Visiting York this week for a conference, I decided I'd scope out a good restaurant on Yelp, which led me to the Pho bistro. Always a fan of traditional Asian cuisine, I decided I'd head on over. The bistro is located in historic downtown York, in a small (maybe 12-15 tops) location. The visible staff seem to be the owner and his family, who were all extremely friendly and informative. They don't expect you to know how to eat their food traditionally, and so they ask you if you know what you're doing---but they do so graciously and without making you feel like an idiot. They were fairly busy tonight, but even so I was quickly directed to a table and had a menu in my hands in just a moment. My server was a delightful young lady (the owner's daughter, I believe.) She showed me how to wait for and pour my Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk (~$3.25, and better than anything Starbucks ever created), took my order, and quickly brought me my food. The food is quite obviously all very fresh, and prepared at the moment of ordering (save, of course, for the many-hours-simmered Pho broth.) and brought to the table fresh and steaming. I enjoyed a small order of spring rolls (~$2.95, I think?), which were brought with an interesting dipping sauce that was quite tasty. The ladies adjacent to me inquired about the chili sauce present on the table, and were informed that it is home made. They asked her if it was hot, and her smiling reply was "To me? No, not at all. To you? Probably." I tried some on my spring roll, and while certainly not of sri-racha sauce hotness level, it was quite tasty with some zip. I wouldn't call it hot either. When my Pho arrived, I had elected to go "large", for an extra $1. Large is HUGE. the bowl is the approximate circumference of the length of a ceramic chopstick, and a depth of maybe 3/5ths or 2/3rds of its height. I was NOT able to finish the entire bowl, but I did eat all the noodles. My selection included rare steak, beef tendon, and tripe. Definitely an interesting selection of offal, but texturally delightful. The broth is light and savory, the noodles soft and easily chopsticked-up by the mouthful. The dish was accompanied by a large plate of fresh basil, thinly sliced green chilis, lime, and what I believe were mung bean sprouts. All of these things went into my bowl, bite by bite. I personally found the basil a little strong, but then I was eating whole leaves and there is cilantro in the broth. Dessert for me was the vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk. So smooth, so aromatic---something like a frenchpressed espresso but more, fragile maybe, if that makes sense. Delicate is probably the word I'm looking for. When paying, the young lady inquired about my meal (as had her father previously), and asked if I was ready for the impending snow storm. When I told her I was from out of town for a conference, she very politely and with much interest asked what I do, and then asked me how I felt about the work and if it was rewarding. I very much enjoyed speaking with her, and she bid me good night and out the door I went, a little fatter and probably a little less sassy. My total bill including appetizer, large pho, iced coffee, and $4 tip was $20.54 I saw other, more timid customers order everything from chicken fried rice to a spicy curry dish, and everyone seemed delighted at the flavor, quantity, and price of his or her food. While it doesn't seem like they can seat huge parties, there was a group of 8 who got along quite swimmingly. I really encourage anyone to stop by and try something new, or to even try something you've had before. Next time I'm in town I plan to try to blended avocado beverage and possibly a normal entree. read more

5/5 taste 5/5 price 5/5 portion 5/5 service During a recent visit to Pho Bistro, a hidden gem in York, I had the opportunity to try their pho and shrimp spring roll. The flavors at this restaurant were undeniably impressive. The pho, in particular, held its own against the ones I've tasted in renowned cities like New York City and Los Angeles, which is quite an accomplishment for a local establishment. The pho at Pho Bistro boasted a delightful combination of savory broth, tender noodles, and well-cooked meat. It delivered a satisfying and authentic taste that can rival even the more famous pho establishments in larger cities. It's remarkable to find such quality in a random location like York. Aside from the delicious pho, my dining companion and I also shared the shrimp spring roll. These rolls were the largest I've ever come across, packed with succulent shrimp and a medley of fresh vegetables. They were a delightful complement to the pho, adding a refreshing and crispy element to the meal. Pho Bistro's expertise extends beyond their savory dishes. They also serve a remarkable milk tea, which I found to be a great addition to the overall dining experience. It was rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced in flavor. read more

My husband and I LOVE Pho Bistro. It's actually our favorite "regular spot" we go to perhaps once a week. The food is excellent... we like spicy Vietnamese food. We are vegetarians, so we usually get the "V3" or "V4" which is vegetables and tofu over rice, with either lemon grass or curry. The dishes with rice noodles are great too. The crispy vegetarian spring rolls are great. My sister and her husband are meat eaters, and they like the chicken and shrimp dishes. The price is modest, and the portions are large. I usually cannot finish my entree, and my husband really shouldn't finish all of his and then eat the rest of mine, but he does because it tastes so good. LOL. Pho Bisto is a family owned restaurat. It is clean and well run. Cleanliness is very important to me. The teenage son and daughter of the owners are often our servers, and they are two smart and fun kids! We enjoy joking with them, and we tease each other back and forth, and generally have a great time when we are there. We highly recommend Pho Bistro! Great food, clean restaurant, good value, and very nice family. -Mindy Vance Bouman, owner of Country Home Real Estate, Inc. read more

Amazing restaurant! My wife and I have been eating at the Pho Bistro for the past 2 years. This is definitely our favorite restaurant in York. The food is fantastic, and the owner and family are always welcoming. BYOB is encouraged and we never feel rushed--even when we stay for the amazing Vietnamese coffee. The atmosphere is simple and family-oriented; sometimes we even experience Vietnamese shows playing on the TV! Every single dish is wonderful, exceptional portion size, made to order, and to your spice preference. We have never been disappointed and even trust the owner/staff to select a dish for us! YOU WILL LOVE THIS PLACE! read more

Whenever I visit this town, this is must stop for me. They make fresh and authentic food from Vietnam. The owner usually there and will greet you with respect. Their pho's are fantastic. Sometimes I have hard time to decide what to order because most the dishes are amazing. Their specials are pretty good too. I would recommend this place if you are looking for ethnic food. The ambiance is very generic but food is off the hook. read more

The pho is good but overpriced. However it is the best option in York, so if you don't want to drive to Lancaster (try Saigon Cafe if you do) this will do. Be warned they upcharge everything here, including to go containers. I'm not from the area but am quickly learning this is pretty common here in York. Anyway, pretty good food for York county and they'd get another star if it wasn't so expensive for pho. read more

One of my favorite hometown restaurants. I eat there once a week. The pho soup is amazing (try the rare steak...large!) and the spring rolls are addicting. I could seriously eat there at least every other day and never get tired of it. Light and refreshing food. read more

A hidden gem in York city, the food is fantastic, and the family that runs this establishment welcomes and takes you in As one of their own. We are lucky to have this place in our community! If you haven't been here you need to read more

By far the best authentic Vietnamese food that you will find within 100 miles!!!! The Pho is to die for! The atmosphere is relaxing and the staff is super nice. OOOOH and try their Thai Tea...sweet and delicious :) read more

Its not too bad. Ive had the pleasure of having real Pho, and i can really taste the difference. Definately uses an instant powder mix. None of the specialty drinks were available. Quick and local, I would settle. read more

Delicious food every time. Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is outstanding...I see why they live so long, eating food like that everyday gives you a lot to look forward to :] read more

mmmm chinese would be sooooo good... but i'm getting something else.... italian.... mamma mia!!? eyyyyyyy dont even think about it.... lol

I would not recommend this place to anyone. The owners are rude, and the food is not worth the money you pay for.

The food was delicious but they were out of some items on the menu. Definitely will be back.

Everything I have had so far has been great! I try to stop by every couple of weeks. read more

Very nice food with a big variety of choices. I love it even I'm a vietnamese :-).

My meal was delicious! I got #85 at the waitresses suggestion.

this place is great. not only the food but the atmosphere

A York institution, absolutely worth stopping in.