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    Pho Real Kitchen & Bar

    4.1 (163 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 8:45 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    PHO REAL KITCHEN & BAR ATMOSPHERE

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    Fried Rice
    Sofia L.

    I had the fried rice, not the best fried rice I've had but it was good. The restaurant was cute and the service was nice. My friend really enjoyed

    Bloody sack of meat
    Jenny S.

    Pho is great;however, if you decide to door dash this... PLEASEEEEEEEE make sure to order the meat cooked. We ordered beef pho and got a bloody sack of meat. It honestly looked like a heart. The pho is soooooo tasty tho. When they say pho real, the realllyyyyy mean PHO real

    Special pho (more meat in this one)
    Janella N.

    Had this again and it was just as good as the first time! Food is so so good! So flavorful and you can adjust how much heat you want to add to it. Service was great as always! If you haven't tried this place yet, what are you waiting for?! You're not going to regret it!

    Pearl Z.

    This was my favorite pho place to go to while living in DSM. The portions are huge and the bubble tea is fresh and doesnt have a super syrupy taste.

    Pho Special
    Todd B.

    4.0* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 3* Value: 4* Service: 4* 02/19/2023 Walked by this place on numerous occasions and finally took the chance to stop for dinner tonight. Nothing super fancy as far as the atmosphere, but the food was top notch and our server (Ethan) was also excellent. We started with a Cafe Sua Cheese Foam hot drink - mostly because we hadn't had one before and wanted to try something different. Boy was it delicious - best way I can describe it is a great cappuccino with a foam that has a wonderful salted caramel flavor to it that feels wonderful in your mouth! If you haven't tried one of these before, I highly recommend that you give it a try. For an appetizer, my wife and I shared a Banh Mi sandwich (see picture) that was one of the best that we've had - I would have been happy to have that for my meal. For our dinner, I ordered the Pho Special (see picture) and my wife ordered the Broken Rice (see picture). We weren't exactly sure what broken rice was, but Ethan described it as rice topped with an egg - and it was every bit as good as his recommendation. As is our standard, we shared our plates and both of us thoroughly enjoyed both dishes. If you are looking for some great Vietnamese Pho or an excellent hot or cold Asian drink in downtown Des Moines, you won't be disappointed with a stop at Pho Real. We definitely won't hesitate to stop by again, even if only for a drink - as there are so many more to try! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com

    Menu
    Kristyn M.

    I have walked by this place a few times. It is right downtown where the Saturday morning farmers market happens. Its not usually open at the time of the market. It was perfect location for us to hit before a show at the Civic Center. We arrived at about 5 o'clock on a Sunday evening. It is a small establishment that you can see from the outside. There are two windows lined with bar height seating. Two high top tables that can seat 4 and then a few tables for a few more. At first, they seated me to the window for a party of 4. It was busy so I understood. Luckly the table behind me cleared out and the waitress was kind enough to offer and help me over. That was very nice of her. When my group arrived, we did have to flag down our waiter, but that is only because we were worried about making our show. 3 of us at the table wanted Pho. The other individual ordered the Mongolian beef meal. We did want to try the Boba so we put in order for the cheese foam Boba. Unfortunately, the waiter came out and told me that the one i wanted to try was out. So i went a completly different route and got the spring roll with shrimp. My friend had never tried them so she was pleased. I love a simple spring roll with the peanut sauce. The place was busy so the food did take a little to come out. We chatted and looked at the TVs on the wall. When the Pho came out we were quiet as we filled our bellies. I had the special which was rare steak , brisket, and meatballs in the broth. Everyone enjoyed their meals and we were able to get out in time to make it to our show. The staff were all kind and happy to help. There is also a discount to pay in cash so pay attention to that if you can. I think I would be back. Maybe they will open up early enough some time on a farmers market morning for me to get a Boba.

    Egg rolls
    Jackson D.

    Pretty good all around but I didn't really find anything to be standout. I got the pho special and really enjoyed it and would happily get it again. The service was alright and the staff was friendly. The ambiance was fun - it is conveniently right downtown and very lively inside. Also are open pretty late if you need a later night snack especially after going to the bars on Court Avenue.

    Pho tai with veggies
    Seon M.

    I came here on July 7th 2020 while driving across the country. We made a short stop in Des Moines for some Asian food! I thought it was amazing that there is an Asian restaurant in middle of the States! And this Vietnamese restaurant is actually good and tastes pretty legit (I can only comment on pho). We got extra meat and added veggies in our pho. Bathroom was located in a weird area though, but it was cool to see the interior of the building! I felt obligated to leave a review after reading articles about the ignorant review written by Daniel Q. Shocking because he is from OC where there are tons of Viet restaurants. Don't order pho tai if you don't want raw meat. Geez! At least know what your food is supposed to look like before you place an order. It is like ordering beef tartare and complaining that it is raw or ordering chirashi bowl and complaining that there is raw fish on top of the rice.

    Tuesday Night crowd

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Good quality pho and super reasonable prices. Prompt and friendly service. Get the Pho Special and live a little.

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    5 years ago

    Fresh food, tasty food and affordable. This place checks those boxes. If you want pho and are in the area I would give this place a stop.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    Pho Real K.

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

    I've only had the Pho here but it's delicious. Service is always great and as a side note, I always love their music.

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    amanda was a baller g, we love amanada, took care of us.

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    4 years ago

    Phó and taro boba tea was so amazing. Can't wait to go back to this place and bring extra people along with me..

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Got the pho special. The noodle was the perfect firmness, and the broth had plenty of flavor.

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    Pho Real K.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    So good!! I've only had the pho and I wish they had a chicken version but it is still amazing!

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    6 years ago

    Food is excellent. Delivery service was awful. Dispatched my order with another that sent my food on a 49 minute ride around town.

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    7 years ago

    Food was good, service was great but honestly for the price you can get way better pho less than a mile away.

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    6 years ago

    This place is so cute and modern. The food is amazing and the service is great, if i could i would eat there everyday

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    7 years ago

    Great new addition to Court Avenue! We had Pho and the Vermicelli bowl. Great flavors and friendly, welcoming service.

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    7 years ago

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    Pho Real K.

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    7 years ago

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    Pho Real K.

    Cory, thank you for your review and supporting us every Sunday!

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Great food and nice space. Have had most items on the menu and have not been disappointed. Downtown has needed a place like this!

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    Fawn's Asian Cuisine

    Fawn's Asian Cuisine

    4.3
    (85 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $

    Last night we had one of the best Asian meals we've had in a long time. Fawn's has been on my list…read moreof places to try for many years but for some reason we had never tried it. We try one new restaurant each month just to keep things fresh, so this time I suggested Fawn's. I'm really glad we did. I had heard so many great things about the food so I was excited to try it. When I saw the menu, though, I was a little nervous because they serve Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Laotian food. In my experience, restaurants that try to serve all kinds of Asian food rarely do one or all of them well. I ordered Pad Thai and my husband got Evil Jungle Prince. I was very pleased. It was the best Pad Thai I've ever eaten. It was SO good! My husband loved his dish, too. It had chicken and vegetables with a spicy sauce made with red curry and coconut milk. The prices were very reasonable and the portions were huge. We each got two meals out of our dinners. I love it when that happens. The place isn't fancy. It's in a small strip mall and doesn't look like much from the outside. Inside it's very clean and well-kept. There's not much for ambience besides two flat screen TVs. It doesn't matter because it's the food that really stands out. The service was excellent, too. My husband had his iced tea refilled twice without even asking. Great affordable food and good service. What more can you ask for? If you love Asian food, give them a try. I can't wait to go back and try more of their dishes.

    We had a large group of 16 with Restaurant was basically empty and somehow our orders still took…read morequite long to come out and in weird timing. Service was nice and food was ok, nothing special but they do have a diverse large menu to choose from.

    Photos
    Fawn's Asian Cuisine
    Egg roll interior
    Egg roll interior
    Vermicelli beef shrimp and egg roll salad.

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    Vermicelli beef shrimp and egg roll salad.
    Hawker's Kitchen

    Hawker's Kitchen

    4.7
    (36 reviews)
    11.2 mi

    The staff is always so friendly and smiling when we come in! We have been here so many times and…read moretried something new every time because there are so many good options on the menu! And plenty of good drinks options to go with it!

    Hawker Kitchen brings authentic Malaysian street food flavors right into the heart of Des Moines,…read moreand it's a spot that feels both comforting and exciting if you're craving Southeast Asian dishes. Char Kueh Teow This dish stood out immediately which has a smoky wok hei flavor (the "breath of the wok") coated the flat rice noodles, giving them that deep caramelized edge that's hard to find outside of Malaysia. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the mix of soy, garlic, and chili gave just the right balance of savory and spicy. Fresh cucumbers and pickled vegetables on the side added a refreshing crunch, making each bite balanced and addictive. Laksa Rich, creamy, and fragrant, the laksa broth was a highlight. The curry coconut base carried layers of spice without being overwhelming, and every sip warmed you from the inside out. The noodles were cooked just right, with toppings that tied it together from seafood to herbs. It's the kind of bowl that makes you pause between spoonfuls just to savor the aroma. Satay The chicken satay had a lovely turmeric and lemongrass marinade, grilled to a slight char that locked in the smoky flavor. Tender on the inside with crispy edges, it paired perfectly with the bold, nutty, and slightly spicy peanut dipping sauce. The cucumber slices on the side helped cut through the richness, just like you'd get back at a hawker stall in Malaysia. Overall Hawker Kitchen is a gem for anyone looking for authentic Malaysian comfort food in Des Moines. Portions are generous, flavors are bold and true to their roots, and the variety on the menu makes it worth repeat visits. If you're new to Malaysian cuisine, start with the satay and char kueh teow; if you're a fan already, the laksa will feel like home.

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    Interior and seating.
    Interior and seating.
    Hawker's Kitchen
    Hawker's Kitchen

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    Vietopia Asian Fusion

    Vietopia Asian Fusion

    4.7
    (44 reviews)
    9.3 mi

    Stopped in on Saturday for lunch after shopping at the mall. Was a little difficult to find,…read morebecause the location on yelp is a little off. Was promptly seated and didn't have to wait long to get my order in or receive my food. Now I was in early so I could see how it could get busy as service picks up because seating can be a little limited. The restaurant was clean and decorated well enough. The location doesn't do it many favors but the food is good so I'll likely come back. I requested the New Delhi-Style Noodles because I enjoy yellow curry dishes and was needless to say I was impressed. The vermicelli noodles were great dipped into the accompanying fish sauce with curried chicken bites in between. The portion was solid for lunch and I didn't feel like I needed more to get me through until dinner. Only gripe is maybe the price is a little high for anything other than chicken but that's life right now. I'll likely stop back in to try a few more dishes when I'm back in the area.

    Tried Vietopia (carryout), and overall...we left a little confused…read more The wings were honestly the highlight--really, really good. Didn't get much "lemon pepper," but still super flavorful. Potstickers were just okay. The dipping sauce didn't do them any favors--this felt like an easy upgrade they're missing. Imperial Egg Rolls were the biggest letdown. At $17 for three, I expected something memorable...they just weren't. Pad Thai landed squarely in "average." Grilled Honey Roast Chicken Egg Noodles was a mixed bag. The chicken itself was delicious, but the noodles were pretty bland--and oddly, they didn't really work together. Royal Fried Rice was a win. The combo of BBQ pork, sweet sausage, and shrimp came together really well. Seafood Noodle dish was unfortunately pretty bland. All in all, a few bright spots, but not a place we're rushing back to--though I'd reorder those wings without hesitation.

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    Vietopia Asian Fusion
    House phone special , pretty good
    House phone special , pretty good
    Vietopia Asian Fusion

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    Lucky Lotus

    Lucky Lotus

    4.2
    (157 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    We wanted a quick lunch before catching our flight, and this was conveniently located near our…read morelocation. Seating was plenty and room was spacious, with Thai-Vietnamese-Chinese decor. There is limited table service, as many amenities are self-serve. As an Asian, this was great: let me eat in peace :D. Nonetheless, the employees were pleasant and came to check on us to clear our table. We seldom dine at mixed/fusion Thai in California, so expectations were low upon seeing the menu. They have a small menu, but enough varieties for everyone. We ordered Khao poon with tofu, after-school fried rice (what we call pineapple fried rice), and eggrolls (not pictured). The soup was great: enough spiced, fragrance, and heat -- added extra chili flakes for my preference. However, the only disappointment was the tofu, as they were not cooked in the broth, simply added prior to serving. Would have loved them lightly fried for texture and flavor. Then again, it is the Midwest, so I didn't expect many tofu lovers for them to go through the trouble. Still rate it 5/5. The fried rice was delicious: Requested level 3 spiciness, which was too spicy for my uncle, but he managed to enjoy it. He would order it again, but at level 2 spiciness. The portion size is big enough for two more meals, so he was happy about that. We would dine here again next time we visit Des Moines.

    We were greeted promptly by a friendly employee who answered our questions and was very…read moreaccommodating of our food sensitivities and allergies. The atmosphere was fun and modern without feeling overdone. I was happy to see that the Thai tea could be made with oat milk. We ordered the Pad Thai with chicken, Lao sausage, Dala dumplings, and Nam Khao with sour pork. The Nam Khao at spice level 3 was milder than expected but still enjoyable. The dumplings had a great texture, and while the filling was bland, the dipping sauce made up for it and was delicious and complemented the dish perfectly. The Lao sausage was sweet and garlicky, but the sticky rice was a little dry. The Pad Thai was just how I like it with fresh vegetables and not overly saucy. Parking is hard to find, and it is on a busy street. So plan accordingly. It took us about 15 minutes to find decent parking that was half a block away. We didn't mind the walking, but we thought there would be a designated parking lot. But there is not unfortunately. Overall, we had a good experience and would recommend this spot if you are looking for Lao and Thai flavors.

    Photos
    Lucky Lotus
    Char siu noodles
    Char siu noodles
    Soy Sauce Street Noodles

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    Soy Sauce Street Noodles
    Hokkaido Ramen House

    Hokkaido Ramen House

    4.2
    (51 reviews)
    8.3 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for authentic, flavorful ramen, Hokkaido is absolutely worth the visit. This was…read moreonly our second ramen spot, but it has officially become the standard we'll compare every other ramen restaurant against. We started with the dumplings, and they were outstanding--crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They were the perfect way to start the meal. I ordered the Spicy Beef Ramen, and all I can say is... wow. The broth was rich, bold, and full of depth without overpowering the dish. The beef was incredibly tender, practically falling apart with every bite, and every ingredient came together perfectly. My wife ordered the Miso Ramen and couldn't stop talking about how flavorful and comforting it was. Every spoonful tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The atmosphere was another highlight. The restaurant has a beautiful, open layout with warm lighting, Japanese-inspired décor, and a welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay and enjoy your meal. It feels modern while still being cozy. To top it all off, the service was phenomenal. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling intrusive. Hokkaido delivered on every level--food, atmosphere, and service. We'll definitely be back, and if you're in the Ankeny area and craving ramen, this is a place you need to experience. Highly recommended.

    Atmosphere and service were great! Ramen was alright - spiciness in medium spicy was perfect amount…read moreof spicy as a spice lover!

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    Decor
    Decor
    Kobe Beef Bun
    Kobe Beef Bun
    Green tea

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    Green tea
    Fong's Pizza

    Fong's Pizza

    4.0
    (1k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Kitchen open late

    This is an amaaaaazzzing spot. They have my two favorite things, pizza and tiki drinks. You will…read morefind a decent-sized private parking lot here and a walk-up pick-up window for people who placed to-go orders online. There is also free street parking available. There is a decent-sized dining area and a very nice outdoor patio as well. It was a nice day during my visit, so I sat on the patio. The staff there was very friendly. Their menu has traditional pizzas such as sausage, pepperoni, and meatzilla. They also have some unique Asian inspired creations like Tai Chicken, Mac and Cheese, General Tso's Chicken, Iowan, Crab Ragoon, and Korean Beef Chicken pizzas. They also have soups and salads, and Chinese food entrees like Beef and Broccoli, Stir-Fry Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken, and Chili Garlic Shrimp. And yes, they have some of the best tiki drinks and mocktails around. I ordered a Painkiller and a Waving Cat to go with my Bang Bang Chicken Pizza. It took them about 12 minutes to prepare my pie. It was fresh and hot. It was also so good. I have never had a pizza like that before. It was very flavorful and tasty. It was so good, I even forgot to take a picture of it because I just jumped right in. My drinks came out much sooner, and they were also really, really good. The staff there was very friendly and attentive. My service was first class. I am so glad I found this spot and got to experience it. I highly recommend this place, and I definitely will be back very soon.

    Stopped in for lunch - great service and ambiance as always- the lunch deals are great $4 slice or…read morea variety of Chinese lunch specials- great value of their consistently delicious food .

    Photos
    Fong's Pizza Food Menu
    Fong's Pizza Food Menu
    Zombie
    Zombie
    Sesame Chicken on Noodles

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    Sesame Chicken on Noodles

    Pho Real Kitchen & Bar - asianfusion - Updated August 2026

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