Seemor
Holy Basil Phở And Cocktail barB+Worth Trying
5362 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
· Vietnamese restaurant, Cocktail bar, Delivery Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (214 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Creative Vietnamese noodle house with strong vegan options and cocktails; generally tasty pho and wings, but portions and service consistency vary.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Holy Basil Phở And Cocktail Bar delivers competitive neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by clear, flavorful broths and creative modern Vietnamese bowls. Friendly, attentive service and appealing Rockridge setting support the experience, but inconsistent execution on broth richness and portions across visits prevents a higher grade. Premium pricing aligns with the area and creative menu, though it positions the restaurant as a specialty destination rather than a go-to pho standard.
Restaurant Summary
Set on College Ave, the room feels chill and nicely laid out, with a small cocktail bar and steam curling up from big bowls of soup. One diner noted the staff was friendly and attentive, while another praised the space as tranquil. However, portions and pacing can vary, and one review flagged a nearby lot for break-ins. The cooking leans modern Vietnamese with creative spicy noodle bowls, from classic beef pho to laksa, tan tan, and a full vegan pho lineup. Broths are often clear and clean-tasting, wings are popular, and cocktails like the Vodkarita or a whiskey mule play well with the food. Expect a neighborhood premium that pays for variety and creativity more than bargain pricing. Families find it workable: pho, bao, and wings are approachable, and one party mentioned patient service with toddlers. That said, some bowls run spicy or intense, so pick gentler options like chicken pho or spring rolls for cautious eaters. No explicit kids menu noted.
At a Glance
- Clear, flavorful pho with strong vegan and gluten-free coverage
- Creative bowls (laksa, tan tan, numbing spicy) and solid cocktails
- Portion size and broth richness vary between visits
- Price runs high versus classic pho shops; aligns with Rockridge
- Parking lot next door had a theft report
What Sets It Apart
- deep_vegan_pho_menu
- creative_spicy_noodle_variants
- cocktail_pairings
What People Love
- Comforting pho with clean broth
- Wide vegan section that feels considered
- Crunchy imperial rolls that satisfy
- Chill ambiance with friendly service
Points of Concern
- Occasional slow kitchen for pho despite friendly servers
- Some bowls feel light on noodles or meat for the price
- One report of dismissive service from a manager; otherwise staff praised
- Review patterns show isolated safety concern about adjacent lot; plan parking accordingly
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$40-56 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose mid-priced pho ($18-22) plus shared rolls for best value
- Cocktail pairing complements richer soups; budget for drinks
Perfect For
- Weeknight soup and cocktail
- Mixed-diet groups needing vegan and GF options
- Warm-up on chilly days
- Casual dates in Rockridge
Location Insights
Area: Rockridge is an upscale, walkable corridor with boutiques and cafes; draws locals and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe and busy, though one review flags nearby parking lot break-ins after dark.
Nearby: Near shops, bars, and Rockridge BART; mixed residential and retail foot traffic.
TemescalTemescal is a trendy and rapidly evolving neighborhood known for its lively dining scene, featuring a mix of casual eateries, artisanal coffee shops, and innovative restaurants. The area has a welcoming, community-oriented vibe with a blend of historic charm and modern development, attracting a diverse crowd interested in food, culture, and local businesses.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:30
Thursday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Friday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:30
Saturday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:30
Sunday11:30–14:30, 16:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →