Seemor
Trieu Chau RestaurantB+Worth Trying
500 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55103
· Vietnamese restaurant, Chicken restaurant, Lunch restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (1255 reviews)
Takeout
Beloved, no-frills Vietnamese stalwart with standout pho and bun bo hue, fast service, and great prices, though sweetness in broths and occasional service lapses divide opinions.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Trieu Chau delivers solid neighborhood Vietnamese dining with strong food quality anchored by praised pho, bun bo hue, and hu tieu, plus exceptional value and generous portions. Consistency challenges—broth sweetness and seasoning variation—prevent a higher grade, though loyal repeat customers over decades and fast, efficient service confirm reliable core execution. The no-frills setting and occasional service oversights keep it competitive with respected local favorites rather than a destination standout.
Restaurant Summary
A no-frills spot with warm, bustling energy, Trieu Chau draws a steady stream of locals for steaming bowls and generous plates. Expect quick seating, clatter from the kitchen, and service that is usually swift. As one diner put it, the pho broth was "balanced and deeply flavorful," though others found it sweeter than expected. The cooking leans classic Vietnamese with a side of Chinese-American comfort—think pho, bun bo hue, and hu tieu plus stir-fries and banh mi. Portions run large, prices friendly, and the menu is broad rather than showy. It is ideal when you want satisfying, tried-and-true dishes without fuss, though seasoning can vary; some broths taste light or sweet depending on the day. Families do well here thanks to kid-pleasing options like chow mein, fried rice, wings, and mild pho. Banh mi can be customized (hold jalapeno if needed), and tofu or mock duck dishes fit many vegetarian preferences, though note that certain soups marked vegetarian still use meat-based broths.
At a Glance
- Pho, bun bo hue, and hu tieu draw loyal fans
- Fast service and large portions at fair prices
- Broth can trend sweet or light for some palates
- Occasional service misses and order oversights
- Small lot fills fast; one report of potholes
What Sets It Apart
- long_running_neighborhood_staple
- fast_kitchen_turnaround
- broad_mock_duck_and_tofu_options
What People Love
- Deep, satisfying broths when on form
- Portions that feel generous
- Speedy kitchen ideal for lunch
- Neighborhood, no-fuss vibe
Points of Concern
- Some diners find pho broth sweet or underpowered compared to other area shops
- Service attention can lapse during busy times; a few reports of curt interactions
- Refund policy for missed items limited to store credit per one report
- Parking lot conditions and small capacity can frustrate at peak times
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$22-$34 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose noodle soups (pho, bun bo hue, hu tieu) at $14.95-$15.95 for best value
- Sandwiches at $7.95 make a budget-friendly add-on or light meal
- Vegetarians: prioritize tofu/mock duck stir-fries; verify broth base for soups
Perfect For
- Quick lunch with comforting noodles
- Casual family dinner on a budget
- Solo slurp-and-go pho stop
- Neighborhood regulars craving familiar flavors
Location Insights
Area: Working-class corridor with diverse immigrant businesses and casual eateries; practical more than polished.
Safety: Generally fine daytime; maintenance mixed. One review notes potholes in parking lot.
Nearby: Busy University Ave strip with Asian groceries, small shops, and light rail access nearby.
Summit-UniversitySummit-University offers a blend of historic homes and newer developments, with a dining scene that ranges from casual eateries to ethnic restaurants reflecting the area's cultural diversity. The neighborhood has a community-oriented atmosphere with accessible public transit and proximity to educational institutions, making it popular for both residents and visitors.
Hamline-MidwayHamline-Midway is known for its lively, youthful vibe with numerous cafes, casual dining spots, and bars catering to students and young adults. It has a walkable environment with a mix of historic and modern architecture, fostering a dynamic social and dining scene.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–19:30
Tuesday10:00–19:30
Wednesday
Thursday10:00–19:30
Friday10:00–19:30
Saturday10:00–19:30
Sunday10:00–19:30
Available: Takeout
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