There is no shortage of pho spots in Seattle. And many of them are fantastic. But after Pho Bac Sup Shop was nominated for a James Beard Award, Tove and I just needed to try it. Simply said, the Vietnamese restaurant lives up to the hype.
If you don’t know the James Beard Awards, they’re like the Academy Awards of the culinary world. To be nominated as a semifinalist is a big deal, but to be named a finalist is an even bigger deal. And to win is one of the highest honors you can receive as a chef, baker, restaurant, and restauranteur.
Pho Bac Sup Shop falls into the latter category. It, its owners Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham, and partner restaurants The Boat and Phocific Standard Time are finalists for the James Beard Outstanding Restauranteur Award. This award isn’t just for Seattle or the Northwest; it’s for the entire country. They are one of only five restauranteurs named as finalists.
There’s a reason Pho Bac Sup Shop stands out on a national level. They serve fantastic pho, and we also devoured the tasty Bun Bo Hue. The spring rolls are fresh and delicious. Next time we visit, we’re definitely diving into their twice-fried chicken wings.
On top of delicious Vietnamese food, the Seattle restaurant also serves outstanding cocktails, including a chom chom margarita (which Tove LOVED), lychee pop, and more. The cocktails alone are worth a visit.
While Pho Bac Sup Shop is only now starting to receive recognition from the James Beard Foundation, it has served Vietnam’s national dish in Seattle since 1982. Originally named Cat’s Submarine as a sub sandwich joint, Vietnamese patrons quickly started requesting pho. And with that, the now nationally acclaimed restaurant was born.
The restaurant’s popularity has grown throughout the city, leading to the opening of additional restaurants in downtown Seattle and Rainier Valley.
If you’re craving pho and you have some patience (they don’t take reservations), it’s time to check out the James Beard Award-nominated Pho Bac Sup Shop. We loved it, and we hope you do, too!
* NOTE: If you haven’t tried The Boat and its garlic chicken rice, amazing waffles, and delicious cocktails, that is also a must. We have not visited Phocific Standard Time to complete the trifecta, but it is high on our list.
Have you ever eaten at Pho Bac Sup Shop? How was your experience? We’d love to know your favorite pho joint in Seattle. We’ve also reviewed Pho Aroma in West Seattle. Leave a comment below or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also check out Seattle Bloggers for more great places to explore in the city and beyond!
