Pho 20 — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Every time I go here to eat, I make a mental note to write a review but never get around to it. I live about an hour drive away, and when I say I will drive out that far specifically to go to Pho20, I am not joking. This is the ONLY pho place I have been to so far that actually makes their vegetable pho broth with the proper flavors and herbs/spices/etc. Every other place I have been to that I asked for vegetable broth in the pho instead has just had plain, unseasoned, from-the-carton vegetable broth added in and soggy silken tofu with sad vegetables, and I would think "i wish i went to pho 20 instead...". I am a pescetarian, so I cannot do chicken or beef broth. I love pho, and I love that this place makes their vegetable broth with all the right flavors! They also have mushrooms and bok choy in with their vegetables, not sad canned vegetables like broccoli and carrots and celery only. 5 stars for having an option for vegetarians/pescetarians that doesnt have corners cut! I love it and it is worth a long drive. It is also on the end of 10th street, so if you aren't lucky with getting a street parking spot right by there, you can try your luck on vine street before you turn onto 10th street - you will not have to walk far. This place is also affordable for the amount of food you get! My only wish is that I could order delivery from this place to my house, but I live way too far away for that. So it is always nice when I can make it out to chinatown!

In terms of my 'atmosphere' section being knocked down a star, it is simply because this is an expected atmosphere - the food is good and the people are nice. It is affordable and that's what matters. It is in the city/chinatown so do not expect a super fancy dining environment in terms of the location/building/tables. Come for the good pho.

*there was one time a year ago where I think they mistakenly used beef broth, and not vegetable broth, in my Pho. It made me ill since I have been pescetarian since 2012. Just make it a point to specify in person that you want vegetable broth! But I am still giving 5 stars because this is the only pho place that seasons/makes their vegetable broth flavorful just like regular pho...

The food here is ok and the service is ok but there are a few issues.

We ordered summer rolls but were not given any plates to eat them on, so pieces of lettuce and rice noodles were just falling onto the table as we ate the summer rolls.

I ordered the Pho Dac Biet (Special Pho) which did not come with the plate of lettuce, mint, lime slices, and bean sprouts as I am used to. That was fine as a plate of lettuce came with my boyfriend's meal. The lettuce wasn't washed very well though and there as some dirt on it.

As is often the case as Vietnamese restaurant, my pho came with green onion even though I specifically asked for it with no onion, so I had to pick all the onion out. The waitress even said "Special Pho with no onions" as she set it down. I don't know what to do. Do I have to say, "No green onions" or "No scallions"?

The soup was not very hot, so the slices of rare beef did not get cooked enough. I had to take some hot water from my boyfriend's meal to pour on the sliced rare beef to cook them. By the way, I got only two slices of...

The food was a beautiful and tasty! The Vietnamese crepe was unbelievable! I've had the same dish before at another restaurant I loved it and this was even better! My only wish was that there was little more shrimp in it. But the flavor of the crape itself and all of the fresh mint and veggies was super good. The vermicelli was also very good but not as impressive to me.

The person who served me was absolutely delightful and kind and sweet and helpful. She was surprised at my order but very kind about it. The TV was annoying but when I asked they gladly turned it off. I will say that there's a limited number of chairs more booths. With someone with disabilities the chairs are more comfortable. They were willing to see me at a longer table with a chair. But this could be inconvenient at busy times for disabled people eating alone. Overall...