Pho Xe Lua Viet Thai Restaurant

"Stepping into Pho Xe Lua is like stepping into the ’90s—tables are set with Chinese zodiac paper placemats, there’s a lobster tank in the entry, and scenes of palm trees and beaches are etched in enamel in the glass dividers. Time warp aside, it serves some excellent Vietnamese and Thai dishes in huge portions—the crispy spring rolls, pan-fried noodles with seafood, and shrimp phở are all standouts (and if you’re not sure what to get, the servers are more than happy to make recommendations). " - candis mclean, alison kessler

"At Pho Xe Lua in Chinatown, tables are set with Chinese zodiac paper placemats, there’s a lobster tank in the entryway, and scenes of palm trees and beaches are etched in enamel in the glass dividers. But most importantly, the phở tai always arrives piping hot with slices of rare beef and white onion cooking in the broth. This restaurant is a little hard to find—look for the glowing neon choo choo train in their window. " - alison kessler

"Stepping into Pho Xe Lua is like stepping into the ’90s—tables are set with Chinese zodiac paper placemats, there’s a lobster tank in the entry, and scenes of palm trees and beaches are etched in enamel in the glass dividers. Time warp aside, it serves some excellent Vietnamese and Thai dishes in huge portions—the crispy spring rolls, pan-fried noodles with seafood, and shrimp pho are all standouts (and if you’re not sure what to get, the servers are more than happy to make recommendations). It can be tough to find when Chinatown is bustling, so keep an eye out for the glowing neon choo choo train in their window.  " - alison kessler