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oChef » Local Pho – Seattle
Local Pho - Seattle
Photo from Local Pho
Local Pho at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 90 of the guests
#566 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#13 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in Seattle
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
505
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful Pho
- Friendly Service
- Generous Portions
Frequently criticized
- Online Order Problems
- Inconsistent Banh Mi
- Closure Confusion
The restaurant Local Pho is a welcoming Vietnamese Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot if you’re seeking healthy options for your meal.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, this cozy establishment offers a delightful escape. It’s known for its authentic flavors and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
Overview: Introducting Local Pho
Local Pho seems to offer a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating the prompt and friendly service. However, some guests have noted issues with their online ordering system and occasional closure confusion.
The overall atmosphere is often described as cozy, though some find the decor a bit dated. The food, particularly the pho, receives considerable praise for its flavor and generous portions, making it a popular choice.
Yet, there are occasional remarks about the broth lacking depth or the banh mi being inconsistent. Value is generally seen as fair, with many finding the prices reasonable.
Good
7
out of 10
505
Reviews
67.7%
Satisfaction
126
negative
37
neutral
342
positive
Local Pho holds a solid overall `Restaurant Score` of 7, indicating a good performance across the board. Customer satisfaction stands at 67.7%, which is a mixed result, suggesting there’s room for improvement despite the generally positive feedback.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 505 customer comments, with 342 positive remarks balancing 126 negative ones. Diving deeper, Food leads the positive impressions with a score of (7.1), frequently highlighted for its quality and generous servings.
Service also performs well at (7.3), often described as prompt and courteous. While Ambience (6.3) and Value (6) are considered average, they contribute to the overall experience without being major deterrents, though some find the atmosphere could be refreshed.
What people like
- Flavorful pho broth
- Friendly, prompt service
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Online order issues
- Inconsistent banh mi
- Occasional closure confusion
If you’re seeking a reliable spot for a satisfying bowl of pho and appreciate attentive service, Local Pho is certainly worth considering. With a `Recommendation Score` of 7.1, it generally delivers on its core offerings, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
However, be mindful of potential hiccups with online orders or occasional inconsistencies in other menu items. While the overall experience is positive, managing expectations for ambience and double-checking operating hours could enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Local Pho
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot has definitely made a mark, with a solid score of 7.1 and a customer satisfaction of 67.5%. Many diners rave about the delicious Pho, flavorful Bah Mi, and refreshing Thai Tea. With 218 positive remarks out of 323, guests frequently praise the generous portions, rich broth flavor, and the overall hot and fresh quality of the dishes.
However, it's not all perfect. About 79 comments point to some areas for improvement, noting concerns about inconsistent food quality and bland flavor in some dishes. Specific issues include the meat sometimes being disappointing and the broth lacking depth, suggesting that while there are hits, there can also be misses.
Food
323
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
79
negative
26
neutral
218
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Pho
- Generous portions
- Flavorful broth
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland flavor
- Small meat portions
Often praised
- foodI had what I believe to be the best pho I’ve ever had. The customer service is great, and the food might even be better! I highly recommend this place for any tourist visiting the city.
- phoI found it to be one of the best I've had, with spot-on flavors. While their banh mi could have been better, I highly recommend the pho. The atmosphere, service, and overall food quality were rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their great Pho, especially the chicken option with a vegetable broth, which is a wonderful choice for those avoiding beef broth. The vermicelli plate was also outstanding, truly second to none.
- brothMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I've never tasted such good pho with amazing broth in Seattle before. The huge bowl was served at a reasonable price, offering authentic Vietnamese food.
- spring rollsThe Pho was AMAZING and the employees were so kind. We also got the spring rolls and they were delightful!
- portionsthe portions were very generous!
- Well Done Beef PhoThe people are friendly and the food is made to order. I highly recommend the Well Done Beef Pho.
- banh miThe banh mi not only had juicy meat
- chicken pholove to come here and have a chicken pho 😋 it is so delicious
- meatthey don’t skimp on the meat
Frequently criticized
- foodThe overall food quality was a 1
- banh miA lot of meat in the banh mi, but no cilantro or lettuce
- brothit’s not the most flavorful broth I’ve had for pho
- phoThe pho had no beef flavor, and tasted thin
- veggiesthe veggies they used all tasted old
- chickenliterally one spoonful of chicken in the Pho
- meatlight on the meat, I think I only had about 4-5 slices of meat
- noodlesThe noodles are from dry, not soft but this one breaks apart too easily
- Banh miThe Banh mi was disappointing
- Chicken Pholiterally one spoonful of chicken in the Pho
If you're craving a hearty bowl of Pho or a tasty Bah Mi, this place could be a good bet, especially given the generous portions. Just be aware that while many find the flavors fantastic, some experiences suggest the quality can be a bit inconsistent.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 75.7%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Out of 107 comments, a whopping 81 praise the friendly service, attentive staff, and fast delivery, often highlighting the kind and personable owners.
However, its not always perfect. About 23 comments point to some hiccups, including occasional long waits, slow service, and issues with online ordering or unresponsive staff. While these arent the norm, they suggest theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
107
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
- Attentive owners
What people don't like
- Long waits
- Online order issues
- Unresponsive staff
Often praised
- serviceIt's the best pho in the area, in my humble opinion. The restaurant is clean, and the service is prompt and courteous. The price is right too.
- staffWhat made it even better was the outdoor seating, which meant I could bring my best friend! The place was clean, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating. The speed of service was perfect!
- peopleThe people are friend
- ServiceThe owner is friendly. Service is fast and it’s worth the price.
- ownerThe owner is very kind and the food is delicious. Perhaps because the owner is Korean, it's perfect for the Korean palate.
- customer serviceVery friendly and good customer service
- friendly serviceI enjoyed the good food, especially the good pho broth. The prices were reasonably priced, and the friendly service from the couple working there made the visit even better. 👍
- serverOur server was awesome and such a hard worker.
- speedMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I started with the vegetable and tofu pho, which was so delicious and fast. After trying the beef short ribs, I loved them even more.
- workersworkers seemed to not understand us well they were still super sweet
Frequently criticized
- serverThe server was picking at his face in the middle of the restaurant
- business hourshours for business were as theyre posted online
- checkwait almost 20 minutes for my check
- closed at the lunch hourI think they might be permanently closed? Their door says open but they have been closed at the lunch hour the last two days.
- closure statusseemed temporarily or permanently closed
- hostessthe hostess was unhelpful, asking, “well what do you want me to do about it?”
- long waitIt took an hour to make 2 bahn mi sandwiches
- online orderDO NOT ORDER ONLINE FROM LOCALPHO!!!
- online ordering systemIt's unbelievable that I was able to complete a full online order with zero mention of them being closed, and they still took my money! If you are closed, wouldn't you turn off your online ordering system? It's common sense to do that, right?
- ownerthe owner refused, denying a $30 refund
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, often marked by friendly and efficient staff. While there are occasional reports of longer waits or online order issues, the good far outweighs the bad, making it worth a visit if you value attentive and speedy service.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
The ambience here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.3 and customer satisfaction at 59.1%. On the brighter side, many of the 26 positive remarks praise the atmosphere as family-friendly and a cozy spot. Guests often enjoy the clean environment and appreciate the outdoor seating and local charm, making it feel like a welcoming neighborhood spot.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 14 negative observations pointing out some issues. Concerns include a slightly outdated interior and an off smell in the dining room. Some guests were bothered by loud conversation or even Fox News playing, while practical problems like difficult parking and a hidden sign also detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
44
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy local charm
- Clean environment
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Outdated interior
- Loud distractions
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was like visiting the coziest mom and pop pho shop. The food was great, and the service was even better.
- placeThe place is small but welcoming
- locationthe location is small but organized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- CleanClean and staff was very friendly
- adult-friendlya few wines and beers make it adult-friendly, too
- establishment locationThe establishment is easy to locate
- family-friendlyKids get a smaller pho option, making it family-friendly
- hole in the wall pho placehole in the wall pho place, this is the place to go
- local charmA nice little local place with local charm
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe atmosphere was also rated a 1
- parkingThe egg rolls were perfectly cooked, with a crunchy exterior and a simple yet savory sweet chili sauce. If parking weren't so difficult, I would definitely return. Thank you for the wonderful experience!
- Bell st closureBell st is closed
- Fox Newsgetting full blast Fox News playing
- decorthe decor might leave a lot to want
- dining room smellOff smell in the dining room
- interiorslightly outdated interior
- loud conversationThey were allowed to pay for their meal after they were done, which is common practice in any restaurant. Also, the Asian gentleman that waited on them began a long, loud conversation, so loud that I didn't enjoy my meal at all. So, I highly recommend anyone to please do not eat at this restaurant if you are people of color.
- permanently closedI think they might be permanently closed? Their door says open but they have been closed at the lunch hour the last two days.
- restaurant closureI ordered food online (prepaid) via the website for a team meeting the following day. When we arrived to pick up our food, the restaurant was closed and we never got our food. I have tried with Menufy and LocalPho itself, and I still have not been able to get a refund.
This spot offers a mixed ambience, so if you value a cozy, local feel and outdoor seating, it might be worth a try. However, be aware of potential issues like difficult parking, an outdated interior, or noise that could detract from your experience.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to `value`, many diners are pleasantly surprised! With 17 positive comments out of 31 total, folks often praise the `affordable` and `priced right` options, feeling they get `value for the money`. The overall score for value sits at an average 6, suggesting a generally decent experience where portions often feel generous.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. 10 negative remarks highlight concerns about the `price point`, with some feeling `charged more` or that the `value for food` just isnt there, occasionally finding things `expensive`. Customer satisfaction for value is a `mixed 54.8%`, indicating that while many are content, others feel the cost doesn't always match up.
Value
31
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Good value
- Priced right
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Charged more
- Poor value
Often praised
- priceThe vermicelli plate was also outstanding, truly second to none. I was impressed by the huge portions and the very fair price. The customer service was very friendly and good.
- affordableSuper delicious AND affordable
- value for the moneyThe value for the money and service are what keeps everyone coming back
- bowl of phoAn amazing bowl of pho that’s very affordable!
- priced rightpho and rice plates are fast, filling, and priced right
- pricesthe prices right
- pricingReally good pricing too
- reasonable priceat such a reasonable price
- reasonably pricedI enjoyed the good food, especially the good pho broth. The prices were reasonably priced, and the friendly service from the couple working there made the visit even better. 👍
Frequently criticized
- priceespecially at the price point
- $20 mealthat's not a 20$ meal!
- $3 morecharged $3 more for the sandwich
- actual priceeverything is twice as expensive
- cleared chargeWrong. I will be contesting the cleared charge too.
- menu priceThe menu on the website says one price
- payment systemRegardless, I ordered food from Local Pho's website. Local Pho owes me the refund regardless of how their back-end payment system works.
- refundowner refused, denying a $30 refund
- value for foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the slow service and the minimal amount of protein in both the Pho and the rolls. While the actual flavors were fine, the wait was too long, and the value for the food wasn't there. Consequently, I won't be returning.
So, should you go? If youre seeking generally `affordable` and filling meals, youll likely find good `value for the money` here. Just be aware that some have encountered pricing issues or felt certain items were `expensive`, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at Local Pho?
You’re looking at roughly $19 per person – reported by 90 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Vietnamese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (a big 66 of them!) find themselves in that $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, though there are options for both lighter and more indulgent meals.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 90 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Vietnamese spot in Seattle. It offers good value for that mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Local Pho
2
Permanently Closed? Unclear Signage
My experience was one of confusion and a wasted trip. Last week, I saw a sign on the door stating "closed today. " A couple of days later, I passed by again, and the same sign was still there.
It's unclear if the closure is temporary or permanent. Businesses should really clarify what "today" means in these situations to avoid customer uncertainty.
- signage2
- closure status2
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Takeout
1
Online Order Nightmare: Restaurant Closed!
I tried to order online for takeout, but when I showed up, the restaurant was closed. It's unbelievable that I was able to complete a full online order with zero mention of them being closed, and they still took my money! If you are closed, wouldn't you turn off your online ordering system?
It's common sense to do that, right? Wrong. I will be contesting the cleared charge too.
- online ordering system1
- cleared charge1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Local Pho Has Gone Downhill
I have been a loyal customer of Local Pho for over 10 years. However, since it was sold some time ago, I'm sad to report that the restaurant has really gone downhill. The Pho broth isn't the same, and the ingredients are not consistent.
Additionally, the seating area is unkempt and not clean.
- Pho broth2
- ingredients2
- seating area1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Reliable Neighborhood Pho and Rice Plates
Local Pho truly lives up to its name, offering neighborhood staples without any fuss. The menu is straightforward, divided into pho, rice plates, and bubble tea, making it a dependable choice for repeat visits. The pho options are varied, including steak, brisket, meatballs, chicken, shrimp, or tofu/veggie, all priced around $13–14.
Each bowl comes with the standard accompaniments of basil, sprouts, lime, and jalapeños. The focus here is on consistency rather than innovation. On the rice plate side, the Charbroiled Chicken ($13.
50) and Lemongrass Pork ($13. 50) are highlights, capturing the essence of a good cơm tấm plate with their backyard-grill flavor. For a more substantial meal, the Beef Short Ribs ($17) are a hearty option.
The beverage selection includes bubble tea, smoothies (mango, honeydew, coconut), and Vietnamese iced coffee ($5). The restaurant is family-friendly with a smaller pho option for kids and adult-friendly with a few wine and beer choices. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a great place for a reliable neighborhood spot where pho and rice plates are served fast, are filling, and priced right.
It's not about being fancy, but about providing solid, local comfort.
- pho8
- rice plates8
- Charbroiled Chicken8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Lunch
1
Unacceptable experience: food paid for, never received
I paid for food that I never received and the restaurant is refusing to refund me. I ordered food online (prepaid) via the website for a team meeting the following day. When we arrived to pick up our food, the restaurant was closed and we never got our food.
I have tried with Menufy and LocalPho itself, and I still have not been able to get a refund. LocalPho claims they cannot give me a refund because Menufy hasn't paid them. Menufy has tried contacting them with no success.
They claim Menufy hasn't paid them, but they won't answer the phone for Menufy to explain that they HAVE been paid. Regardless, I ordered food from Local Pho's website. Local Pho owes me the refund regardless of how their back-end payment system works.
- refund1
- food1
- online order1
What Local Pho offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- 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
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options are available at Local Pho?
Local Pho caters to various dietary needs, offering a range of healthy options, including delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. You can easily find a quick bite that suits your preferences.
What service and dining options does Local Pho provide?
At Local Pho, you can enjoy your meal with dine-in table service, opt for convenient takeout or delivery, or even relax with outdoor seating. Reservations are also accepted for your planning convenience.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Local Pho?
Local Pho has a `Restaurant Score` of 7 and a `Customer Satisfaction` of 67.7%, indicating a generally good but mixed experience. Food (7.1) and Service (7.3) are strong points, while Ambience (6.3) and Value (6) are considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Local Pho?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and flavorful pho, generous food portions, and the friendly, prompt service from the staff and owner.
Are there any common issues or concerns at Local Pho?
Some customers have reported issues with online ordering, unexpected closures, and occasional inconsistencies with items like banh mi or broth flavor.