Pho 101

"In the realm of Orange County pho, few places will be as heralded as Pho 79, winner of the James Beard America’s Classics award a few years ago. In 2018, the family behind Pho 79 expanded to another restaurant called Pho 101 at a difficult-to-access plaza in Westminster just off the 405. Though it’s on a major intersection at Edinger and Beach Boulevard, the restaurant is only accessible going west on Edinger. The journey is worth it because Pho 101 might have my favorite new pho in Southern California outside of Pho Redbo. Pho 101 does a fun customizable bowl with up to four different toppings for the same price. A medium runs $14.75, and it’s more than big enough for a single person. I opted for tai, or rare steak, brisket, and floating blobs of tofu so that my son could have something to eat. The tai was tender, melt-in-your-mouth while the brisket had an edge of profound beefiness. The broth is perfect, almost clear but not overwhelmingly directed toward spices or aromatics. The dining room is also very nice with a modern and vaguely industrial aesthetic that doesn’t try too hard. The ambience is a clear step up from the garden variety strip mall pho spot. As the weather turns cold, this will be the pho restaurant our family will gravitate towards." - Eater Staff

"Pho 101 is best known for its oxtail pho. Its pedigree is well-regarded since Pho 101 is the modern offshoot of the James Beard award-winning Pho 79. The family expanded its footprint to what feels like the next generation of a pho shop: The booths are made of wood planks, and the dining room’s exposed ventilation pipes and metal accents give the space a modern vibe that attracts a trendier audience. Don’t leave without trying the crispy chicken with garlic butter rice." - Jenn Tanaka