Pho 888 - Review - Uptown - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Aside from a framed picture of an olive pole-dancing on the stem of a martini glass, there isn’t much decor at Phở 888. But this small Uptown spot’s Vietnamese food is anything but plain. Their excellent namesake phở is light but still beefy, and infused with hints of cinnamon and clove that complement cuts like flank steak or soft tendon. The hủ tiếu bò kho is also a fantastic sweet beef noodle stew. And while the spring rolls are tasty starters for a solo meal, the DIY rice rolls loaded with bo la lot or grilled beef are great to split with a group while talking about that dancing olive. photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik photo credit: Kim Kovacik video credit: Kim Kovacik Pause Unmute Food Rundown Phở Dặc Biệt A great bowl of phở. The clear broth has a pleasant lightness but still has plenty of flavor from clove, star anise, and cinnamon. And the balanced ratio of eye of round, flank steak, meatballs, and tripe guarantees that you get a bit of everything. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Hủ Tiếu Bò Kho This boldly flavored beef stew has plenty of lemongrass punch and sweetness, plus a strong hint of star anise. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Bánh Hỏi Thập Cẩm The build-your-own rice rolls are a great shared appetizer. We like getting this specific spread with fresh vegetables, chewy fish cakes, smoky beef wrapped in betel leaves, and slices of grilled beef. photo credit: Kim Kovacik" - John Ringor