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Charles Mudede

Pho Bac (International District)

1314 S Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 323-4387

Categories: Restaurant

Restaurant Details

  • The triangular building that shelters the flagship Pho Bac—shaped like a boat since 2011!—is as famous as its bowls of angelic pho (it's the extra-heavenly broth that sets it above the rest, most people agree). The place is on the very edge of 14th Avenue and Jackson Street, before the streets merge and swerve into Rainier; its large windows look out onto the streets and businesses that make up Little Saigon. Those who walk by always see within it the shadows of numerous people working hard at emptying large bowls of its renowned (and cheap) noodle soup, which is now available at Pho Bac satellites around town.
  • Features: Cheap Eats
  • Cuisine: Vietnamese
  • Price Range: $

Other Locations

Green star Pho Bac

International District 1240 S Jackson St    phone 568-0882
Daily 9 am-9 pm

Green star Pho Bac

Downtown 811 Stewart St    phone 621-8816
Daily 10 am-5 pm

Green star Pho Bac

International District 415 7th Ave S    phone 621-0532
Daily 8 am-9 pm
  • 4.00000/5 Stars.
(based on 1 reader review)

Green star Pho Bac

Beacon Hill 2815 S Hanford St    phone 725-4418
Daily 8:30 am-9:30 pm

Green star Pho Bac

Rainier Valley 3300 Rainier Ave S    phone (206) 725-4418
 
 

Average Rating:
  • 4.29000/5 Stars.
Reviews/Comments (9) RSS

Newest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a review of Pho Bac
9

TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT

For the last 8yrs, Pho Bac @ 1314 S Jackson St in Seattle was the place for Pho for me and my family untill yesterday 11/12/2011. I was eating my Pho when I realized a COCKROACH in my Pho. I told the lady about it, she just took my plate and went inside the kitchen. I paid in full our orders and nothing back was offered to me, no discount. A lot of my friends told me that I should had not paid, but I felt I have been coming here for so long, I do not see the purpose of not paying, all I know is that I will never come back. I just wanted to post this so others will know before eating in this place. Please repost to let others know.
Posted by Phillipe on November 14, 2011 at 2:21 AM · Report
8

My first, my last, my everything


This will always be THE original Seattle Phở joint.

In the old days (mid-'80s), it was known only by the big sign above it proclaiming "Cat's Submarine".

Inside, beneath the old defunct sub sandwich menu (no of which were apparently available for order), were friendly but busy employees dishing up the only available menu item -- described on a scrap of cardboard taped to the wall as "Beef Noodle Bowl $2.25".

None of us gringos knew that we were in for. The soup (we didn't even know it was called "phở" back then) was heavenly, and we improvised with the accompanying basil, mint, lime, sprouts and chilies, following the lead of the Vietnamese customers.

We were also happily rewarded by following their lead and ordering the amazing iced coffee. This last was even more of a procedural education: wait forever (no peeking!) for coffee to drip into glass, stir slowly to mix with the portion of condensed milk, pour magic potion into awaiting glass of ice.

Back then, the "point" of this triangular-shaped restaurant was outdoors and only a thin garden screen sheltered customers from the passing traffic on Boren and Jackson streets. They also played fantastic music back then: a moody collection of psychadelic viet high-reverb freak-outs including Vietnamese versions from The Doors' songbook. Very 'Apocalypse Now' to our ears, and spooky enough to keep us feeling like outsiders.

We didn't know the place by it's alternate name, "Phở Bac" until several years later when a new sign was erected.

My first, my last, my everything.
Posted by GasparFagel on May 21, 2010 at 9:12 AM · Report
7 Comment Pulled (Duplicate) Comment Policy
6 Comment Pulled (Duplicate) Comment Policy
5

Best Pho in Town

I have tried many Pho places around Seattle and this is by far the best. The service is amazingly quick and friendly. The broth at Pho Bac is incredible, the perfect remedy for if you are feeling under the weather. Everything is amazing. Simple and perfect. Nothing over done, nothing fancy, just a great bowl of Pho.
Posted by Emma on January 11, 2009 at 4:40 PM · Report
4

Pho King Master

I found this spot 4 years ago after trying almost every pho resturant in Seattle....really...I would walk around everyday and have pho at least twice a day. Only thing I would eat in college. The bowls are big, hot and filled with msg..how i like it. It seriously is the best tasting pho. and its nice to go there and get a bowl quick and be out the door. Feels like im eatting at my aunts house. LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
Posted by pho ku on February 24, 2008 at 10:15 PM · Report
3

Great pho, great service

This place is hands-down my favorite pho shop in Seattle. The soup out-deliciouses all competitors, and the service is friendly and quick (although the shop is usually pretty crowded around lunch time). Hot jasmine tea while you wait, and a large menu to choose from. Really, the perfect place to hole up from the rainy Seattle winter. Just be warned: they are cash-only, so stop by an ATM on the way there.
Posted by Chip on December 3, 2007 at 1:47 PM · Report
2

great stuff man

This is my Favorite Pho place I drive all the way from Everott to eat here. I have tried several other places but this is the best.
Posted by Indian Gardener on November 4, 2007 at 5:05 PM · Report
1

Excellence in a sea of mediocrity

Most Pho is just fine. It ubiquitous, edible and cheap. You can get it here and I hear it's better than most. BUT the thing you MUST eat here is Bun Ga Xao - somethng like that anyway.. just remember #27 that's the number on the menu. I mean it. Remember it. You won't regret it. It's vermicelli noodles with crispy bits of chicken on top and various vegetables. Just trust me on this. Faith is not my strong point, but I took the leap on good advice and haven't looked back. Because of my commitment to work at Bodhichitta I'm writing this review for you. Enjoy.
Posted by Charles on June 17, 2007 at 3:17 PM · Report

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Pho Bac
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