I've been coming hear for years as a student at UCI. It's a nestled into the strip mall on Barranca right next to Layer Cake Bakery. Parking here can be a pain especially during peak hours, but if you don't mind walking alittle farther or camping out abit it usually isn't too big of an issue. This place is super tiny so the tables get filled up pretty quick but if you don't mind they also have outdoor seating with gas heating lamps. It's pretty nice to eat outside on those warm summer nights or during those nice afternoons. The food here is your typical viet stuff from pho, to vermacelli (bun), to grilled meat rice dishes (com) with your usual selection of spring rolls/egg rolls for appetizers. The pho broth here is pretty consistently light and slightly salted with a swig on green onion in every bowl. They don't skimp on the meat either so usually a regular size bowl is pretty filling. The vermacelli is served in this huge boat dish which can be slightly intimidating for the first-timers but once you start chowing down you'll most likely devour the whole thing because the sweet fish sauce is so yummy. It's also usually served with egg rolls which are always perfectly fried to a crisp. If you're looking for a drink they also have a small selection of drinks ranging from your typical viet lemon soda, to thai teas to your viet ice coffees. Altho they have raised there prices significantly and no longer offer student discounts this place is still a good place for pho in Irvine. read more

Pho Ba Co Overall 4 Stars Gold medal - Great Price Silver medal - Remodeled Bronze medal - Complimentary extra Pho for $7 in Irvine is not too shabby at all! Great price for pho in Irvine! The location is remodeled. They expanded and has a more comfortable, larger space than years ago. I love eating raw onions in vinegar with my pho. Some pho places charge extra. Not here at Pho Ba Co. HAPPY PHOING! read more

Pho Ba Co - $1 egg roll add on - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

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It's one of those strip mall "mom & pop" place you go just for the food not the decor, good pho, fast service.

Comfort food frfr my go to pho place in irvine. Decently priced and the service is good, they always make me smile. I like that the inside isn't too flashy, it feels more intimate and cozy. 10/10 would recommend read more

It was ok, the Vietnamese coffee wasn't that great. The pho was pretty good, could use more flavor. Over all it was good.

If you are a pho place you have to master the broth. I ordered a rare steak large pho. The broth was flavorless and I was very disappointed because this was suppsoedly a 4 star pho place. I ordered the 4 egg rolls which were flavorful and tasty which saved the meal. The rare steak was chewy and hard to swallow. I left most of the steak pieces in my bowl when I got the check and left. I was just disappointed. And my constructive criticism would be instead of having 79 items on the menu why not master the main dish first. I guess I will have to search for better broth somewhere else. I will give them another chance though because I am not trying to put them down. I just want to make them aware that, that is not good. 30 dollar meal, very disappointing. The people were very nice though but the food has to be good too. Maybe I will try another item next time. read more

Some of my favorite pho. Just the perfect amount of food and everything is made delicious. The pho is always hot, fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend the rare steak rice noodle soup. read more

Pho Ba Co - 10. Rare Steak Rice Noodle Soup - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Came by from a friend's recommendation. Best pho by far in Irvine. The spaghetti was pretty awesome too.

Super happy the restaurant has a vegetarian pho now! The pho was delicious! Super happy to have a go-to vegan pho now!

Easy to order online and quick. The food was good. We ordered online via grubhub and was simple enough. The prices are reasonable and good pho options. I realized they had a special not listed online that I wish was advertised because the price of 2 meals we could have received more food for about the same price, but oh well. The broth is key to PHO and this place was lacking that special "umph" in the broth....it was good but not great. The service was good and they complied to all the COVID regulations and the place was clean and pleasant. All in all, a good PHO restaurant. read more

Weve been doing take out and really enjoying the pho here. Will def be ordering again.

I'm updating my review bc they went above and beyond to make up for the short comings of our first order here! We ordered from here again recently and they provided exceptional service and honestly some of the best Pho in the area. This will now be our new "go to" Pho restaurant! read more

Pho Ba Co - Charbroiled chicken vermicelli and supposed to have egg rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Solid Viet food, was nice to get a rice plate with a small side of pho broth. If the weather is nice, sit outside! Service is quick. Parking can be tight in the plaza during busy times. Staple if you live in the area. read more

Excellent food, great customer service, and clean. The food was amazing and the customer service was great. Thank you.

I love this pho restaurant! Highly recommend! Great quick service and food is always delicious!

Such an awesome spot! Super quick with my order and super tasty. While working I met some of the family of the owner and was given a gift card to try it out. I'm super happy that I did! I will definitely be coming here more often. Thank you to the family and everyone else! Rare Steak Pho read more

Pho Ba Co - Rare Steak, Brisket, Tendon, and Tripe Pho (PTNGS) - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

I stopped to eat at Pho Ba Co on 4250 Barranca Parkway in Irvine. The place was clean. The server brought the menus, so I can decide what to order. I was allowed to take the photos. I ordered: The #57 Vermicelli Combo: Charbroiled shrimp, beef, and two egg rolls' The food was good. I drank a Diet Coke with the meal. Diana also ordered the #57 Vermicelli Combo meal. It had a good taste. Ror dessert: Two strawberry slushees. They were tasty. I went outside to take more photos. I drove home to write my review. Robert H. read more

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Saw the review of the place and decided to give it a shot. End up thinking it's overrated lol. Service was pretty good and food came out fairly quick. But when my food arrived, I instantly realized that they put VERY disproportionate amount of meat. We only got 3-4 slices of meat in our bowl (lol). I was really shocked that I had to count the meat again. The soup tastes okay, but not spectacular. Price is a bit more expensive that what I saw compared to other pho places. I paid almost $12 after tax and others. Considering the price, I would say save your money and bring it elsewhere. There's a lot of better pho out there, esp in Fountain Valley areas. read more

Pho Ba Co - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

went here with my friend nona on the weekend. the restaurant was pretty quiet and the service was quick. I got the pho. tbh its not like the best pho I've had but it's pretty good compared to its competition in irvine. If you can go a little further out to like Westminster I wouldn't say this is worth it, but for how close it is to me I think I'll take more friends here fs. read more

Pho Ba Co has always been a favorite of mine, and I'm so happy that they're still open during COVID-19. Their food is still amazing as always. Today I ordered the #11 Pho with Brisket and the broth was just as hot as it would be when they serve me at their restaurant. They are also generous in providing their bean sprouts, mint leaves, lime, etc. on the side. I'm happily surprised that quality has not gone down when it comes to their service and food. I would also like to add that their pickup system is wonderful! You can ring a bell set up on the patio and a server will meet you to bring your order to the table. They provide hand sanitizer at the front and they're extremely friendly at the door! I highly recommend that you order at Pho Ba Co when you're looking for Vietnamese food because they always come through. I'll definitely be ordering pickup again soon. read more

Food is very good, no complaints. The egg noodles pho is a different taste that you don't see at a lot of pho restaurants. I can attest that's is delicious! Definitely worth tasting. Service was very friendly but they were nowhere to be found a lot of the times. Our waters were empty for extended periods of time. But overall great place to grab pho! read more

Pho Ba Co - Pho dac biet - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Favorite spot now . Great Pho and fast and friendly service. Especially love the Brisket Pho and Spring rolls.

When I crave pho I usually go to garden grove area, but after living here for almost four years and hearing about this restaurant my boyfriend and I decided to finally give it a try. We went on a Sunday night and it wasn't that crowded. We waited about 5 mins before getting seated. The waitress was quick to ask us for our order, even before giving us menus. My boyfriend ordered pho with brisket and rare steak and he enjoyed it. The broth was rich and had good flavor. The portion was rather small. I ordered a vermicelli bowl with shrimp, chicken, and egg rolls. There's really no way to mess this dish up, i feel. It was good and the shrimp and chicken were seasoned well. I really like the egg rolls too. Overall, I gave 4 stars because the portion for the pho was small compared to other pho restaurants I've been too. Also, this place is pricey. So it was a small, expensive bowl of pho lol I think next time we will just be going to garden grove, unless we're way too lazy. Food is still good though! read more

Pho Ba Co - Vermicelli with shrimp, chicken, and egg rolls - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Whenever anyone finds out I'm Vietnamese, of course the first thing they follow up with is "Oh I love foe!"or "Do you know how to make fuh?". Now I know how to make pho, but why would I when I can go to Pho Ba Co instead to get delicious pho that tastes homemade? I either come here starving or pseudo-healthy. When I'm starving, I go for the Combo Plate Special. Along with a bowl of hot pho, you get a spring roll, two extremely hot freshly fried egg rolls, and a plate of rice and marinated steak. Can't really go wrong with that combo, unless you think it's wrong to be full. Otherwise I get their veggie and tofu pho (w/ beef-based broth), which I honestly prefer over the meat sometimes and helps me pretend I'm being healthy. When you could still dine-in, their service was fast and the servers were polite. Way before the quarantine though, pho ba co was one of the first places I noticed that set up large bottles of hand sanitizer right by the front door. Just one of the reasons why I know I don't have to worry when getting takeout from here during these troubling times. So yeah, when people ask me "Do you now how to make fuh?", I reply "Go fuh yourself" and then I follow up with "Have you been to Pho Ba Co?" read more

Went here for dinner and the parking area was small and packed. Easy location to find and the restaurant is modern for a pho restaurant located in Irvine. Customer service was great, there were many tables available, and the food came out extraordinarily fast. Ordered the pho Thai regular. Nice interior for a pho restaurant. read more

Pho Ba Co - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Really good Pho. Flavor is incredible and portion size is huge. Absolutely recommend.

Great vietnamese choice in Irvine. They have outdoor tables set up with table-specific QR codes to order from your phone. Have tried their vermicelli, rice, spring rolls, and pho. Food is quick, fresh, and delicious! and they give a lot. read more

Pho Ba Co - Julienne pork with egg quiche. spring rolls in the back - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

Nice hole in the wall restaurant , with good food and GREAT SERVICE! We ordered the charbroiled chicken and charbroiled pork rice plates - both very tasty! Definitely would come back! read more

Great service and food. Staff is friendly and food is ready fast and it taste fresh. One of my favorite places to get comfort food.

Pho always reminds me of home. Broth is rich in flavor but not overpowering. Staffs are friendly and attentive! My go-to spot when I want something warm and yummy! read more

It's been awhile since I've had the pleasure of good Vietnamese cuisine. My meal of choice: egg rolls with vermicelli noodles. Absolutely scrumptious with just the right amount of egg rolls, noodles, and shredded lettuce. And it may have been that it was a Friday or that I was hungry but finished the meal in under 7 minutes. Thank you Pho Ba Co. read more

literally yummiest pho everrrrrr! my dad rarely ever likes food at restaurants but he absolutely loved this one. this restaurant is family run it seems and everyone was kind, quick, and attentive! all very sweet! we ordered rare steak pho, thai tea, and beef tenderloin salad. all very tasty! great place, go here! read more

Got the beef brisket and rare beef pho, it was very good. The broth was rich and flavorful and didn't need anything except siracha cause well siracha and pho just go together. It is a real gem to find a good Vietnamese restaurant in a predominately Chinese/white area. My coworker and I were impressed. This is going to be my go to pho place! Also their lychee drink was great, nice texture and love the jelly with the lychees and the do not put too many lychees that you constantly have to remove the straw. Overall winner in my book! read more

Pho Ba Co - No 10 - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

I came here with a group of 8 others after church and it was great! We were immediately seated (although it was not very crowded, as it was 11 AM), and the waiter took our orders, gave us our plates of bean sprout/basil/cilantro/lemon, and our orders. Food: - I ordered the #17: rare steak, well done brisket, and tendon Pho - 4/5 When it was served to me, my rare steak was completely cooked, but my friend's was still a nice pink color. Also my vermicelli was a huge chunk under the meat, so I had to separate the chunk of noodles (inconvenient). So -1 for those reasons. Other than that, the broth was delicious and the meat was pretty good. - My friends ordered the #18 (rare steak, well done brisket, tripe), #21 Special Combo (with pretty much everything), a plate with vermecelli and eggrolls, spring rolls, thai tea, and vietnamese coffee. Everyone really liked their food :) I will be coming again. read more

Pho Ba Co - #17 pho: rare steak, well done brisket, tendon - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

No better place in Irvine Love these guys Awesome service throughout covid. So happy with them, 100% of the time. read more

In an Irvine a long, long, time ago when I used to work just down the street, Pho Ba Co was a very solid three stars. Today, the restaurant is more along the lines of "three plus" stars; overall. Walked in; wasn't very crowded with the exception of a few occupied tables throughout the restaurant. The last time I was here, the restaurant was half the size that it is now... 'My baby's all grown up! Clean caps: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=HssPedbb2j4hz3ElMPWRvw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Lanh was my waitress; took my order and delivered my lunch. However, she forgot the utensils... I sat for a few minutes waiting Lanh to return or another employee but noticed that they were all sitting @ a table near the front register chatting. I got up and walked towards them and joking said, "I don't mind eating bun with my fingers but I'd rather not, it's an ugly sight... 'May I please have chopsticks and napkins?" Lanh apologized and quickly brought me over utensils and just as fast, returned to the group @ the table... 'And that is where she stayed for the rest of my visit. (Hence the 2+ stars for service or rather lack of it.) At one point I needed more napkins and flagged down a gentlemen that was exiting the kitchen area. Front, patio seating: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=PgPATcp_zqhV2BsS9pmgkQ No. 57 ($11.90) - Charbroiled shrimp; beef, pork, or chicken; egg rolls. - Very good; a bit $$ Lunch is served!: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=9QAZRU10YqbQ7r1y08-stg McCafe sua da ($3.75) - Good; not a fan of premade Vietnamese ice coffee Photo: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=5y3n3gejKUboCVLZR3jOSA&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ Grilled shrimp - detail: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=NAPyfq2aEqI_pCidloycdw Total: $16.86 (+ tip) Grand total: $20 Rear dining area: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=l5MRxnR5jKEKiZNhfesndg The food was very good albeit a bit pricey; ambiance was nice; service was lacking; value was good being that the bun had nice portions. Portions: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/pho-ba-co-irvine?select=haxvBzWOoRoSdnz7HrdEsA Overall rating: 3 Stars *Customer service can make all the difference in the final rating. - Big Aloha! Food: 4 (Very good; pricey) Ambiance: 3 Service: 2+ Value: 4 (Good portions) read more

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fastest service ive ever had and phos were delicious , from the time i sat down to when i left probably was 30min read more

Pho Ba Co - Tofu with vegetable and beef broth - Vietnamese Near Me - Irvine, California

My husband and I have been eating at Pho Ba Co for the last (at least) 8 years, but now there is something wrong with this restaurant. Today we got a large Pho Special Combo (#21 I believe), and the broth was so salty! There were only six thin slices of the rare steak meat, one meatball cut in half, and a little bit of tripe. It's definitely not $15 worth of content. The order of 4 egg rolls ( chả giò ) had only thin rice vermicelli noodles, whatever happened to the grated carrots? Portion is just getting smaller. The biggest change is this - if you order takeout, you have to tell them you want the pho in the bowl. If you don't say it, they will put noodles and everything in those white small foam container. Whether there is a management change, or the restaurant is just battling the inflation )rise cost of overhead expenses) they still need to be transparent (the bowl rule - if you don't request they don't offer). If you cannot be consistent serving up tasty food, please change back to the old recipe. We supported Pho Ba Co during the pandemic, but now, we will take a break from Pho Bac...hope they will listen and improve. read more

This place has gone downhill. I've been going here for years & thought the prices were expensive for the portion size, and that was 5 years ago. The prices must of increased by 50%. I paid $20 for a small portion of BBQ beef & 2 egg rolls with some vermicelli noodles. Price does not justify the portion nor the taste. Was still hungry! read more

Yes it's just okay! I have been here multiple times back when I was still in college. Their quality did went downhill a lot. I always got pho whenever I dropped by, I noticed that overtime their broth just taste saltier and less beef-ish. Recently I have been here with my friend. I got the well done brisket like usual and she got a tenderloin beef rice which I suggested to her after reading Yelpers' recommendation. Well done brisket pho ($8.9): Like I said above, taste kinda salty and nothing special, their broth used to be really good, now it's just the same like any other pho places in Irvine or Tustin. Meat was too little and I don't think portion was big enough pho the price paid, but that's understandable since it's Irvine. Tenderloin Beef Rice ($15.25): This is just ridiculously overpriced! Beef was hardly seasoned and taste plain, I got some leftover back home and had to put lot of soy sauce to actually help brings out the flavor of the beef. This was basically a plate with 2/3 salad, white onion and 1/3 meat with a bowl of yellow rice. For $15? Seriously? Service: I just don't care to comment since it's typical Vietnamese restaurant, they were nice but certainly not attentive. Well and don't be fooled with their too-good-to-be-true Combo Plate for $17 deal. You get a plate of tenderloin beef rice and any choice of rice noodle or egg noodle plus egg rolls and one spring roll? Guess what? You can't pick ANY pho or egg noodle, it has to be a plain noodle bowl with just vegetables and noodle, so basically the $17 cover the cost of the tenderloin beef ($15.25) and two rolls. It's just the same! read more

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