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Spring branch was where I grew up! Not a stranger to house some of the best pho and Korean restaurants, but I was super disappointed with my spontaneous lunch trip here. The restaurant is definitely hole in the wall, but these days, if you're lucky some of the hole in the walls are still kept clean and are still inviting. This place is dingy, dirty and ghetto. Didn't feel clean, the broth of my pho was very basic and also didn't taste flavorful and clean, but less filtered and just kinda womp womp. Wasn't a fan of the meat, chewy, kind of thick. The only thing I could say was that the staff were friendly. Prob won't come back...one of those places you're afraid to drink the free water, lol.
Finally found pho that reminds me of home! I've been on the hunt for a pho spot that tastes like the ones I grew up loving back in Boston, and Pho Luc Lac absolutely nailed it! The broth was so rich and flavorful, full of depth and comfort in every sip/bite. I ordered the small shrimp pho (which was honestly super filling!) and my husband had the large chicken pho with white meat. Both were perfection. We also tried the passion fruit green tea, omg, so good! Refreshing, sweet, and the perfect balance with the hot pho. The owner was really friendly too, which made the whole experience even better. All around a 10/10! We're officially regulars now. The only thing missing was that yummy fry dough bread to dip in the broth, but I'll happily make that at home next time.
Pho Luc Lac checks off most of the boxes I want in an eatery: divey, delicious, affordable, and somewhat off the beaten path. As part of a sleepy strip mall in Spring Branch near a bunch of schools, it's easy to miss and is rarely ever busy. In terms of a quality Vietnamese neighborhood eatery, it's up there and would certainly be a frequent destination if I was in the area more often. There is nothing fancy about this place. It evokes a certain kind of old school vibe, one that hasn't changed since the 90s with office style fluorescent lighting, minimal decor, grimy floors, and not so fabulous bathrooms. Despite not being the most spacious, they've done a good job with cramming a solid number of tables in here for all party sizes. It's rarely crowded and very low key for the most part. Service is good for the most part, but keep the expectations low. Pho-wise, the broth is very good. There's a lot of deep flavor in there, yet it's not as obscure as other beefy broths I've seen in the city. For the dac biet, there were a good variety of meat cuts from fatty to lean, and everything in between. (#1) I also enjoyed their bun thit nuong cha gio, which was hearty with a highlight worthy pile of crispy egg rolls. I haven't officially confirmed this, but I sense they're Central Vietnamese (#2) given that they offer banh beo (mini steamed rice cakes), banh bo lot (shrimp + tapioca dumplings), my quang (central turmeric noodle), banh canh (Vietnamese style udon), along with everyone's perennial fave: bun bo hue. While I haven't indulged in most of their smoothies, I can say that their version of Vietnamese iced coffee is strong ... in the best way. There's actually a lot of items I still have yet to try, so there's plenty of reason for me to keep coming back. ___________ (#1) Tendon joke, sorry. (#2) Nguoi Hue much?
I was excited to try this place since I've heard so many good things about it. It's a typical hole in the wall restaurant. Small, and tucked away. The service was great. the workers were friendly and food came out fast. I was pleasantly surprised by the rich flavors in the broth. I also really enjoyed the Banh bot loc, with the perfect dipping sauce. There was just one critique I had in mind. The food had such large portions of carbs that i felt overwhelmed the protein/meat. Overall, still a really great authentic Vietnamese hole-in-the wall.
Located in a less gentrified part of Spring Branch, don't be afraid of the less than polished exterior (and interior). This establishment is serving really flavorful soups to those in the know. The staff treats you like they know you; and the whole restaurant feels like your visiting someone's home. Friendly patrons and servers made the quaint interiors feel like something more than its parts. The broths here are deeply flavored and very nicely spiced. Nice bubbles of unctuous rendered fat floating throughout, and all the fall spices that make the the soup the ultimate comfort food. The spring rolls are packed well and the banh bot lac were a unique appetizer that's either addicting or maybe not for everyone. I'll need to come back and try the sandwiches and other menu items. Glad the good weather is here so that I can fit more pho in the rotation.
After a trip to this side of town for indoor skydiving we decided to give this place a try. I had the Bo Luc Lac and the portion is small but the meat was decent. It isn't anything special that you can get at most Vietnamese restaurants. Also had the Viet coffee and I have to say it was not good. I couldn't even finish it if I tried. There was a weird after taste that I didn't like so ended up tossing it. The kids had Pho and they enjoyed it. Place was clean, busy and service was attentive.
I was craving pho nearby and I'm glad I came across this spot! The inside is spacious with plenty of seating. For drinks, I ordered Thai iced tea with boba. I'm happy to say that I was able to taste the thai tea without the condensed milk being overpowering and the boba was soft and chewy. As for pho, I ordered the one with rare steak, flank, and tripe. The broth was flavorful and savory, the meats were great, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The service was friendly and the food came out very quickly. No complaints about this spot and I can't wait to come back!
A fave local Viet restaurant in the area. It's located in a spacious plaza where Thang Hung grocery store is. Their service is pretty quick and friendly. Some of my favorite items to get is the fried rice with shaken beef, mi quang, dry hu tieu, and bun thịt nướng. Their pho is also pretty solid. Great portion and with good prices. I always enjoy getting to-go here for lunch. A great spot to get your Viet food craving. Would highly recommend if you're in the area.
Pho Luc Lac is one of the better hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurants in Spring Branch. I tried the Bun Bo Hue and would give it a 7/10. It reminds me of my mom's BBH, which is my favorite, but a bit blander and not as spicy. There was a good amount of protein and noodles which I appreciate. My mom gave her Pho a 6/10; the broth could've been more flavorful.
2 months ago
It's a great family spot! Family owned restaurant. The owner is very welcome and service is decent! affordable. I order the special bowl of pho, it's quite tasty and kinda sweeter compare to the traditional recipe. I think pho here is good and cheap but nothing really stand out. Hence, the 4 stars! read more
Solid pho restaurant. My review is only based on my recent pho experience; I passed on the appetizers and drinks this time around. I hadn't been here in several years, mainly because they close early (closes at 7 pm but won't seat you past 6:30 pm) and they are closed on Sundays. The pho is great but not the best. If you're in the area, you're looking for good pho, and you can navigate the hours, definitely try this place and see what you think. The ambiance is no frills. It's relatively clean, but not updated or fancy in any way. It's what you look for in a hole-in-the-wall local business. It's great for a party of 4; if your party is larger, you may need to wait a bit. The service was fine but not memorable. Service was relatively quick. When you're done eating, you go up the counter, stand in line, and pay. Now let's dive into the pho. The broth has a deep, rich flavor, so I really appreciated that. I got a large bowl for myself and I easily finished it meaning the bowl isn't too big. It's not small either. But for $12.50 plus tax plus tip, it's not cheap. I was thankful for generous portions of bean sprouts and extra limes. I did note they do not give you fresh cilantro which would have elevated the pho a bit. The broth came out hot but not scalding. The meat portions were average and not the highest quality but still good. Maybe I missed it but I could not find a pho combination that included tendon. Parking is ample as it's in a strip center along with several other businesses like Crab Ave and Church's Chicken. Enjoy! read more
8 months ago
Spring branch was where I grew up! Not a stranger to house some of the best pho and Korean restaurants, but I was super disappointed with my spontaneous lunch trip here. The restaurant is definitely hole in the wall, but these days, if you're lucky some of the hole in the walls are still kept clean and are still inviting. This place is dingy, dirty and ghetto. Didn't feel clean, the broth of my pho was very basic and also didn't taste flavorful and clean, but less filtered and just kinda womp womp. Wasn't a fan of the meat, chewy, kind of thick. The only thing I could say was that the staff were friendly. Prob won't come back...one of those places you're afraid to drink the free water, lol. read more
11 months ago
Finally found pho that reminds me of home! I've been on the hunt for a pho spot that tastes like the ones I grew up loving back in Boston, and Pho Luc Lac absolutely nailed it! The broth was so rich and flavorful, full of depth and comfort in every sip/bite. I ordered the small shrimp pho (which was honestly super filling!) and my husband had the large chicken pho with white meat. Both were perfection. We also tried the passion fruit green tea, omg, so good! Refreshing, sweet, and the perfect balance with the hot pho. The owner was really friendly too, which made the whole experience even better. All around a 10/10! We're officially regulars now. The only thing missing was that yummy fry dough bread to dip in the broth, but I'll happily make that at home next time. read more
Pho Luc Lac checks off most of the boxes I want in an eatery: divey, delicious, affordable, and somewhat off the beaten path. As part of a sleepy strip mall in Spring Branch near a bunch of schools, it's easy to miss and is rarely ever busy. In terms of a quality Vietnamese neighborhood eatery, it's up there and would certainly be a frequent destination if I was in the area more often. There is nothing fancy about this place. It evokes a certain kind of old school vibe, one that hasn't changed since the 90s with office style fluorescent lighting, minimal decor, grimy floors, and not so fabulous bathrooms. Despite not being the most spacious, they've done a good job with cramming a solid number of tables in here for all party sizes. It's rarely crowded and very low key for the most part. Service is good for the most part, but keep the expectations low. Pho-wise, the broth is very good. There's a lot of deep flavor in there, yet it's not as obscure as other beefy broths I've seen in the city. For the dac biet, there were a good variety of meat cuts from fatty to lean, and everything in between. (#1) I also enjoyed their bun thit nuong cha gio, which was hearty with a highlight worthy pile of crispy egg rolls. I haven't officially confirmed this, but I sense they're Central Vietnamese (#2) given that they offer banh beo (mini steamed rice cakes), banh bo lot (shrimp + tapioca dumplings), my quang (central turmeric noodle), banh canh (Vietnamese style udon), along with everyone's perennial fave: bun bo hue. While I haven't indulged in most of their smoothies, I can say that their version of Vietnamese iced coffee is strong ... in the best way. There's actually a lot of items I still have yet to try, so there's plenty of reason for me to keep coming back. ___________ (#1) Tendon joke, sorry. (#2) Nguoi Hue much? read more
3 months ago
I was excited to try this place since I've heard so many good things about it. It's a typical hole in the wall restaurant. Small, and tucked away. The service was great. the workers were friendly and food came out fast. I was pleasantly surprised by the rich flavors in the broth. I also really enjoyed the Banh bot loc, with the perfect dipping sauce. There was just one critique I had in mind. The food had such large portions of carbs that i felt overwhelmed the protein/meat. Overall, still a really great authentic Vietnamese hole-in-the wall. read more
Located in a less gentrified part of Spring Branch, don't be afraid of the less than polished exterior (and interior). This establishment is serving really flavorful soups to those in the know. The staff treats you like they know you; and the whole restaurant feels like your visiting someone's home. Friendly patrons and servers made the quaint interiors feel like something more than its parts. The broths here are deeply flavored and very nicely spiced. Nice bubbles of unctuous rendered fat floating throughout, and all the fall spices that make the the soup the ultimate comfort food. The spring rolls are packed well and the banh bot lac were a unique appetizer that's either addicting or maybe not for everyone. I'll need to come back and try the sandwiches and other menu items. Glad the good weather is here so that I can fit more pho in the rotation. read more
2 years ago
After a trip to this side of town for indoor skydiving we decided to give this place a try. I had the Bo Luc Lac and the portion is small but the meat was decent. It isn't anything special that you can get at most Vietnamese restaurants. Also had the Viet coffee and I have to say it was not good. I couldn't even finish it if I tried. There was a weird after taste that I didn't like so ended up tossing it. The kids had Pho and they enjoyed it. Place was clean, busy and service was attentive. read more
3 years ago
I was craving pho nearby and I'm glad I came across this spot! The inside is spacious with plenty of seating. For drinks, I ordered Thai iced tea with boba. I'm happy to say that I was able to taste the thai tea without the condensed milk being overpowering and the boba was soft and chewy. As for pho, I ordered the one with rare steak, flank, and tripe. The broth was flavorful and savory, the meats were great, and the noodles were cooked perfectly. The service was friendly and the food came out very quickly. No complaints about this spot and I can't wait to come back! read more
1 year ago
Fabulous pho. Not the nicest plaza very simple restaurant Extremely tasty broth and quality meats I want to come back and try another one of their soups cause this is so good. read more
A fave local Viet restaurant in the area. It's located in a spacious plaza where Thang Hung grocery store is. Their service is pretty quick and friendly. Some of my favorite items to get is the fried rice with shaken beef, mi quang, dry hu tieu, and bun thịt nướng. Their pho is also pretty solid. Great portion and with good prices. I always enjoy getting to-go here for lunch. A great spot to get your Viet food craving. Would highly recommend if you're in the area. read more
Pho Luc Lac is one of the better hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurants in Spring Branch. I tried the Bun Bo Hue and would give it a 7/10. It reminds me of my mom's BBH, which is my favorite, but a bit blander and not as spicy. There was a good amount of protein and noodles which I appreciate. My mom gave her Pho a 6/10; the broth could've been more flavorful. read more
1 year ago
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3 years ago
Great service and excellent food. The vegan pho was out. You can pay much more for less quality. Quick warm service. Great food, both priced reasonably in a spotless restaurant . I can recommend this without reserve. Revisited 20.10.23 bah mi spring rolls both excellent hold mayo to accommodate my vegan requirement-Jo problem. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
The best pho in this area. Its kind of in the middle of the barrios, exterior needs a facelift. But the flavors is all that counts! Food however is absolutely a blast! I have not been this excited about pho since it was invented. All the roasted herbs was detectable in the broth. All of the meat was good as well. I found no faults here, even the ciracha is authentic and not substituted with the off brand stuff like I been seeing lately. So unless ur trying to impress a hawtie with some fancy joint, this is as good as it gets for the most wonderful dish ever invented. I love the pho here! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
Updating! We ordered bun rieu again and there was tofu and tomato this time. We did omit from the OC. I still come here religiously for Bun Bo Hue. read more
2 years ago
Love this restaurant I visit here regularly. This appetizer is my favorite dish. The service here is fast and simple. They actually check on you at least once after they drop off your food. The ambiance is typical of a Vietnamese restaurant, no frills just good food. Please check this place out!! You won't be disappointed!! read more
3 years ago
The bahn mi with panfried egg and white ham patties came with a thick spread of mayo, thick splash of dark sauce (tasted like Maggi's seasoning), jalapeno and cucumber spears, thick shreds of pickled daikon and carrot on a typical Vietnamese baguette. The first bite of the bahn mi was so good because it was so simple and delicious. The bahn bot loc (10 pc) satisfied my idea of them. They were chewy, plump and had meaty dried shrimp and pork in them. While there may be better versions than this one in the city, these are tasty too. I haven't eaten many Mi Quang soups but thought this one (size small) is rich and tasty. The broth was full of fried oil flavors and textures. The turmeric rice noodles were a little stuck together but held their shapes during the meal. I liked the mix of dried and fresh shrimp, pork patties, quail eggs and peanuts. The bone-in chopped pork was tender but didn't have the expected neutral smell or taste. The staff was nice. The spoon was clean though the topping containers had more spills than expected. read more
Pho Luc Lac is located doors down from Thang Hung. My friend suggested we meet up here to try something new. We started with the Banh Bot Loc, which was pretty good. It's not very common for me to see it on the menu. The eggrolls were standard too. For my entree, I decided to get the shrimp and chicken vermicelli bowl, but subbed the chicken for tofu. It was a solid vermicelli bowl. We also shared the fried rice, which I thought was better than the other 2 things I ate, which is saying a lot. Like most pho places, you walk up to the counter to pay. Overall, solid choice if you are craving Vietnamese food. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
This place has some fantastic Pho. The broth has a great authentic flavor but not so salty like other places. Not to mention, the shrimp spring rolls are so perfect! Small hole in the wall type place but well worth the stop. read more
3 years ago
Best Vietnamese food in this area of Houston. The spring rolls (shrimp) and pho (P1) were fantastic. The spring rolls seemed larger than as pictured on the menu and the pho was so flavorful and piping hot. The meatballs in the pho were some of the best Vietnamese meatballs I've ever had. Service was great. The waitress could even tell chopsticks weren't my specialty and offered a fork. Will be coming back for sure. read more
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More info about Pho Luc Lac
9457 Kempwood Dr
Houston, TX 77080
Spring Branch
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(713) 462-4499
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Is the broth gluten-free or are there other gluten-free options?
From my understanding, gluten free means that the food does not contain wheat products. The broth and actual Pho is gluten free. The noodle is made of rice, not wheat. For…
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