Here we are, in the clutches of winter. The days are short and cold, and student morale is at an all time low. Students find themselves in desperate need of something to pull them out of this pit of ice and misery. They dream of something warm and flavorful to remind them of a relaxing day on Phu Quoc island in Vietnam. The answer is simple: a steaming bowl of pho.
Pho originated in Vietnam in the 1800s as a flavorful fusion of Chinese, French, and Vietnamese cuisines. Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s brought pho to the United States, opening restaurants all over the country much like Chinese immigrants did during the early 1900s.
There are pho restaurants all over the Denver metro area, including several near Littleton High School. We will be reviewing Pho Littleton (formerly Pho 007), Pho 95, and Pho 4 U. How do they stack up?
Pho Littleton
Pho Littleton is under a minute from Littleton High School, it is located on West Littleton Boulevard. The service was relatively fast for a Wednesday night, but it is not the most speedy dining experience. I purchased a small bowl of pho which came to around $8.50 with tax, the pork and shrimp spring rolls were also around $10 for a pair. The interior was a bit lackluster and far from modern with plants and paintings scattered around the walls but the local restaurant made up for this with their tasty pho. The flank steak pho I ordered was more than filling and for $8 it was well worth it. Overall, Pho Littleton is great lowkey place for some cheap and mouth watering cuisine.
Pho 95
Pho 95 is located at Southglenn, so it’s not far from Littleton High School. Being a sit-down restaurant, the service is definitely too slow to make it a viable lunch period option. However, given its proximity to the school, Pho 95 is a great spot to spend your free period. The inside of the restaurant is upscale and has a great overall ambiance. There’s lots of interesting decor, including a fish tank. The restaurant also contains a bar, which contributes to a more energetic feel than the other restaurants. The pho itself is top tier. I ordered the Tai Uop Dac Biet which contains rare, marinated steak. The medium size, which I purchased, costs $10.95 and, to be honest, it was too much food. The small size costs $9.95 and is a more manageable portion for your Average Joseph (or at least for me). The other restaurants are cheaper, but Pho 95 makes up for it with its vibe. Ambitious customers have the option to partake in the Pho-King Challenge (sound it out), which includes four pounds total of meat and noodles and two-hundred ounces of broth. Winners receive their meal for free along with a t-shirt and their photo on the Pho-King Winner of the month wall. Losers receive a Pho-King Loser t-shirt and are forced to foot the $34.99 bill. Overall, Pho 95 is a great option if you’re looking for a slightly more classy dining experience and don’t mind paying a few dollars extra.
Pho 4 U
Pho 4 You is in the Riverpoint shopping center in Sheridan, it’s about a 10 minute drive from Littleton High School. Due to its spacious dining area it is rare not to be able to find a table. The waiters and waitresses were very timely and kind, there was never a moment they weren’t available. I was served within minutes of sitting down, I hadn’t even taken off my coat. I ordered a medium chicken pho which was priced at $10 per bowl. As the water vapors fogged my glasses I dug in to the scrumptious soup. The interior design was a bit more modern with its black floors and large flatscreen TV’s, which makes it a perfect place to gulp down some pho. While it may be the furthest from Littleton High School it is worth the short drive for some top-notch pho.
In the end, Pho Littleton is the best option for price and proximity to the school. Pho 95 is the best option for atmosphere and energy. But overall, Pho 4 U comes out on top with the highest score. The restaurant perfectly combines taste and authenticity with efficient service and a modern interior, not to mention a decent price.
