Highlights
- Great tea selection
oChef » Alki Pho – Seattle
Alki Pho - Seattle
Photo from Alki Pho
Alki Pho at a glance
Seattle Alki
- 🍜 Vietnamese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 128 of the guests
#225 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Vietnamese Restaurant out of 19 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
751
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Great service
- Nice ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Cleanliness issues
- Loud environment
The restaurant Alki Pho & Bar is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Alki neighborhood. You will discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal.
A standout feature you’ll appreciate is their great tea selection, complementing a menu rich with healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot offers a welcoming experience.
Overview: Introducting Alki Pho
Alki Pho offers a compelling experience, particularly with its highly praised food, often described as delicious and flavorful. Many appreciate the generous portions and the overall quality of the Vietnamese dishes.
The inviting ambience, especially its location, also contributes positively to the dining experience. However, some guests find the value proposition a bit challenging, noting that certain items can feel a little pricey.
While the service is generally well-regarded, there are occasional remarks about attentiveness. Despite these points, it remains a popular spot for many.
Good
8
out of 10
751
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
99
negative
29
neutral
623
positive
Alki Pho generally earns high marks, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 8 and a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 83%. This positive sentiment is built on a substantial amount of feedback, with 623 positive remarks against 99 negative ones from 751 total customer comments.
It suggests a largely positive experience for most diners. Digging deeper, the Food (8.3) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently praised for its quality and flavor.
The inviting Ambience (8.2) also contributes significantly to the overall appeal, creating a pleasant dining setting. Service (7.7) is generally well-regarded, though opinions are slightly more varied.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.5), which receives a more mixed reception from patrons.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Friendly, attentive service
- Inviting beach atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices
- Cleanliness concerns
- Loud dining area
Alki Pho comes with a strong recommendation score of 8.4, suggesting it’s a place worth considering. If you prioritize excellent Vietnamese cuisine and a pleasant setting, especially near the beach, you’ll likely find it a rewarding experience.
It’s a solid choice for a satisfying meal. However, be prepared for prices that some find a bit steep, and be mindful that the atmosphere can get lively.
If these aspects don’t deter you, Alki Pho offers a generally positive dining outing. It’s a good spot for those seeking quality food and a vibrant setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Alki Pho
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.3 and customer satisfaction at a great 87.5%, many diners rave about the delicious pho, authentic Vietnamese plates, and generous portions. Out of 417 total opinions, a whopping 365 were positive, highlighting the flavorful broth and tasty food.
However, not every dish is a perfect ten. A few of the 38 negative comments mentioned concerns about portion sizes being too small, cheaper cuts of meat, or an overly salty broth. There were also some specific complaints about instant coffee, which might disappoint coffee aficionados.
Food
417
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
38
negative
14
neutral
365
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Vietnamese dishes
- Flavorful, rich broth
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Portions can be small
- Meat quality varies
- Broth can be salty
Often praised
- foodThe food was incredible, with simple yet delicious dishes like the curried chicken, fried pork chop, and egg rolls. Everything was perfectly executed, "nothing beyond the limit, and all GREAT. " The service was also a highlight; we were initially served by the bartender who was welcoming and had a smile.
- phoMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic. I had the oxtail pho, and it was hands down the best pho I've ever had – truly amazing. The atmosphere was very clean and classy, complemented by friendly and attentive staff.
- brothI had the vegetable pho, which was filled with a nice variety of veggies and perfectly fried tofu. The broth is flavorful and tastes even better with a couple squeezes of fresh lime and basil. My wife had the yellow coconut curry, and that was delicious!
- PhoMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a chill atmosphere and sweet service. The food arrived really fast, and the Pho tasted really good. While it tasted different from what I'm used to, I still liked it.
- spring rollsMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I had the best pho, spring rolls, and drinks. The atmosphere was lovely, making for a perfect dinner with friends.
- steak phothe steak pho and the broth was delicious
- beef stewI'm already looking forward to coming back. We ordered hot tea (which came with a pot), shrimp spring rolls, beef stew, and a combo vermicelli bowl. The total bill was around $65, which I found to be a very reasonable price.
- portionsThe portions are generous
- Vietnamese foodI had the BEST pho, bahn mi, & drinks I've ever had, and I'm not joking. If you're in the area and craving any type of Vietnamese food, you absolutely must go here. The service was also incredibly attentive and friendly.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. I had the best pho, spring rolls, and drinks. The atmosphere was lovely, making for a perfect dinner with friends.
Frequently criticized
- chicken phoordered chicken pho and they gave me beef broth
- chili oilI wish they had real chili oil
- foodpartner, having a severe shrimp allergy, said "veggie, I have a shrimp allergy."
- portion sizesless than I’ve ever been given before
- shrimpThe cuts of meat seemed cheaper than usual, and the portion sizes were smaller than I've ever received before. To make matters worse, most of the pork was pure gristle, and the shrimp was so overcooked it was inedible. It's unfortunate to see the restaurant so quiet on a weekend, but I understand why given the food quality.
- Sombalno Sombal on the table
- Trash foodTrash food at exorbitant prices
- Vietnamese coffeethe $6 Vietnamese coffee which feels like a scam
- beef brothgave me beef broth
- beef teriyakiMy only complaint is with the beef dishes. Every time I've ordered the lemongrass beef, beef teriyaki, or beef with rice, I've encountered the same issue: lazy trimming of the fat and grisliness. After each of these meals, there's a small mound of excess fat.
If you're craving authentic Vietnamese cuisine with flavorful broth and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller portions or varying meat quality, so set your expectations accordingly.
Service (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally shines, boasting a good score of 7.7 and a solid 76.3% customer satisfaction. Many guests frequently praise the friendly staff, great service, and attentive care. With 122 positive remarks, its clear that genuine service and impeccable attention to detail are often highlights here.
However, not every experience is perfect. Out of 160 comments, 34 negative remarks highlight concerns like long waiting times and inconsistent staff attention. Some guests have encountered issues with slow service or a perceived lack of customer care, suggesting theres still room for improvement in consistency.
Service
160
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
34
negative
4
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great, genuine service
- Impeccable customer care
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inconsistent staff attention
- Sloppy service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was fresh and delicious, perfectly complemented by the friendly service. It's a great addition to Alki Beach.
- staffI had the oxtail pho, and it was hands down the best pho I've ever had – truly amazing. The atmosphere was very clean and classy, complemented by friendly and attentive staff. I highly recommend this place.
- customer servicethe customer service was even better
- serversthe servers, like the remarkable Luc, epitomize excellence
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffThe food is fresh, delicious, and just outstanding. Dining in is a lovely experience with friendly staff and nice decor. The Alki special salad is fantastic, as is their papaya salad.
- serverServer's super friendly and attentive on refilling our waters!
- waitressOur waitress have is explanation of the food items.
- Allenthe server Allen so nice
- Dine inDine in or take out. It is both delicious.
Frequently criticized
- serviceEverything has been fantastic! The pho was great, but the service was mediocre at best. Our order was taken but no one stopped at any point to ask about our food or offer refills.
- serverhis lack of an even semi genuine apology was astonishing
- waiting timewaited another 40 minutes for the order to be ready
- Nobody ever checked on usNobody ever checked on us
- Thai tea to gothey forgot to make it and I had to remind them
- Uber Eats deliveriesMy experience was terrible because it doesn't work for Uber Eats deliveries. They take over an hour for an order.
- attitudeher overall attitude was just rude
- bartender hygienekid without a Washington Food Worker Card uses his phone then touches the straws
- checkstaff did not bring us check even after we asked
- customer careNo care for the customer
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and attentive service, youll likely be pleased. While occasional hiccups with wait times or staff attention can occur, the overall experience tends to be positive and worth a visit.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly stands out, earning a good score of 8.2 and boasting a good customer satisfaction of 89.2%. With 124 positive opinions out of 139 total, guests frequently praise the great view, inviting atmosphere, and prime location. Many also appreciate the clean and cozy interior and the delightful beachside vibe that makes dining here a pleasure.
However, it's not entirely without its minor drawbacks, as 12 negative opinions point to some areas for improvement. Concerns include loud acoustics in certain sections, challenges with parking, and occasional mentions of fruit flies or sticky surfaces. Some guests also noted a desire for better mood lighting or improved kitchen cleanliness in specific instances.
Ambience
139
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
124
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning views
- Beachside vibe
- Clean interior
What people don't like
- Loud acoustics
- Difficult parking
- Fruit flies
Often praised
- atmosphereMy friends really liked the shrimp pho. While it might feel different at night, during the day it felt comfortable and a nice place to sit back, linger, and enjoy your company. I will definitely return next time I'm on Alki.
- locationPho On Alki is a truly delightful little spot right on Alki Beach in West Seattle, and the location alone makes it worth the visit. With the folding open doors, you feel like you're dining right on the sand, enjoying the beach atmosphere during dinner.
- viewThe acoustics in the back are loud, which is great for large parties or those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, as they can easily accommodate 30+ people. For a quieter experience, I recommend sticking to the entry area, which also offers a great view. Don't miss the attention to detail in the decor on your walkway into the restaurant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! The servers were incredibly friendly and hospitable, contributing to an amazing ambiance. The location is ideal, and the food was tasty.
- cleanvery clean
- decorThe decor was clean and comfortable
- environmentthe beach and open environment really gets the heat out
- interiorput a lot of thought and care into the interior
- nice viewThis was a new restaurant my boss (wife) wanted to check out, and it turned out to be a great experience. We enjoyed the good food, nice view, and the great people. The Bo la lot (grilled beef with betel leaves) was a standout dish.
Frequently criticized
- ParkingParking:It's Alki, challenging on spring/summer days
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereexpecting a normal atmosphere felt the same
- back acousticsThe back acoustics are loud
- chill dinnerwanting a chill dinner, I’d advise not being there
- cleanliness3 stars on cleanliness and service (everything is pretty sticky, bathroom no paper
- dining areaThe dining area could use a bit more lighting
- fruit fliesthere was a usually high amount of fruit flys
- kitchen cleanlinessA friend told me about their incident the first time, and I didn’t bother because it didn’t happen to me personally. It’s really sad because Alki food spots are frequented so much, and I really thought this place’s kitchen was cleaner.
- mood lightinginside could use a little more conceptual mood lighting
If youre seeking a vibrant atmosphere with stunning views and a lively beachside feel, this restaurant is a fantastic choice. Just be mindful that parking can be tricky, and some areas might be a bit loud if youre hoping for a very quiet meal.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found reasons to cheer, with 12 positive remarks out of 35 total. Many felt they got a lot of food for the price, often describing it as worth every penny or a reasonable price. The general sentiment was that the price was fair, especially considering the food quality, making it feel like good value for money.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards caution, with a score of 5.5 (average) and customer satisfaction at a poor 34.3%. A slightly higher 15 negative comments highlighted concerns about things being pricey or expensive lunch, with some even calling it a rip off due to exorbitant prices or small quantities. It seems many felt the cost didn't always match the expectation.
Value
35
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
15
negative
8
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good price for quality
- Worth every penny
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Small portions
- Feels like rip-off
Often praised
- pricedecor, attention and price good
- pricesReasonable prices
- $65spent about $65 - which is not bad at all
- PricingPricing is understandable
- Worth every pennyWorth every penny!
- every pennyDefinitely worth every penny!
- price of ox tail phoprice of the ox tail pho. However, I personally make ox tail soup and given the price of that cut and the amount that was included. I feel that it was a very reasonable price.
- value for moneyGet a lot of food for the price
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, despite being a little on the pricey side. The food was absolutely amazing, and I'll definitely be adding this place to my regular rotation.
- Thai tea quantityquantity is small for $7.50
- coffeenot what I expected for a 6 dollar coffee
- exorbitant pricesTrash food at exorbitant prices
- expensive lunchOverall pretty expensive lunch and it doesn't meet up my expectation
- moneydon't waste your money
- parkingParking can be somewhat difficult to find
- pricesPrices were higher
- rip offIt's a rip off
- small bowl of phosmall bowl of pho for $18 (with tip $20)...a bit pricey
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag. While some find the pricing fair for the quality, a significant number of diners feel its a bit steep, so be prepared for potentially pricey items. It might be worth trying if you're not overly budget-conscious, but it could disappoint if you expect every dish to be a steal.
How are the prices at Alki Pho?
You’re looking at roughly 27 per person – reported by 128 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are right in that sweet spot, with a good number also opting for slightly less. It seems prices cluster nicely around the average, offering a pretty consistent experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 128 most recent reviews.
See how this Vietnamese restaurant stacks up against similar spots in Seattle when it comes to value for money.
Considering it’s a Vietnamese restaurant in Seattle, and the average spend is comfortably mid-range, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Alki Pho
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Top Notch Pho and Spring Rolls!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the top notch PHO and Beef Stew, which were both excellent. The spring rolls were the best I've ever had in my entire life.
We took a water taxi over to Alki on a cold day and decided on PHO. I will definitely be back and will tell lots of people about this great small business that I love to support.
- PHO9
- Beef Stew8
- spring rolls10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Cozy Pho Spot with Great Broth
What a great spot for a pho restaurant! After walking along the beach on a chilly day, nothing hits like a warm, yummy pho in your belly 😋. Their broth was delicious.
The shrimp spring rolls were good, though the wrapping was a little tougher than I'm used to. The thai tea was good; not as authentic as a Thai restaurant, but still good :). The atmosphere is nice and chill 👌.
Seatings by the windows are nice, but seatings on the inside seem a little too dark for my preference. They also have a bar, which is fancy for a pho restaurant :)
- broth9
- shrimp spring rolls7
- thai tea7
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Food and Service at Alki Beach
While riding our E-bikes along Alki Beach, we discovered this restaurant and decided to stop in. My wife was craving both a Bahnmi sandwich and pho, making this place seem like a perfect fit to potentially add to our list of go-to spots. The restaurant's decor was clean and comfortable, offering a nice, welcoming setup without being flashy.
It's not a large establishment, but there's ample seating, including the bar area. The atmosphere is a blend of a sports bar and an Asian restaurant, with TVs in the bar showing games, which is a plus for sports enthusiasts. They also feature a full bar, allowing for drinks with meals or cocktails while watching a game.
My wife enjoyed the combo pho, and I opted for the chicken and shrimp vermicelli bowl. The service was excellent; Jenni and the staff were friendly and attentive, ensuring we had everything we needed. My only minor critique was the vermicelli bowl's portion of shrimp – just two on a skewer.
To get more, I had to order separate shrimp skewers, which felt like an unnecessary extra step. However, the food itself was delicious – fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. The proximity to our Airbnb also made it a super convenient stop after a long day.
Overall, we experienced great food, great service, and we will definitely return on our next visit to town.
- decor8
- seating7
- full bar8
- shrimp4
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Delightful Beachfront Dining with Stellar Food
Pho On Alki is a truly delightful little spot right on Alki Beach in West Seattle, and the location alone makes it worth the visit. With the folding open doors, you feel like you're dining right on the sand, enjoying the beach atmosphere during dinner. The food, however, is the real star.
I enjoyed the Red Curry and would rate it a solid 5 out of 5 stars. It was absolutely perfect—rich in flavor and seasoning, but not overly spicy. It was truly a fantastic dish.
Someone else at our table ordered the Fresh Rolls with Shrimp, and they were equally flawless. They looked so beautiful and fresh that I've already decided I would get those as a light dinner next time, perhaps paired with a glass of wine. The quality of the food here is simply beautiful.
- Red Curry10
- Fresh Rolls with Shrimp10
- food quality10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait, Poor Service
My experience at the restaurant was quite negative due to the service. I waited for 15 minutes, and during that time, no one took my order. To make matters worse, people who were seated after me were served first.
This indicates a significant issue with the waiting time and staff attention.
- waiting time2
- staff attention2
What Alki Pho offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Alki Pho & Bar?
At Alki Pho & Bar, you can look forward to a cozy and casual atmosphere, ideal for any meal. They offer table service for lunch, dinner, and dessert, ensuring comfortable seating for your dining experience. You can also choose from outdoor seating, takeout, delivery, or no-contact delivery.
Does Alki Pho & Bar cater to specific dietary needs and offer a variety of beverages?
Absolutely! Alki Pho & Bar provides healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options to suit diverse preferences. You’ll also find an extensive beverage menu, including a great tea selection, coffee, beer, wine, hard liquor, and cocktails to enjoy. Small plates are also available for a quick bite.
How does Alki Pho generally score with customers?
Alki Pho holds a strong Restaurant Score of 8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 83%. Its Food (8.3) and Ambience (8.2) are highly rated, with Service (7.7) also performing well. Value (5.5) is the main area where opinions are more divided.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Alki Pho?
Diners frequently praise the delicious and flavorful food, often highlighting generous portions. The friendly and attentive service also receives positive remarks, as does the inviting beachside atmosphere and pleasant decor.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Alki Pho?
Some customers find the prices to be on the higher side, impacting the overall value perception. There have also been occasional mentions of cleanliness issues and a potentially loud dining environment, especially in certain areas.