"The namesake soup at this North Park spot is top-tier. Their phở dặc biệt achieves a perfect light-yet-robust balance with just enough sweetness, and also comes with a less common cut of beef floating next to the supple noodles: buttery oxtail. But even if you aren’t a phở enthusiast, there are still plenty of great dishes to choose from. Like the spicy bún bò Huế, the crispy fish sauce wings covered in onions and jalapenos, and the rice plates with egg and grilled pork chop. All are valid reasons to beat the dinner time rush that packs Pho Nam Lua’s artwork-filled dining room." - john ringor