Pho Van

It really is. And Pho Van is a great place to have it. The service there is always great. The decor is gorgeous, not at all what you would expect on 82nd! They have the yummiest dessert wines, too. I would stick to the pho - I tried a dish once with different preparations of pork, and didn't care for it as much. more

A freind of my mom's took us here for lunch one time. I had never had vietnamese food before, so I was a little nervous I wouldn't like it. I was very wrong, it's some of the best food I've ever had. The rice they served was really good, and my main platter, which was chicken(don't remember the menu name sadly) was the best tasting chicken I have ever had. The staff was also very friendly, and the restaurant was very clean and family friendly. more

Absolutely worth the drive to 82nd. Nestled amongst a thousand car lots and sketchy check cashing places is this gem of a restaurant, and no, you can't just go to the Pho Van in the pearl district instead. When you go to Pho Van what you want is the Beef 7 Ways, and it's only available at the SE 82nd location. What I love most about Beef 7 Ways is that it's as entertaining as it is tasty; it's interactive eating. Cook paper thin slices of beef in boiling broth, soak rice paper wrappers in hot water, add noodles, cucumber, basil, cilantro, plantains or plum sauce, and dip in a variety of sauces. Each wrap is an explosion of unusual flavor and texture. Unless you're more deft with rice paper than I am, be prepared to go through a stack of napkins, but sticky fingers are a small price to pay for finding yourself in culinary heaven. If you haven't been, go. Immediately. more