Pho in Denver?

Pho fan and Pho-King reader Alfred (of Chipotle's Special Ops division - you know, the guys who rappel from black helicopters at night and leave tasty burritos on your nightstand while you're sleeping) is in Denver and misses the many good pho choices of his previous home, Seattle. Can anyone help him out with some suggestions of where to go for good pho in Denver?

Comments

[Dariana]

Congrats, your site just earned a 10 rating from me via BlogExplosion. Wonderful post(s).

[ben]

Relatedly, is there anywhere in Boulder that serves pho?

[ryan walsh]

there is pho in boulder at a vietnamese restaurant on 28th and pearl? it is right across the street from fascinations and it is called chez thuy. it's excellent pho. the broth is sweeter than most pho restaurants but it's quite tasty! they also have chai gio for an appetizer which is a major bonus. enjoy.

[Lee Truitt]

I ate at a wonderful Pho place in Denver called Pho 79. Cant recall exactly where it is , but it is near quite few other Vietnamese establishments. (Near Mile Hi?)

[Jay Schock]

Whenever I'm in Denver, I always stop for pho at Little Saigon Restaurant located in the heart of Cherry Creek at 201 Steele St #3C. Phone: 303/333-4569

Give it a try--you won't be disappointed!

[phao cao]

Hi everybody,
In Denver the vietnamese shopping district mainly is at Federal st,between Alameda st and Evans st.There you can go for whatever you for your asian,specialty vietnamese stuff.If you want pho like me(authentic)you can go for:Pho 79,Pho Duy,Pho#1.All those are a block or between them

[goneaway]

Pho 79 is probably the best of the bunch. Make sure to check out the Vietnamese sandwiches and other crazy good but ridiculously inexpensive baked goodies at Baker's Palace (Federal and Custer) when you're down that way.

[Denver Post Critic]

One of the very best and quite new vietnamese restaurants is called Pho 99. It is located at 2200 W. Alameda Suite 7 in Denver. They serve a lot more than just pho opposed to the other pho joints. You have to try their Bun Bo Hue it has the best tasting broth ever. If u like catfish u gotta try their special filet catfish, its a regular customer's favorite.Or u could try their combo Bun noodle bowls, but if your in tha mood for rice go with #37 #44 or #48. Its so hard for me to decide what to eat everytime i go there there all delicious dishes

[hotani]

There are a few pho 79s around. One is at Federal and 72nd, another is up north on 120th by the big new asian market.

My regular place is pho 88 which is at Federal and 104th. Chez Thuy in Boulder is great, but I hardly ever get pho there since they have an extensive menu. Last few times I've ordered their combination egg noodle soup containing shrimp, duck and pork which is always wonderful.

[Thanhnguyet Vo]

Pho Duy on 945 S. Federal in Denver (303) 937-1609. Excellent authentic pho - best cuts of fresh meats. Flavorful and friendly staff.

[Denver Eagle]

Pho 79 is the best I have found. I go to the one on Havana and Mississippi. Their broth rocks ... hint of cinnamon. Plus, they are not stingy on meat and noodles. I recommend that one pho sure.

[Em]

Try pho at the new restaurant called Sapa on 6882 s. yosemite st, centennial (near Denver Tech Center). Don't be fooled by their extensive menu as this place does things well. Their Pho have NO MSG and the aroma is out of this world - just like Mom's cooking. The place is so pretty and relaxing which enhance Pho experience there even more

[Nick]

There are a lot of good pho resturants in colorado. Most of the places are along federal in Denver but there are also some great locations in Aurora and Englewood.

[Jesse]

I tell ya the best place for pho is in Broomfield on 120th near wadsworth. They have an asian market called POM and right next to it is PHO DUE and PHO 79 and right across the street is PHO 120, if you head east to Federal and dip down to 104th you will find PHO 88 which kicks ASS! Best MEAT BALLS - PHO 88 BEST BROTH - PHO 79 MOST MEAT FOR $$$ - PHO DUE

[Mem]

Havana and Mississippi is the best ever. I ate there everyday. They coook it wonderfully and they aren't stingy like DenverEagle pointed out. There is another one which was the first place I ate Pho. Equally good down near the Perioa, Colfax area. The people at both places are always so friendly and always remember what we order.

[Libby]

Pho 88 on 104th St. in Westminster is the best. The broth there is awesome and I love their vietnemese egg rolls - once you've had them there, they just don't taste as good anywhere else!

The other place I like to go for pho is in the Asian Center on Federal St. Their pho is almost as good as Pho 88 and their egg rolls are decent. The service I've received there runs the gamut, so it's hard to say. I do like the variety of foods they have (they make an awesome chicken curry!) and they do offer deserts that please the American palet a bit more.

Pho # 1 on Federal is also pretty good. They don't offer much variety, and their broth isn't as good as pho 88, but I still went back a couple of times (not since I found the one in the Asian center though).

Pho Saigon off of County Line Rd. and Quebec, I think it is, is pretty good too. Their broth is pretty good and their spring rolls are good as long as you ask for them without mint (or pull it out).

I am sorry to say this since there are so many Pho 79 fans out there, but I was terribly dissappointed by that place. The servers were nothing short of rude (to the point where our waiter was on his cell phone the whole time and they practically threw the plates at us). I have heard similar reports from ALL of my friends, including the ones that still go there, so if you're looking for service, pho 79 isn't the place to go. Pho 79's broth is decent though, and they seem to be what made pho big with the college crowd, so I give them props for that.

My ratings:

Pho 88: ****1/2 (out of 5)
Pho Bowl at Asian Center: **** (out of 5)
Pho # 1: ***1/2 (out of 5)
Pho Saigon: **** (out of 5)
Pho 79: **1/2 (out of 5)

[Brian]

I'm sad to say that Pho 79 at 72nd and Federal was closed several months ago so they could tear down the dilapidated shopping center is was in. I loved going there though. Hopefully they'll be back after they finish the new shopping center.

[Ray]

First of all, it is great to see so many Pho fans out there!

I'm going to have go ahead and sort of disagree (office space, anyone) with some of you though, Chez Thuy is not that great, IMO. They don't even call it Pho, they call it "Beef Noodles" and it doesn't come with the fancier cuts of meat.

My favorite so far is 79, I don't really care for service as long as the noodle is good, and I love it!

Thanks for all the comments on Pho 88, I am definitely curious now and will check it out.

I have two questions:
1. Why do they all open next to each other? Every single friend I took to Pho 79 asked me the same question. It just seems like shooting yourself in the foot in the marketing sense. If one of them would move to Superior, I'd go all the time even if it is inferior.

2. Is there a great Pho place in Boulder (beside Chez Thuy, see above).

Thanks
Ray

[Gillian]

I also wonder why they show up in groups - but it's to my benefit, so I don't mind.

I haven't been to Pho 88 since they opened, but the broth was so awful that I couldn't imagine going back. My current favorite is Pho 78 on 88th near Wadsworth (between Burlington Coat Factory and Bed Bath & Beyond). Great service! Pho 120 offers free tea for those of us waiting for our takeout orders.

[ked]

That is simply, the raddest tagline for a pho site ever. Long live RUN!.

Whose house...?

ok so I love pho and thanks to the lovely Tarafina(dotcom if you like) I have enjoyed most of the ones mentioned. Pho 79 and 88 (supernoodle!) are excellent and you can't go too wrong on most of Federal. I hear Boulder pho isn't so hot. You will get MANY pho fliccs from me soon. I shoot film every time I go. thanks!

[Gillian]

UPDATE: New location of Pho Saigon is opening in Superior! It's on Coalton, in the Safeway shopping center - where Three Rivers (née Vita Bella) used to be. They're not open yet, but I'll be among the first to go when they do.

[Ethan Longly]

I have been a connoisseur of authentic Vietnamese foods for a long time and pho is one of my favorite. This is a Vietnamese staple and a classic meal enjoyed day or night throughout the year. I've tried and enjoyed pho at every restaurant in denver at least twice. Personally, one of my favorite is Pho So1 or No.1 Noodle located on S. Federal (just south of Mississippi Ave.) I have also tried other dishes like the combination rice plate with grilled pork chops or Vietnamese beef stew. No.1 Noodle offers an excellent menu with a wonderful selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes. Oh, when you are there....you've got to try the expresso condensed milk iced coffee! I will guarantee you will be a very happy customer! Bon appettit!

[Anna]

We've tried many Pho places (having moved from the San Francisco) - there are 2 on 120th -- the in the safeway shopping center has good broth -- but skimpy meat portions and inconsistent. The one next to the Asian Supermarket is OK - huge portions, broth is a little bland, someone I was with didn't like the consistency of the noodles very much. The one on Wadsworth is OK - but they do have bubble drinks. The one in Longmont SUCKS - do NOT go there!!! The best and most consistent one is Pho 88 at 104th & Federal. That's where we always go. I haven't tried Pho 79 on federal or the ones on Alameda.

[Jaime]

I tried Pho Saigon in Superior and was sorely dissapointed. The beef broth smelled like fish and the vegetables were droopy and gross. The chicken was dry and flavorless. I was depressed because I was looking forward to this meal, but in the future I will stick with Pho Duy (120th & Main) in Broomfield because their Pho is the best!

[Rico]

Pho 99 is by far the best bowl of Pho in Denver (See comment above for location). The extra large bowl is cheaper than most large bowls at other Pho restaurants. Their broth is boiling, piping hot when it is served to you, which is usually within 5 minutes literally. Pho addicts know the importance of this. The owner's broth is what seperates this place. The meat portions are plentiful and high quality. Lunch/dinner for 2 with ice-coffees to go will always be under $20. Stop reading this and get over there! The owners (husband and wife) are a constant pleasant fixture who are quick to remember their customers. I have tried over 15 different Pho restaurants in and around Denver.

[Terry]

We've tried all Pho places around Denver and I think Pho Duy is the king of Pho. One in Denver and one in Broomfield. During lunch hours and weekend, both restaurants packed with people who love Pho. That tell me people give more vote for Pho Duy. For the best Bun Bo Hue, I vote for Pho So 1 in Denver.

[Tom]

I agreed with Terry. Pho So 1 in Denver has the best Bun Bo Hue, a central Vietnamese noodle soup. It has very good pho and plenty of parking spaces.

[chadd]

Pho 88 off 104th and federal Is the Best hands down ...There broth is top notch and no msg.. Service is great as well .

[Sh0pTiL i Dr0p]

I've ate at all the restaurants mentioned and I must agree w/Gillian that Pho 78' is the best. The broth is great!! Service is great!! Some of the waiters are even cute ;) aand their noodle bowls are YUM too!!

[Mai Vang]

I would definitely recommend Pho Duy on 120th Ave in Broomfield. They have by far the best Pho I have tasted. I have tasted a lot of Pho in different restaurants, but Pho Duy has my vote. They also have another restaurant on Federal Blvd as well.

[Corey]

I'm actually the son of the owner of Pho 99 and it's relieving to see so many positive comments about my mother's establishment. Came from CA in '99 bringing the best entrees along. Thanks and hope to see you there!

[Nimue]

Pho Duy .... or .... Pho 79?

Both Pho 79 and Pho Duy are great places that offer a wonderful variety of pho dishes (around $4.50 to $5.75, about 16 options). The broth at Pho 79 is delicious and clear, but the broth at Pho Duy is absolutely exquisite. Both restaurants have wonderful noodles, although there's a bit much of the “mush” factor at Pho 79. Overall, Pho Duy provides pho that is filled with noodles, meat(s), onion, and every wonderful ingredient you could want. While Pho 79 may have more tender Pho Ga, the portions and flavor can not be compared. Pho Duy has won out in the “bang for buck”, experience, quality, and (most definitely) flavor categories.

As a side note, Pho Duy also offers non-traditional soups. For instance, they have a vegetarian pho which consists of a spicy vegetable broth base, noodles, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, onions, green onions, and fresh ground black pepper.

[derek]

You & Mee Noodle House is in Boulder
@ 1311 Broadway St
Boulder, CO 80302

really good and cheap.

[Claire Walter]

Re Boulder - I have seen, but have not been to, a little pho place in the shopping center (Tebo Plaza??) on 28th, just south of Valmont -- same one w/ Jimmy & Drew's Deli, an Asian grocer and other businesses.

Claire @ http://culinary-colorado.blogspot.com

[Jim]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon this thread. I thought I would throw in my two cents as I have been an avid Pho fan for years now.

I had my first bowl at a little place in Boulder - while I was working out there - called Little Saigon. They were located in the same little stip mall as Qdoba on 28th. Sadly, they closed several years ago. They had great pho. After they closed, for the remainder of the time I worked in Boulder, I would go to Chez Thuy for my noodle fix. Not too bad, but not great either.

Living in Westminster, Pho79 on 72nd and Federal became a staple for me until they were closed over a year ago. They never returned once the strip mall was rebuilt. However, across Federal to the West is a place called Saigon Pho & Grill (next to Blockbuster Video). I have been there a couple of times. Again, not too bad, but not great.

Now a'days I venture up to 120th ave. in Broomfield for my pho. There are three pho joints right near each other. On the south side of 120th, next to the Asian Market, are Pho Duy and Pho 79. Both have great pho. My personal favorite, however, is located on the North side of 120th right across the street, next to Good Times - Pho 120. IMHO, Pho 120 has the best pho in the Denver area.

I am now very curious about Pho 88 on 104th & Federal. I have driven by it several times and, after reading all of the positive comments on here, will make it my next destination for a noodle fix.

Enjoy!

[PhoNatic]

Pho Duy just flat out is the best! The service is excellent, the portions are huge and every everything on the menu is great. I have been to many Pho restaurants so I have some good judgement on this. I have a lot of asian friends and they all say Pho Duy is the best.Trust me they know what there talking about! This Pho is the real deal and the best bang for your buck.

[its electric]

wow aurora has 8 phos and one on the boarder between denver and aurora at hampden called pho7 what a bowl of soup. great broth great noodles mmmm almost as good as 79. but its hard to beat grandpho 79 the greens are fresh and crisp, the broth is hot and flavorfull, the meat is out standing. i cant wait for my next bowl. Which will be in about 3 hours

[Steve in Denver]

I've been eating at PHO 555 which is located at Mississippi and Federal. It is amazing. Best Pho I've had in town so far.

[tyson rogers]

HEY GUYS YOU TRY THE GRILLED SKEWER NEW PLACE THAT JUST OPEN LAST YEAR ITS GREAT FOOD!! GREAT VIETNAMESE FOOD!
890 S. Monaco Parkway
Denver, Colorado 80224
303.320.1935

[Julia Hamrick]

Pho Fusion Asian on Hampden at Yosemite has fabulous pho--heavenly broth that I find myself craving, generous portions of meat, etc., and the price is right.

http://phofusion.com