Pho Hoa - Chicago

I wanted to provide an update on this restaurant since they’ve moved closer to the entrance of the strip mall. The decor has a unique vibe, almost like an odd p... read more I wanted to provide an update on this restaurant since they’ve moved closer to the entrance of the strip mall. The decor has a unique vibe, almost like an odd purgatory that seems designed for a trendy oxygen bar rather than a pho restaurant. I may be somewhat generous with my rating, but it's the only bowl of pho I’ve found in this town, and it really brings back memories of my home in sunny California, where people don’t look at you strangely for enjoying a meal that isn’t sandwiched between two pieces of bread. I’d rate it a solid 4.5 at most. Today, I stepped out of my apartment ready to brace myself for the subpar Asian food Chicago has to offer. I’ve tried Chinese in Chinatown, Korean in Evanston, Lincoln Park, and Rogers Park, Thai food all over, and sushi from random spots, and I can see why locals aren’t keen on Asian cuisine—it tends to be lacking here. However, today I found a place that serves decent pho, the last remaining stronghold of delicious food. I was genuinely worried I'd have to compromise on one of my favorite dishes and resort to pizza and burgers (which are usually quite good here). I settled in, ordered a large pho tai (pho with rare steak), and waited while enjoying some tea. Typically, you have to ask for water, but they served it right away. The pho arrived in just a few minutes; the broth was clean yet flavorful, the meat was perfectly rare (ideal for submerging in the noodles), the noodles were chewy and fresh, and the vegetables were crisp. I might be biased because it tastes like home, but if a bowl of pho can transport you back to your roots for a few cherished moments, then this place has certainly succeeded. I plan to return to explore more of their menu. The highlights: the pho tai, their rice dishes, and generous portion sizes. They also don’t seem to offer those contemporary twists on pho that often turn authentic dishes into fast food versions—something I truly appreciate. The downside: it is a bit pricey for pho, but when comparing to other local menus, the prices are pretty much in line with the rest.

This restaurant offers the best service I've experienced at any pho place. The food is fantastic, and the place is very clean, but what really sets it apart is... read more This restaurant offers the best service I've experienced at any pho place. The food is fantastic, and the place is very clean, but what really sets it apart is the friendly staff. That's why I keep coming back. They remember you after just a few visits and always serve you hot tea while you wait. The banh mi is delicious, and the rice bowls with added egg rolls are amazing! The pho is also very good—especially the #21 with carrots and the special #15.

The pho is fantastic! I also enjoyed the Che Ba Mau and Goi Cuon. The flavors are great, and the vegetables are fresh. The restaurant is clean, and the staff is... read more The pho is fantastic! I also enjoyed the Che Ba Mau and Goi Cuon. The flavors are great, and the vegetables are fresh. The restaurant is clean, and the staff is friendly.

Le’s isn’t much to look at. It occupies a small, unassuming store front in a likewise small and unassuming, but incredibly crowded, strip mall that lies about a... read more Le’s isn’t much to look at. It occupies a small, unassuming store front in a likewise small and unassuming, but incredibly crowded, strip mall that lies about a block or so south of Argyle. Since it's not located directly off of Broadway or Argyle, it's easy to miss, though with a little bit of searching you'll find this hidden gem. The restaurant is furnished with rather non-descript tables and chairs and is rather plain. Phở has to be one of the best culinary inventions of all time. It is simply a bowl full of goodness, easily customizable, and, typically, a an excellent value as well. With that said, the phở here is excellent, easily some of the best in the city. Describing the soup itself is nearly impossible, and rather impractical. If you’re a fan of phở, you’ll have an understanding of what makes it good and what’s missing. IMO, Le’s is the best you’re going to find in Chicago and there some good phở houses in this city. Plus, being priced at a mere $7 for a bowl, I’ll say it’s one of the best values in the city as well. In scanning the other reviews, it appears Le’s used to be Pho Hoa, with a different, very limited menu. That is no longer the case. The menu is substantial (well, at least as substantial as it needs to be) with several offerings besides phở, including other noodle soups, several rice dishes and some Bánh mì.

Good food if you know what to order. Coffee is strong (cafe De sua) but overall a very nice traditional Vietnamese Cuisine. Pho was good but I've had better at... read more Good food if you know what to order. Coffee is strong (cafe De sua) but overall a very nice traditional Vietnamese Cuisine. Pho was good but I've had better at home personally. Nice friendly service.