Chinatown has a new Vietnamese spot on the block and this modern approach to Viet cuisine hits the mark. Last Friday, Pho Bar‘s invited NYC Plugged for a meal on the town at their newest location in Chinatown, and it proved to be a homely experience that touched on good food, attentive service and a millennial spin on dining.
Designed by Mike Khuu, the 90-seat space was inspired by the timeliness of Saigon and features subtle (but classic) decor, spacious seating arrangements, and a fine-tuned staff that helps make up the restaurant’s secret ingredient.
After less than two weeks since opening, Pho Bar works like a well-oiled engine, so much so a top of the weekend visit might cost you a 30-minute wait. Lucky for you, it’s entirely worth the wait. When it comes down to the cuisine, Pho Bar primarily focuses on providing different kinds of pho, with an emphasis on their deconstructed Phở Pot and 25-hour Crazy Rich Broth, but and because of that, it also simultaneously adds a modern spin to the entire experience. While there are plenty of street food snacks to grub on, including Fried Seafood Spring Rolls and Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Shrimp & Spring Rolls, there are also a number of reinterpretations of the classics like Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Phở, Slow Braised Brisket Phở, and Portobello Mushroom Phở. More of the menu here!
Along with an Asian beer bar at the entryway, the restaurant fulfills all the makings of contemporary Viet dining, including a very Instagram-able neon sign, which is, yes, inspired by the phenomenon, otherwise known as Crazy Rich Asians.
Now, because this is the second restaurant in the line to open, with the first finding major success in Greenwich Village, Pho Bar chef and co-owner Mike Khuu has it set. Not only does he create a demand for those who long that midtown service, but the newly-opened spot does so in an area that even more so deserves the business and at a time of year when we’re all craving some warm, quality pho.
Pho Bar is currently open and available for dining, Monday to Sunday 11 AM to 11 PM.
Pho Bar Chinatown
43 Mott Street
Instagram @phobarnyc
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