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Pho 79B+Worth Trying

Name: Pho 79
Address: 2233 Energy Park Dr #800, St Paul, MN 55108, St Paul, United States
Rating: 4.4

2233 Energy Park Dr #800, St Paul, MN 55108 · Vietnamese restaurant, Pho restaurant, Restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (895 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Neighborhood Vietnamese standby with fast service and solid pho; value is good for the area though a minority of diners report bland broth and uneven service.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Pho 79 delivers dependable Vietnamese comfort food with strong food quality and exceptional speed that make it competitive with respected neighborhood restaurants. However, inconsistent execution—scattered reports of bland broth and texture issues—prevents a higher grade, while the modest strip-mall setting lacks destination appeal. Regulars appreciate the fair value and reliable staples, making it a solid choice for casual pho cravings rather than special occasions.

Restaurant Summary

Pho 79 is a cozy strip-mall spot where bowls land fast and the room feels warm and bustling. Regulars talk about clean-tasting broths and crisp egg rolls, and one diner called the spicy bowl a blast of comfort. Service is usually quick and kind, though a few guests felt overlooked during rushes, so experiences can vary. The cooking skews classic Vietnamese: pho in many cuts, fresh vermicelli salads, rice bowls, and a few crowd-pleasing starters. Most find portions generous and pricing fair for the area. Praise often centers on the spicy pho and the noodle salads with their signature dressing, while a minority wished for deeper broth or more noodles. If you crave dependable staples over culinary fireworks, it is a solid neighborhood choice. Families do well here thanks to straightforward dishes like chicken pho and egg rolls. Kids who like soup or simple rice bowls will find something; the menu even flags a vegetarian soup option. That said, adventurous toppings like tripe or tendon may not suit picky eaters, so steer toward chicken pho or plain fried rice if you need the safest bet.

At a Glance

Fast kitchen with reliably quick ticket times
Broad pho lineup plus excellent vermicelli salads
Good value for portion size and neighborhood pricing
Some diners report bland broth or chewy beef
Service attentiveness can be hit-or-miss during busy periods

What Sets It Apart

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beloved_noodle_salads_with_signature_dressing
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What People Love

Clean-tasting broths and spicy pho option
Crispy egg rolls and wings
Fresh, generous noodle salads with signature dressing
Friendly, fast service when on form

Points of Concern

Occasional bland broth or chewy beef reported by a minority of guests
Service lapses mentioned at peak times; some tables felt overlooked
Inconsistent rice texture and small shrimp in fried rice for a few diners

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$26-38 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For first timers: Pho Ga ($13.50) or Pho Rare Beef (#8, $13.50)
For heat seekers: Pho Hue (Spicy) ($14.50)
For vegetarians: Hu Tieu Dau Hu Rau (Vegetarian) ($14.50) or #54 noodle salad

Perfect For

A quick, comforting pho lunch
Casual weeknight dinners
Solo meals with speedy service
Groups seeking shareable starters and bowls

Location Insights

Area: Low-key mixed commercial strip near industrial/office parks; draws locals, students, and passers-by.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked by day; typical lighting and parking for a strip center.

Nearby: Near University areas, offices, and light industrial; convenient to highways and airport routes.

Energy ParkEnergy Park is primarily a business and industrial park with a focus on office buildings, technology companies, and light manufacturing. Dining options here cater mostly to daytime workers and visitors, featuring casual eateries, quick service restaurants, and some sit-down options geared towards lunch crowds and business meetings. The atmosphere is professional and functional rather than residential or nightlife-oriented.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–19:30 Tuesday11:00–19:30 Wednesday11:00–19:30 Thursday11:00–19:30 Friday11:00–19:30 Saturday12:00–19:30 Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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