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Are you a pho lover struggling to find a truly great bowl in Austin, TX? You’re not alone. I’ve made it my mission to track down the best pho in the city—and after trying over 20 spots, I’m here to share my top picks and why they stand out. As one of Austin’s top food bloggers, I know what makes a bowl of pho worth slurping to the very last drop. Stick around, because this guide will point you straight to the best pho in town.
Pho Phong Luu
Pho Phong Lu ranks among the very best pho spots in Austin. Many of my Vietnamese friends—who I trust to know good pho—swear by it as their favorite in the city. They originally built their reputation in a small Lamar location before expanding to their current spot near Metric.
One of their big claims is that they don’t use MSG. Personally, being Chinese, I don’t really buy into the whole MSG-free marketing, but what matters is that their broth is consistently deep, aromatic, and layered with herbs and spices—clearly the work of someone who knows pho inside and out.
The story behind the shop is also fun: the owner is actually a professional ballroom dancer, which might explain their quirky and sometimes inconvenient hours. His philosophy has always been about making pho fresh, from scratch, without shortcuts. While I’ve occasionally had a bowl that leaned a bit watered down, when it’s on point, it’s easily the best bowl of pho you’ll find in Austin.
I recommend getting one of their combination phos—my go-to is the meatball and brisket, though many people love their rare beef. If you’re adventurous, you can even add chicken fat or beef fat on the side for extra richness.
Hours and location here
Tan My
Tan My holds a special place in my heart, and I’ll admit I’m biased—it’s probably my personal favorite pho spot in Austin. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and later through high school and college, when my dad and I would go almost every Wednesday. Back then, Austin didn’t have much of an Asian food scene, and Tan My was more of a hidden gem—quiet, with just a handful of locals who knew about it.
Fast forward a decade, and the secret is definitely out. Thanks to word of mouth and social media, Tan My has become one of the top pho destinations in Austin. These days, you might wait 10–30 minutes for a table, though weekdays are a bit easier. Despite the crowds, the hospitality remains personal. Amy, one of the owners, always remembers me and even knows my order by heart. That kind of warmth is rare, and it keeps me coming back. I’m ordering a small or a large combination pho (brisket and meatball, my go-to) depends on how famished I am.
The pho here is consistently excellent: a rich, clear, flavorful broth served piping hot with all the right fixings. Pair it with their crispy Vietnamese egg rolls for the perfect combo. They also serve hủ tiếu and bò bun hu, but honestly, the pho alone is reason enough to visit. There’s even something nostalgic about their super-cold ice water that just ties the whole experience together.
One important note: Tan My does to-go only on certain nights, so double-check their hours/call before you go. Lunch is usually the safest bet if you want to dine in.
For me, Tan My isn’t just good pho—it’s comfort, consistency, and a little bit of Austin history.
Here is their website.
Sip Pho
If you’re not in North Austin and need a solid pho option closer to central Austin, I highly recommend Sip Pho. From the owner of Pho Please, this spot is located right by UT campus—my alma mater—and it’s definitely catered a bit toward students. You’ll find some Instagrammable items on the menu, but don’t let that fool you—the pho here is still very solid and flavorful.
I recommend trying any of their pho bowls, but a couple of standouts are the stone pot pho with Wagyu beef and the beef rib pho, both hearty and comforting. Is it better than the first options I listed? Not necessarily, but it’s still a dependable spot that may save you the long drive up north.
While Sip Pho might have a trendier vibe, they’ve stuck around for a reason, and I think it deserves recognition not just as a campus favorite, but as one of Austin’s reliable pho spots overall.
Click here for the website
