It's a shame because this used to be our go-to spot for pho, but we had an awful experience. My friends and I were to meet up for dinner and we called beforehand. They said they ran out of pho. We asked if we could have the other food on the menu, and they said yes. My friends got there first, and walks in. The worker says they're out of pho. We asked if we could order something else off the menu. They said they're not serving anyone. We mentioned we called beforehand. They ask, "Can't you read the sign?? We're out of pho!" Which, was the most confusing part because there's literally Co and Bun dishes. Pho is only 1/4 of what's on the menu, and unless there were other key ingredients missing, the other ones could have been served. We ended up going to Viet Kitchen instead. They have a wider selection of dishes and better service. Hope something changes if we ever decide to come back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute little shop that looks unassuming from the outside. You order first at the counter and then find a table around the corner- super cutely decorated![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got the oxtail pho - came with oxtails, thin beef, and meatballs. The meatballs are the most flavorful I've ever had in pho. This was served in a larger bowl than the chicken pho. The rice noodles also seemed to have more flavor than other places that I've tried. So good! My bf got the chicken pho- he really liked it and said the broth was really flavorful as well. Overall- definitely recommend! read more

AL PHO - Oxtail pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

See all

Love this place!! If you want Pho in Santa Maria, this is the place!! The only place!! But it is amazing!! Order your food up front and go find a table. But you better be quick because they will have your food out to you in no time!! Ordered the #2 Pho because they were out of the Ghost Pho. #2 Pho is beef pho. It comes with all the fixings and the broth is amazing!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is small but it works.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They have Great service and amazing food. Go try it!! read more

AL PHO - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

I love this place. The service is as fast as can be, and I really am in and out whenever I'm here. It's a good bowl of pho, and [[HIGHLIGHT]]one of my favorite things is the set up at the bar. The shelves are littered with vines and things, and it's something to look at while eating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I think I saw a little Groot toy last time I was here. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe and restaurant as a whole is great![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

This place always hits. Best Vietnamese in the area. I know options are limited, but this place really is good. Coming from the SGV this is authentic as it gets for our area. Broth is always my favorite part. They could add more meat in my opinion. The noodle to meat ratio is off but the broth makes up for it. Service is fine, no complaints. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant can get packed pretty quickly but I find the bar is usually always available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

There are few pho noodle spots on the road to southern CA, and surprisingly none in Pismo Beach, but we got our fix with Al Pho! Once you enter the restaurant, you order at the counter, grab a ticket, and then locate a table. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There were about 6-7 (!!!) tables with bar top seating as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Thumbs up from my 4-year old daughter who said, "Mmmm...the soup is yummy!" Wifey got the rice plate with pork chop, while I ordered a large bowl of pho for myself. Suffice to say, all cravings were satisfied! read more

Super unsanitary that you have your employees eat at your expo table . They did not even wash their hand while handling food . I turned away and did not eat . It was super gross . Just letting you know your employees are not trained well on food safety . You can have someone get sick. read more

Last Week I found This location is so convenient for a quick bowl of Pho soup after my Mission Hope visit. I usually get the sliced beef to go but today I'm getting the Ox Tai and staying to enjoy my lunch in the small but quaint dining room. The Ox tail soup was so delicious especially when you add the fresh basil, cilantro and bean sprouts. I love jalapeños for that touch of sweet kick. I gave a two star rating because you are not allowed to sit in the dining room until after you stand in line to place your order. There are no signs telling you this but I'm there with today with my daughter. We both have leg injuries so I find a seat at the bar so the standing around waiting is reduced. I'm confronted by three different employees who tell me to leave. Ok, I'm out!! That kind of attitude doesn't deserve my business. I'm really disappointed and shocked at the rudeness. read more

AL PHO - The dining room at Al Pho. Nice atmosphere! - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

The reviews were good so we drove 20+ minutes because we were craving pho. Their menu was very limited and since they specialized in pho we thought it would be good. They didn't have viet coffee that was on the menu (3pm at the time we went) and every condiment was an upcharge. For those that like chili oil they don't have that. Anyways the pho was mediocre and too light and didn't satisfy my pho craving and had a hard time even finishing half the bowl. I was hoping for a more rich umami broth with rich fats. This broth seemed so strained and diluted it might as well have been slightly scented water. Do not recommend. Staff was simple and direct. No other interactions after food was served. read more

5 out of 5 No joke. No exaggeration No nonsense If Al Pho was a major league pitcher, the player would be a "monster" with multiple pitches to keep you off balance. The fastball is the PHO. Fire. The COMBO plates are the splitter. So nasty and good. Then you have the VERMICELLI bowls. These are the Change Ups. Deadly. The service is consistently good. This place is small. They need a bigger place but everyone gets served. No complaints here Tucked right next to the 101, off of Main St, next to the new Starbucks...AL PHO is the All STAR here in town. Get here and face the heat. read more

See all

Probably the best Pho on the central coast. Eating onsite is preferred, but the takeaway Pho travels really well and they give you a nice setup. The ghost pepper oil really makes it pop. read more

Best pho in Santa Maria! We ordered take out and it was ready in 10 minutes on a Sunday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside looked busy and great atmosphere with satisfied locals, next time we will dine in but I was impressed with all the correct orders and fixings for each order.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

AL PHO - Ghost Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

See all

This is a Vietnamese food restaurant recommended by a friend. We tried the #1 Pho Dac Biet pho, the ALPho wings, and the #8 Al-Pho Combination Plate. The wings were very tasty. And we liked the combo plate the best. The short rib was delicious. A small reminder, don't take the table unless they tell you to; otherwise, you will get yelled at by the boss lady. Also, this restaurant is very popular so be prepared for a long line to get your meal and a table. read more

See all

I actually went to a deli but they closed at 4. It was a cold day so the pho place was close by and had good reviews. I ordered rare steak pho and Thai ice tea. You order it before sitting down but they bring it to your table. They serve very fast. You can order the steak rare or well cooked. I did rare (which is raw) cuz the soup cooks it. The broth was very tasty and the noodles were easy to separate. The tea wasn't as good as ones I've had before. But the pho was good. read more

AL PHO - Rare beef pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

One of the best Pho I have had, including pho in Vietnam! Seriously! It's been 2 years since we've been coming here at least once or twice a month, how have I not left this place a review yet! My go to every time is the oxtail pho if they haven't sold out of it yet. It still puzzles me how a pho place can ever sell out of pho. Having worked at a pho restaurant as my very first job, we always had at least 2 giant pots of pho, 1 to serve that day, and 1 in the fridge reserve for the next. Regardless, now I just make sure I call every time we come here after 7pm lol. It's a fairly small restaurant, with only 6 or so tables, and about 6-8 bar stools. Good thing, service is fast and you usually don't have to wait long for a table. When you first enter the restaurant, place your order at the counter, then pick your own table and wait for your food to be brought out. The only down side about this place is how stingy they are with the veggies. They give 1 portion bean sprout for 2 soup. Depends on who your waitress is, they might or might not charge you extra for more bean sprout. So now I just bring my own bean sprout and basil lol. Great pho, decent service, not too expensive to be 1 of the only 2 Viet restaurants in the area. If you're looking for good pho, this is it! read more

While car shopping in Santa Maria I decided to try this Vietnamese restaurant based on the 4+star reviews and I am glad I did. You have to order before being seated and there were many customers Ordering take-out (it was lunch time) which was a good sign. I Ordered the Vernicelli with shrimp- it was plentiful and delicious. They also serve other variations of the Vermicelli dishes as well as Pho Variations which I will try during another visit. Note: the parking situation is difficult since it's right off US 101 and there's always traffic blocking the entrance to the parking lot if you are heading Wedt. read more

The food was so good...I had to take the rest home to eat it again. Our wait person was very helpful and professional. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place got packed quickly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Altogether, I invite you to a dining experience. read more

As someone who ate pho religiously every week, this will never compare to my mom's cooking. However, I know Santa Maria does not have much Vietnamese food so I am keeping that in mind. A few of my Bay Area native friends have told me this was the better spot to go to in SM. I have yet to try the other one to really compare which is better but I trusted their advice. I always get a pho tai no matter what. I honestly forgot how restaurant pho is suppose to taste but from my recent pho tastings at restaurants, Al Pho has a very light pho broth. It is light to the point that you might mistaken it is watery but it's simply light in flavor. What made me gave a 3/5 star is ultimately the uneven noodle to meat ratio I had. On top of adding my condiments and veggies, I felt that I had so much noodles leftover when I was reaching to be full. This wouldn't really justify the price I paid for but if we look at it at the menu perspective, it is technically fairly priced. Service wise, you order up front before you sit down which I prefer because I always eat with people. The vibes are pretty casual. My friend ordered their Vietnamese coffee and it looked so good. I would genuinely come back for the drinks and if I am really craving for pho, then I'd go back again. Overall, it's good for Santa Maria! read more

AL PHO - #2 Pho Tai - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Met VN Cuisine when I hosted a family so many years ago! Al Pho has Quality food, plenty of it, prices reasonable!!

Food was great. Easy to order. Large portion. I was full when I left. They even posted nutritional value. I really liked it.

Food was decent however for two people and two bowls of Pho, and a small appetizer, our total came out to just $60. I felt this was too outrageously high for what we ordered. read more

First time here and I ordered the chicken pho (pho ga) and the vermicelli noodles with pork to go and a Thai iced tea. The soup was very flavorful. Delicious broth and plenty of veggies. The only downside I would say was that there was hardly any chicken in mine. Not sure if it was a one time mistake but basically just noodles. The Thai iced tea was perfect! Wish I got more. The vermicelli was good as well but there was a LOT of lettuce. The service was mediocre. The girls there seemed more interested in speaking with each other than helping guests. Other than that I would definitely recommend. The food is good and it's nice that there's a Vietnamese restaurant so close! read more

AL PHO - Pho ga - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Great pho and really good Thai tea. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I usually get it to go but when I do eat there the seating is nice and the service is fast.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We need a new PHO in Santa Maria, period. This place runs out of PHO early and they don't answer the phone.

The Family owners has always been great and kind, they don't need this review, but they have always been reliable and good food. Never stingy with the utensils and sauces. I highly recommend here read more

Al Pho is one of our favorite places in SM. The food is always delicious and the service is great. We especially love that they offer some vegan options (fresh spring rolls, vegan pho and vegan vermicelli bowl). Our only reason for not giving 5 stars is that they are consistently out of vegan pho, even early in the evening (5:30ish). The last 4 times we've visited for dinner recently, vegan pho has been sold out. If this always happens, I wish they would increase the quantity made each day. It sounds like it's a popular dish; it doesn't make sense to always run out so early. We don't visit as often because we can't get the vegan pho. Hopefully, they consider making a change so it's more readily available. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]For somewhere that is always busy means not just me thinks this place is good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Oxtail Pho with Ghost Pepper is my choice here read more

See all

Amazing authentic pho! Order before you sit. They have a self-serve water station. Their ghost chili pepper is very spicy and creeps up on you, add with caution. read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is one extremely friendly place and great food, too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Robert does carry himself like he genuinely enjoys his work and his customers. read more

Pho shouldnt be luke warm. Stingy with the beef also. This wasnt a very good experience i rather wait till i go to LA for good pho.

Came on a Saturday at 2pm. Mildly busy for dine in. Found seating at the bar after I ordered from their modest menu. Ended up ordering the Oxtail Pho for dine in and the Combo Rice Plate to go. Pho came out relatively quick. So overall, the pho was okay. The oxtail was very tender and tasty and plenty of noodles. The beef slices were a bit tough, the greens were mostly fresh, but the broth, in my opinion, was a bit lacking. Great service throughout my time here though. Will probably return at some point since there aren't many Vietnamese options in the area. read more

AL PHO - Oxtail Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Santa Maria, California

The food was GREAT. The service AMAZING. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance SPECTACULAR[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Sharon was very nice and welcoming. Yatzari took my order and was very attentive and made it very easy. It was my first time ever ordering outside and it was by far the best experience EVER. I will consider eating out more often. The bald guy ROB was nice as well. The whole staff made me feel welcome. If I could give it 10 stars I would. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The workers are very devoted to this restaurant and it was very clean.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I love the fact that I order BEFORE being seated. This feels much more organized. The food is so authentic and Vietnamese. I love this place read more

It's good! We had a bigger party of 8, so there was a short wait but we also used that time to order food in advance. When we sat down at the table, the food came immediately! We had spring rolls, combination #8 with chicken and pork, and oxtail pho read more