Pho 888
Vietnamese restaurant · Uptown
1137 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640
Highlights
Flavorful pho, banh mi, and bun bo hue with generous portions.
Flavorful pho, banh mi, and bun bo hue with generous portions.
"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." - adrian kane, courtney sprewer, veda kilaru, john ringor
"Aside from a framed picture of an olive pole-dancing on the stem of a martini glass, the decor is pretty light at Phở 888. But this small Uptown spot’s food is anything but plain. Their phở is light yet beefy, with hints of warming spices complementing cuts of flank steak and tendon, and the hủ tiếu bò kho is a fantastic sweet beef noodle stew. But any meal should start with the spring rolls. The DIY rice rolls are loaded with bo la lot or grilled beef, and are perfect for splitting with friends while talking about that dancing olive." - john ringor
"Pho 888’s special bowl understands soup diplomacy—it’s a balanced bowl that sits in the middle of the sweet or savory spectrum. But it’s the strong punch from warming spices that distinguishes this Uptown spot’s soup full of meatballs, eye of round, and tendon. Each spoonful is packed with enough cinnamon, clove, and star anise to convince you that it’s the holiday season." - john ringor
"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
"What To Order: Chả Cá Lá Vọng Invented in the 19th century by the Doan family of Hanoi, chả cá lá vọng is a delightful DIY-feast. Turmeric-marinated fish, green onion, and dill are brought out on a sizzling platter and it’s your job to grill them until they’re just right. Pair the fish with mounds of fresh, springy rice noodles, a mix of aromatics, and both cilantro and mint, eaten raw. Fermented shrimp paste is the traditional dipping sauce, which brings a pungent, salty slightly fishy dimension to the dish too." - celebrate argyle, hac tran
