I was thrilled to discover a Vietnamese restaurant in Athens. As a Buford Highway junkie, it's difficult to live in a city without a vibrant ethnic food scene. I started craving pho last night when I felt like I was coming down with a cold, and sure enough, when I did a search for pho in the area, Just Pho popped up. I called in a to-go order of spring rolls stuffed with barbeque pork and chicken broth-based pho filled with slivers of white meat chicken, and the normal accoutrement (herbs, sprouts, jalapenos, etc.). After arriving home and diving in, I was pleased overall. The spring rolls were not as tightly wrapped as I would've liked and the vegetables could've been a bit crisper, but the barbeque pork inside was tasty. However, the pho itself hit the spot. The broth had a nice clean taste and all of the other ingredients were just as I would expect at a Bu-Hi destination. Additionally, the service was very pleasant. I would definitely recommend to others. read more

I'm a pho/bahn mi fanatic and Just Pho is among the best I've ever had anywhere. Better than anywhere in Atlanta, and it's right here in Athens! A nice bonus, the food is noticeably lighter than other Viet places (in a good way!). The lady that runs the joint is passionate beyond belief about her food, and you can tell (she'll bend your ear for 30 minutes about her personal food beliefs if you let her, lol). The house pork used in the pork bahn mi is insanely delicious. The meatballs in the pho are tender and flavorful and the thinly sliced pho beef is super tender and juicy. Get a bahn mi for $4.50! the house iced coffee w/ condensed milk comes out mid-steeping, and you get to pour it over ice when it's just how you like it. We've got Just Pho and now Yummy Pho in Athens. Tried Yummy last week hoping for another option and it isn't even in the same league - dingy, bad service, cardboard beatballs, low on flavor. . .very "McDonalds" for a Viet place. we're definitely sticking with just Pho. read more

Great food and huge portions. Everything is authentic and made almost entirely in-house (delicious sauces included). Be sure to try their pho, bun, and the perfectly priced ($4.50) banh mi. read more

For all the great food Athens has, it sure is lacking in good Vietnamese places. In honor of Vietnamese New Year, I decided to give Just Pho a try, despite my doubts about the food and the name of the place itself. We got spring rolls to share, I ordered the bun bo luc lac and my bf got the pho. Nothing was bad, but because I've had Vietnamese food many times before, it was hard not to compare it to other places. It was a little weird to me that there was no fish sauce on the table, which is basically the equivalent of salt in Viet cooking and almost always needed to add to your pho. Overall, it was fine. It definitely was a lot pricier than places I've been in Atlanta, and it wasn't the best Vietnamese food I've had, but it was good. If I have an intense craving, I know where to go. read more

First off: Absolutely amazing incredible delicious banh mi. Super super good. The Classic has this tender, thinly sliced pork belly that I can't get enough of. The vegetarian one is surprisingly just as good (maybe even slightly better), with it's flavorful tofu and meat-substitute. It's always a toss up for me which one I'll end up with. The ailoli, pate, and pickled carrot/daikon come together on both sandwiches to make something truly great. Normally, if I love something this much from a restaurant, I try to learn how tto recreate it at home so I can have it whenever I want. But there's no way I could get this just right, so I'll keep coming back. However: This place does have some drawbacks. Most notably, service is slow. Slooow. About a month ago, the owner apologized for the long wait for our Banh Mi's and said that they hired some new people that are getting in the swing of things. Cool, I understand completely; no biggie. I'll just give the new staff some time to learn the ropes. I went back recently and it's still just as slow. Since I love the food so much, I just consider this a fact of life and act accordingly. I only go if I've got a lot of time and good company, or can phone in my order ahead. Some other notes: I like the pho, but I've had better. It doesn't matter though because I'm ordering Banh Mi. I haven't tried anything else. And seriously, I would get fried spring rolls every time if they weren't five dollars. Let's be real. $3 is reasonable and $2 is fair. The decor is pretty awesome. They rotate local art that's for sale and it's always, so far, been really good. The owner and staff are also really nice. read more

One of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Athens. I didn't receive the best service on my first visit, but there was only one guy in the front and I could tell he was doing the best he could, so I will definitely be back. I had the tofu pho and the portion was very generous for even the Regular size! read more

Just Pho is an oasis in a city of greasy mistakes. The food is fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere is clean and homey. There's even an upright piano in the dining area. Atmosphere is one thing, but what I'm here to rave about is the FOOD! Steamy, hearty bowls of traditional Vietnamese Pho served with a generous side of fresh garnishes. Its a whole lotta meat and a whole lotta veggies, adding up to a completely satisfying meal. (there are vegetarian options too). The location seems out of place next to the Little Ceasar's on Baxter, but remains central to the Athens area. Besides, were it in a place like downtown, the prices would not be as good. PS - I know of no other place within 40 miles that will serve you a delicious durian smoothie! read more

The spring rolls are great and the pho is decent. Great atmosphere. I will definitely check this place out again.

I enjoy many types of food, Indian, Japanese, Greek, Thai, and Middle Eastern, just to name a few. That being said, this was the WORST DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY ENTIRE LIFE. Our server was incredibly rude, and the service was even worse. Having never tried Vietnamese cuisine, I had many questions. She seemed very annoyed by my questions and made no effort to show it. The restaurant was maybe half full, and it took almost an hour to get our food. During this time, we saw our server three times. My wife got her food several minutes before I did, and hers was ice cold. Mine was the wrong dish, but I ate it anyway because I was so hungry. The restaurant itself was very poorly set up. The tables were way too close, offering little privacy for dinner conversation. The cheesy elevator music was charming, but did little to offset the bad experience. I will try this type of cuisine again, but will never return to this barren hell-hole. I swear to God, if I could do tonight all over again, I would have walked down two doors and gotten a Little Caesar's pizza for $5 and called it a night. read more

The only reason this place is getting any business is because there is literally no competition in this city. The food is so inconsistent that it hardly seems worth it to eat here unless you're in to this sort of gamble. Sometimes the broth is bold and sometimes it's as thin as water. Too much salt one day, not enough the other. The service sucks pretty much every time but I don't really blame the wait staff. Blame the management because they herd the wait staff like cattle. It seems as though the turn over rate is high. There are constantly new servers every week so the service is lacking. I'm pretty sure the tips don't even go to the servers either. I have seen raw chicken and pork sitting out for four to five hours at a time uncovered in the kitchen. For some reason, they have a pretty high health score, but it could be that the owner's daughter is the health inspector. Just a hunch...but no for real... she really is. All in all, the bahn mi (sandwich) is the best in Athens but then again it's all you have to really choose from. Oh yeah.. and wtf is with the name. "JUST" pho...AND more? Tiramisu at a Vietnamese restaurant...weeeeeeeirrrddddd read more

Had crispy roll and soft roll appetizer, main dishes were "all included" beef Pho (#36 on menu) and chicken sandwich. Value was great for the money, BUT three items remain to be suggested for improvement: a) DO NOT serve the main dish first and bring out the appetizer after. b) Pho lives and dies by the broth. This soup was stale and lacking fragrance. (Missing roasted gingers and onions, as well as star anise, cinnamon and fresh mint.) c) Up your 85% County Health Rating (none of the violations listed were critical) read more

Owners of the restaurant are very nice!!! Soups there are tasty and low in price ($7.99 for a small bowl), they are definitely the best in town! Vietnamese coffee are a bit pricy in my opinion( $3.99 per cup), but the quality of their coffee are outstanding, so it's worth the price! Sandwiches are very cheap and filling, although there were only 3-4 choices in the menu, they have offered their best choice for their customers. read more

I've been dying to try pho and today I finally did. I dragged my mom and brother along to give it a try and they were pretty apprehensive. When we got there, we were greeted promptly and when it was time to order, the owner took the time to make suggestions and explain the items on the menu. This was probably some of the best service that I have EVER received. She was extremely nice and even suggested what size pho that I should order (a small was more than enough) as well as checked in with us to see if we liked everything. Despite feeling a little iffy about the food, my mom and brother throughly enjoyed it. I look forward to going back again in the future, the service alone was enough for me. I'm officially a fan of pho and Just Pho! read more

tips do not go to the service staff the owner will take all of the tips so please do not waste your money tipping the servers as they are not allowed to keep it. 4 stars because the food here is pretty decent but it feels like money has been stolen from me because i tip the servers. read more

I love Pho but "Just Pho.... And more"'s service leaves everything at the door. They are always nonchalant about how terrible the service is every time I'm here. I know it's a collage town and that type of service can be anticipated. The food is generally really good. Obviously the Pho is the main attraction but there are some other notable dishes. But it comes back to the service for me. When I walk into a place and there is no host/hostess and 4 uncleared open tables and then I'm told to wait because there is one other sad soul in front of me, I can feel nothing but annoyance for the lack of caring of those who work there. When a whole back table is dedicated to dirty dishes and cleaning supplies (all within the view of every paying costumer). I am unapologetic about this review because it's not vindictive or hateful, just honest. I love Pho but I also love slightly above terrible service. read more

I give the food 2 stars, but the service 1 star. I've seen so much turnover at this restaurant, which wouldn't normally phase me, but the service has really plummeted in recent weeks. My dinner companions got their meals while I waited patiently for my dish to come. After they were all nearly finished,I had to chase my waiter down to ask about my order. He never checked on us after taking our order. He assured me that my meal would be coming right out. After my friends were completely finished and there was frantic whispers amongst the waitstaff, I asked them to just cancel my order so I wouldn't have to have my friends sit and wait for me while I ate alone. What bothered me the most about this situation was that no one apologized or even acknowledged that my order was never put in, and I had to sit and watch my friends eat. I was only told that my food would be coming out shortly, which in actuality meant about 45 minutes later than everyone else's. The pho is mediocre at best and not worth the hassle. I won't be coming back to Just Pho. I'll satisfy my cravings for Vietnamese food at Yummy Pho, or better yet, Buford Highway. read more

I have had a lot of pho in my day, from East to West coast. Especially from California, so I believe I have a pretty good idea what pho should be. This was a very watered down version to me, and really lacked the depth that the broth should have. Even their spring rolls were lacking the strong basil that should be there. It was a very clean and nice atmosphere, and I thought the service was okay (though a bit slow). However in general I would have to say this was a 'pho'-gettable experience. read more

I ventured out to Just Pho today. I ordered a dish that was supposedly their specialty based on the recommendation from the waitress. I had my first bite, and had to spit it out. It was disappointing. I have had their Pho as well. Flavorless and overpriced food. Go to Atlanta if you are looking for good vietnamese food and good service. read more

Where to even start. I guess with the Pho Dac Biet (special) I failed to see the special in it. Usually it will have tendon and tripe. The spring rolls were also weirdly dry. Doubt if I'll have food from this restaurant again. read more

Terrible experience. Has been here dozens of times. It started going down since the ownership changed. I had a combination pho last night, and the meatball was bad and sour!! I asked the restaurant attendant (the guy at front desk). And outrageously he asked me what I want to do! Excuse me?? Will not go any more!! And I do not recommend anyone going there! read more

I am truely sorry to give such a harsh review on my first vistit to just pho.The service was very nice and my food came fairly quick, but the health inspection review was an almost failing grade sitting at 72 :(. The food was ehh i mean its edible and i could eat more than just one bite but i wish they gave more sides instead of just a few bean sprouts. While i was there a painting on the wall hanging near two customers had fell onto their table... so overall i hope they can improve alot if you do go dont have high expectations. read more

Great vietnamese! Much better than Saigon!!! Pho is like night and day difference versus Saigon Cafe!

love it！！very good pho with very good broth!! Very friendly boss and waiters!! Go there every week!!

for a long time this was the only pho place in town. and then the price started to reflect it. i know the people that own this place and they are very nice. but they have increased the price so much that i can't afford to eat there. their signature dish is average for taste. nothing outstanding. the broth in the pho is bland and lacks body and flavor. for the money that you spend, you expect to get a much bigger portion. i'll drive into atlanta and spend my money on other pho places. or make it myself at home for much less money. their fish sauce for dipping is mostly vinegar and lacks the authentic fish taste. this may be due to the fact that they cater to a very american clientele. they may not be able to serve real authentic flavors read more

Ordered veggie pho with extra veggies, it had no veggies. I paid 13 dollars for tofu and noodles. Pretty disappointing.

I've tried almost everything on the menu but my fav is the rice vermicelli bowl w/ lettuce, bean sprouts, carrots, pork, peanuts and of course, the delish fish sauce. It's like a cold noodle salad. Portion is hugh..wish you could get a 1/2 order. The strawberry bubble tea is to die for. Service is good and I especially like the idea that they display local paintings for sale. Great food experience!!!!!!! read more

Expensive, terrible service, long wait times, food is meh. Only eat there if you desperate for Vietnamese food.

I love this place - may be the best Pho in Athens, and they have delicious little Bahn Mi's for under $5!

Great food, but their take out system is awful! Food is NEVER ready by the time they give you. Plan on waiting another 20-30 min once you arrive. Def dine in if you don't like waiting. read more

Service is slow all the time but mostly when they get a little busy. I called 50 minutes ahead for 3 sandwiches and came and still had to keep waiting bc they weren't finished making them.. Overall had to wait a whole hour for something I called in ahead of time.. The pho's flavor is not the best either. For them to be charging the prices they charge.. I expect a lot more with service and pho. read more

I had a chicken sandwich delivered from this place a few months ago and was quite satisfied for the price. I especially liked the bread and fresh vegetables in the sandwich. I ate in at the restaurant a few days ago and had a regular-sized pho with lots of meat in it with jasmine tea. I love my fresh vegetables and was very happy with the mint and bean sprouts that came with my pho as well as the pho itself. I think the owners were working and they were both very hospitable and provided great service. The eating area is neat and bright with a variety of art decorating the walls, and the chopsticks came in an artistically folded napkin. Again, great experience for the price. read more

Five stars means as good as it gets, and for Vietnamese food food this place is as good as it gets. I have only eaten here 3 times but Ive only known about it for 2 weeks. I highly recommend the sandwiches. Also they have an endless drink menu featuring anything from traditional bottled aloe, and grass jelly drinks, to avocado, or lychee smoothies. Also the menu is extremely reasonably priced for such big helpings. read more

Horrible food, horrible service... and expensive compared to other vietnamese restaurants

No this place sucks. I payed 12 freaking dollars for scoop of rice and a little chicken with a bit of vegetables. Totally not worth it. I've never been more surprisingly ripped off more in my life read more

So I walked in and said hey.... The man at the front didn't even look up . As I'm almost about to walk out he says oh..to go order?? (Uh no) so I asked do I sit myself which is no so I'm not sure why he took so long to acknowledge me considering. So I sit at the first table across from register for 8min waiting on waiter which is by my surprise also the host who just sat me yet stared at me 8 min before realizing he should take my order. I did get water until the cook or food runner from back brought me my food and I had to ask for it he didn't just bring it with the food. So I sat the 8 min for my order to be taken and additional 11 min to get food and no water the entire time. Service absolutely suck !!! And I love Vietnamese food! Who ever reads this review if you go to Atlanta check out . Pho Dai Loi and we suki suki you will receive good service and food. Btw my food wasn't good at all !! read more

Not bad, but there are some major concerns. After arriving home with my to-go order of pho, I realized that they are clearly cooking and then refridgerating noodles for later. The ice-cold lump of sticky noodles quickly became mushy and broken after adding the broth, which precluded any need to use the chopsticks after that point. The veggies were stuffed in a ziplock bag sitting a top of the noodles and had clearly gone bad since they had been packed. Considering the short amount of time it takes to cook the noodles and the relative simplicity of cutting fresh limes and other veggies every day, these work arounds are frankly lazy and compromise the quality of the food. With respect to service, the people working the counter were friendly but disorganized and flustered, which was confusing since the restaurant was far from full. Like most restaurants in Athens, this place is ok but don't expect the same quality you'd get in a town with real competition. read more