Seemor
The Pho LexingtonBWorth Trying
788 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065
· Restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (268 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Reliable, fast-casual Vietnamese on the UES with giant pho bowls, good prices, and mixed broth consistency; best for quick, affordable comfort more than purist authenticity.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
The Pho Lexington delivers reliable comfort through solid food quality and exceptional speed, but inconsistent broth execution prevents a higher grade. This neighborhood standby excels at hearty portions and fair UES pricing, though it lacks the broth depth and service polish that distinguish premier pho destinations. Best suited for quick, satisfying meals rather than special occasions.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels bright and casual, with a quick-moving staff that gets big bowls to tables fast. Diners talk about steaming pho that "warms the soul," though a few found the broth a bit flat. It reads as a neighborhood standby for quick, satisfying meals rather than a linger-all-night sit-down. Cooking leans traditional Vietnamese—pho, banh mi, vermicelli, rice plates—augmented by a few surprises like catfish tacos. Expect hearty portions over finesse, with grilled pork and chicken rice plates pleasing many, while some purists wish for deeper broth complexity. If you want reliable comfort at fair UES prices, this is a practical pick. Families will find accessible options like chicken rice plates, banh mi, and mild broths. However, there is no noted kids menu and one older review mentioned no high chairs. If plant-based is essential, note reports that the veggie pho may use meat-based broth; choose tofu and mushroom dishes or rice plates with clearer ingredients.
At a Glance
- Giant, satisfying pho bowls at fair UES prices
- Very fast service and clean space
- Broth depth varies from comforting to bland or salty
- Mixed experiences with banh mi texture and seasoning
- Vegetarian and vegan clarity needs improvement
What Sets It Apart
- very_large_pho_bowls
- speedy_kitchen_turnaround
- good_value_for_ues
What People Love
- Comforting, oversized pho bowls
- Speedy kitchen that respects lunch breaks
- Grilled pork and chicken rice plates that satisfy
- Fair pricing for the Upper East Side
Points of Concern
- Flavor consistency: some bowls praised, others called bland or salty
- Occasional dry meats (chicken, catfish) and reheated feel reported
- Limited clarity for vegan diners; reports of meat-based veggie broth
- Seating comfort is basic; avoid door area in winter drafts
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$28-38 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose pho ($16-19) for value; add toppings like brisket or tofu/mushroom for customization
- Banh mi at $10 is a budget pick; request extra pickles or sauce for punch
- Vermicelli bowls ($15) suit lighter, herb-forward meals
Perfect For
- A quick, warming lunch near Lexington Ave
- Casual weeknight dinner with hearty portions
- Solo meals when you want fast service
- Groups needing an affordable, no-fuss option
Location Insights
Area: Busy UES corridor with offices, residents, and shoppers; daytime foot traffic and quick-meal demand.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady pedestrian flow, especially daytime and early evening.
Nearby: Near retail on Lexington Ave, close to subway lines, offices, and residential buildings; convenient lunch spot.
Lenox HillLenox Hill is an upscale neighborhood characterized by luxury residential buildings, high-end boutiques, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. The area is frequented by well-heeled locals and visitors seeking sophisticated dining experiences in a safe and accessible environment.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday11:30–21:00
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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