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 FeedHotel
Jan 16, 2026Stay, Celebrate and Recover from Mardi Gras Like Royalty at This NOLA Hotel
With Mardi Gras right around the corner, New Orleans is ready to welcome travelers and locals alike to fun celebrations. The Roosevelt New Orleans, steps away from the French Quarter, offers the perfect home away from home for the occasion. The hotel’s Carnival programming includes luxury spa offerings, culturally inspired treats and cocktails, and relaxation opportunities once the celebrations end.
Sponsored Content
Experiencing Gorilla Forest Lodge
Perched high within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world's remaining 1,000 mountain gorillas, Gorilla Forest Lodge occupies a position unlike any other as the only luxury accommodation inside the park gates. The complete transformation has elevated the property into an intimate, 10-suite sanctuary where guests can wake to the symphony of the rainforest, trek alongside gorillas in their natural habitat, and return to exceptional comfort that exists in harmony with conservation and community.
Cruises
Jan 16, 2026Atlas Ocean Voyages Unveils Explorer’s Choice Offer
Atlas Ocean Voyages recently unveiled its new Enhanced Explorer’s Choice offer, which is a chance to enjoy Double the Amenities on a limited selection of 2026 voyages. Available for bookings made through March 31, all guests on select itineraries, regardless of stateroom category, can choose two complimentary amenities from a curated menu of premium enhancements.
Health & Wellness
Jan 15, 2026This Swiss Hotel Introduces Après-Ski Wellness Package
Luxury wellness hotel The Capra in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, offers travelers a new Peak Health Après-Ski Wellness package, designed to aid in recovery after hitting the slopes. This curated experience blends nutrition and bodywork, allowing skiers and other winter sport participants to fully recharge between days on the mountain.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Destinations
Jan 15, 2026Where are the Cheapest Places to Fly in 2026?
Planning your first trip of 2026 and on a budget? A new report from Dollar Flight Club can help. The brand recently pulled together a list of what it predicts will be the cheapest places to fly in 2026, based on factors such as historical data, timing, seasonality and more.
ShareThis