Pho Saigon

"If you only have 15 minutes for lunch, you can rely on Phở Saigon. The Midtown location is the type of place you go to eat phở alone in silence. Meditative trance music plays softly over the speakers in this dimly lit strip mall spot. The food comes out unbelievably fast. No one will talk to you (too much). The food may not blow you away like some of the other places on this list, but it’s utilitarian. Plus, Phở Saigon has multiple locations around town." - chelsea thomas

"If you only have 15 minutes for a meal, you can rely on Phở Saigon. The Midtown location is the type of place you go to eat phở alone in silence. Meditative trance music plays softly over the speakers in this dimly lit strip mall spot. The food comes out unbelievably fast. No one will talk to you (too much). The soup may not blow you away, but it’s utilitarian, and definitely one of the fastest. And sometimes, a bowl that appears nearly as quickly as it's ordered is all you really need. " - chelsea thomas

"With 10 locations around the city, this Vietnamese noodle house charbroils chicken, pork, beef, and more, offering proteins up in a variety of pho, vermicelli and steamed rice bowls, and stacked banh mi sandwiches. Take your pick from the array of coffee, teas, and fresh juices and sodas to sweeten the deal." - Minh Truong, Brittany Britto Garley

"For fragrant bowls of pho noodle soup, rice plates, and spring rolls head to this unassuming Vietnamese restaurant. Nothing on the menu exceeds twelve dollars, meaning that you could order a bowl of beef, chicken, and seafood pho alongside an appetizer of the cha gio—Vietnamese egg rolls alongside a few Vietnamese iced coffees for under fifty dollars. The banh mi is also an excellent option, and don’t sleep on the desserts, namely the sinh to sau rieng— a refreshing, fruity durian smoothie drink." - Sean Hekmat, Megha McSwain, Eater Staff

"A stalwart with six locations around town, including the original in Midtown, Pho Saigon has a large menu and loyal customer base for good reason — the service is quick, and the portions are generous. Choose from beef, chicken and vegetarian phở, and take your time slurping up a big bowl." - Minh Truong