Pho 888
Inside Pho 888
Pho 888 is a straightforward Vietnamese restaurant nestled in Chicago’s Argyle Street corridor, an area known for its vibrant Asian dining scene. With a focus on classic Vietnamese staples, it offers an extensive menu that goes beyond just pho, including various banh mis, egg rolls, and noodle soups like Bun Bo Hue. The atmosphere inside is casual and no-frills, fitting for a quick sit-down meal rather than a long, leisurely dinner. Seating is modest with some outdoor options when the weather allows, reflecting its neighborhood diner vibe.
This spot is particularly well-suited for folks looking for a hearty, budget-conscious meal. Portions are generous, making it easy to share dishes among a group or to bring home leftovers. The pho itself is a mixed bag in terms of texture and broth flavor; some find the noodles softer than traditional, and the broth tends to lean a little sweeter than the sharper, richer profiles pho enthusiasts might expect. However, the selection of proteins in the pho—ranging from tender eye-round steak to beef tendons and meatballs—offers plenty of variety, which adds depth to the experience.
If you’re drawn to sandwiches, the banh mi options here stand out, particularly the BBQ pork and sunny side up egg versions, offering satisfying, fresh bites with good balance of savory and crisp textures. Appetizers like shrimp spring rolls and grilled meatball spring rolls come up as crowd-pleasers, ideal for sharing before digging into a noodle soup or rice dish.
Service tends to be attentive and friendly but straightforward, and the restaurant opens relatively early compared to some neighbors, making it a viable stop for breakfast or a quick lunch after a morning workout or errands. Early evenings on weekdays or less busy Friday nights are good times to avoid a crowd and settle in comfortably.
Overall, Pho 888 fits comfortably into the local dining ecosystem as a reliable spot for no-nonsense Vietnamese comfort food, especially if you appreciate generous portions and a casual setting over refined presentation or artisanal nuances. Locals who frequent Argyle’s rich culinary mix will find Pho 888 an accessible and affordable option to satisfy noodle soup cravings without the wait or the fuss.
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