Caravelle-Pho 79 Restaurant

Okay, so let me be clear in saying I understand the difference between ramen, cup o’ noodle and pho. But given the prices at Pho 79, if you have the hankering for some noodle soup skip the styrofoam (it’s bad for the environment anyways) and head down to Pho 79.

A co-worker of mine suggested Pho 79 and while I frequent Eat Street in Minneapolis I had never darkened the doorway there. The outside is nothing special and it might turn some people away, but please don’t be scared off by the humble exterior (or interior for that matter). I will say it once and I will say it again – hole in the wall establishments are the life blood of foodies and bloggers alike. They are the places where you will find the most surprises and often times the best food in town!

The dining area in Pho 79 is actually quite large, but you can’t tell this from the outside. It shares an entrance and a kitchen and everything else with Caravelle, something I have yet to fully understand. What is Caravelle??? Someone please tell me!! I think that Pho 79 makes up for their lack of outward flare with their food. The menu is giant and filled will apps, soups, noodle and rice dishes of all colors, shapes and sizes (although the size is generally just a lot of food!). You certainly get your money’s worth considering dishes average about $7 a piece.

I stick to the more or less traditional pho of beef and meatballs with rice noodles. Someone correct me here if I’m wrong. All pho bowls are served with fresh Thai basil, bean sprouts and jalapenos. There is also srirach, hosin, fish, chili and soy sauce on the tables to use at your disgression.

Since my first visit I’ve returned a few times. The only think I would say is the service isn’t grade A, but if you want to hunker down with a big bowl of soup and some beer, #1 we can be friends and #2 Pho 79 will suit you just fine. See you there.