I have been to Pho 81 for the last 5 or so years. It never fails and this is my go to place for Pho. I live in the area and it is pretty convenient. You go in, self seat usually and someone immediately comes up and greets you and asks what you would like to drink. They also give you some time to look over the menu. We usually get their summer rolls that have shrimp in them and come with a peanut dipping sauce. I will get the Pho Ga (white meat) and I recently tried their Veggie Pho which I enjoyed as well and isn't as heavy as the chicken one. It is good they have those options. I have had their Vietnamese coffee before which is insanely strong but that is what I like and it tastes really good. They also have Thai Tea. The service is always good and the staff is friendly. At the end you go to the front and pay for what you ordered. It is very easy and simple especially if you are in a group and ant to split the check there are no hassles. read more

Pho 81 - Vegetarian Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Germantown, Maryland

Came here for the first time with family for a simple lunch. Luckily it wasn't crowded so we were able to get a table with enough room for all of us. Upon sitting down, I did a quick look of the decor they have up and I noticed that they have a fish tank. The fish are so cute and they're HUGE, but the tank is way way way too small. They need to get a bigger tank for the fish. I know what you're thinking, they're just fish. But if you could see how small this fish tank is, you'd understand why I mentioned it in this review! Moving forward, we got both spring and summer rolls as our appetizers. Very pleased with how fast they came out. The spring rolls were really good, but didn't realize the summer rolls were literally just lettuce and shrimp. It's about 3 pieces of shrimp tops and then filled to the brim with lettuce. Luckily the peanut sauce saved the day. Our main courses came out pretty quick as well. It isn't hard to mess up pho, my family seemed to like it. The bowls were pretty empty! I ordered the grilled chicken with rice. Now that was delicious. Packed with great flavor and it was juicy and tender. Just what I like in chicken. Now as for the customer service, it's pretty on point. During our lunch, most of the tables filled up and they got really busy. But despite all that, our waters were being filled when they were low/empty. They checked up on us and made sure everything was okay. When I asked for more tomatoes, they actually cut up a whole tomato and gave me the entire thing. They were attentive and very kind. The only reason they are getting 4 stars is because of the fish tank. If you guys read this, please get your fishies a new, bigger home! Thanks for the great lunch! read more

Delicious pho! Great service! It's the best pho in the area. No MSG after effects. My mom had the Vietnamese rice crêpes. She loved it! Glad we do not have to go far for good Vietnamese food. read more

Well-priced and EXCELLENT pho. I was really impressed. The pho was prepared quickly and the employees were kind. Overall, authentic Vietnamese place and I will be back! read more

Where my mom lives there are very few vietnamese places nearby, thankfully we spotted this spot when we went grocery shopping. The place is decently sized and wasnt busy when we walked in. To start we were handed this one sheet menu, which was interesting but made our decision easy. Our party got the Pho Specials and a rice dish w their summer rolls and spring rolls to start. The food was pretty good, what you would expect for a pho shop. The only concerning thing is that the spring rolls came out so quickly, which makes us believe its not fresh but that's fair. Overall fast service and good food! I took one star away because of our servers attitude. We live quite far and stumbled upon this place at noon which was probably during their lunch hour. Once we walked in, the server looked at us annoyed and continued to treat us that way. No friendliness at all. But if we were to come back for food alone, we will be back. Maybe no so much for service. read more

Not really up to par with other Vietnamese restaurants in the area. Was very disappointed after reading the good reviews. Also, It seems like they were shorthanded the day I went. read more

First time coming to this location and ordered food to go for my husband and I. I tried pho all around and the man at the counter was very nice and helpful. They have bubble tea too which is a favorite of mine. Great quality and good prices. Will definitely will going back. read more

Yum!! Perfect Pho on a blustery day. Went with a crew of first timers for a work lunch and we all loved it. The customer service was excellent as well. We dined in and ordered take out the next day. Who gets tired of Pho?! read more

Pho 81 - Vietnamese Near Me - Germantown, Maryland

My go to Pho spot! Convenient location close to home and service is fast! My regular here is either the Pho Ga (dark meat) or the chicken and rice dish. We recently discovered that their combination fried rice is also bomb. This place can get very busy sometimes but the service remains to be great. Their Thai Tea is also good after a meal. Will continue to come here for pho! read more

Pho and vermicelli were both good. The shrimp vermicelli especially was super fresh. Got the avocado smoothie and it not only tasted artificial, but the tapiocas were also hard and tasted not cooked through. The service was ok but not the most attentive. read more

Ok so I give this place 3 stars for a couple reasons. I placed my order on the phone for pick up. A small #10 pho, an order of summer rolls and Thai bubble tea. I asked for extra peanut sauce. I was told it would be ready in 15 minutes. I got there 14 minutes later and there were 2 young ladies (teens?) working at the counter and an older lady also. I saw that it was moderately busy - maybe half the tables were seated. There was one other customer at the counter already but she said she'd been helped. I stood at the counter for a bit and no one said anything as one of the young ladies was filling water cups. I finally said " Hi, I'm here to pick up an order." And gave my name. She said ok it is going to be a minute. I said ok. Then I watched her fill up more water cups, go to the tables to take orders with the other young lady and come back to the counter a couple more times. Finally I asked how much longer will it be? The other customer was clearly frustrated and told them that she's been waiting for her order also. The young lady said , "It's going to be at least 5 more minutes because I still have to make your bubble tea". It has now been well over 20 minutes but I still waited. She calculated my order and gave me the total. I handed her my card and she said, rather abruptly, "We don't take American Express!" I said fine and handed her my visa. I reminded her to give me extra peanut sauce and even told her to forget the tea if it wasn't ready. She asked if I was sure and I said yes. But just then the older lady came with my tea. The cashier struggled with the register tape and changed it twice. Finally I signed my charge and left with my order. Never got the extra peanut sauce as I asked. The pho was just ok. Not bad but not worth all the hassle. And the summer rolls were much smaller than most places. There was a lot of ice in the bubble tea but it was ok. I don't know if I'll go back here. There are many other pho places around with better service and great pho and summer rolls. read more

Great pho, I always get the special (#1) which includes meatballs (which is nice since most pho joints offer them seperately only). The broth is nice, and the portions are generous. The service is good, I've never been made to wait long for my order. Overall great pho, very reasonable pricing, and good service. I'm a regular. read more

Pho 81 - #1 Special (includes everything) - Vietnamese Near Me - Germantown, Maryland

This has been my go to spot for the last few years. They are very polite and serve up some great Pho in minutes. Try other items as well, including bubble tea. Even when it is busy you get great service. read more

Great service and expected prices from a pho restaurant. The food came out quick and I had no complaints on the pho bowl and the shrimp dish. read more

Pho 81 - Vietnamese Near Me - Germantown, Maryland

Always fantastic ! If it wasn't hidden in a strip mall it would be constantly packed. Always get the same thing. #18. Chicken breast pho. Just perfect. If you want to add some heat they offer sriracha or chili paste. Good heat without them. Finally got dessert. An extremely pleasant rice pudding in coconut milk. Finally very adorable for the quality. read more

Calm, chill atmosphere. Super casual. The fried rice is great. Filling with lots of flavor , better than the bland nasty kind you can buy at the mall. I would say that they have the best fried rice in the area. Our server is always kind and attentive. I haven't had a bad visit yet :) They'll give you a fork vs chopsticks if you ask, (and they don't judge you for it lol). I come here a lot with my fiance and I recommend anyone give Pho 81 a try. The soups are gigantic, they give you extra bean sprouts if you ask, and they give you additional soup broth on the side too if you ask. Pretty much "ask and you shall receive" haha I haven't tried the bubble tea or smoothies yet but I plan to try everything at least once. So keep an eye out for my check-ins. read more

The smell of good pho soup really brings you in. The place isn't fancy but has the best pho soup in the area. You definitely want a Vietnamese pho restaurant to be like this one. My personal favorite was to get the steak brisket and meatballs. I can eat this every week! And they have a hidden menu order if you ask the combo shrimp and chicken fried rice then add extra broccoli and extra grilled pork on top. This is phenomenal! Highly recommend the place for good quality and flavor. The service is fast but not always the most attentive which I can expect from an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. I will come here often. read more

I ordered summer roll and pho noodles soup. The broth has a rich flavor. However, there is another downside which is the soup is not hot enough. I like hot broth soup so my basil and bean sprouts are not under cooked. read more

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I ordered 2 large white meat chicken pho for pick up from this restaurant. Walked in, told them my order and they charged my card 40 dollars. Surprised, I asked why that much. They then realized they had charged me for the wrong order and refunded my card. I told them what my order was 3 times while in the restaurant. They finally charged the correct amount and I left. Once home, I realized they STILL didnt get it right and I'm stuck with 2 beef pho for a family that doesnt eat beef. I know this isnt the biggest deal in the world, but just sloppy service and horrible first impression. I will be going back to Pho House who has never gotten my order wrong. read more

Great Pho Broth. Really friendly. I think they have Free WiFi. Also, that have these yummy rice noodle crepes: Slippery and good but you have to be into that sort of thing. I totally am. It's the sort of thing you see at Dim Sum sometimes. This place is great. What's not to like.?! read more

Stefan (I hope I am spelling his name right) was super awesome !!! I hope there are more people like him to make you feel right at home at a restaurant. Bravo Stefan !!! I'll definitely be back !! :) Thank you for introducing me to Thai Tea !! read more

My go-to spot whenever I'm craving pho, or coming down with a cold. Their food is amazing! The restaurant is always kept clean, and the staff are very hospitable. read more

Food is good BUT service is hit or miss... attitudes were very high today. But if you can get past a snarky look and being ignored then grab some Pho. read more

Good chicken Pho and rolls Yum I was pleased how clean the restaurant was Very polite service so I will come back. read more

Been here a lot of times, dine in and carry out and have always had a good meal. Both the spring rolls and summer rolls are really good and never disappoints. The pho is very hearty, with lots of meat and noodles, more than most pho places...dare I say almost too much chicken this last time we visited? Some of the chicken was also a bit tough but it was ok since I prefer the noodles and soup anyway. Also, the prices are really good here. I look forward to trying other dishes here since the other reviews say the rice dishes are good too. read more

The grilled meats are tasty and nicely presented slices, not slivered and dry. The greens are crisp and fresh and noodles cooked right. Pho is tasty and rolls are fresh. A basic menu but good quality and friendly service. Fish Sauce is a little wimpy, maybe needs an extra squeeze of lime. Still it's a worthwhile stop for some good eats. read more

My first time going there. Service was pretty quick. Food was very good. However we sat at our table waiting for for the check but nobody told us that all payments were at the front. Overall it was good place to eat, would recommend it . read more

We arrived at 7:40 and they said they can't seat us. If they stop seating at a certain hour then that should be stated online so people don't drive 30 minutes to get there. read more

I often order pho soup togo and it always has been good. Recently I asked them a favor to order tricolor dessert togo and they prepared for me :) so happy. I like that they have variety of option for the salad, noodle, rice. The quality of the food is on point every time that I order. read more

It's not just another pho place #. Best pho in the area. I've been here 809 times and I can't stop. Can't beat the price. Pho 81 deserves the crown for best Pho in Maryland. read more

I been to a lot of Pho restaurants in the area. I have to say this is one of the best. The price is in a good range and the food is great. They have the real coconut drink not the frozen one in the plastic container. I always taste the soup first as is. It's a good way to tell if the pho is great or not. If you are not into pho or if it's summer, they also have rice/noodle dishes that are fantastic. Not a lot of pho places have the Vietnamese rice dishes. The summer rolls are also good. The peanut sauce is not as strong as I would like it, but it is good for other people. Best part of all....... They accept credit card. FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR THE MENU. CHECK THE PHOTOS. read more

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I like this place compared to Pho Viet Saigon (just about 2 miles south of this establishment) because there is way more meat in the pho than at Pho Viet Saigon. However, I feel the broth is a bit underwhelming and one dimensional at Pho 81. It has good beef flavor and saltiness, but it seems to lack depth with the earthy spices (star anise and cinnamon) that I look for in a good Pho broth. Phone orders are also quick though. read more

Pho 81 service is sup bar but the pho is pho-nomenal ;) My best friend and I frequent this place often and we end up having to wait quite a few minutes to be seated, the servers are always busy behind the counter so whenever we come in the tables are usually a mess.. Come in during after lunch hours to see this wonderful mess! Once seated, service is usually quick.. They've stumbled a few times and we've had to wait 10-15 minutes before anyone asks to take out order, but generally they've been good at not only remembering what we usually order but also getting to us a few minutes after we've been seated.. Once your order is taken, the wait begins. Depending on what time of day you come in, getting your food can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 20 minutes on a bad day. Totally worth the wait though, the pho here outshines the slow service.. After all, there has to be a reason why I frequent this establishment so often.. The pho broth here is scrumptious, beautifully seasoned and the flavors that shine through are wonderful. Veggies are fresh and meat has never been dry in my past experiences! I always ask for extra limes and jalapeños because their veggies are so fresh it adds so much to the experience! The best part about Pho 81 is the size of their portions, a regular bowl is the size of my head! Although of course since their portions are the size of my head, the prices are pretty high too.. The prices are somewhat reminiscent of DC Pho prices. I've also tried the spring rolls here, somewhat on the greasy side but I can't complain they're pretty solid spring rolls. Good eats, subpar service, and expensive pho but of course I'll be back! read more

I have been a customer for 11 plus years. To be honest, the food was never that great. Decent at times but not great. Very inconsistent but I keep going back because it's convenient as it is close to my home. Also, I like to support small minority businesses. Don't know why I keep trying to give them another try because it just gets worst and worst each time. Today's experience was just awful; Food was disgusting and the customer service was appalling. Let's just say after being a customer for sooo many years, I am extremely disappointed. I will never ever go there again and give my hard earned money. I will not support such rude people. Seriously if you are going to have a restaurant that specializes in pho, please go learn how to make a good bowl of pho and also please go learn what good customer service is and practice it. Seriously, you should not be in the service industry at all! read more

Im definitely a fan of the food, but not so much the service. They are located in Germantown, at the corner of Middlebrook Rd and 355. Theres plenty of parking and it very well lit. Its between the Golds Gym and the GW grocery store. The food is great! I like the pho and the summer rolls, but the service could use some work. Ive gone here at different times of the day and the service is inconsistent. ON Saturday or Sunday mornings, you can expect to see open tables, they are NOT cleared, thus there is a wait, which I feel is unreasonable for a fully staffed restaurant. There should always be an effort to clear table ASAP, especially when you have a line of people waiting. I wasn't the only customer complaining about this issue, others were willing to help clear tables because there was at least 4-5 tables with just dirty dishes that could have killed the wait time of 15minutes to 0 minutes. I stopped by again this evening and the place was very dead, tables were cleared off in a timely fashion and no wait, just as it should be. Management should definitely look into hiring someone to bus the tables alone to better serve the loyal and new customers. read more

I only ever come here for Pho, so I can't comment on anything else that they serve. I typically order the special, which comes with "everything" - tai, chin, gau, gan, sach, bo vein (aka rare and cooked sliced beef, fatty brisket, tendon, tripe, and beef meatballs). They're pretty generous with their meat portions. The meatballs are just okay but the fatty brisket is *delicious*; I was actually surprised by how flavorful the most recent time I was here. I can never finish a small bowl on my own. My mom and I have even split a small bowl for dinner, but we're two small Asian ladies, so take that with a grain of salt. The broth varies from day to day. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it just isn't up to par. I don't think they use MSG - I never feel that sodium crash after a meal - but they can veer on the salty side. Herbs are fresh and traditional; you can asked for the bean sprouts to be blanched if you prefer them cooked (Northern Vietnamese style). They accept credit card, but it's cheaper if you pay with cash. Bathrooms are clean. read more

Easily the best pho I've had. Very friendly service and delicious food. You feel like you should be paying more for how good the food is. Definitely do yourself a favor and go. You will thank me. read more

Got takeout from here since it's not too far from work a few days ago, when I was recuperating from a cold and a lost voice. There is nothing better than piping hot pho for a sore throat! I got a small pho with brisket and flank steak. The portion of meat and noodles was satisfying and the broth was nice and clear and very flavorful. Prices were reasonable and service was quick, I was able to pop in and out in less than 10 minutes and everything was still piping hot when I got back to the office. Would recommend! read more

Great and flavorful! Giving one less star due to service. Very slow. I usually get the Pho Ga and always usually good! The small size is pretty big and usually can't finish it. They serve a lot of meat!! and the right amount of noodles. If you are in a rush I suggest to carry out since that takes shorter time than dining in. Overall, best pho in the Germantown/Gaithersburg area. read more

Great Pho! Even during pandemic, they have not increased price too much. Large pho take out is still only $11. Can't beat that.