Best pho in Los Angeles proper

[memnova]

I would love to venture further south at some point, but right now I don't have time. Therefore, if anyone has suggestions in LA near downtown, Alhambra, etc. I would really appreciate any suggestions.

[BSW6490]

I am not an expert, but 9021 Pho in BH is owned by the former owner/chef of Michelina and I am told it is very, very good.

[Charles Pepper]

I wasn't terribly impressed with 9021 Pho. Expensive. Weak broth.

[condiment]

Pho 87 always has its detractors on this board for some reason, but it is remarkably consistent, and has served the best pho and bun in Chinatown for almost 30 years.

The Ktown places are worth visiting only if it happens to be 3 a.m. and only pho will do. The pho joints in the westside and Silver Lake aren't even that good. (Or open that late.)

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Pho 87
1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[lil mikey]

I've also eaten at Pho 87 over the years, and generally like it. But I think they're under new ownership as last time I went they were all wearing uniforms. The pho was still better than many other places I've been; but as I recall it was a little less great than usual.

I also like Pho So 1 on Victory and Sepulveda. It's not in the OP's desired location, but if ever in the SF Valley....

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Pho 87
1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[chewbacca]

I 2nd Pho So 1 even though there is a Pho 999 across the street, I prefer Pho So !. In Van Nuys and worth the drive plus you can shop at the 99 Ranch next door for fixins to bring home.

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99 Ranch
17713 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA

[ns1]

did pho so 1 and pho 999 on consecutive days and pho999 was waaaaaaaay better.

pho so 1 overcooked the noodles and the place was crazy dirty, even under vietnamese standards

my entire party agreed. pho 999 also has superior che ba mau and com tam.

[chewbacca]

I agree with the overcooked noodles but I have only had them overcooked on the weekends.....not sure why but I guess when it is crazy busy. I have been meaning to try those Che ba Mau and now I will have to do my own taste test. Thanks!

[WildSwede]

Completely agree with chewbacca. Pho So 1 is heads and shoulders above Pho 999. The parking in that lot is ridiculous, though.

[ns1]

I suppose I'll give them another shot but that pho was so overcooked it should have been a crime

[WildSwede]

I have never noticed it being overcooked. However, I have never tried anything but the Pho at either place.

[Charles Pepper]

Despite the generic sounding name, Pho 36 is the very best in LA, in my opinion. It's on Western between 11th and 12th.

[ns1]

nm. delete.

[Galen]

Pho Hoa on Spring. Better than most Little Saigon places.

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Pho Hoa
818 N Spring St Ste 103, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[Will Owen]

I don't know if it's the best, but we've enjoyed the stuff at Pho Hua in Chinatown, on Spring Street just south of College. A bit grungier-appearing than the more "modern" place across the street, but to our way of thinking much more inviting. There is also a newish place up on Broadway, a branch of one in the SGV, but I can never remember the name. They have pho and bun, including a Bun Bo Hue which I have yet to try. Just a bit south of College on the west side of the street. Anyone know that one? Pretty good, and friendly.

[lileor]

I think you're referring to Gigo's Cafe & Deli? It's 1 or 2 doors down from Hop Woo. Their special is filet mignon pho and this is my go-to pho place in Chinatown. I like it better than Pho 87 and it's cheaper too (SGV pricing, not the inflated Chinatown pricing).

[Will Owen]

Yes, Gigo's. No wonder I couldn't remember it … I had pho last time we were there, and it was okay, not up to Pho Hua's level, but we were with friends who have Issues with any place both "foreign" and funky. I must say I'll take some good brisket and beef balls over filet any day.

[TonyC]

Do you mean there's also a Gigo in the SGV? If so, uhm, where?

[Will Owen]

I'm not at all sure if the SGV one is called that, nor do I remember where they said it is. I frankly did not pay much attention, since I know lots of better pho in the SGV (yes, WS, especially Pho 79!), and Vietnam Restaurant has a Bun Bo Hue that makes me very happy.

[katkoupai]

There's a place near downtown and in Chinatown that has pho. I think it's called Pho Broadway. It hits the spot, if you have a craving and are in the area, but I wouldn't say it's the best. There are better places in Alhambra and San Gabriel off Valley Blvd. Honestly, I have had a lot of pho, and it's very hard to say which is best. The broth is key, and it depends how you like it.

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Pho Broadway
942 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012

[ns1]

pho 79 in the 626, pho 999 in the 818

don't go anywhere in the 213/323

[WildSwede]

Pho 79 in Alhambra is my favorite. Try the Charbroiled Pork Pho (#36 or 37). It will blow you away! On Garfield just south of Main.

[ns1]

that's where I go when I drive to the SGV for pho, but pho 999 is good enough.

[WildSwede]

Yeah, there are a lot of places where the Pho is good enough. But when you want great Pho, Pho 79 is hard to beat.

[SoCal Foodie]

Thanks WildSwede! Tried the charbroiled pork pho at Pho 79 in Alhambra the other day and loved it! The pork just melted in your mouth and the broth was so delicious!