Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Pho Bo – San Diego
Pho Bo - San Diego
Photo from Pho Bo
Pho Bo at a glance
San Diego Barrio Logan
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#182 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in San Diego
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
385
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Prompt service
- Clean environment
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- External noise
The restaurant Pho Bo in San Diego’s vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood is a Vietnamese culinary gem. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where authentic flavors meet a relaxed atmosphere.
Known for its exceptional Vietnamese cuisine, this eatery also boasts a great tea selection, perfect for complementing your meal. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find a delightful experience awaiting you here.
Overview: Introducting Pho Bo
Pho Bo generally offers a pleasant dining experience, with many guests appreciating the attentive staff and efficient service. The atmosphere is often described as clean and welcoming, enhanced by ample parking.
However, some visitors have noted occasional issues with staff demeanor or external noise. The culinary offerings at Pho Bo receive considerable praise, particularly for the tender meat and flavorful broth.
While portions are often generous and prices generally reasonable, a few diners have found certain dishes to be expensive or inconsistent in quality, with some concerns about ingredients.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
385
Reviews
83.6%
Satisfaction
52
negative
11
neutral
322
positive
Pho Bo achieves a solid 8.1 overall, reflecting a generally positive experience for most patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 83.6%, indicating that the majority of diners leave content.
This positive sentiment is drawn from 385 customer observations, with 322 expressing favorable views against 52 negative ones. The Food (8.2) and Service (8.3) are clear strengths, frequently highlighted for their quality and efficiency.
The Ambience (8.2) also contributes positively, often noted for its cleanliness and comfort. However, Value (6) presents a more mixed picture, with some finding prices reasonable while others consider them a bit high.
What people like
- Flavorful, tender food
- Prompt, friendly service
- Clean dining environment
What people don't like
- Inconsistent staff attitude
- Perceived high prices
- External noise issues
With a strong 8.3 recommendation score, Pho Bo is generally a solid choice for those seeking well-prepared Vietnamese cuisine. You can expect a clean setting and often prompt, friendly service, making it a reliable option for a satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and occasional concerns about value. If you prioritize flavorful food and efficient dining, it’s worth a visit, but manage expectations regarding pricing and the occasional external distraction.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pho Bo
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
The food here generally earns high marks, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a strong customer satisfaction of 83.8%. With 186 positive remarks out of 222, many rave about the delicious Pho and its rich broth, often praising the excellent meat quality and overall flavor. Yet, not every dish is perfect, with 29 negative comments.
Some diners encountered chewy meat or found the pho broth to be greasy or contain too much MSG. A few also noted small portions compared to competitors, suggesting some inconsistency.
Food
222
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
29
negative
7
neutral
186
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful pho
- Generous meat portions
- Tender beef
What people don't like
- Chewy, fatty meat
- Greasy broth
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at P2 Ribs & Shank was very positive. The restaurant offers a lot of food for its price, so much so that I couldn't finish the noodles. All the meat was incredibly tender, and the noodles were soft.
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their seriously dank pho. While it was a bit on the pricier side at $20 for a large, the amount of meat in the bowl was incredible, even more so than the noodles.
- brothAll the meat was incredibly tender, and the noodles were soft. The broth was tasty, and the service was quick. I also enjoyed the atmosphere; the place feels really nice when the sliding window-doors are opened up.
- PhoThe Pho was on point with plenty of meat and the broth, soo good.
- spring rollsI asked them to omit cilantro as I don't like it. The spring rolls were also delicious.
- FoodFood:5
- chicken phogot chicken pho, Overall good and filling
- egg rollsthe egg rolls were tip of the spear good
- tasteAlthough the price was a bit high, the taste was absolutely amazing. The portion of meat was so generous that even after taking a bite of meat with noodles, there was still meat left.
- Pho BoThe Pho Bo here is really delicious
Frequently criticized
- meatThe meat turned out to be tough, a lot of fat, cartilage
- Bun Ga NuongThere was an unwelcome guest in the bottom of the section that had contained the chicken, rice noodles, lettuce and bean sprouts.
- Phonose hair in my Pho
- Pho brothPho broth definitely all MSG and spices for fast food chain type.
- Rare and Brisket Tai GauThere was an unwelcome guest in the bottom of the section that had contained the chicken, rice noodles, lettuce and bean sprouts.
- Vietnamese coffeeVietnamese coffee taste like burn corn with little coffee and condense milk.
- authentic ingredientsPho broth is missing authentic ingredients
- beef phomeat was nothing but pure fat
- cardamom in the phoA little too much cardamom in the pho
- flavorI'll stick to the places on University Ave. In East San Diego, which have way more flavor and a bowl of beef or chicken pho rounds up to only $10. This place is trash!
If you're seeking a spot for delicious, flavorful pho with generous meat, this place is often a hit. However, be mindful that some experiences mention chewy meat or a less-than-perfect broth, so it might not be consistently outstanding.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The service here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.5%. Many guests, in 77 positive remarks out of 89 total, rave about the incredibly fast service, friendly staff, and attentive servers. Terms like fast service, customer service, and hospitality frequently pop up, highlighting a truly welcoming experience.
However, a small number of 12 negative comments point to some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned issues with rude staff or front staff who were unhelpful with questions or even got orders wrong. There were also isolated instances of disrespectful interactions or longer wait times that slightly marred the experience for some.
Service
89
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Great hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude front staff
- Incorrect orders
- Unhelpful staff
Often praised
- serviceWhile there was some noise from nearby construction, the overall seating was pleasant. I would describe my experience as having great food and excellent service.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was marked by attentive and friendly staff and quick service, offering awesome value. The spring rolls were great, though they didn't come with the usual Vietnamese dipping sauce.
- ServiceDidn't take long to get our big bowl
- serversIt's that good on its own – seriously, it's that good. The food is great, the servers were nice, and the restaurant is clean and well-kept. We had a late lunch and didn't have any issues with parking, and there was plenty of parking available in the free parking lot.
- customer serviceThe shrimp fried rice is like no other. Their superb customer service makes it such a memorable experience. This place has become our go-to for lunch and dinner.
- fast serviceIt's a convenient location to drive to from downtown, and there's plenty of free parking. I was impressed with the large portions, fast service, and the organized team.
- servicesservices were excellent
- Dine inService:Dine in
- No waitWait time:No wait
- Parking spaceParking space:Plenty of parking
Frequently criticized
- staffseveral staff wearing green T-shirts didn’t wear masks the whole time
- serviceSo sad people are still working with his negative attitude.
- disrespectfulIt was disrespectful
- front staffthe guy at the front was extremely rude
- orderHe couldn't even get my order right
- other waiterThe other waiter was in a rush and spilled broth
- questionsHe didn't care to answer any questions I had
- wait timeHad to wait additional 15 minutes
- waiterThe waiter didn't write down one of the order
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience, marked by speed and friendliness. While a few isolated incidents suggest occasional rudeness from some staff, the overwhelming sentiment is one of excellent hospitality. It's definitely worth trying for their generally quick and welcoming approach.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe at this place! The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a strong 8.2 and boasting an excellent 90.9% customer satisfaction. Out of 55 comments, a whopping 50 praised the clean restaurant, ample parking, and welcoming atmosphere, with many enjoying the outdoor patio eating.
It sounds like a truly pleasant spot to dine. However, not everything is perfect. A few of the 4 negative remarks mentioned concerns about the neighborhood and noise from nearby construction, which could occasionally impact the overall experience.
While these are minor points, theyre worth noting if you're sensitive to such things.
Ambience
55
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
50
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Ample free parking
- Clean environment
- Welcoming atmosphere
What people don't like
- Noisy construction
- Questionable neighborhood
Often praised
- atmospherePlace feels really nice when the sliding window-doors are opened up
- parkingplenty of parking for a downtown location!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- cleanlinessIt's calm, clean
- environmentthe environment is relatively clean
- Clean restaurantClean restaurant
- Parking optionsFree parking lot
- ambianceThe free 2 hours parking is a great added appeal. Furthermore, the service provided by the staff was characterized by warmth and friendliness, creating a welcoming ambiance for patrons.
- ambiencehas beautiful ambience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere:1
- experienceMediocre at best
- neighborhoodNot a good neighborhood
- noiseNoise from construction nearby
If you're looking for a spot with a great vibe, plenty of parking, and a clean, welcoming feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that occasional construction noise or the surrounding area might be a slight consideration.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, many diners find this spot offers a pretty good deal. Guests frequently praise the reasonable price and affordable options, often noting that portions are generous for what you pay. With 9 positive comments out of 19 total, theres a decent appreciation for the overall value here.
However, not everyone agrees, as the value aspect receives an average score of 6 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 47.4%. Some customers feel its a bit overpriced or expensive, especially given recent price increases. With 7 negative comments, theres a clear sentiment that some dishes dont quite justify their cost.
Value
19
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable price
- Affordable options
- Good portions
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Price increases
- Expensive feeling
Often praised
- priceOne spring roll meal (2 rolls w/ sauce) was $7, which I consider a reasonable price. Three orders only cost us $25, a much lower price than other restaurants in the San Diego area. The spring rolls were very large and easily filled us up.
- pricesDecently priced for what they're giving you
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- valueMy experience at the restaurant was marked by attentive and friendly staff and quick service, offering awesome value. The spring rolls were great, though they didn't come with the usual Vietnamese dipping sauce.
- very affordableThe prices is very affordable
Frequently criticized
- priceespecially for the price we paid
- OverpricedOverpriced
- bowlclose to about 20$ just for a bowl
- expensiveUnfortunately, my food arrived cold and was missing the requested sauces. Additionally, I found the meal to be expensive. I won't be back.
- price increaseNEW YEAR,NEW High price.$2.00 dllr.increase on food.
- pricesPrices went up
If youre looking for a place where you might find good portions for a fair price, it could be worth a try. However, be aware that some recent price adjustments have left others feeling its a bit expensive for what you get.
How are the prices at Pho Bo?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average lands at 21, it’s interesting to see that a good number of diners actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting a nice mix of budget-friendly and slightly more indulgent options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Vietnamese spot in San Diego. There’s a good range, so you can likely find something that fits your budget and craving.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pho Bo
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Excellent Chicken Curry Noodles & Banh Mi
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the chicken curry noodle soup and a chicken banh mi. Both were excellent.
The soup, in particular, was the best thing I've eaten in a long time, incredibly flavorful. I also appreciated the good amount of food for the price.
- chicken curry noodle soup10
- chicken banh mi8
- amount of food8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Favorite Pho and Banh Mi!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the chicken pho, and it was truly excellent. The chicken pieces were perfectly prepared, free of any fat or grizzly bits.
The broth had a really good flavor and was seasoned well. I also tried their chicken banh mi, and the bread was perfect. The chicken was seasoned well, making it a very satisfying meal overall.
This place is now one of my favorite pho spots.
- chicken pho9
- chicken pieces10
- broth9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Great Food, Reasonable Price
My experience at this restaurant was positive. The parking is free, and the environment is relatively clean. The price is reasonable for this area, and the taste of the food is good.
It's definitely much better than the nearby stores. It is worth recommending.
- parking8
- environment8
- price8
- nearby stores3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Best Pho in a Long Time!
My experience at this restaurant was genuinely fantastic, offering some of the best pho I've had in a really long time. I ordered the rare beef pho, and the meat flavor was absolutely delicious. The broth was equally delicious, and the proportions were perfect.
To top it off, the Thai iced tea was really great; I regretted only ordering one and wished I had ordered two.
- rare beef pho10
- meat flavor10
- broth10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Pho and Great Patio
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was so good that everyone at the table was quietly enjoying their meals. I particularly enjoyed the Pho, which was on point with plenty of meat and a delicious broth.
I will definitely be making a trip back here the next time I'm in town. Additionally, the outdoor patio eating was quite nice.
- food10
- Pho10
- outdoor patio eating8
What Pho Bo offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Pho Bo?
When you visit Pho Bo in Barrio Logan, you’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of spaces. The restaurant is also fully accessible, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
What kind of dining experience and menu items can you expect at Pho Bo?
At Pho Bo, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with table service for lunch and dinner. The menu features delicious Vietnamese cuisine, including healthy options, quick bites, and small plates. You can also choose from a great tea selection, coffee, beer, and other alcoholic beverages, with vegetarian options available.
How does Pho Bo rate overall?
Pho Bo holds a strong overall score of **8.1**. Its **Food** (8.2) and **Service** (8.3) are highly regarded, and the **Ambience** (8.2) is also well-received. **Value** (6) is considered average.
What can I expect from the service at Pho Bo?
Many customers report attentive, friendly, and quick service, often noting fast order delivery and helpful staff. However, some experiences mention rude staff or order inaccuracies.
Is Pho Bo considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the portions generous for a reasonable price, others perceive certain dishes as expensive or overpriced, noting recent price increases.