One of my most favorite food experiences in AK. While debating on what to eat with my international friends, we thought about this place for Pho. We got so much more than what we could have asked for. Upon arrival the place was PACKED. Very good sign. I ordered the Papaya salad Lao style with 7 Thai chili peppers With one bite, I was somewhere else the flavor took me to some foreign land I've yet to visit. I love the culture fusion the restaurant gives. I will never forget my first experience here. Thank you Pho Lena your hospitality is priceless/unmatched. read more

Extremely authentic and flavorful Pho!! Portion sizes are also HUGE. Came here twice during a one-week trip to Anchorage just because it was so good. Food doesn't come out as quick as other pho places but definitely worth the wait. Will visit again during my next trip! Staff is very friendly and a lot of space inside as well. FOOD: Lao Pork Sausage (8/10) - Can't find this in many places. Amazing!!! Super juicy, slightly salty sausage that pairs perfectly with the sauce and rice. Would get again! Pho Beef Combo (8/10) - Huge portion sizes for the price (superbowl). Amazing!! Broth and noodles are perfect Pho Tendon (7/10) - Also can't get this in many other places, but comes with so much tendon if you like it! Lao Fresh Rolls (6/10) - Solid spring rolls but the chicken is a little bit dry. I would get it again with only the shrimp. Shrimp Eggroll (5/10) - A fried shrimp in wonton wrapper, would skip this. read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

The bowl of seafood pho here is pretty good, and similar to the one I tried at Phonatik recently. The noodles are just a touch less tender than others I've tried, but the shrimp and squid were fresh and tasted good. This one also had imitation krab, which is fine but not my favorite. The side dish of garnishes was kind of weak, just bean sprouts, lime and jalepenos. I wish it had cilantro. They must have been out of basil that day too, because we didn't get any with the pho. I want to find a seafood pho with fish cake or house made seafood balls. I think I maybe set my expectations a bit high since moving from Hawaii, every pho place there is a peak experience. My husband tried the beef brisket massaman curry which he thought was very watery and very light in the spice department, which he didn't like much. However our child loved her small kid size chicken pho and we all loved the mango smoothie. It's one of the most flavorful smoothies with perfectly thick blended consistency that you can still suck up the straw. Ambiance is kind of old, dank, dark, and dated but also holds some oddly charming quality nonetheless. Service was straight-forward. Special s/o to the man who welcomed us in, immediately fetched a high chair for our child, and then also helped me with my giant diaper bag which he didn't have to do but was very appreciated. I bet he's a dad. read more

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Authentic Thai food with great service, personalized recommendations, and a convenient central Spenard location. I've been here a few times and ordered based on recommendations and continue to be impressed. My favorite is the extra large soups which mean I get a great dinner today and leftovers tomorrow. The ingredients are fresh, food made efficiently, and staff are kind. I will continue to be a regular! read more

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This is the place to come if you're hungry! We came looking to get some pho but saw other guests eating the Thai foods. So we ordered the chicken green curry, thai seafoid salad and basil beef, we were dubius as the prices were same or lower than the lower 48. Then the server said that we may no fisnigh the meal. When the foid came, the dishes were HUGE. The seafood salad was fantastic and had tons of shrimp, squid and mussels. They eere cooked to perfection. Thw green curry was good and the basil beef was good, bit not the. I'd rate the food as 4 but the volume as 6! Be prepared to bag your food to go. read more

THIER PAD THAI IS AMAZING!!! Don't get me started on their chicken yellow curry, this meal is a 10/10

Pho Lena serves up some tasty Laos/Thai/Vietnamese (and Chinese) food. Based on what we ordered, their strengths are in their soups. The broths were all flavorful but not overpowering. Fresh flat noodles are available for $2 more. My fiancé got the oxtail soup with flat noodles (a sparse portion) and my mom got the Pho Lena that had a seafood and meat atop the noodles. I ordered the curry noodle soup and it and had a good spicy kick! It was delicious with the fresh shredded cabbage atop the noodles and chicken. Would definitely recommend this one! My dad got the sweet and sour chicken, which was the disappointing dish. A generous portion though! We took the leftovers to go and needed more rice. $3 for additional rice to go. In retrospect we probably should have left it. Quick, no nonsense service. read more

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The broth they make, makes this place the Best Pho in town! Great prices for lunch, I love trying the daily lunch specials so I can try new things instead of being just stuck on the PHO and spring rolls (which is the standard typically) ! Other faves include the chicken pumpkin coconut stew. I would never try something like that... kinda life changing. They also have tum yum that Slaps real real hard! Perfect sweet and spicy balance. If you see them have the sticky rice. Get it! They only make so many at a time, and man its worth it. read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Beef Pho Rare - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I've been to this location twice now and each time has been pho-nominal. I'm so grateful my workout buddy turned me on to this place. I'm usually a ramen girl but their broth here is so delicious, especially after you add all the bean sprouts, basil leaves, pepper, oyster sauce, sriracha, and chili hot oil - so perfect for a chilly night. I tried the Chinese eggplant with tofu and, as always, it did not disappoint. Servings are generous and I love that they have three different sizes of pho bowls. Would recommend this place read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Rare beef and meatballs pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Always great. Always. West side Pho Lena Spenard is the most relaiable place to get a diverse selection of Vietnamese and Lao food. We are blessed in Anchorage with a LOT of great Thai, Vietnamese and Lao restaurants. And I still also love Ray's down the stree because they are also very reliable and affordable. But the selection is different and more diverse here. So its just a matter of what I'm in the mood for. I especially love what they do with saucy curries and noodles here, as well as Pho. So good! read more

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Their Khao poon is amazing. I don't know of another restaurant that sells Khao poon so that made my life!

Anchorage, AK October 2025 I stopped in at Pho Lena while visiting Anchorage and ordered the rare beef pho. The portion was very generous -- plenty of noodles and meat, and the broth was flavorful and satisfying. Definitely one of the better pho options in town when it comes to taste and serving size. On the downside, the service was a bit lackluster -- not rude, but inattentive and slow to check in. The restaurant itself could use a thorough cleaning, as the tables and floors felt a little neglected. Overall, the food was good enough to make up for the rough edges. If you're craving a hearty bowl of pho and don't mind a no-frills atmosphere, Pho Lena on Spenard Road is worth a visit. read more

Grabbed mango sticky rice to go. Was a little smaller than expected but still very delicious! The made it to order so we waited a little bit for the staff to prepare the coconut milk. read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Mango Rice (Subject To Availability) - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Food + Pad kra pao was amazing! + Thai tea was good - Roast duck was dry (note that as it says on the menu, it does take quite a bit longer) Service = They weren't that busy but it took them awhile to come and get our order. That being said, they were all friendly. Ambiance + Beautiful hanging baskets outside during the summer = Open floor plan, a bit outdated, but your very typical Asian restaurant. read more

We got there late but the staff was so kind and accommodating! The broth was incredible and the prices seemed very reasonable. I would definitely come back! read more

I got the pho beef to go, idk if it was the busiest time I showed up but it took a bit longer than the other places I've been to. Still, it's one of the best places I've tried. AMAZING AMOUNT OF NOODLES!! AMAZING AMOUNT OF BROTH!! read more

I was on the hunt for a new place to get oxtail pho, as my usual spot is always super busy with long wait times and difficult to get ahold of. After craving pho and fried rice, I decided to give Pho Lena a try. I'd had their food before, but never tried the pho. I called in my order just 15 minutes before closing (I noticed the hours were listed incorrectly on Google), and despite the short notice, Pho Lena was able to accommodate my order for oxtail pho, fried rice, and tilapia. And let me tell you, the food was absolutely delicious! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and hit the spot. Pho Lena has officially won me over--definitely kicked my regular pho spot's butt! I'll absolutely be back for more. If you're looking for a tasty pho experience, give this place a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

I have mostly gotten takeout from here, it is always soooooo good! Recently, I went and sat down by myself. The service took some time in the beginning but it was all worth it! The pho is rich and so delicious! 10/10 - I recommend to anyone and everyone! read more

Spring rolls were a bit fishy in taste but over all not bad- served with a sweet and spicey sauce rather than peanut Yellow curry- I went mild no spicey but it was still to spicey for me- my mouth was on fire- not sure if it was just my lack of spice tolerance or they accidentally gave me a couple stars of spice. Over all friendly, small -and adorable place worth stopping by. read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Lao Fresh Rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

When I speak to my coworkers about my favorite pho place, they usually beat me to the name- Pho Lena always comes up first. Best place to warm up from the inside out. Tasty and hot pho comes out quickly and the staff is pretty friendly and knowledgeable. I love the phos they have, the fresh rolls, and the sesame balls (if they have them. They sell out fast!). The super bowl comes out as massive bowl, enough to feed 3 people! Decided to try it tonight because I wanted many leftovers. This place is just darn good no matter when you go- lunch, dinner, second dinner.....I highly recommend! read more

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We come here frequently with friends. Love the vegetarian fresh spring rolls and the pumpkin coconut soup. Husband likes the lunch specials. The yellow dressing on the salad is amazing too. The staff are always friendly and pretty much know our and our friends orders. read more

Coming from the lower 48, this place was average. Personally this place was basic. Walked in with a party of 6 and the place was crowded. Had a bit of a wait to be seated and to get our food. Ordered the pad Thai and Lao salad as our appetizers. The pad Thai was alright, the consistency wasn't sticky but the noodles were quite thick and stuck together. The Lao salad was like a palette cleanser, refreshing dressing but very peanuty. The broth to both pho was very clear and tasted good. I wish it was a little hotter when served. The kao piek sen was better though. Thicker broth and thicker noodle. Didn't need to add anything else, except sriracha. The crispy pork made every bite crunchy! The noodles were soft accompanied with the crispy pork belly- mashing the best combo. I'd come back to get the Lao kao piek sen again. read more

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I love Pho Lena. I went here a few years ago and could never remember where it was and then found it randomly on yelp! The servers are so nice and the dining area is so homie. The food is consistently good. Love coming here. read more

I ordered a cold noodle salad with pork. What arrived at the table was a pile of warm noodles with a huge steaming pile of slimy chicken. It was inedible except for the egg roll. Seriously gross. read more

This is pho done right! We got great service and the pho came out fast. I'm so glad I got a small bowl because the servings are huge! Everything in the combination bowl was delicious! It was seasoned well and wasn't over salted. This was an absolute bargain! Great food, great service! Thank you Pho Lena!!! read more

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Pumpkin curry with brown rice Fantastic flavor and ample quality to go. I received first Class service. I love this place read more

There's a reason they have 3 locations in town! Service is solid and the food is delicious. Portions are generous and prices are in line. What are you waiting for?! read more

Food was excellent... they have variety of delicious dishes, besides pho... I do recommend the sandwich, coffee and papaya salad ( make sure you let them know if you like it mild or hot )... the person i spoke to take my order is very professional and helpful... the inside is small but I like to take my orders to go. Highly recommended... read more

Delicious Asian food in Anchorage! We really enjoyed this restaurant and there were plenty of vegetarian options. Lao vegetarian pappardelle pasta - homemade flat noodles in a creamy curry mixed with veggies and tofu. This was a unique and delicious dish. The portion size is huge!! I definitely had enough leftovers for lunch. The potatoes were a little undercooked but I would order this again. Thai iced tea- the flavor was good but it was very sweet. read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Thai Iced Tea - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Service is fast! Mee Ka Tee with extra crispy pork is the bomb! I'm not really into curry but I need to try this one. I didn't finish it though the serving is really huge. We also tried the famous Pad Thai and chicken wings is so flavorful, the sauce is so good it was marinated with spicy and sweet garlic sauce. My belly is full! read more

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Really disappointed about price, first time I been ordered Medium combo pho, steaks on the side, I paid $ 13.95 . Three days later, I came back same order but they charge me $ 18.95, now forever, I won't be back here, bad service too read more

Pho Lena Spenard - Combos medium pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I love Thai food and this place did not disappoint me at all!! The staff is super nice and prompt service was good as well. I recommend coming here. The place has plenty of seating. read more

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I have been here many times through the years. Tonight was supremely disappointing and will not go back. I would tell you how my food was but I never I it....my son did get his soup which cooled off for 10-15 minutes while I sat there with nothing. Another 5 mins goes by before someone decided to stop by the table to alert me that my drunken noodles would take another 5 mins....I canceled that order. I didn't come out to spend money and eat- too not eat within the same 30 mins that the other food arrived. I wasn't able to flag anyone down as it was busy but not frantic. And honestly it should not take the staff 15-20 minds to realize their table only had half the order. So wild I enjoy the food usually, this was a bust and not worth the effort. read more

The food was ok except for the brisket banh mi, that was sandwich was really good. But the service was not good. The food took forever to come out. I wish they would try to bring food out together. My friend got her plate first and was almost finished by the time I got my bowl of pho. They didn't check on us. They didn't refill our waters. Never brought us our coffee and still charged us for it. It's just hard to get anyone's attention here. I will not be coming back. I have two starts because the brisket sandwich was bomb. read more

This is the best place for pho. The price here are amazing, hope they keep the price the same. The food was amazing, I recommend getting the pho combo regular. That bowl of pho, so amazing and just the perfect amount. Ask for some crispy pork on the side with your pho, trust me it's the best combo! The papaya salad was also pretty good. We also got the fried spring rolls, they came piping hot and was so good! The banh mi, chefs kiss! The service was really good, love our server, came by to check on us. And we got the food pretty quick. Overall, amazing place! read more

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In 2015, I randomly tried #42 with subbed chicken for tofu and added flat noodles + Taro Shake. Since then I've shown so many people this incredible combo, and last time I went, I heard someone ordering it behind me! So: GO GET THIS. It will ruin your life in the best way possible if you're visiting, and make you an addict if you're local. :) read more

Pho Lena Spenard - #42 sub Tofu with Chicken and add flat noodle with a Taro Shake. If you haven't tried tried this combo, you haven't lived. - Vietnamese Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

This is my go-to place for a special weekday lunch around $20. I always order the same pho, I think it's #43, with coconut milk in the broth. It's good with both the chicken and the fried tofu, although if you order the chicken sometimes you get a smaller portion than other times. I always add some chili oil to give the broth a kick. The amount of sprouts and jalapeños you get on the side is generous, I never leave hungry or disappointed. For $20ish I think it's a pretty good value, especially with most places you can go these days costing upwards of $30 for a single person unless you're eating fast food. It's not the fanciest, but I think it's one of the tastiest. All they need is a beer menu-- I would give 6 stars! read more

Great vegetarian pho. I have lived in NYC, Philly, and many other cities. This is the second best vegetarian pho out of 15 vegetarians phos across the country. Crowded but seated immediately. Very friendly and quick service. Food family place/environment to sit down and enjoy food. Cost is fine. read more

Authentic Lao food. what??!! Totally unexpected on my trip to Anchorage. Flavors were amazing. Lots of dishes I have not been able to order at other Lao restaurants (albeit there aren't many in the Lower 48). Khao paek, khao poon, pumpkin coconut soup, larp (I like mine not too wet), Lao sausage etc. Has vegetarian options. Has wheat free and dairy free dishes but they are not labelled. You need to inspect and ask. Greeted with total Lao hospitality. A "Sa Bai Dee" (which means good day) goes a long way. Don't miss eating here. Their souper bowls are extra large portions, but the regular bowls were already large. read more

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Hungover? Sad? Happy? My absolutely favorite comfort food is the "Khao Piak Sen" (#46 lol) at Pho Lena on Spenard. It's a thick, savory broth with chewy udon noodles made of tapioca and rice flour. Traditionally, this is a Lao chicken noodle soup, but my go-to is to order crispy pork. But here are the golden tips: (1) Order the crispy pork ON THE SIDE and add a little bit as you go, so that they stay crispy. Since they're dehydrated, they actually turn pretty hard if left in the broth too long (not sure if anyone has tricks around this). (2) The reason why I specifically go to the location on Spenard is because you WANT the crispy fried garlic bits. I always add two heaping spoonfuls along with a generous serving of chili oily to get that extra umami kick! But if you're not good with spice you can obviously skip the chili. Thank me later. read more

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