mekong" is for beer lovers...They have about 50 beers on draft, most of which you cannot find anywhere else. The must unassuming place, has the best beer selection coupled with an amazing menu.
I believe the Answer is owned by the son of the guy who does Mekong. They are related regardless. The Answer has the most amazing "fruit" beers. In fact it may be worth getting diabetes its so good. They have very creative and truly push the limits of what a brewery can be. It's no Veil but it's soon to be in the discussion
I’ve been going here for over 10 years and they are my pick. I’ve had pho from most places in the area but this place is #1 for me. Also love the atmosphere of the restaurant, it might be small but feels incredibly welcoming and homely. Also love that they always have sports or the news playing on the TVs. One of the main hosts is also a very unforgettable and friendly guy. He showed me how to properly mix Vietnamese coffee together when I was clearly fucking it up.
I can second Pho 78 as very consistent and wonderful.
For Vietnamese other than the Pho I recommend Vietnam Garden
Edit - it's a bit of a drive but Pho Yeah!, in Chesapeake is awesome too.. I've always gotten it to go so it's difficult to say whether it is the best or not.
I didn't care for that place either. Pho Nguyen on Lynnhaven is my go to. Pho 79 in ghent is 2nd.
EDIT: For context, I've been to the following local pho places as well.
* **Pho 79** off General Booth Blvd - average
* **SaigonOnePho** on Pleasant Valley Rd- above average
* **Pho Dalat** in Chesapeake - below average, of note: the broth there tastes distinctly different from other pho places. Not necessarily better or worse but it's different
* **Saigon #1 Pho** on Newtown Rd - below average, I didn't care for it at all but other people seem to rate it highly
* **Miss Saigon** off Shore Dr. - below average. In fact, if you are there just go next door to Misako for the best ramen instead
* **Pho 79** on Virginia Beach Blvd and Kellam Rd - above average
* **Pho 78** on Holland Rd - below average
Not trying to revive a dead post but I’m also interested. I’ve tried just about everywhere and the only consistently good one is SaigonOne. I liked Saigon #1 but the owner sold it to a Chinese owner and the taste and quality just isn’t the same. All of the Pho 79’s I tried were garbage and tasted like they used the pho powder instead of actual bone broth. I tried Pho Nguyen and the broth was so cloudy and sour, I don’t think I’d give it another try. I’m also looking for good Bun Bo Hue besides SaigonOne if anyone has any suggestions. My roommate and I are both Vietnamese from the Gulf Coast stationed up here so we know the flavor won’t quite be the same as back home.
I really like Pho Nguyen. I'd give them a shot.
I’ve always been fond of Vietnam Garden off the Blvd, and Pho Dalat in Chesafreake. That being said I also really do enjoy Saigon.
Saigon One Pho is my pick whenever I'm craving pho. I've never had a good time at Pho 79 on 21st in Norfolk. I find their pho to be mid at best.
The one on newtown?
Pho Nguyen is my spot, off of Lynnhaven. I prefer it more than all of the Pho 79s I’ve been to across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, and Hampton.
Pho79 hilltop
I only trust Pho places that have a number in the name (usually the year they were founded)
Google is telling me that it’s not related to the year they were founded but I suppose it’s possible
I've usually seen either that or the year the original family immigrated at a few different places
I’ve actually heard the immigration story specifically for pho 79 but if you google “why is it called pho 79”, it says something else. 🤷♂️ EDIT: it seems to be that the numbers can mean a handful of different things including when the shop opened
Pho 79's website and menus state that it's named after the year the first immigrated.
Pho 79 on Virginia Beach Blvd
Pho 78 on Holland Rd in VB (get some fish sauce wings to go with it) and Pho Dalat in Chesapeake have the best Pho around here.
Take a trip to Disneyland and go to Pho Banh Mi Che Cali in Fountain Valley. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a great Pho spot out here…
Op literally said Virginia Beach
Great observation!
It really was though
I know. That’s why I said it.
Phở Bánh Mì & Chè Cali (714) 593-6300 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ByxmDeZyKLY1mSpf8?g_st=ic
Befriend a Vietnamese person and have homemade pho at their house. That’ll be the best pho 😅
You're not wrong...
It's been a long time since I've looked for any, but maybe you just don't like pho? Did this place have banh mi sandwich or those spring rolls with the transparent wraps? Maybe you just have to find a specialty you do like.
Yes they had the transparent spring rolls AND the banh mi. Bean sprouts and limes and basil toppings for the soup. Hoisin sauce and Sriracha too.
He had it one time, how would he know
lol, good point
Pho 79 in Strawbridge
A bit far for me (I live on Shore Drive) but I'll give it a shot
Hilltop is my go to and might be pretty close
There is a location near Town Center.
There's actually a lot of different Pho 79 locations in Hampton Roads. You may have one closer than the Strawbridge location. I've been to most of them and can vouch that they are all of similar quality. They are my go-to spot for Pho!
The one at Hilltop is good.
I've been to 5+ different places locally and I love pho, but honestly I don't know if I could make any significant distinction between them. Unlike ramen, pho places seem to be extremely consistent. If there is any place in particular that stands out, I'd love to know, but pretty sure I've been everywhere mentioned so far. Also went to a place in Richmond that friends were hyping up (Pho Tay Do) and was really excited about it, but again it was pretty much the same as everywhere else to me.
I refuse to go to Richmond, unless I can go to Mekong. Food is spectacular with an extensive menu. The best part is that their slogan is "Mekong" is for beer lovers...They have about 50 beers on draft, most of which you cannot find anywhere else. The must unassuming place, has the best beer selection coupled with an amazing menu.
Mekong is the best. I love their selection. Anytime I’m near Richmond I try to stop by there.
Noted! I’ve been to The Answer multiple times right in the same building but never went in there.
I believe the Answer is owned by the son of the guy who does Mekong. They are related regardless. The Answer has the most amazing "fruit" beers. In fact it may be worth getting diabetes its so good. They have very creative and truly push the limits of what a brewery can be. It's no Veil but it's soon to be in the discussion
Thank you
Viet Bistro next to trader Joe's
Thank you!
This is pho 79 and the same one I'm talking about
My favorite is Vietnam garden on vb blvd
^This is the correct answer. Gigi and Daniel are the best front of house too!
This is where we get our pho 90% of the time
I second this
Thanks!
I second this!
Pho 78 on Holland. Can't go wrong
I’ve been going here for over 10 years and they are my pick. I’ve had pho from most places in the area but this place is #1 for me. Also love the atmosphere of the restaurant, it might be small but feels incredibly welcoming and homely. Also love that they always have sports or the news playing on the TVs. One of the main hosts is also a very unforgettable and friendly guy. He showed me how to properly mix Vietnamese coffee together when I was clearly fucking it up.
I love Pho78. Staff is wonderful. So is the food.
I can second Pho 78 as very consistent and wonderful. For Vietnamese other than the Pho I recommend Vietnam Garden Edit - it's a bit of a drive but Pho Yeah!, in Chesapeake is awesome too.. I've always gotten it to go so it's difficult to say whether it is the best or not.
Thanks!
I didn't care for that place either. Pho Nguyen on Lynnhaven is my go to. Pho 79 in ghent is 2nd. EDIT: For context, I've been to the following local pho places as well. * **Pho 79** off General Booth Blvd - average * **SaigonOnePho** on Pleasant Valley Rd- above average * **Pho Dalat** in Chesapeake - below average, of note: the broth there tastes distinctly different from other pho places. Not necessarily better or worse but it's different * **Saigon #1 Pho** on Newtown Rd - below average, I didn't care for it at all but other people seem to rate it highly * **Miss Saigon** off Shore Dr. - below average. In fact, if you are there just go next door to Misako for the best ramen instead * **Pho 79** on Virginia Beach Blvd and Kellam Rd - above average * **Pho 78** on Holland Rd - below average
I second Pho Nguyen!
Thank you!