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Pho Real Kitchen & Bar

4.1 (161 reviews)
Closed 11:00 am - 8:45 pm
Updated 1 month ago

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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
Christina W.

Still delicious. Still my favorite. Their vegan pho has the best flavor in town. Mr W likes the pad Thai too. Although spice level cannot be changed. He was ok with that and still enjoyed his dish. Crab Rangoon and masubi were great appetizers we added to our order this time. Service was good. Quick. Efficient. I enjoy visiting Pho Real. I still have not had the chance to try their boba tea. They don't serve it Wednesdays anymore. Love it. Like it. I'm still gonna come out here and eat it. I highly recommend. This is the pho restaurant to come to when you're downtown Des Moines!

Korean beef Pho Beef
Kerst G.

If you've been on the fence about trying this place out let this be the push you need! They offer Vietnamese, Thai & Korean dishes so there is a really decent selection. I had Korean beef bimibap with a side of chili oil (always ask for this if you're into spicy!). It was delicious & served piping hot, service was fast & friendly. They do a nice lunch crowd & there are lots of window seats for single people eating. I will be back again to try the Pho!

Bibimbap

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4 years ago

Amazing vegan pho and avocado spring rolls. Great portion size and environement!! I'll definitely need to try the tea next time I stop in

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Pho Real K.

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5 years ago

Best pho I've ever eaten and served perfectly! Everything is fresh and full of flavor. Just the comfort food I needed. Thank you!

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Pho Real K.

Bethany, thank you for your review and dining with us!

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4 years ago

Way too expensive, overpriced and little toppings for Pho. Need to replace flooring or even it out with leveler.

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A Dong Restaurant

A Dong Restaurant

3.9
(355 reviews)
0.8 mi
$$

3.8* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 3* Value: 5*…read more Service: 3* Would I go back / Recommend?: 4* (Probably) Total check/person: $22 08/02/2025 While this place has an admittedly non-descript brick exterior and clean but average interior, I appreciated it most for what it was: solid Vietnamese food at a great value, served with a family-owned feel. Biggest disappointment was that while alcohol options showed on the menu, they were unable to serve any alcohol - claiming that their liquor license had not yet been renewed. I was craving a spring roll with peanut sauce, so to start things off, we ordered #90 Bo Bia steamed spring rolls with shredded shrimp, carrots and sausage served with plum sauce (see picture). While the wrap was thicker than the 'paper' wraps that I'm used to, they were very good - and I really liked the plum sauce. My wife was undecided and our very helpful waiter Archie, suggested #69 Com Ga Chien Xa Ot (chicken breast fried with spicy lemon grass - see picture). It was good, but both of us would have preferred a bit more spice, as we ended up adding Siracha at the table. I was considering #99 Banh Xeo Vietnamese style crispy pancake stuffed with shrimp, pork & veggies based on the menu picture, but Archie talked me into #97 Banh Tam Bi Xiu Mai udon noodles with shredded pork, steamed pork meatballs and veggies instead (see picture). I was impressed with the coconut milk and lemon sauce that he poured over it when served with the instructions to stir it all together - very tasty combination of savory, sweet and tart, with a very slight spiciness. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow.

Pho is an individual taste that checks all your palate boxes of freshness, well seasoned broth, a…read morevariety of herbs and veggies that sends the dish into obit. My chicken pho was good with the knowledgeable wait staff knowing which number would meet my needs. The calmness of the environment allowed me to enjoy all the enticing ingredients to the max.

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A Dong Restaurant
Cream Cheese Shrimp Egg Roll & Sauce
Cream Cheese Shrimp Egg Roll & Sauce
A Dong Restaurant

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Pho All Seasons

Pho All Seasons

4.3
(185 reviews)
3.1 mi
$

First timer! Friday dinner time and were seated right away. Friendly service. Food came out really…read morefast - tasty dishes.

After a long work week in Ames and having good, but mostly American/Western food, we needed an…read moreethnic fix. Enter my comfort zone, Pho from my motherland. I knew we were in the right place when we walked I. And half of the restaurant were Vietnamese peeps. Was a warming experiencing hearing patrons throw a few traditional Lunar New Year greetings at each other and the owners. It's a small mom and pop shop, so much so, pop was the sole soldier working the entire front of the house. As such, don't expect super fast service, but good service nonetheless. We started with the fresh spring rolls, which were good, and their fried egg rolls, which I probably won't order again. The egg rolls were pretty much veggies, loosely filled, and served with a sweet and sour type dipping sauce. It was more of an Americanized Chinese style egg roll, not a Vietnamese cha gio with nouc cham. I ordered the pho dac biet and it was VERY good. The large is HUGE. Most places back home have suffered from shrink-flation and large bowls are tiny now. Not this place, I struggled to finish the bowl. My friends got the seafood pho, and another got the pho ga (chicken). I of course did not slide my chopsticks in theirs and swipe a bite, but they said they enjoyed theirs. I would definitely come back here again and maybe try some of their other dishes.

Photos
Casual but friendly dining room.
Casual but friendly dining room.
Pho All Seasons
Pho All Seasons
Not so great egg roll. More like American Chinese style, not a Vietnamese cha gio

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Not so great egg roll. More like American Chinese style, not a Vietnamese cha gio
All Phở You

All Phở You

4.1
(67 reviews)
2.9 mi
$$

It's been about two years since i've updated my review and it says a lot about the restaurant that…read moreit's been there as long as it has. It's conveniently located in the strip mall with plenty of parking..it's the same mall off of University with Campbell's health foods, Hy-Vee pharmacy, Frederich's coffee. This restaurant still has that old time mom and pop Asian family feel it's a definite classic type vibe with Auntie snd the neices up front taking orders and the rest of the family in the back cooking and putting to go orders together. I always like to support a locally owned business. It's also about expectations, everyone is under staffed, so I always appreciate the service staff who are working. Having said that the service was fast and efficient . It's also about being realistic about the food. This is not a mall based chain restaurant or a high end bistro somewhere. The food was well prepared hot and delicious. This is a Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant. So there's lots of variety in the menu. I have had the build your own Pho, Korean style Kalbi ribs. They also have Hunan Chinese style dishes, i have tried Mongolian beef, combination fried rice and potstickers. I also have tried the pork fried egg rolls. I usually go for a late lunch early dinner. I talked to the owner and asked her how they made their soup and she said they boiled bones and added their own spices which is the traditional way to do things, I think they have a good soup base, all soup comes with sprouts and fresh Thai basil, I usually add bok choy, brisket and steak. They have plenty of other Vietnamese dishes too. I have enjoyed their pork vermicelli which is a cool salad type dish which is nice on a hot day. Some of my friends really enjoy their chicken wings. So there's still a good option with lots of choices, good staff and reasonable prices.

Food came out quickly! They have a wide variety of different dishes on their menu. Service was…read moregood, and the food came out fresh and hot. I ordered the Pho Special (comes with brisket, beef tendon, eye of round, and meatballs). My dad got the Vietnamese ramen (egg noodles with meat & shrimp), my mom got the sizzling clay rice pot, and my brother got the stir fry beef egg noodles. Not the best pho I've had, but I still enjoyed it a lot. Broth had great flavor, however I wish I could have had raw steak as I prefer that in my pho but that wasn't an option- I usually like getting raw steak to put into the hot soup and let it cook a bit through as you put it in. I would eat here again though. The restaurant was clean and service was prompt. Nicely decorated, and prices were fair!

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All Phở You
All Pho You Special.
All Pho You Special.
Front of the restaurant

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Front of the restaurant

Pho Real Kitchen & Bar - asianfusion - Updated July 2026

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