Phở Năm Lúa

"If Phở Năm Lúa existed in the 1800s every traveling medicine show would carry a supply of their pho. But unlike Clark Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment, we’re convinced that the soup from this small North Park Vietnamese restaurant is an actual cure-all. Each comforting bowl is beefy with a hint of sweetness, and comes with chewy rice noodles and cuts of meat like flank steak, tendons, and meatballs. The broth is rich and still has a slurpable lightness. Plus the fragrance of star anise and cinnamon is basically aromatherapy. " - josh barnett, john ringor

"The pho from this casual Vietnamese spot in North Park is one of the best versions in the city—we’re convinced that it’s a universal remedy for everything from the common cold to heartbreak. But even if you’re not looking for a cure-all, it’s still worth ordering a bowl from Phở Năm Lúa. The cuts of meat like flank steak or tendons are great, but there's at least one bowl at every table because of their incredibly balanced broth. It’s light yet still beefy and complex, with a perfectly calibrated mix of spices. It’s pretty easy to grab a table for lunch, but dinner time is prime noodle slurping hour—so show up on the earlier side or close to its 9pm closing to avoid the rush. " - John Ringor

"Pho is delicious year-round but it’s essential when the temperatures dip. One of the best bowls is found at Pho 5 Lua on the northwest side, far from Argyle Street. The Vietnamese staple cures any ailment (or hangover) with an intense beef broth and add-ins like rice noodles, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatballs, bean sprouts, cilantro, Thai basil, and more." - Naomi Waxman, Ashok Selvam

"Arguably the city’s best phở is made in a nondescript strip mall restaurant on the far North Side . Pho Nam Lua (or Pho 5 Lua) is a favorite among Vietnamese expats and its namesake dish stands above other local offerings. A complex and aromatic broth is accompanied by add-ons like fatty beef, hunks of oxtail, tripe, meatballs, and more. Diners are also encouraged to garnish their bowls with as much basil, bean sprouts, and cilantro as they want. Online orders can be placed here." - Jeffy Mai

"Some of Chicago’s most sought-after pho can be found in a strip mall on the Northwest Side. Pho 5 Lua is prized among Vietnamese locals and its eponymous dish stands above most other versions in the area with a complex and aromatic broth accompanied by additions like fatty wagyu beef, hunks of oxtail, brisket, tripe, and meatballs. Order online through the restaurant’s website." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff