There is no shortage of pho in Philadelphia, with several options to grab a bowl all over town. Heralded as a popular hangover cure, this traditional Vietnamese soup consists of savory broth, basil, mint, rice noodles and thinly sliced chicken or beef. Though I didn’t need to quell a raging hangover, I stopped for dinner one Sunday afternoon in South Philadelphia at Pho 75, a popular pho spot in an unassuming location that Anthony Bourdain once visited while filming No Reservations after a night of heavy drinking in the city.
Located in a Vietnamese strip mall on Washington Avenue, Pho 75 doesn’t look like much from the outside and has an equally unimpressive interior to match, equipped with cafeteria-style tables and stackable chairs. After being seated quickly, my dining companion and I were given menus offering nothing but pho, beverages and four desserts; there are no appetizers and no rice plates. Our server only spoke Vietnamese, but pointed to the No. 1 option after we asked what he recommended.
The dish, costing $6.25 for a regular portion and $6.95 for a large portion, came out within minutes of us placing the order and included eye-round steak, well-done flank, soft tendon, fat brisket and tripe in a steaming bowl of broth with a heap of thin noodles accompanied with a plate of different toppings. After sprinkling scallions, basil, lime and Sriracha on top of my bowl, I dug in with my chopsticks and enjoyed every last bite until I was too full to eat another noodle. The brisket was perfectly tender and the broth was especially rich and delicious, not needing any additional Sriracha or hoisin sauce to make the dish flavorful.
Lingering over complimentary cups of tea, we both agreed Pho 75 is a true diamond in the rough and worth a visit if you’re craving pho and find yourself in South Philadelphia. Word of caution: Bring cash, as the restaurant is cash only, and avoid the chaotic, tight parking lot and find parking on a side street instead.
1122 Washington Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
tel 215 271 5866
Read This Next
Nobu Fifty Seven
Restaurant
Aug 21, 2014All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedNorth America
Nov 2, 2026Embrace a Winter Escape at This Hotel in the Colorado Rockies
As one of North America's premier ski-in, ski-out sanctuaries, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch welcomes guests to embrace this winter season with hands-on culinary tastings, restorative wellness rituals and premiere slopes in the Rocky Mountains.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Destinations / North America
Nov 2, 2026An Introvert’s Guide to Wine Country
Say goodbye to packed tasting rooms, a jam-packed itinerary and the rush to fit in as many vineyards in a trip as possible. For travelers seeking a quieter, away-from-the-crowds wine experience, Sonoma County, California, offers wineries and vineyards where you can slow down, savor your surroundings and enjoy your Cabernet with a side of solitude.
Destinations / North America
Nov 2, 2026Plan Now for 2027 JXN Food & Wine Festival
It may seem like a long way away, but go ahead and begin planning now for the 2027 JXN Food & Wine Festival, March 11–13, 2027, in Jackson, Mississippi. The fourth annual festival, co-hosted by Chef Chair Hunter Evans and Chef Aarón Sánchez, opened its ticket sales in late October.
Sponsored Content
A New Rhythm of Work in Seoul
SEOUL REDEFINES THE FUTURE OF WORKATION by seamlessly integrating business, leisure and culture across the city. From the established MICE hub of Magok to the creative energy and scenic lifestyle along the Han River, it offers a dynamic ecosystem where productivity and relaxation naturally coexist — positioning Seoul as a global destination for a new way of working and living.
Destinations / North America
Oct 30, 2026Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center Reservations Open
California Science Center recently announced advance reservations for Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, the permanent home of space shuttle Endeavour, are now available ahead of the new Air and Space Center’s public opening on Nov. 13.
ShareThis