Are you on the hunt for the Best Pho in Chicago? Look no further! At FoodVietnamese.com, we have scoured the city to bring you the ultimate guide to the most delicious and authentic pho spots in the Windy City. Whether you’re a pho enthusiast or a newcomer to this flavorful Vietnamese soup, our comprehensive review will help you discover the top places that serve the Best Pho in Chicago. Join us as we explore these hidden gems and popular favorites that will satisfy your pho cravings like never before.
1. The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine
I’ve visited multiple times and each experience has been delightful. The chicken soup is a standout, served in a generous bowl for just $11.99, brimming with rich flavor. Their beef pho, banh mi, and beef short ribs are among the best I’ve ever had, making my first visit truly memorable.
The dining area and bathrooms are impeccably clean, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Despite the challenges of parking in Chinatown, the convenience of being so close to the airport makes it worth the effort. Just remember to feed the meters as the area is frequently monitored.
The food is consistently excellent, and the service is top-notch. The pho is particularly noteworthy, currently priced at $12.99, a slight increase due to inflation but still worth every penny. They offer amazing gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy their meals.
Pairing the pho with steak flank, crab rangoons, and spring rolls is a personal favorite, and the Thai iced coffee is a must-try. This place has become my go-to spot in Chicago for great Pho and more. As a loyal customer for nearly two years, I can confidently say that The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine is my favorite restaurant to visit whenever I’m in town. Highly recommended!
Contact info
- Address: 2336 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
- Phone: +1 312-674-1168
- Menu: thenoodleschicago.com
2. Saigon Sisters
Saigon Sisters offers an incredible Vietnamese dining experience right in the heart of downtown Chicago. The owner is exceptionally friendly and does a fantastic job of introducing the food and beverages, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. The meatball pho is outstanding, and the mango sticky rice is perfection. We will definitely be returning.
I celebrated my birthday lunch here with a friend, and the atmosphere was as relaxed and enjoyable as always. The Bun Bo Hue, with its perfect level of spiciness, is one of my favorites. It’s one of the best pho places in Chicago, hands down.
A big thank you to Dan for the professional and super welcoming hospitality! The cozy environment, great music, and exceptional staff make every visit special. The pho, with its perfect beef and broth, is amazing. The branzino is an exclusive highlight, incredibly delicious. The Bo Luc Lak melts in your mouth with its tender texture and flavorful sauce. The grilled octopus is wonderfully spicy and full of flavor.
The banana brown butter cake is a standout favorite, and I will definitely come back for it. Thank you once again for the beautiful dinner! Saigon Sisters is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Contact info
- Address: 567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
- Phone: +1 312-496-0090
3. Le Colonial Chicago
Le Colonial Chicago offers a delightful culinary experience that ranges from great to excellent. The chicken dumplings, while good, could use a bit more flavor, but the quality of the ingredients shines through. The oxtail pho is particularly impressive, with just the right balance of everything, and it can be easily enhanced with a touch of chili. The crème brûlée, a classic favorite, was outstanding.
A big thanks to Mel for the exceptional service at the bar. The decor is quite elaborate, evoking a bygone era, which may not be to everyone’s taste, but it does contribute to an upscale vibe perfect for a night out, whether it’s for work, close friends, or a dressed-up date.
Despite a last-minute booking, I had a great experience. While the food portions were on the smaller side, they were definitely tasty. The pho and wide noodles were particularly enjoyable. The atmosphere is beautiful and elegant, with lots of natural lighting. The staff and servers were incredibly friendly, making the visit even more pleasant.
Le Colonial is indeed a beautiful place with amazing food. Though the prices are on the higher side, the quality and taste make it worth a stop. Some dishes are authentically Vietnamese and full of flavor. The pho soup is light and delicious, though smaller than what you might find in traditional Vietnamese restaurants. The red snapper stands out as a favorite, crispy, sweet, and savory in every bite.
Overall, Le Colonial offers possibly the best Vietnamese cuisine in Chicago. I will definitely return for the pho, and I look forward to trying more of their dishes.
Contact info
- Address: 57 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
- Phone: +1 312-255-0088
- Menu: chicago.lecolonial.com
4. Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches
Having lived in Seattle for many years, I’ve been on the hunt for great Vietnamese food in Chicago, and Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches is the spot! I usually go for the vegetarian banh mi or shrimp spring rolls, both reasonably priced and delicious. I still need to try the pho, but I’m sure it’s excellent based on everything else.
The ginger chicken pho is fantastic, with a flavorful broth perfect for a cold Chicago day. The service here is amazing and accommodating, even managing my soy allergy with ease.
This place boasts the best banh mi in the city, with consistently fresh French bread that’s never too crunchy or stale. Their rice and noodle dishes are also top-notch, and the spring rolls with sauce are a must-try.
Overall, Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches is definitely the best local Vietnamese fusion spot in Chicago. The wings are incredibly flavorful, and every visit leaves me eager to come back for more. Highly recommended!
Contact info
- Located in: University Village Market Place
- Address: 719 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
- Phone: +1 312-733-7595
- Menu: lotusbanhmi.com
5. Standard Pho
My first visit to Standard Pho was fantastic. The service was exceptional, with multiple check-ins to ensure everything was perfect. The restaurant itself is super cute, adorned with anime covers on the walls, creating a fun and unique atmosphere.
The portion sizes for the pho are huge, perfect for sharing between two people. I had the Spicy Chicken Pho, which came out piping hot, just the way I love it. The Beef Brisket Summer Rolls were also a hit, especially with the deliciously sweet peanut sauce that paired perfectly with a touch of sriracha.
The Chicken Lollipops were another highlight. They were thoroughly cooked and served super hot, with a tasty sauce to complement them. I also appreciate that they took their time to cook the wings properly, which is often overlooked at other places.
One night, we were taken care of by Manish, who made our late-night visit at 11 PM truly enjoyable. His attentiveness and friendly demeanor were outstanding, making the experience memorable. I rate the food a solid 7.5 out of 10, with room for more options to add to the pho, but Manish gets a 100 out of 10 for his excellent service.
The owner also made the experience special by coming out to interact with the guests, adding a personal touch that made me feel valued. The fact that they are open late is a huge plus, offering a great bowl of pho with friendly people around. Overall, Standard Pho is a great place to eat, and I will definitely be returning to try more menu items.
Contact info
- Address: 1014 S Western Ave Unit C, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
- Phone: +1 312-866-3703
- Menu: standardpho.com
6. Ocean Grill & Bar
Ocean Grill & Bar is a fantastic spot that offers a great dining experience. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of seating, making it perfect for large groups or parties. The staff is incredibly nice and accommodating. When we asked to take our leftovers to go, they thoughtfully separated the soup and noodles for us and packed everything up nicely, which many places don’t do.
The food arrived quickly, within 15 minutes, and everything we ordered was perfectly seasoned and light. We had the lemongrass snails, combination pho, spicy beef noodle soup, and fried pork egg rolls. The flavors were spot on, and despite eating a variety of dishes, I didn’t feel heavy afterward. We also took two banh mi sandwiches to go, and the total bill was around $80, which I think is fair given the portions and quality.
The grilled oysters and steamed clams in Tom yum sauce were highlights, along with the spring rolls, egg rolls, and pho. The seafood is excellent and definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan. I highly recommend the live crawfish in butter and garlic style—it’s incredibly good!
The only downside was the timing of the dishes, as there were long periods between when each dish came out. However, this didn’t detract much from the overall experience. The restaurant is not located in the main Chinatown area but is close and conveniently across from a park.
For drinks and dessert, the Thai kumquat iced tea and Che Thai are must-tries. Overall, Ocean Grill & Bar is my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Chinatown. Whether dining in or ordering delivery, it consistently satisfies my cravings for Vietnamese food. Highly recommended!
Contact info
- Address: 1826 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60616, United States
- Phone: +1 312-226-1826
7. Phở 777
The pho was absolutely delicious! The broth, noodles, and meat were full of flavors, and adding hoisin and sriracha sauce made it even better.
I also tried the beef short ribs and filet mignon (com Bo luc lac), and they were incredible. I cleaned my plate—it was that good. This place has become my go-to spot. For anyone hesitant like I was, give it a shot; you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The food here is amazing! I even drove an hour to get to this place. I had the Chicken Pho and Spring Rolls. The broth is fantastic on its own, which says a lot because most people drown it in sauce. I’ve had broth from other places that didn’t come close to this. My server was super nice, polite, and efficient.
Everything on their extensive menu is spectacular! You can’t go wrong with their #1 pho, and the spring roll appetizer, fresh with shrimp, pork, herbs, and rice noodles, is a must-try. Phở 777 is definitely worth the visit!
Contact info
- Address: 1104 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
- Phone: +1 773-561-9909
8. Tank Noodle
I fell in love with Tank Noodle immediately. The taste, service, portions, prices, and options are all excellent. I highly recommend it to everyone and will definitely be coming back. The pho and the crepe appetizer are outstanding.
If you want to enjoy the best Vietnamese Pho in Chicago, making a trip to the corner of Broadway and Argyle Street to experience Tank Noodle is a must. For the full experience, I recommend dining in.
What to order? Definitely the Pho with beef. The thinly sliced beef is raw, and when you put it in the piping hot soup, it cooks almost instantly. The beef broth is rich and flavorful. The Pho comes with bean sprouts, basil leaves, cilantro, jalapenos, and a lime. I like to add other vegetables like mushrooms and broccoli, although there is an additional charge.
For beverages, the Boba Tea is out of this world good. Avocado and Mango are great choices.
Tank Noodle is one of our favorite spots in Chicago! The Pho broth, as well as every dish we’ve had so far, has been terrific. I highly recommend the Vietnamese Sizzling Crepe, the do-it-yourself wraps, papaya salad, any of the Phos, duck egg noodle soup, beef stew, pork patty vermicelli, curry chicken noodle soup, rice dish with grilled pork and Chinese sausage, yang chow fried rice, catfish clay pot, and spicy calamari.
Contact info
- Address: 4953-55 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
- Phone: +1 773-878-2253
- Menu: tanknoodlechicago.com
9. Phodega
Phodega is a unique gem in Wicker Park with a vibrant Vietnamese punk rock vibe. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by super delicious pho and surprisingly good sandwiches. I’ve had the pho bo (beef) twice now, and it’s fantastic. The only downside is that the to-go portion sizes seem much smaller, but I’ll definitely be back.
This place is great for pho. I took my niece specifically for pho, and had to convince her to order. She was glad she did, as all the appetizers were fresh and delicious. The decor is absolutely bomb, with cool pictures and art on the walls. I can’t wait to get back there.
My favorite is the oxtail phở, which is only available on weekends. The wide noodles remind me of how I ate pho in Saigon growing up. Most Vietnamese restaurants in the US use thin noodles, which to me, is more like hủ tiếu.
The menu is somewhat limited, with no combination phở with tripe or poached egg add-ons. But that’s not a big deal to me, as it’s still my favorite phở in Chicago.
Phodega is a must-stop if you’re ever in the neighborhood. It’s a small place, so you’ll need to be lucky to get in! I wish I had tried the crispy chicken skins, but the Pho Ga was fantastic and came in a huge portion. The smaller menu covers all the needed bases if you’re seeking this particular cuisine. Highly recommended!
Contact info
- Address: 1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
- Phone: +1 773-687-8187
- Menu: phodega.square.site
The search for the Best Pho in Chicago leads to a delightful journey through the city’s vibrant culinary scene. From the rich and aromatic broths to the perfectly cooked noodles and tender meats, each pho spot offers a unique and unforgettable experience. We hope this guide from FoodVietnamese.com helps you find your new favorite pho destination. Whether you’re a seasoned pho lover or new to this comforting Vietnamese dish, these top picks will surely satisfy your cravings. Enjoy your culinary adventure and savor every bowl of the Best Pho in Chicago!
