PHO 63 — Restaurant in Austin

Saw this place on my way to work this morning and decided to stop in for lunch since it's been a while since I saw an occupant there.

I think the dining patio was getting cleaned/painted so they had some tables set out in the parking lot area. Just take a seat and someone will be with you to take your order.

Atmosphere: pulling in, I could already hear the Vietnamese instrumental music playing on the speakers. That's a green flag for me. The weather was good for dining outside too, and there's to-go options if the weather is chillier or if you want to enjoy your food at home. The outdoor tables were spotless, and had umbrellas for some shade. It's a humble spot.

Food: I ordered pho dac biet, and it came with the typical side of veggies you can add to your pho if you so choose. If you want condiments, you'll have to ask as they aren't kept on the tables (the outdoor ones anyway). I personally didn't need them because the broth was yummy. The meat was tender and the cuts I got weren't super fatty. Near the bottom of the bowl however, the broth got a bit salty/briney. Overall, I enjoyed the pho, and walked away with a happy and full stomach.

Drink: I had a cafe sua da. I think the coffee taste could have been stronger but that's more personal preference than anything. It hit the spot on a sunny and breezy day.

Service: they operate out of a food truck currently, and there's only a couple of people working at a time (at least at lunch time) so please be patient with them. The man who I assume was the owner took my order was kind and professional.

Parking: plenty of free parking, they have a small lot. There's no spot markers at the moment, so just be mindful of how you park so no other patrons get blocked in. The gate to the lot and entry from the street can only fit one car at a time too.

Pictured: pho dac biet (combination), veggies for pho, café sua da (iced...

I called ahead to place an order for pick up bc pho is my go-to as a sick & disabled person. the guy wouldn’t let me place the order over the phone ahead of time. he said it would be quick turn around to just come in and order. most times when i go get pho it is so i decided to just go in and order, although i have been feeling like trash all day. tell me WHY the guy made me come in when it takes 25 minutes to make a single bowl of pho? yeah there were people in front of me, but how long does pho take to make? on top of which, i finally got up after 25 minutes of waiting to ask what the hold up is and the woman who is cooking tells me she’s understaffed today and it’s the dinner rush… THEN WHY DID U TELL ME TO COME IN? that’s why i called ahead!! i had to sit there for no reason for 25+ minutes when i could’ve ordered over the phone and picked it up. add insult to injury, i watched a pick up order walk in, pick up their order, then immediately leave. honestly, today was hard enough and all i wanted was my favorite comfort food. i could’ve canceled my order, ordered elsewhere, picked it up & returned home in the time it took for them JUST TO MAKE MY ORDER EXCLUDING TRAVEL TIME. i wish i hadn’t tipped & i especially wish i would’ve gotten a refund and gone somewhere else. don’t listen to them when they say it’s quick turn around time. if the guy doesn’t let u order over the phone, go somewhere else. the pho isn’t that much better than anywhere else. i really did not need this on all days. they should’ve offered to refund the order for free or at least get me and my dog water while we waited. but nope, they literally didn’t care at all about me or what i had...

Ngon quá!! (So delicious) I'm happy to see the Việt food community growing here in Austin. Phở 63 is one of the best authentic việt food I've had here in Austin! This place would stack up well against some of the best places Houston.

I stopped by after work on a Wednesday around 5pm. Plenty of parking around the back, behind the fenced area, and I was probably their first customer for their dinner service.

I loved that I could hear vietnamese music playing as I was walking in from the parking, had Paris by Night vibes. Even though this is a food truck, I was surprised by how much covered seating and space this had!

Bún bò huế was my favorite growing up and I've been homesick recently, so I had order it. It didn't take too long for my order to come out. It was served with fresh, traditional mint leaves, bean sprouts, other viet herbs, a slice of lime, and a small thing of chili oil and shrimp paste.

The soup itself was a fairly large portion. Before I added anything to the soup, I had to first taste the broth. I'm telling yall, I had a Ratatouille moment where I had memories of eating Mom's bún bò huế. Full of flavor and balanced with the perfect amount of spice! Generous portions of meats and the noodles were perfectly cooked. I wasn't that hungry when I ordered, but I inhaled this bowl.

10/10 maybe the best bbh you will find in Austin for only $14. I will return to try some of the other menu options, but bbh is a must have...