Buckeye Phở — Restaurant in Columbus

Buckeye Pho is the kind of place where the aroma of simmering broth hits you before the front door even swings open—and trust me, it’s a good kind of punch. Nestled along Bethel, this neighborhood spot delivers no-frills comfort with the kind of pho broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The pho dac biet steals the show: a symphony of delicate rice noodles, unerringly tender brisket, fatty tripe, silky tendon, and just-wilted leafy greens—all swimming in a caramel-toned broth layered with star anise and fresh-spun complexity. A squeeze of lime, a wedge of jalapeño, and a dash of hoisin transform the bowl into a personalized flavor orchestra for your palate.

If those notes aren’t getting you excited, let me put it simply—this is the pho you think about two days later, in the best possible way.

Complementing the star-studded noodle soup, their spring rolls arrive crisp and clean: tender, fresh shrimp on a snappy rice wrapper, with a dipping sauce that balances a nutty sweetness and sharp tang.

Service here walks that wonderful line between “you’re the only customer we see” and “we’re chill but we care,” which feels just right for the kind of place that wants you to take your time, slurp your soup, and soak up the cozy ambiance.

Final Take: Buckeye Pho is your go-to for a bowl of pho that knows what it’s doing—and does it consistently well. My advice? Go during the week, park curbside, and let that broth...

I ate for my first time at Buckeye Phở Asian Kitchen, in the Olentangy Plaza Shopping Center in northwest Columbus, on 1-12-2024.

I had been wanting to eat there for the previous several years whenever I would be in that area for another reason; however, during that entire period of time until recently, they had been open for "dine in" only on weekends certainly because of COVID-19].

Since I would usually be in that area only on weekdays [typically when I would be needing to buy something at the nearby Micro Center], I never got to eat there until 1-12-2024.

My friend drove me to lunch at Buckeye Phở Asian Kitchen; her husband walked there from their nearby home; it had been three of us for lunch.

After our meal together, my friend drove me to the Micro Center, so that I would be able to run an errand there, and then drove me home.

My food choice at Buckeye Phở Asian Kitchen had been "Beef Noodle Soup [Phở]" with Well Done Steak [Phở Nạm.

Served on the side on a small plate had been basil coriander leaves, bean sprouts, lime, jalapeño pepper, hoisin, and sriracha chili.

My food had been delicious and had been quite filling. I plan to return to Buckeye Phở Asian Kitchen...

Decided to come in for a visit after one of my work colleagues (who is Vietnamese) recommended this spot. I'll say, I was not disappointed! This is either the 3rd or 4th Vietnamese restaurant I've tried in Columbus so far and I think I have to give it the best pho in Columbus (so far) award. But not by a huge margin!

The pho broth is very comforting and clean. It is exactly what it should be. The meats and all the fixings are very good quality, which is what really gives this pho the edge. Might be the best Vietnamese meatballs I've ever had. The steak was more tender than I'm used to in pho (but to be fair, I think a lot of restaurants use cheaper cuts here). The tendon also had the appropriate consistency.

The service was very friendly and attentive. I didn't come in at the busiest time of their week, which would be the true test of their service, but they were very friendly nevertheless. I asked a couple questions and for recommendations, and they were quick to offer and help guide you. They also checked in with me regularly to make sure I was enjoying it and if I needed anything else.

The atmosphere was casual and clean. This isn't always the case for restaurants like this, unfortunately!

I will definitely return to explore more...