Well the most important part is the base, and it was very flavorful and although it looks like a hole in the wall it's actually pretty good. The fried tofu I was skeptical to try but turned out for best I've had. I'm giving it a three though because the service was non existent. Food is great. Service not so much. read more

Its funny that the lunch Special there 1entree+free soda=$5.75, but I ordered lunch special 2entree=6.25 which didnt come with free soda. Then I rather have the 1entree instead.. I had chicken teriyaki and the pork dish.. Both were too salty. Chicken were extremely tender that I couldnt eat at all even though I chewed for like 1min... Dislike At this point I am glad that I had ordered two entree. read more

I go to this place almost once a week. The dinner menu is huge and somehow I've never had anything I don't like. The curry chicken soup is especially good. They also have a great lunch money that's fast and cheap! Family owned and local. I can easily say this is my favorite place to eat. read more

It's close to my house and pretty good. Pho is my go to meal when I am sick. I had shrimp and beef spring rolls as well as the Pho Saigon Special Pho Bowl. It was good, there was a lot of meat in my bowl. The lady that helped us was very nice and the food was served extremely fast. Will go back. read more

Four stars because the staff is so great. My only gripe would be I wish the pho broth didn't taste like it was watered down. On its own, it doesn't have that- POP flavor. Gotta doctor it up. But great, fast place for work lunches. read more

After moving to First hill I was excited but wary to see a pho joint nearby. If it was good -- I had my go-to place for when i was sick, cold, or when the winter brought soup eating weather. If it was bad i'd have another Vietnamese joint that was SO CLOSE but disappointed to the point of avoidance. So when my first cold of the fall hit, I knew I needed some spicy brothy goodness to set things right. I crossed my fingers and marched over to Pho Saigon with the man in tow. Inside you have your typical pho joint -- tables with condiments, the random Chinese lanterns and calendars in foreign languages. The place smelled good though so my hopes rose a bit more. The menu is pretty extensive -- Vietnamese and Chinese fair a-plenty. I chose the chicken pho -- being too nervous to go after a steak or brisket option since those have the habit of being so hit and miss. Iced coffee was also ordered and brought out promptly -- appropriately chilled, sweet, and strong. Again I was thinking this was the right choice. Right before our entrees came out a plate of beautiful, fresh, bright green thai basil and all the other fixins was put on the table. Not a sad wilted leaf in site! Then my bowl (a rather large "small" size) came. Aromatic with large pieces of thinly sliced roasted chicken in it (not the sad greasy leftover bits you might find elsewhere). Sriracha, jalapenos, lime and so much basil were added and then I had my first sip. Perfect. Just what the doctor ordered. I slurped my way happily through my dinner, CW eyeing my bowl jealously (he ordered a strange shrimp & pork Vietnamese omelette thing that was apparently only "alright"). By the time i was finished I felt sufficiently exhausted, sated, and my sinus's drained. The woman running the joint saw my peaceful afterglow appearance and asked if I was full. I happily proclaimed "Yes! And that was Perfect!" I can't wait to go back, hopefully on a day when I feel less under the weather. read more

I frequent this whenever I'm working at Swedish which can be twice or three times a week. They have really decent vermecelli bowls, delicious rice dishes, pho and banhmi's. The prices are very fair, a banhmi is $3.50 which is the going price in Seattle and pho is about $7.95 for a reg size which is a little pricey but its really good and not salty at all. The folks that run it are super nice, fast and I feel that you get a lot of food since I usually only eat half of my vermecelli bowls or rice dishes. In fact,my coworkers always place orders here as well if I go to pick up lunch for the day. read more

after indulging in bowl after bowl of mediocre flavorless pho in vietnam, i'm here to report that pho saigon serves up pho just as bad as the one served in the motherland. the customer service was right on par with the horrible OC hole in the wall places, and my bowl of pho was served with, yes, a thumb IN the broth. there's nothing more appetizing than my pho broth sloshing around someone's (possibly) unwashed thumbs. gross. the broth was flavorless and pale in color, and didn't have that rich oily sensation when sipping. i feel like they used a powder instead of simmering oxtail and neck bones for a good 24 hours. the meat was strange and pearlescent, much like the inside of an abalone shell or the face of a mother of pearl rolex. weird. there was a good amount of meat, but due to the strange color, i didn't want to touch it. the noodles were cooked well, but didn't have much flavor since there was no meaty broth to soak up, and i wasn't impressed by the wilted plate of bean sprouts/thai basil either. sigh. i ended up using more hoisin/sriracha than usual to gain more depth and purpose out of the broth, but still didn't even finish half of my small bowl of food. mr. had the banh xeo... and wow... i didn't know anything could taste this bad. the batter tasted like pantry lining smells... almost as though it spent many years on the shelf absorbing the surrounding smells of the kitchen and bathroom. it had a very stale feel to it, and a weird rubbery/greasy texture. on a good note, the green leaf lettuce they served alongside was fresh, and he was given a generous amount. the pork and shrimp spring rolls were, well, just shrimp. when i asked where the pork was, the waitress said they're just shrimp. why does it say pork and shrimp spring roll on the menu then??!! hmm... for anyone that's interested in going to vietnam for the food but doesn't want to waste the $6000 on plane fare, i'd suggest you check this place out. the aged ingredients, loud nasal vietnamese banter, and lack of customer service will make you feel like you're right in the heart of saigon. read more

I've lived and worked in this area for 10 years and have never gone in. This week, I thought I'd give it a try. Pho tai for lunch today. The broth should be more flavorful. It's quite dilute and lacking the richness that usually is present in a beef broth. Also the meat was a bit grey (gross) indicating that it was cut long ago (or old). The restaurant had dirty utensils and overall dirty appearing restaurant. Overall, I'd not go back when there are several other vietnamese options. read more

I've been in here a few times while I'm on my lunch break and I have no complaints. The food tastes good and is reasonably priced. The people who work there are really nice and have clearly become a part of the community and know many of the return patrons by name. The place is cute, though the decor leaves a bit to be desired... all in all it's my favorite lunch spot while I'm at work. Also, they take cards, which not every lunch joint on Madison does. read more

I visit this lovely little place every day for lunch. They know what I like and are friendly and welcoming. They make sure that I am satisfied and haven't ever greeted me with anything but a smile and "Hello again!". This place is one of the few left that value their customers. The food is quite wonderful, and I haven't ever had an issue all the time I have been frequenting this business. They deserve far more than a paltry 5 stars, but if that's all Yelp will allow me, then my review will make up for it! read more

I cannot begin to tell you how mad I am that I went to this place. My experience was 3 weeks ago and I'm just now writing a review because I was talking about pho to a friend and remembered how bad this place was. My friend got sick from the food. Now I know most would say "how do you know it was them" well according to the doctor it was food poisoning. She didn't have anything to eat most of the day. I picked up my order around 8 pm. By 11 she was throwing up. Coincidence? Don't think so read more

One of the two places I know of in the area that has chicken katsu! Because of that, 5 stars. Thats what I usually get and its so damn good! In fact, I was just there last night. Also, whatever dressing they put on the salad is good too. read more

Nothing out of the ordinary, but the veggies are fresh and the food is comforting. The service is fast and the folks are sweet.

Some very mixed reviews here so I'll add mine. I stopped in for a quick meal while waiting for my step daughter to finish her doctor appointment. I ordered a stir fry tofu and lemongrass dish #60 that came with 2 scoops of rice and other assorted Vegetables in a perfectly spicy sauce. It was simply wonderful. The taste... was ... so so delectable.... put it this way, I'm at yelp trying to find out what it's called so I can see if it's available in my neighborhood close to Tacoma. This was my one and only experience at Pho Saigon but it was an over the top thumbs up dish. read more

First time visitor. I had lunch today with a friend. I had the bahn mi pork sandwich and he had the curry tofu with rice. Iced Tea for me, Thai iced tea for him. Sandwich ingredients were excellent, bread was too crunchy, like it was day old. Bread flavor good, and sized right for ingredients. I've had better, but was a fair deal for $3.25. My friends curry looked and smelled great and he said it was really good. More expensive than the sandwich I think it was about $8. The items on the steam table for the lunch specials looked great. The line started getting long right at noon but the staff work quickly. I'd go back... read more

Excellent pho for the price and the location. They also have an extensive menus for rice dishes and even have curry on the menu!

Only place on First Hill (that I know of) that offers banh mi... not the best by any means but satisfied my fixin'. Not many options either... pork, chicken (and tofu) i think... and being that there's no other competition for banh mi, they charge more than other places. $3.25 a pop. read more

I go here almost everyday and they are great little hole in the wall restaurant! I order off the menu and always get the green mango or green papaya salad. I've tried other items as well and I have always been pleased! They greet me every time I come in and when I call my order in they already know what I want and it is ready very quickly! Give them a try! read more

Always friendly and fast. I was a little disappointed that they forgot to put in my to go order even though I called ahead. They've treated me right the other 20 times I've ordered carry out though so I was fine with it. This restaurant is nicer than your average Pho restaurant. They do a good job with how they package the to-go pho. I'll continue to go there. read more

Their portion size is getting smaller and smaller. I watched the lady working there place food in a take out container, and I swear she only placed 2 pieces of meat from the entree dish. It's as though she was making sure the person only got 1 small scoop. Bottom line they are stingy when it comes to the food in the warmer. If only Saigon deli was closer... I'd go there instead. The prices are even more reasonable and they aren't stingy! read more

Hole in the wall with delicious home cooked Vietnamese food. No frills, order at the counter, seat yourself but the food is nommy. Stay in the Viet zone and you can't go wrong. They offer Chinese American for people who want that but trust me, stay focused. The combo crepe was crispy, had shrimp, pork, sprouts and was huge. Roll pieces in lettuce with herbs and dip. Delicious! The combo vermicelli was also huge with tons of protein. So good. So 5 stars for food, for friendly, efficient staff. The no frills maybe rate lower if you care but I don't. read more

I'm trying to decide whether it's a positive or a negative to be the food equivalent of white noise. The food here is fine. The prices are mid-range and the service is solid. There are other places I like a lot more and there are other places I like a lot less. If you live or work in this neighborhood, this is an easy, proximity-default and you will get a solid meal that will meet your needs. I've seen restaurants that could be described similarly stay in business for years so maybe this is a good safety play but I've also seen a lot flame out within a matter of months. If I was opening a restaurant, I would probably aim to achieve extraordinary flavor or value or I would do something that no one else is doing that is exciting and do it well. These guys have been around for awhile so they seem to be succeeding in the middle ground niche so I'm happy for them. I wouldn't ever go out of my way to eat there but I would if I was stuck at Swedish waiting for a family member or friend to be released. If I had time and a car, I would probably find a Than Bros read more

The pho here is really good. I've had the standard lunch fare and it is excactly that, (my wife tells me that the orange chicken sucked) but the pho is all I get anymore. They know me by name (only going once a week or less) and the staff is really friendly. Their pho has become something I crave. It only comes in one size, which is big, for 6.50. read more

Good, cheap food. decent variety. Their sandwiches are entirely decent.

I came in here for lunch on a weekday and was surprised to find it not that busy. I ordered a basic pho ga. The atmosphere was relaxing, and although outside is a busy bus stop, I felt shielded from the noise, which is important when you work on pill hill and just want a quiet lunch. Overall the pho was tasty, and was brought out promptly. There was other items on the menu that looked good as well. I would recommend this place if you're looking for soup on Madison for a quick lunch. read more

I ordered pho with rare beef and soft tendon to go. An advantage of pho to go is you get to put the meat in the broth yourself and therefore see it raw. This meat was not very fresh--it was grayish and had an unpleasant odor. A disadvantage of pho to go is that you can get screwed if you don't confirm you got the right accoutrements. I got a teeny packet of hoisin; no sriracha; and no lime. I was pissed. Also, the broth is somewhat watered down and has not been adequately skimmed of fat. I guess maybe nowadays they crank out too much teriyaki and tempura (!) to care about their pho quality. read more

Great food!! I had general chicken and this was so tasty my new favorite lunch spot!! The price is good specially for the area it is in!!!! The place get a bit packet quick but they get the line moving quickly! read more

Yummy take-out. I've never eaten in, always get take-out but not for any reason other than convenience. I most often have the green bean chicken but have also tried other dishes that are tasty. Although not technically on the menu, they'll always make "orange chicken" for my youngster. Nice staff - the gal who works there is always really friendly, and remembered us after only our first visit. read more

Try the chicken pho, you won't be disappointed. Oh, and the small size is big enough for almost anyone, unless you are a pho fanatic and can down the large... get ready for some intense belly bloating though. Don't expect much when asking a question about the menu, I think the workers might assume we all know what exactly is in Egg Drop soup. But it is quick, easy, and delicious and set in a relaxed environment. Who needs more when you're craving pho? read more

If you want some boring chinese stir fry, then go here. BUT if you want some really good Vietnamese food, Pho, Bahn Mi, fried noodles and such this is a great place. I would stay away from the Lunch specials. Like many asian restaurants around here, they try to all things to everyone. Sushi? We got that! Kung Pao chicken? We got that too? Pho? Yep. But, clearly these guys are Vietnamese and when you stay in the Vietnamese part of the menu it's pretty darn good. The staff is pretty quick and attentative to your needs. Prices are actually lower here for a standard lunch than I find in Bellevue, go figure. I can always find a seat to sit and eat there and they do a ton of carryout. I plan on eating here everytime I am working in Seattle! read more

Decent pho, pretty cheap, $6 for a small $7 for a large. Got brisket and tendon pho only had 2 pieces of tendon in it would've been nice if there was a bit more. The broth is decent nothing special. Acceptable pho for the price. read more

I'm staying at a nearby hospital and was getting tired of hospital food. So my mum went to look for something I could eat and found Saigon Pho. She said that take out service was quick. We were both pleasantly surprised at how good the food is from such a "hole in the wall" place. She liked how many veggies came with the vegetarian bowl and I loved the rich broth. The BBT wasn't as good other places I've been but was ok. read more

I come here for lunch several times a week. This place is reliable, fast, and the pho, chinese style hot and sour soup are all good. The people that run the place remember me and are always very friendly. read more

I had their "stir-fried vegetables, tofu, and lemongrass" and loved it! Served with hot tea, steamed rice. Excellent kind service.

Jesus Christ. The Vietnamese BBQ beef at this place will fill your pants with cum/wetness. Fuck every other country in the world in a painful way, Vietnamese is the cuisine of the future. read more

We eat pho here. Love the staff and locals. Food has always been great! Order shrimp pho w extra vegetables. Yum!

Why it took me so long to get my booty here is beyond me. I work on sandwich hill, errrr First Hill, and there are days when I don't want Pot Belly, Jimmy John's Subway, Blue Water. We mostly have sandwich shops here by the hospital and yeah, they do get tiring. My mom came to join me for lunch one day , and she wanted Vietnamese. I was a bit iffy about going here and I thought well why not. Plus I didn't pay for lunch that day. I had their Pho Dac Biet or their pho special. IMy mom had the Bun Rieu (tomato and crab paste noodle soup). The food came out pretty fast, and was piping hot. A very big deal for me, but also a big plus. The pho was flavorful, and the broth was deep with beef flavor with the usual hints of anise. The noodle wasn't in a clumpy ball. Mom's Bun Rieu was delicious and pretty authentic per mom. I had a taste and it tasted pretty good. Service was quick, and nice. I have gotten pho, bun, and their rice dish to go. I do avoid anything with shrimp on a skewer since it was bad, and mushy. Gross. I stick to their Viet choices, and haven't gotten anything Chinese. The prices are good, and service is quick. read more

Me and my husband went here and were pleasantly surprised. The pork banh mi was nice and tender. The pho was outstanding, esp since my husband doesn't usually like pho at other places he actually likes it here. Highly recommend!!! read more

They have pho. They also have a big menu of other dishes, but I had the pho. It was fine. Not a big selection. The sauces on the table were an odd color - too dark like they were too old - so I avoided those. It was a busy lunch time and they sat me in a corner, got me food, and ignored me. This place is the model of 3 stars: fine, unremarkable. read more