Pho 87

Pho 87 Restaurant Review:

Offering arguably some of the best pho in Los Angeles proper, Pho 87 has long been a hangout for hipsters, Vietnamese expat families and regulars who flock here for steaming bowls of Vietnam’s most famous national dish. This unpretentious and airy family-owned Chinatown restaurant is the kind of culinary gem that makes L.A. such a serendipitous gastronomic wonderland. A koi fountain greets diners with ancient Zen-like tradition, but a giant modern flat screen TV broadcasts up-to-the-minute sports. The pho --- rice noodle soup with beef (most likely derived from the French colonial pot-au-feu) --- is as authentic as that of the street stalls in Saigon. There are many varieties on the menu, but beginners should start with the pho tai (noodles with rare beef.) Explorers can savor the special combo, which includes tripe and satiny beef tendon. There are shrimp and vegetarian versions, too. Also on the long list of savory dishes: good spring rolls and egg rolls, filling noodle or rice combos, and a lemon grass-tinged pork chop. Everything is a real bargain (nothing over $9.50), and dishes are generous. Don’t miss the fresh lemonade soda and strong French coffee. Cash only.