Seemor
Phở 87A-Worth Trying
1019 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012
· Vietnamese restaurant, Southeast Asian restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1624 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Classic Vietnamese pho specialist in Chinatown delivering fast, flavorful bowls and big portions at fair prices, with occasional complaints about cleanliness, saltiness, and rushed service during peak times.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Phở 87 delivers exceptional broth quality and impressive service speed that justify an A-grade standing, competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants. Consistency shows minor variation near closing and tight seating during peaks prevent higher placement, but decades of loyal regulars and fair value reinforce its reputation as a time-tested Chinatown institution worth seeking out.
Restaurant Summary
Set on North Broadway in Chinatown, this spot feels lively and no-frills in the best way. Bowls land on tables with impressive speed, and many regulars talk about coming here for decades of comforting broth. As one fan put it, "the soup arrives fast and the aroma hits before it touches the table." The cooking leans classic and broth-first: clear, beefy, anise-kissed pho with generous cuts, plus spring rolls and vermicelli plates. Specialty bowls like oxtail deliver deeper richness, while vegetarian pho and fresh rolls provide lighter options. Expect fast turns, straightforward service, and flavors that prioritize tradition over flash—ideal if you want time-tested comfort rather than reinvention. Families do well here. Kids can stick with chicken pho, plain noodles, or shrimp spring rolls, and portions are shareable. There is no kids-specific menu, but the menu’s simple bowls and familiar flavors suit younger eaters; just arrive early if your crew dislikes crowds.
At a Glance
- Broth praised for depth and aroma; many long-time regulars
- Very fast service and large portions at fair prices
- Peak-hour crowding and a 60-minute dining limit can feel rushed
- Minority complaints about cleanliness and overly salty broth near closing
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food (Not applicable; traditional menu focus)
What Sets It Apart
- decades-long local following
- exceptionally fast ticket times
- hearty specialty oxtail pho
What People Love
- Comforting, rich beef broth that tastes slow-simmered
- Lightning-fast ticket times
- Hearty portions that satisfy
- Old-school vibe with regulars and friendly touches like careful to-go packing
Points of Concern
- At peak times seating is tight and service feels brisk; there is a posted 60-minute limit when busy
- A small cluster of recent reviews allege cleanliness issues; not widely corroborated across the sample
- Occasional reports of weak or overly salty broth close to closing time
- Parking can be competitive around Chinatown during rush hours
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$34-$46 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose standard pho ($17-$19) for best value; upgrade to oxtail ($20-$23) for richer flavor
- Vegetarian diners: order Vegetarian and Tofu Pho (#22) or Vegetarian Spring Rolls
- For lighter meals, split an appetizer and one regular pho; portions are generous
Perfect For
- A quick, satisfying pho fix before or after Chinatown exploring
- Cold-day comfort meal with rich broth
- Casual family dinners without reservations
- Solo slurps at off-peak hours
Location Insights
Area: Bustling historic Chinatown corridor attracting locals and visitors; casual eateries and markets nearby.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban conditions, feels safe during dining hours.
Nearby: Near Chinatown Central Plaza, shops, bakeries, and transit; mix of street and small-lot parking.
ChinatownChinatown offers a lively dining scene with a mix of casual eateries, noodle houses, and upscale Asian restaurants. The area is characterized by its cultural vibrancy, street markets, and a blend of traditional and contemporary Asian influences, attracting both locals and visitors seeking authentic and affordable Asian food experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–19:45
Tuesday
Wednesday11:00–19:45
Thursday11:00–19:45
Friday11:00–19:45
Saturday11:00–19:45
Sunday11:00–19:45
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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