Hole in the wall on University Ave, Pho Ca Dao is a no frills Pho spot with a simple menu and barebones service. However despite what people say I think it is too pricey for the food and service that you get. You go in and take a seat, eat your food, then walk up to the cash register on the left side of the restaurant when you're done. Oh and it's cash only, no check or credit card here. So I had the House Special #2 Pho whoch included beef steak, flank, tripe, and meatball for $13.95. I also ordered a side of egg rolls for $4. And the Bubble tea for about $4. I'm not sure why the price all of thar somehow became $26 which annoyed me that the fees weren't transparent. Pho: 9/10 Solid option and the broth was rich and flavorful, noodles were thin and tasted great. They gave lots of meat and honestly makes the trip here Egg Rolls: 8/10 Crispy and delicious, my obly gripe is that the sauce that I got was kinda mid. Must have just been old sauce because the flavor wasn't there. Bubble Tea: 7/10 More like dessert and a slushie texture so keep thar in mind. The taro is fine but not something I'd go out my way for. Now despite expecting hold in the wall prices, Pho Ca Dao is pricier than expected. I could compare to Lotus which I had a month ago for about the same price but they provided a far larger portion of sides including chicken wings compared to here, not to mention superior service. Overall if you're in the area I guess this works but note there are better Pho options. read more

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This is my favorite pho place in mn, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it's a kind of hole in the wall place but the broth is soooo good, the price along with quality is the best, verry nice people that work here, I love it. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I love this place. It's entirely unassuming, no frills, only serves pho. The steak and chicken pho is the way to go, served hot and fast. Doctor it up with the bean sprouts, thai basil, jalapeno and lime that served on the side, and maybe an extra touch of hoisin and Sriracha. It's a steal for a quality pho. Service is as unassuming as the spot. Don't expect to be checked in on, water refills, etc. You'll eat happily in peace and pay cash as register on the way out. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Steak and chicken pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I've been told that this is the favorite Pho among the SouthEast Asian community, and when I've been here it definitely appears popular I've had the #1 Traditional Pho and the Chicken Pho, and I really can't say I can tell the difference between all the different Pho I've had in the Twin Cities, but this one is perhaps a bit sweeter? The Egg Rolls are pretty tasty. I think the way it works here, is you choose your own table, the woman comes over when ready and takes you order, you get your food pretty quick, and then there's not supposed to be much interaction after that until you pay. And you pay by going up to the little window by the kitchen. I think I transgressed the rules, because we wanted a coke and egg rolls after ordering, and I couldn't find the woman, and I think I invaded her space by peeking around the wall and asking for them. After that she totally ignored me when I tried to pay at the window. So, keep in check your expectations of what service you think you should get, and go with the flow. read more

This restaurant is exactly why I look for the "hole in the wall" establishments. Looked like they were setting up a catering on one side of the restaurant, and the other side had a few tables eating upon our arrival. Seemed like a family ran shop. The food was delicious! We ordered 28b stir fried noodles with veggies & shrimp, 29 just veggies served with a side of rice, and 50 the most delectable pho broth with shrimp and some delicious herbs! We will most certainly be back! Well done guys! read more

Pho Ca Dao - Soup #50, noodles #28b, veggies on top of white rice #29, shrimp wrapped with wontons #7b (I think, this one is from memory a bit unsure) - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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I absolutely love Pho Ca Dao - if you know anything about this area, you'll know that this business is a staple.... the pho is always consistent and delicious... so good that you can dip the raw/rare beef into the broth alone and eat (slurp it) and it would satisfy! So, if you haven't eaten here yet, then yes, come on over. But... not sure if it is still cash only. Yes - hole in the wall spot and not fancy - but you know what they say..... some of the most real food ever. read more

We wanted pho and egg rolls for lunch and decided to frequent Pho Ca Dao. We had pho with chicken (pictured) and egg rolls. The food was delicious - we had a second order of egg rolls! The atmosphere was busy and there was only one server so the service was a bit slow and cranky, but we will go back. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Pho with chicken at Pho Ca Dao - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Service is lazy. Bathroom has a sirachta bottle as a soap dispenser. Glass is dirty. Cup of water had debris floating in it. Noodles were chewy. Steak was frozen. read more

Not the best place I have been to. If you want nothing, but pho then yeah this place is for you. I got the house special and the broth was good it has a sweet taste to it. I like more of a savory taste and to get that you can't get rid of the sweet taste. The pho came out faster then the drinks did. I think that the portion is small and I pay about almost 60 for four large bowl of pho, which is 36 plus three drinks. The food wasn't full filling, I shouldnt have to pay so much for the food and drinks i got. The bubble thai tea doesnt even taste like thai tea (the pearl in the bubble tea does even taste like boba; it was hard and not chewy) and the famous tri color, . It has too much coconut. Overall, I dont think i will be coming here again. *cash only read more

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*cash only* *only things on the menu are: pho and egg rolls* But hey, when you do one or two things exceptionally well, go all in right? I've had Pho at upwards of 20 places around the twin cities at this point. No where else comes close to the flavor here. At all other places I am dousing the broth with sriracha and pho sauce. Here? The broth has a deep rich flavor that is SO GOOD on its own. Another yelper recommended getting the onion oil, which is colloquially referred to as "the nectar of the gods" and is the delicious fatty top layer of the broth. They serve it with some green onions, just dump it in the pho and you're all set. In non-winter months they also serve an Asian cilantro with the basil and bean sprouts. No other pho place I've been to in the TC serves this and it's a great addition. They're very generous with their veggie add-ins. I rarely have cash on hand any more but a couple of nights ago I raided my piggy bank to scrape up enough quarters and dimes for a small bowl of Pho here... it's THAT good. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Large pho, built my own with extra steak, *on the left is onion oil--pro tip: get it! Not on menu* - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Boarded up but they open. Broth wasn't hot enough and could use more msg beef fat flavors. Noodles perfect with nice texture. Best part is the perfect square thin slices of steak. Mung bean sprouts, basil, jalapeno super fresh. Expected more for a pho only spot. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Pho dac biet with extra steak - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Incredibly value. If you find yourself in this area and have cash, I highly recommend stopping by for a bowl of pho. So affordable and good! They give you a lot of liquid, vegetables and lime. read more

PSA: Go across the street for better pho at Thai Garden. This is definitely a hole-in-the-wall place. I had high expectations because my friend said the pho is really good here, but honestly this is probably one of the worst phos I've had. Flavor of the soup was not there. I usually do not put any sauces in the broth so that it can speak for itself but I had to for this one because it didn't have enough flavor. There was also a little piece of lint inside my soup...glad I found it and took it out before eating it. Not sure what it was from...Thai Garden is right across the street from this place and has 10x better pho (I know, it's supposed to be Thai but their pho is amazing). Plus they take credit cards. I am only giving it a 2 instead of a 1 star review because service was fast, otherwise I would give this a 1 unfortunately. read more

Pho Ca Dao - So bad. Had to add Sriracha when I usually don't add anything. Never coming back. - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

this place is very authentic, the broth for the Pho here is perfect and the portions are amazing, cheap if you have some cash. The vibe of the restaurant makes you feel like you're in actual restaurant in Vietnam and the server is always friendly. read more

Well I was excited to try this old school pho joint that serves nothing but Pho. I guess I had high expectations: they do one thing, so they must do it REALLY well? Right? So the Spartan menu consists of Pho, egg rolls, Vietnamese desserts, and a full beverage selection including bubble tea. The dining room is typical old school Vietnamese street food vibe. Service is lightning quick, and they do have a small lot for off-street parking, albeit a little chaotic since there are no slot markings on the asphalt. When it comes to pho, the broth is king. Typically it is a beef bone broth simmered 6-8 hrs, along with a bevy of spices and adjustment to finish. This is why I don't cook it at home. Well the broth here is what we Chinese call "Soy water." Ok it's more than soy and water...but as far as I can tell this is soy, fish sauce, a lot of MSG, and seasonings. This is NOT the 8hr+ bone broth I have come to respect, adore, and expect at the top Pho joints in town, of which there are three on this strip of University alone (Trieu Chau, iPho, Ngon Bistro.) The dull headache coming on as I'm writing this is a sure sign of MSG. I ended up eating all the solid foods and left most of the broth in the bowl. This is a major sign of what's wrong with this place. The food portions are good for the price and size of the bowl. At $7.95 it's definitely the cheapest bowl of Pho in Frogtown. Well you get what you pay for here. I was naive to think I couldn't possible get a bad bowl of Pho in Frogtown... I see absolutely no reason to return unless all the other places are closed down, or insanely busy...even then I might go get a Croissant at the Viet-French Bakery or a plate of Chicken and purple sticky rice at the deli at Sun Foods grocery before coming here again. read more

Pho Ca Dao - House Special Large Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Pho comes out fast. Really enjoy their create your own pho menu. I always order to-go, the interior is a little rundown. Noodles are very soft, softer than I'm used to. Broth has a decent flavor without needing to add anything. I recommend adding brisket to your pho. read more

10/10 - my favorite restaurant in St.Paul is still open!! #BlessUp Not gonna lie, I've probably spent over $500 at this place and have introduced so many friends and family to this hole in the wall. Words can't express how much I love Pho Ca Dao. Please support if you can, I really want this place to survive. Btw it's CASH ONLY so don't show up with a credit card. I called 5 mins before getting to the restaurant, and my food was ready by the time I got there!! It's quick, affordable, delicious, what more can you ask for? IG @ hweedafoodie for more reviews!! read more

Pho Ca Dao - Dine in XL #1 - Traditional (taken a week before shut down began) - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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First time eating pho in the restaurant. It was a huge portion I took the rest home. Really tasty. I loved it. read more

Piping hot bowl of pho, super fast service. High quality fresh ingredients. Probably the best pho broth I've ever had. I can honestly say that I think it's the best place in Minnesota to get a bowl of pho. The ambience is nice and relaxing, nice place to relax and eat good food to get out of the cold. They only take cash, no card, so be prepared. But it's so worth it and hands down the best bowl of pho that I've ever had. Their broth is amazing. Meat was perfectly cooked and the noodles and toppings are abundant. 100/10 would highly recommend! I will be returning again and again read more

Pretty decent pho. Large portion for ~$8-$9. Service isn't spectacular but we were waiting awhile for our check. I had asked someone about 30 minutes later to find out that we paid at the counter window which we were not informed at all. read more

This place was amazing!! I've tried a few pho places in the area and this has been my favorite so far. I got takeout (because obviously businesses aren't fully open right now) and they provided such a well organized, clean, takeout box of pho. They provided all of the usual toppings (and more than I usually get in person from other places!) and sauces too. I really appreciate how well they have adapted to takeout during COVID and the owners seemed very very sweet. They even brought the food out to my car for me. Support this small business‼‼ Note: It is CASH ONLY, but totally worth it. The prices are also super reasonable. Soooo delicious! read more

Pho Ca Dao - Traditional pho! Moved into my own bowl from takeout. - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

This place gets a four star from me due to the fact that their pho broth never changes, which I like. They are hands down one of the best vietnamese pho you can have anywhere in the twin cities. The building is small and looks a little run down, but the pho is what brings people in. They only serve pho and egg rolls. Oh of course they have drink items. Just keep in mind that it's cash only. Oh and ask for their fat oil on the side lol I know it don't sound healthy or anything, but adding some of that to your bowl of pho brings it to life. It's a small charge for that, but it's bomb. So if your looking just for some good pho. This place will be the place to visit. read more

My in-laws make pho every Sunday, and while this can't compare with something homemade by the parents, the pho is pretty good good. My husband said it could use star anise and cinnamon. There are two sizes of pho you can get, and I'm so happy they have a small because I don't have to feel guilty for not finishing all of my noodles. The small is still a good size, especially if you wanna eat some eggrolls as well without overstuffing yourself. Eggrolls were crispy and tasty. The meat in the filling seemed to be very finely grounded, which wasn't something I was expecting. Nonetheless, still good eggrolls that aren't greasy. My favorite was the salty lemonade!!! If you've never had it, definitely try it! It was delicious. Decor could use some updating (although this is one of those places where you come for a very affordable meal and not decor) and there's parking on the street was available. read more

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Came here as a recommendation from a friend and I was pretty disappointed. The server was cranky when we asked few questions. It would make the eating experience a lot nicer if she was more friendly. However, the fast service made it up. I was not impressed with the pho at all. The broth is lacking some flavor, i.e. star anise, cinnamon. I added more fish sauce and other stuff to make it taste better. The noodles were not pho noodles; they are used for other dishes. The meat are good though; the only thing I liked about it. I will not see myself coming back here when I'm in town. There are bette places to eat pho in Minneapolis. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Small Traditional - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Everything was delicious- had the chicken pho, egg rolls and iced coffee with condensed milk! Prices are reasonable and fast service. Definitely recommend! read more

Some of the best pho in the twin cities- no-nonsense menu and quick service. Heads up: cash only!

Best beef Pho jam packed with meat and lots of noodles under 10$! Delicious and filling and the broth isn't too sweet either. They have parking behind the restaurant and on the side of the building on the street. Definitely recommend for cold winter nights. read more

Pho Ca Dao - House Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Pretty solid pho! Overall I think it could have more flavor but I got the large and there was so much noodles. For the prices they offer I think you get what you pay for! Service was pretty standard as well. There is a small parking lot in the back which is nice. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

The pho is the best in town. I don't need any other dishes because only here for the pho. If you're looking to try the pho only this is the spot the best in town. My kids also say this is the best pho they have ever had. read more

GGGGGaaaaaahhhhhh I really really really wanted to say that I could give a great great review of Pho Ca Dao. because 6-7 years ago, it was the bees knees in terms of Pho offered in the Twin Cities. I was disappointed at my most recent stop. The broth lacked that depth, the 48 hours of slow, and careful broth development, and was instead super salty and tasted of a beef/chicken broth. Was quite sad about the overall flavor. I had brought a friend from California to experience the wonderful foodsies of the Twin Cities, and brought her to Pho Ca Dao. Luckily, she enjoyed it,but I was disappointed in the quality. I had also gotten thai bubble (boba) tea, and the tapioca was as hard as frozen ice and not fresh. Sad day. So much potential, if they did not cut corners. read more

Prepare for a limited menu and to pay cash. Good tasting food though! Fair price for what you get.

Great place for pho. Definitely a hole in the wall. The only downside is that they only take cash. The bowl comes in three sizes. They have a small menu (literally just pho and eggrolls) and all sorts of blended ice/smoothie drinks. Service was fast and the staff are nice. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Small bowl of pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

DO NOT EAT UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE SICK for 4+ hours!!! and on top of it employees where extremely rude!!! read more

Pho Ca Dao - Throw up/food poisoning - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Best pho ever. Brought visiting Australians here, one of whom was feeling under the weather, and they proclaimed it the best meal they've had in thenUS so far. Nothing fancy, just great pho. read more

Yes to this Pho place!!! Overall, the Pho is great in flavor as it is the least sweetest Pho location (which is a good thing), price is right, and it was great as a whole. I would say this place is next to Lotus. Note that this place is CASH ONLY. When you arrive to this place, they do have their little lot for parking but it is little. There is street parking as well. When you step inside, the restaurant it gives a family vibe and there may or may not be enough seating as this place can get busy especially during the lunch hour. So pretty much everything you order is center around Pho as you could only get two different House specials or make your own. They also have egg roles, which I have never had, but looks good. Personally I love to make my own with all the beef items (steak, regular brisket, and fat brisket). For the two times I have been here, my Pho has instantly came immediately after ordering. I get the Large size as it is not hella big or is small, it is just right. Paying if you are splitting they are understanding and will do it for large groups. Just walk up to pay. Overall, yes to everything that make Pho Ca Dao so great. So come!!! read more

Pho Ca Dao - All the different brisket - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

My in-laws have been coming here for years and said this was the best Pho they'v had. Maybe it's because I came in with really high expectations, but I was not impressed. The broth lacked over all salt and flavoring. I had to add fish sauce and chili oil to get it to taste good. All other pho places i usually just have to add a bit of chili to get the spice but everything else is good in terms of flavor. The service was fast and prices reasonable. They have a very simple menu so it makes ordering very easy. The service was so-so and apparently they add gratuity with any part of 4 or larger (thats ridiculous). They are cash only so be advised. read more

Pho Ca Dao - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Stubbed my toe upon entering the door due to the high step. But pho is so so, not as good as people say. The broth was on the sweeter side with alot of cilantro after tone. The meat ratio was ok, my extra side order of rare steak didn't come until of couple nins later after already digging into my bowl. read more

Simple and to the point: this is a no-frills, cash only, Ma and Pa kind of joint on University Avenue. The menu is about as simple as it gets - you get 2 choices of pho or you can make your own pho bowl by selecting from three different meat offerings. It's cheap, a large bowl will run you only $7. The only appetizer they offer is fried egg rolls. 4 small pieces for $2.75. I find that they skimp on the meat offerings if you choose the build your own pho bowl. For example, I chose brisket, flank steak, and tendon. I received one piece of tendon about the size of a fingernail and that was it. The portions of steak and brisket were acceptable. Taste wise, I found the broth a smidge on the sweet side but to my liking & flavorful. Service was fast upfront but it dragged on painfully when we tried to get our bill. The restaurant was barely occupied and we had such a tough time getting someone to just ring us up at the register. So in summary, I would come back for the pho because it it tasted pretty decent and with a $7 price point, it can't be beat. But don't come here if you're in a rush and need to get out the door, service just isn't fast enough. read more

Summary: Authentic, cheap, uplifting. The true definition of a hole-in-the-wall gem. My father has taken me here ever since I was little and there truly is nothing better than a big bowl of pho on a cold, rainy day. More than a nostalgic memory, Pho Ca Dao is a true hole-in-the-wall gem located in the heart of Frogtown on University Ave. and not only serves the best pho in the Twin Cities (MSG free!), but charges cheap prices for generous portions. I ALWAYS order: House Special X-Large Pho Bowl (5/5 stars) $8: Comes with steak, flank, tripe, tendon meatballs and the most flavorful broth that will make you keep sipping on the soup long after the noodles have been devoured. The noodles themselves are everything you could hope for and served "al dente" Viet style. The tripe is perfectly chewy and steak/flank slightly raw at first but so tender after a few minutes of simmering in the broth. Expect to seat yourself and to get your food in under 5 minutes after ordering. Pho Ca Dao never disappoints and always cures my pho cravings! Side note, as a general rule among Asians, if you walk in an Asian restaurant and the bathrooms are clean and a TIP: Restaurant accepts CASH only, and there is parking on the side and in the back of the restaurant. Also, don't forget to try the tri-color drink and new mango smoothie. read more

Pho Ca Dao - House Special X-Large Pho ($8): GET - Vietnamese Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Pho isn't all that but the young coconut juice was delish. Food came out in a timely manner but the server (older Asian woman) was kinda rude to my group and I when taking our order. What shocked me was how rude and visibly irritated she got when my friends & I were trying to pay separately for our meals (cash only too just fyi). Got hella overcharged when the menu said a small pho was $9 but we paid $11 for it instead and our totals were WAY more than what we calculated and expected which had us confused...! All in all, would NOT recommend!! Better pho places out there with better service read more