TLDR: phenomenal food, friendly service. One thing I love about this place is the quality of the meat in their pho. Portion is huge but also high quality. The meat is incredibly tender and tasty and basically a perfect broth. One new thing I saw this time was durian boba tea which tasted very authentic. read more

On the road, wanted a sit down meal. We are Viet. Online review was pretty good, menu looked good. Arrived the outside looked bad. Made us second guess our choice. Pretty run down outside looks like plastic laundry mat chairs outside. Inside is ok. Two different decor going on like two restaurants merged. Person taking our order did not speak Viet. We ordered pho and it hardly had any meat in it. The herb plate was very small. Also ordered bun Bo hue which the broth was sweet ???? 5 out of 10 Also menu online was not updated. Got to restaurant and there were updates prices on stickers everywhere read more

I eat here a few times a month. Their pho is very savory. My favorite is probably the grilled pork spring roll. The inside is simple and service is always fine when I am there. Also ask for chili oil if it's not on your table it's the best read more

Can't believe I haven't written a review for this place yet! Food: Their pho is definitely the best in Des Moines. They give a generous amount of meat/protein and their broth is flavorful. Service: Nothing special - they take your order, give you your food, skip the small talk and that's ok! everyone is different Atmosphere: Place is outdated, booths are ripped, and tables are bent out of shape. Lots of seating. Not the cleanest place but sometimes that's how you know a place be bussin' (definitely not the case for all places lol) $30 for 1 large pho tai, and 1 regular pho tai bo vien read more

Pho 888 - Pho Tai, Bo Vien - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Food is good, but come early. We walked in at 6:34 and were turned away. The dining area was at 50% capacity.

Best pho chili on point chicken spring roll w/ peanut sauce fire chicken wings extra crispy fire

Our first time at this restaurant. Great menu! Wide variety of Asian foods. Service was good. Open atmosphere. Our server was able to answer all our questions and make recommendations based on the questions we asked. I had a Dragon fruit bubble tea. Yum. Jake had a Vietnamese coffee. It was amazing. Strong and smooth. If it hadn't been so late in the day I'd probably have had one also. Check it out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Pho 888 - I can't remember the name of my dish. It was a combination and it was delicious!! #33 I think. - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Although we normally visit PHO 515 in C-Fresh Market for Vietnamese food, it was closed today (Thursday) so we headed on over to PHO 888. My wife had a large bowl of steamed vegetables (not on the menu) and I had #10 Bun. My wife's vegetable bowl was huge and mine was almost more than I could eat. The gentleman next to us had a steaming bowl of PHO and it looked delicious. If you like great Vietnamese food, you'll love PHO 888. I highly recommend this eating establishment and look forward to our next visit. read more

Upon arrival in Des Moines, IA on a brisk October 2022 via Jefferson Bus Lines, I looked around the immediate vicinity, And lo and behold, I found a Vietnamese restaurant @ Pho 888. I arrived around 12:30pm in Des Moines IA to a Jefferson Bus lines bus station on 2nd street. It's pretty cool that there was at least one Vietnamese restaurant in the vicinity and I decided to dine in at the one literally next door to the Bus station just because. After looking around Miscellaneous, the store next door, I walked into an half empty Pho 888 Vietnamese restaurant. Mind you, it's the Midwest in late October. The ambiance was nice and quiet, subtle and sweet at the same time. I got seated almost immediately and got the one closest to the entrance so I can see out the window of cars and people who pass on by. My experience here at Pho 888 Vietnamese restaurant was about 1 hour or so. I was on vacation and didn't really need to be anywhere afterwards, so I took my time. My order of summer rolls and a large bowl of combination Pho is my favorite go-to set meal, along with the usual water. Sometimes I would get a beer, but water usually suits me just fine. It was cool to see the people who dine here. Makes having Pho in the Midwest more enjoyable and memorable. The overall experience here at Pho 888 Vietnamese restaurant in Des Moines, IA was good, quiet, and casual. It was nice to really sit down and enjoy myself here after a trip north from Kansas City, MO on a private coach bus. The service was pretty good and nice. Took about 5 minutes before the server to take my order after been assigned a table, but that's okay. Everything seemed to be good here with COVID-19 social distancing involved and people seem not to be wearing a mask, because we were all spread out anyway. The service was friendly and nice, while being casual too. For the most part though, the experience here at Pho 888 was good and well needed. The restaurant itself was spotless and typical of what you'd find in a contemporary simplified Asian theme restaurant. The provide typical table service, but when it came time to pay the bill, you'd need to go to the counter and pay that way, instead of having the server bring the bill to you and they'll take you payment. The Pho itself was delicious and I helped myself to the extra noodles. It was good. Although they were skimpy on the vegetables, it was a decent portion, but normally would have twice the amount. The summer rolls were prepared fresh and made to order, which is what I usually look for. And with that, if you are cruising along in Des Moines, IA and that Pho craving hits, consider Pho 888 as you craving fix. It's probably a hidden gem here. Pho 888 Vietnamese restaurant is located at 1521 2nd Avenue, Des Moines, IA. They accept major credit cards as well as cash. Since I arrived via a private coach bus, what I learned that there is limited parking in front of the restaurant. There are other parking spots via street parking nearby wherever you can find them. Best bet would be to try to get here early enough to secure the best parking spots available. The prices here are pretty good and usually on point with what most Vietnamese restaurants go for these days. Usually $10-$15 per bowl of Pho is expected. Pho does soothe the soul, especially when you are on vacation and need that soul enrichment that it provides time and time again. The summer rolls are great for snacks on the road too, if you decide on ordering more for the road. The experience here at Pho 888 was enjoyable and only 2 miles away from my hotel next to Drake University. Didn't have to take an Uber, but if you do need transportation advice, consider the local transportation options that Des Moines provides. Or Uber and Lyft can accommodate you as well. 4.0 stars for the overall experience. 4.5 stars for the food and ambiance. 5.0 stars for the location but 3.0 stars for the prices. Support local! B read more

The pho is good but my all time favorite is their bun Bo hue!!! Would recommend this to friends and family read more

Pho 888 - Now that's hot soup!!! - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

They are always amazing. They have the BEST pho in Iowa. They have quick service and it is never loud.

The best pho in this part of the world. Service is fast and efficient. Boba teas are phenomenal. Best Vietnamese coffee in DSM Metro Area. Fantastic spring rolls. It gives vibes of a friendly neighborhood joint. Absolutely recommend. read more

Service is lacking. Servers barely acknowledge you when you arrive. They don't smile nor are they friendly. We waited an hour for our food. Once we got our food, no one checked on us. The tables were not cleaned after customers left. Food is good but don't expect good service. read more

they don't answer their phone I've been calling all morning and no Answer. I would stop calling and call again and it would send me to voicemail read more

Pho was really good. Got a large bowl and couldn't finish it. Lots of customers. It's not upscale so don't expect fancy and pristine. Service was OK. They don't kiss your butt, butt they wernt evil either. They're just working. read more

The food here never disappoints. Obviously, their Pho is outstanding, hence the name. Huge portions, delicious broths, reasonable prices. Best Banh Mi in the DSM area, in my opinion. Their combination Banh Mi (Banh Mi Dac Biet Sub) has plenty of toppings, including and, most importantly, the homemade pate. Aside from the classic Pho, I always love the Mi Vit Tiem (Duck noodle soup). The flavor is amazing, and the bowl is massive! Sometimes, the service can be a bit slow, but they are always helpful, and it does not detract from an otherwise worthwhile experience. The restaurant itself is pretty big and very open, which is great for big parties or families. It's also great if you love being able to see the food being brought to tables so you can see some of the options if you have a bad case of hungry indecision, as I often do. Last but not least, their Boba smoothies are my favorite. They nail the Honeydew flavor, and they add jellies to the top (boba and jellies can be removed, obviously but fun for those who enjoy it. read more

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Best Pho in IOWA! Bubble tea and ice coffee is a must. Appetizers are excellent. Hit and miss with ladna.

Admittedly I haven't tried a lot of other places for Banh Mi but when I find something I like I stick with it! read more

Pho 888 - Banh Mi Thit Nuong Vietnamese French bread sub with grilled pork, fresh cucumber, cilantro and sliced jalapeños - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Good food and good service. Good ambiance. Llegue con mucha hambre y me fui bien comido! read more

Pho 888 - Sea food soup - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Only reason they did not get 5 stars is the atmosphere. Even though it is winter, I still expect the floors to be clean and not grimy. The walls where the tables meet the walls were dirty and splattered with peoples old food. The floors where it meets the wall we're black like they have never been mopped. So if you wanted to do a first date, or meeting, choose a different spot. But onto the food, it was still tasty. The pho broth was perfection, flavorful with the beefy, spices and aroma was present. Broth was still clear and the amount of fat was good. The meat tender and thinly sliced, and noodles cooked to perfection. They give you a good amount of noodles, but honestly skimp on the protein and side veggies. The Hu Tieu was clear broth but packed with a beefy flavor. The noodles were plentiful and cooked tender, but again the shrimp and bbq pork was minimal. You get 3 shrimp and 3/4 small slices of pork. Although good, would like too pay for more meat than noodles. Overall, it's not a first date place but quick for lunch or dinner and the food is okay. read more

Pho 888 - Pho Dac Biet - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Waited very long for food, when I ask them why I waited over 40 min for food , the server would go in to ask about my food then just leaves me to go attend other customer for several minutes. No updates what so ever. They literally skip over me for other customer just sitting down. Poor service. And non communicative cooks in the back. Will not go back. read more

On the recommendation from a friend I found my way here for Pho beef. I have had Pho at many locations including China town NYC, Embarcadero, Kansas City, and three locations in Des Moines before going here. Definitely one of the best tasting over all and by far the best in Des Moines! Note: the address listed is 1512 2nd Ave, but it is actually 1521. read more

Pho 888 - #33! Yum! - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I appreciate a restaurant which accommodates special requests. I ordered the sirloin pho with added protein (chicken). I'm currently on a high protein diet to build muscle and, although Pho 888 doesn't list the option for added meat, the supervisor allowed for my request. The Pho provided was complete with lime and fresh basil (and a good amount) - something lacking in other restaurant offerings. read more

My friend told me it was amazing #IRL so here I am. Felt a little sketchy parking but yeah get over it. This place is real. Food was perfect. Service was well...bring a book or something. read more

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This is my go-to pho restaurant in Des Moines. Their broth is always consistent and the rice noodles are never over cooked. I love getting the pork spring rolls and you got to try the soy milk, its so good! read more

In the past I would say I prefer the Adong pho compare to Pho 888. It probably is just my preference, but I think the pho 888 pho is more flavorful and more rich compare to A dong. If you're going for pho, I would go for pho 888. read more

DO NOT EAT HERE ! I visited this restaurant yesterday. The Service was slow! I never got the drinks I ordered. To make matters worse when I got my pho there was a COCKROACH IN IT. The owner acknowledged it and apologized but stated that sometimes the roaches fly into the broth. The health inspector needs to come and have an inspection on this restaurant immediately! That is a health hazard and clearly unsanitary!! read more

This place is so legit, its not the best bun bo hue I've ever had but this might be the best Vietnamese restaurant in Des Moines. This entire area is the closest you will get to being in SE Asia. Much love and support forever I will always come back here. read more

This place will be hit or miss for some people. The service is either great or very poor, but place is usually packed during lunch and dinner time. This place is very affordable to eat. They have a variety of Thai, Lao, Chinese and Vietnamese food on their menu. This is what we usually order when we come: Fried shrimp rolls with cream cheese - these are quite good and not on the menu. Egg rolls - Vietnamese wrap and Chinese version are decent. Pho dac biet - the broth on a good day isn't too bad. I would recommend eating pho earlier in the day :) comes with decent amount of meat and noodles. If you want to try something different get egg noodles instead of the rice noodles. Lad Na - noodles are very thick and generous amount of meat. Not my favorite but edible. Combo fried rice - this one is usually for the kid. You really can't go wrong with this dish. Banh mi with the grilled pork - grilled and season pork with sesame seeds with some carrots, daikon, cilantro, jalapeño pepper along with some Vietnamese dipping sauce. One of my faves here. Cafe su da - can't beat Vietnamese iced coffe. Highly recommend! The restaurant could use a good cleaning and bathrooms are a but scary. Overall don't be afraid of exterior - decent food for decent price. read more

I love this place. Even through various names and owners, the food is consistently delicious and prices are fair. I love their bun (cold vermicelli noodle dish) with grilled pork and egg roll pieces. It has lots of crunchy veggies like cucumber, carrots, pea pods and sliced romaine lettuce. The pork is super flavorful and the egg rolls are always right out of the fryer and meaty. This time I tried something new. I got pad see ew with beef. It had incredible flavor, lots of scrambled eggs, sliced carrots and broccolli. The noodles were soft and the flavors and textures were a perfect mix. My bf got the grilled, marinated pork chops with noodles, salad, egg cake, with a side of broth and fried eggs. I wasn't a fan of the noodles but the rest was really good, especially the pork chops with the egg yolk. It's a reliable spot that I know I'll return to again and again. read more

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the food is so good and tasty, the service is quick and easy, and the ambiance of the place is mild but still very enjoyable and quiet while not being to quiet for a enjoyable dining experience! read more

Pho 888 - Pho Tai, Bo Vien - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I have been going here for years, finally writing a review and I would consider this one of the top 3 Vietnamese restaurants in town. The place is a little run down, minimal decor but decent sized, and the service is ok most days. If you are looking for good Vietnamese food then this is the place for you. I haven't been here in a while and they updated their menu. I had worked my way through most of their old menu and I haven't been disappointed in any of the dishes I had tried. Their Pho is definitely one of the best in town. Some of my favorites are: Goi Cuon Thit Nuong (Grilled pork spring rolls), Bun Cha Gio Tom Thit Nuong (egg roll, shrimp, pork noodle salad), Com Dac Biet (grilled pork chop, egg souffle, shredded pork\skin with sunny side egg over rice). read more

Pho 888 - Grilled pork spring rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

definitely a hole in the wall kind of restaurant. But that's how you know it's a BOMB Asian restaurant! I normally get Egg roll (they have vietnamese style and Chinese style. both are very tasty!), combination pho (which is number 29 in the menu book. 2019), and avocado smoothy (with no boba, jelly only. that's the right way to do it lol in my opinion) I consider myself quite well traveled and I objectively think that this is the best pho I've ever had. They cook up their own chilli oil sauce and they are usually presented in the corner of each table. IT'S MY DRUG I swear. if you like spicy food, hook that shit up!! coming from LA, and now that I'm here due to my Husband's job, I don't get enough Asian food around here, cuz place like Darling Dumpling is presenting themself as korean restaurant, Krunwich lived off of 5 stars reviews and such... You see much Asians eating in any of those places? of course not. cuz it's missing that pungentness flavor! and I can't even say this to others here in Des Moines cuz I'm the crazy one lol. I feel so spoiled. sigh.. ugh that felt soo much better now that that's out of my chest! I was gonna get an aneurysm keeping it to myself. okay... I'm done with my rant. lol the point is, if you're from outside of Des Moines, well traveled, an Asain traveling through Des Moines, I hear you. You can't find much variety of good Asian food around here. But this pho place is a legit Asian restaurant and you must try! read more

The best pho in town- I always take company here when they visit, I also order to-go pho when I'm feelin sick and it makes me feel better!

Really great beef broth, we came here as our typical pho spot still was not doing dine in and we could not hold out any longer. I usually go with chicken pho but opted to try the beef today. Definitely a great bowl of soup. Not a big fan of the spring rolls here, they didn't really have a great taste, in fact the shrimp were kinda gross. Next time I'm thinking beef pho I'll probably end up back here. Taro bubble tea was good, that was a first for me, unique flavor. read more

Doesn't look like much. A hole in the wall, but the food was great! I had the pho and one of the sandwiches.

The food is good and the pho broth is amazing but the service could improve. I believe that they'd have so much more business if their customer service improved. That's just me being honest because the food is great. read more

First time here nice open restaurant friendly staff. The spring rolls were good they used bbq pork instead of boiled pork which makes it taste alot better, fresh nicely made. I got the vermicelli noodles with grilled pork, grilled shrimp and eggrolls but the egg rolls were made with rice paper the traditional way instead of egg roll wrap definitely better the portion were good and the meats were fresh. The bun bo hue was very flavorful and nice portion lots of meat. The pho broth was good and tasty not bland like a lot of places. They also have a xlarge size but the portion we got was good enough. We also got banh mi dac biet and the grilled pork. They also serve smoothies lots of different flavors. I definitely will come back again when in town. read more

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the best pho and the staff is always friendly... not very fast but definitely worth the wait!

Some of the best pho and Bahn-mi I've ever had. Went with the special combo for each. Service was quick. read more

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