The Top Places To Try Pho In Chicago

| © Heath Cajandig/Flickr
Katie Mastropieri

Pho is the newest phenomenon in the Chicago soup world, it’s temporarily taking the spotlight from ramen. This Vietnamese noodle soup combines exquisite broths with the unique, mouthwatering salty pho recipes and delicious vegetables. Whether you’re curing the common cold or a nasty hangover, or just looking for a tasty noodle dish, you should try pho. Here are some of the best places in Chicago to do just that.

1. FUH

1. FUH

FUH

FUH is fast and casual. There are various broth options (chicken, beef, and vegetable) . The owner, Quan, will give the entire rundown and history of pho, he really ensures a great meal experience and alters each bowl depending on what you like (and any dietary restrictions). The best part is the portion sizes and the fact that they offer To Go containers to take leftovers home with you.

Address and telephone number: FUH, 2218 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, USA +1 (773) 270-4418

© Katie Mastropieri

Pho’s Spicier Thai Cuisine

In Lakeview, Pho’s Spicier Thai Cuisine is noted as the place to go for pho takeout. It also has a sit down area and BYOB is an option. If you forgot the booze, then there is a bar conveniently located next door. This unassuming spot will catch you by surprise with their level of spice. The sweet broth in the pho balances out the spicy heat, but we highly recommend starting with level 1 of spice if you’re not a hot food lover. Overall, Pho’s Spicier Thai deserves more than ‘pho’ stars.

Address and telephone number: Pho’s Spicier Thai Cuisine, 3332 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 (773) 755-1995

Saigon Sisters

In the West Loop, Saigon Sisters is known to have some of the best pho, and the most fabulous pho presentation. This location has a modern, swanky vibe with contemporary art and is popular with a young crowd. While the pho is obviously worth noting, the chicken curry (especially the sauce) and the papaya salad are some of the favorites. It’s good to know there are multiple meal options ranging from gluten free to vegetarian. Needless to say, it’s a pho-nomenal experience.

Address and telephone number: Saigon Sisters, 567 W Lake St, Chicago, IL, USA +1 (312) 496-0090

Le Colonial Chicago

Le Colonial is French-Vietnamese fare in the upscale, trendy Gold Coast neighborhood. Even better, this spot has a romantic ambiance and includes outdoor seating. Hands down one of the nicest pho restaurants in the city. The portions are not large but it is very filling. If you’re looking for something in addition to the pho, the Shrimp Beignets will win you over. You will not regret venturing to this restaurant, especially since the ingredients are so good pho you.

Address and telephone number: Le Colonial Chicago, 937 N Rush St, Chicago, IL, USA +1 (312) 255-0088

2. Hai Yen Restaurant

Restaurant, Vietnamese, Asian, Vegetarian

Hai Yen Restaurant, Chicago
© Heath Cajandig/Flickr
Located in Uptown by the Argyle L stop, Hai Yen has pho that will blow your mind, but we also recommend the ‘Bo La Lot,’ a marinated beef wrapped in lolot leaf and grilled over charcoal. Although the spices and sauces are not on the tables, the pho comes with a plate of herbs and a small bowl of sauce. It’s a casual spot and all you have to do is ask them for more. You may be thinking about this pho for a while, or maybe even pho-ever.

3. Simply It

Simply It

In Lincoln Park, Simply It is known to be great value. We recommend ordering the XL size because it is enough pho for a few people, or to last a few days. The Chicken Noodle Soup Pho Ga and the Beef Noodle Soup Pho Bo are the standouts on the menu, mainly because of the extremely fresh ingredients. However, there are also a few other dishes that are worth trying, like the pineapple calamari and the spring rolls. This place is definitely not pho-gettable.

Address and telephone number: Simply It, 2269 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 (773) 248-0884

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article