Seattle: Pho Than Brothers

From reader Laura:

I recently travelled (to Seattle) for work and stumbled across Pho Than Brothers and gave it a shot. Hands-down the best pho I've had.  I got the extra-large bowl and drew worried looks from the waiters who feared I wouldn't be able to finish, and when the bowl came to the table I did freak out a little because I could have dunked my whole head in that sucker, but all was forgotten because the vegetables were beautifully fresh, the meat paper-thin, the broth rich-tasting, and the noodles fresh.  They also serve hot cane tea and delicious cream puffs made by the owner's wife and daughter. There are several locations through Seattle, and they are all listed on the website.  Had my trip been longer, I would have checked out the places near UW, but that's for next time ...

image from NW Asian Week

Comments

[I'm sorry to say this]

But I think pho is really gross.

[SJ]

Yes! It is fabulous, isn't it? I am a local and I was there (Ballard location) on Friday, too. I like the University one because they are the only location with fish sauce on the table.

Sometimes when I am too lazy to cook, I justify pho by saying, "well, it would probably cost more to cook at home anyway."

[melissa]

Oh my god, you've made me so homesick! I just moved to nyc from seattle and Than Brothers was at least a weekly visit for me if not more. NYC doesn't seem to have Pho like Seattle did, and all those neon signs that show a steaming bowl with chopsticks are deceptive. I'm glad you got the extra large.
Melissa

[KH]

I am also a Seattleite who has been staying in Finland for a while. I miss Than Brothers so much. :( Please help.

[Khoa]

Than Brothers pho is bland. Pho Bac Rules!

[dc]

I have to agree, Pho Bac is far better. The location on 7th Ave. has the best Pho Ga in town, and all of the ID locations have excellent beef pho. 7th Ave. is my fave though.

[jorgebob]

Pho Bac is one of the originals and one of the best. Pho So 1 just down the street is tasty, too. The problem with Than Brothers is that the soup is very inconsistent and can be all over the map. You never know if it's going to be dishwater, nice and beefy or so dark and dense it literally sucks the moisture out of your mouth. Since I live in Ballard, it's the closest place and I get a bowl just before going in to work but I wish a better place was closer to me.

[Minh]

I worked at Than Brother before. It is not the best, but it is cheapest. The taste is well above average. The broth may look different each time for some reasons. The longer the pot is cooked, the thicker the broth is. Some may request to make rare beef to medium beef, so we have to put the rare beef in the pot for few seconds. That changes the taste a little.

[fred]

From Phoenix:

After living I Santa Clara and Seattle and trying hundreds of pho joints, I have come across "Maxim" and "Pho Bac" both on 19th Ave in Phoenix. Both houses are very good with strong hints of anise and earthy overtones. If you are ever in the area, you will be delighted at these pholicious finds!

[Todd]

Pho Hoa has the best broth 99% of the time; and it really is all about the broth. Just moved to Columbia, MD for one year for graduate school then back to Poulsbo Washington.
Any recommendations other than Ann Loi out here? Ann Loi tasted like dishwater.
Thanks,
Todd

[John]

Having to relocate because of my job to Corvallis Oregon I thought I'd never get to eat pho again.  I was relieved to find a restaurant serving pho. After couple tries I was sadden, it just didn't taste like any places I've eaten in Seattle. I was told by a co-worker about a new restaurant after the first visit, I was hooked. A Place called "Sam City" in Albany Oregon. I've eaten pho up and down the west coast and never have I tasted pho so crisp, clear, and refreshing. Flavoring is so perfect, non-greasy and not over powered by the smell of herb like most places. My dad came to visit so I suggested Sam City (they have a impressive menu and not just Vietnamese food) and he usally don't order pho, but after sampling mine changed his order.  Most of all it's very consistent each visit.  Atmosphere is delightful as the pho.  Simplicity yet tastefull ambiance. Sam City will soon put Albany on the map for greatest  place to eat Pho. "The newly refined modern version pho for every level of pho taste bud".

[Umm...]

There was a caterpillar in my pho. The owner came out didn't even think to apologize and yelled back when we asked for a price discount...if at all, it should have been given to us for free.