Pho: Vietnamese Noodles Guide to the Milwaukee Area

From Cedarburg to Hales Corners, Milwaukee's pho scene has expanded dramatically, offering families 25+ restaurants serving everything from 18-hour simmered beef broth to vegetarian-friendly options with tofu and vegetable broths.

This guide organizes every restaurant geographically to help you plan pho outings near home—or turn a bowl of steaming noodles into a family adventure across the metro.

Milwaukee

The city offers the greatest variety and most authentic options, with restaurants clustered in distinct neighborhoods. For families seeking adventure, Milwaukee's Vietnamese restaurants provide the deepest menus and longest-established traditions.

Downtown Milwaukee

Pho Spot MKE anchors the 3rd Street Market Hall at 275 W. Wisconsin Ave, serving 10-hour slow-cooked beef broth with five-spice aromatics. The market hall setting works beautifully for families—kids can explore other vendors while parents savor bowls of brisket, rare eye of round, meatballs, tendon, tripe, or oxtail. Pho runs $10-15 per bowl, with several options marked gluten-free (brisket, rare eye of round, tendon, tripe). The market typically operates 11am-8pm daily, with validated parking in downtown garages. Beyond pho, try the toasted banh mi with pork belly, headcheese, Vietnamese ham, and pâté.

Xankia at 222 W. Wells St offers a more intimate mom-and-pop experience. Originally known as Banh Mi Nhu Y and serving Milwaukee since 2010, this husband-wife operation specializes in eight banh mi varieties ($6-8) alongside pho ($8.50-10). Note that pho isn't available on Mondays. Hours run Mon-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Fri 11am-midnight, Sat 3pm-midnight, closed Sunday. The crispy egg rolls receive consistent praise. Boba tea options include taro, mango, and Thai iced tea. Call (414) 817-0241 for takeout. Street parking only.

Bay View

Huế Vietnamese Restaurant at 2699 S. Kinnickinnic Ave represents Milwaukee's strongest option for vegetarian and vegan diners. Named after Vietnam's former royal capital, Huế focuses on Central Vietnamese cuisine known for its spicy, ornate preparations. The vegetarian pho features flash-fried tofu, baby bok choy, and carrots in a mushroom/star anise broth, while the "Veggie Meat" pho adds vegetarian meatballs. Beef pho options include sirloin steak, well-done brisket, and combination bowls.

Beyond pho, don't miss the Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pan-fried crepe with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts), spicy crab rangoons, or the signature Mi Xao Don spicy egg noodles. The restaurant recently expanded to a larger space with more natural light. Price range sits at $12-20 per entrée. OpenTable rates it 4.4/5 stars, with reviewers noting it's good for kids. Call (414) 294-0483 or visit huemilwaukee.com. Street parking in Bay View. Note: Huế also operates a Wauwatosa location.

Silver City (West Side)

Vientiane Noodle Shop at 3422 W. National Ave delivers arguably Milwaukee's best value and authenticity. This Laotian-Vietnamese family operation has anchored the neighborhood for over 20 years and was featured on Top Chef when Kristen Kish and Gail Simmons visited. The restaurant participates in the annual "Phobruary" celebration in Silver City.

Pho with beef and meatballs runs around $7 during Phobruary specials, with regular prices around $7-13. Beyond standard pho, explore Laotian specialties like larb, papaya salad, and the traditional Lao-style beef soup with beef, tripe, green onions, and tapioca leaves. The rice noodles in red curry (available with oxtail or chicken) offer something unique. Vegetarian and pescatarian options available.

• Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-8:30pm, Sun 10am-8:30pm, closed Monday

• Phone: (414) 672-8440

• Family features: Quick service, first-come first-served seating, welcoming atmosphere

• Parking: Lot available

S. 27th Street corridor (South Side)

This stretch represents Milwaukee's densest pho concentration, with three restaurants within blocks of each other.

BaoBao Cuisine at 4624 S. 27th St opened in April 2024 under the same ownership as Pho Saigon in West Allis. The modern, elevated décor sets it apart from traditional Vietnamese spots. The standout: a private dining room accommodating up to 300 guests, making it ideal for birthday parties, showers, or large family gatherings.

The menu spans Bao-Bao Buns ($10), banh mi, vermicelli dishes including Bun Bo Hue, stir-fry egg noodles, and shaken beef tenderloin. Staff asks about allergies and accommodates dietary restrictions. Boba tea and Vietnamese iced coffee round out the drink menu. Hours run daily 10am-9pm. Call (262) 688-9999 or visit baobaocuisine.com. Available on DoorDash and Postmates. Wheelchair accessible with parking lot.

Pho Cali at 4756 S. 27th St offers quick, reliable pho with food arriving in under five minutes according to reviews. Open daily 10am-10pm, the menu covers comforting pho bowls, grilled plates, spring rolls, hot pot, and bubble tea. Price range runs $10-15. The interior skews dated but stays clean. Call (414) 250-0925. Available on Grubhub.

Pho Milwaukee LLC at the same address specializes in family-style service with a particularly notable banh mi—served "huge" with a side of pho broth for French dip-style eating. Call (414) 282-9950 for their seven-days-a-week operation.

Northwest Milwaukee (Hmong Town)

Pho 414 Hot Food & Deli inside Hmong Town at 8340 W. Appleton Ave offers a unique cultural experience alongside quality pho. Located within the Asian market, families can browse groceries and cultural items before or after eating.

The dedicated kids' pho option (P7 - rice noodles with meatballs) makes this particularly family-friendly. Adult options include:

• P1 Pho Combo: shrimp, crabmeat, sliced beef, tripe, meatballs

• P3 Pho Rib: $21.99

• P5 Pho Oxtail

• P8 Chicken Curry Noodle

Thai dishes (Drunken Noodle, Pad Thai) and Korean corn dogs round out the menu. Price range: $13-22.

• Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (varies), Sun 10am-5pm

• Phone: (414) 488-9708

• Delivery: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates

• Parking: Hmong Town market lot

East Side

Saigon Baguette at 2338 N. Farwell Ave opened in 2025 as a sister restaurant to Pho Ever in Hales Corners (same owner, Hai Le). This fast-casual spot focuses on quick-service Vietnamese with pho, crispy banh mi, clay pot rice, fried rice, Vietnamese coffee, and handcrafted boba milk teas. The counter-service format works well for families on the go. Street parking on Farwell Ave.

North Shore communities

The North Shore presents the metro's sparsest Vietnamese dining landscape. Families in Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, and River Hills will need to travel to Mequon or Glendale for dedicated options.

Mequon

Mint Asian Kitchen at 1380 W. Mequon Rd stands as the North Shore's premier pho destination. This Laotian-Thai-Vietnamese fusion spot (owned by a Thai-Chinese wife and Vietnamese husband) replaced the beloved Vietnamese Noodles Restaurant at the same location.

The pho features 24-48 hour slow-simmered beef bone broth with extensive customization:

Pho Option Medium Large Pho Tai (Rare Steak) $16 $19 Pho Nam (Brisket) $16 $19 Pho Bo Vien (Meatball) $16 $19 Pho Gan Sach (Tendon/Tripe) $16 $19 Pho Ga (Chicken) $16 $19 Pho Chay (Vegetable) $16 $19 Pho Tom (Shrimp) $18 $22 Pho Dac Biet (Combination) $19 $22

Beyond pho, the Khao Poon (Lao red curry coconut soup, $20-30) and Nam Kao (red curry fried rice wrap, $21) showcase the Laotian side of the menu. Banh mi sandwiches run $14-18.

• Hours: Wed-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri 11am-8:30pm, Sat noon-8:30pm, Sun noon-8pm, closed Mon-Tue

• Phone: (262) 518-0088

• Vegetarian: Excellent options including Pho Vegetable, Pho Tofu, Tofu Banh Mi

• Family features: Modern atmosphere, counter ordering, outdoor seating, kid-friendly

• Parking: Open lot

Glendale (Bayshore)

Thai Boat Noodles at 430 W. Silver Spring Dr (Suite 110) in Bayshore offers Vietnamese-style boat noodles rather than traditional pho—but the slow-cooked beef preparations deliver similar comfort. The Deluxe Boat Noodles feature beef slice, meatball, liver, tendons, tripe, crispy pork skin, and fried wonton in spicy bone marrow soup.

Operated by a brother-sister team of Thai immigrants since 2024, the menu spans 42 items. Located in Bayshore shopping area, families can combine a meal with other activities.

• Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, closed Sunday

• Delivery: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub

• Parking: Bayshore structure

Western suburbs: Brookfield emerges as a hub

The western suburbs offer surprising depth, with Brookfield's 124th Street corridor hosting three Vietnamese restaurants and excellent options scattered through West Allis and Menomonee Falls.

Brookfield

Pho One24 at 3705 N. 124th St (Suite 400) earns consistently high marks for its clear, flavorful beef broth. Open daily 10am-9pm with 4.2 stars across 276 Yelp reviews. The pho tai bo vien (rare steak with meatballs) is a customer favorite. Menu extends to banh mi, vermicelli bowls, stir-fry, bubble tea, and fried rice.

• Phone: (262) 583-1250

• Vegetarian: Vegetarian pho and options available

• Gluten-free: Options available (ask server)

• Delivery: DoorDash, Grubhub

• Parking tip: Park on the western end of the lot to avoid congestion from the adjacent Culver's drive-through

Pho 4 U Vietnamese Cuisine at 3835 N. 124th St (Shoppers World, near Target) opened in 2019 with what reviewers call a "huge menu of all sorts of food for the whole family." The Vietnamese papaya salad receives particular praise. Vermicelli with grilled shrimp and Chow Fun noodles with BBQ pork expand options beyond pho.

• Hours: Daily 10am-9pm

• Phone: (262) 439-9149

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Options available

• Family features: Good for groups, trendy casual atmosphere

• Parking: Free in Shoppers World plaza

Pho L'Amour Cafe at 16960 W. Greenfield Ave (Suite 2) brings dishes "from North to South Vietnam" with warm traditional décor. Detailed pricing:

Item Price P1 House Special Pho $16.95 P7 Pho Vegetables (Vegetarian) $14.50 Banh Mi Sandwiches $12.95-13.95 Vermicelli Bowls $14.50 Pad Thai $14.95

• Hours: Daily 10:30am-8:30pm

• Phone: (262) 202-8018 (WhatsApp/Viber available at 414-249-0402)

• Website: Over 521,000 views

• Established: March 2019

West Allis

Pho Saigon at 10534 W. Greenfield Ave consistently ranks as the "best Vietnamese spot in the Milwaukee area" according to multiple reviewers. One visitor whose daughter had traveled to Vietnam noted the pho "was just like she had in Vietnam."

The menu runs deep:

• Pho varieties: Tenderloin ($16.99), House Special ($16.99), Combo ($15.99), Eye Round ($14.99), Brisket ($14.99), Meatballs ($14.99), Vegetables/Vegetarian ($14.99), Chicken ($14.99), Seafood ($16.99)

• Signature items: Bun Bo Hue (spicy Huế-style noodles, $16.99), Shaken Beef Tenderloin ($18.99), Salt & Pepper Squid, Crispy Quails

• Banh mi: $14.99-15.99 including special combo, grilled options, tofu, fried eggs

Same ownership as BaoBao Cuisine. Open daily 10am-9pm. Health score: 80/100. Call (414) 828-9698. Available on UberEats, DoorDash, Grubhub—though call-in orders preferred.

Menomonee Falls

Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen at N89W16851 Appleton Ave offers elevated Vietnamese dining with a full bar—perfect for date nights with kids in tow. The 18-hour brewed beef broth earns rave reviews ("THE best bowl of pho I've had in 15 years" from a Sacramento transplant accustomed to authentic Asian cuisine).

The Vietnamese Tacos represent a signature fusion creation: banh mi served on tortilla or lettuce with grilled protein, pickled carrots, and fresh veggies. Other highlights include sizzling beef with house sauce and sunny-side egg, BBQ beef ribs (bone-in), and banana egg rolls for dessert.

• Hours: Mon/Wed-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm, closed Tuesday

• Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4-7pm

• Phone: (262) 415-5540

• Email: eviesbistro@gmail.com

• Vegetarian/Gluten-free: Extensive options marked on menu

• Family features: Baby changing table in ladies' room, beautiful carved wood décor, reservations accepted

• Unique: Lamp shades made from papa san straw hats

• Parking: Ample lot next to Planet Fitness

Waukesha note

Pho King Awesome at 316 W. Sunset Dr appears to have permanently closed as of late 2025 according to Yelp. Verify before visiting.

Suburbs without options

Elm Grove, Butler, New Berlin, and Pewaukee lack Vietnamese restaurants but sit within 5-10 minutes of Brookfield's cluster.

Southern suburbs: the S. 27th Street tradition continues

The southern corridor connects Milwaukee's south side pho scene to dedicated restaurants in Greenfield and Hales Corners.

Greenfield

Pho Viet at 5475 S. 27th St operates as the southern suburbs' most established Vietnamese restaurant, offering nearly 20 pho varieties in three sizes. Prices start around $9.75, making it exceptionally family-friendly for budget-conscious outings.

Complete pho menu highlights:

• P1 Pho Dac Biet (House Special): steak, flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, meatball—$10.50+

• P2 Pho Do Bien (Seafood): shrimp, fish ball, crab meat, squid—$12.50+

• P8 Pho Ga (Chicken)—$9.75+

• P16 Mi Vit Tiem (Duck noodle soup)—$12.50+

Beyond pho, the clay pot catfish (Ca Kho To) with caramelized sauce and bone-in fish receives particular praise, as does the Bun Bo Hue and banh xeo. Located next to Pacific Produce Asian Market for post-dinner shopping.

• Hours: Mon 10am-9pm, Tue CLOSED, Wed-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-8:45pm

• Phone: (414) 282-8852

• Ratings: TripAdvisor 4.3/5, #6 of 74 Greenfield restaurants

• Vegetarian: Vegetable pho with tofu, vegetarian spring rolls, vegetarian broth available

• Note: Some reviewers mention upcharges for takeout portions

• Parking: Ample lot

Hales Corners

Pho Ever at 5740 S. 108th St earns a 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.4/5 on Yelp (196 reviews). Same family owns Pho King in Waukesha. Owner Jerry is known for table visits and warm hospitality.

The "enormous" regular-size portions make sharing easy for families. Reviewers note the tendon is cooked specially to avoid mushiness. The specialty soups deserve attention: Bun Bo Hue ($13.25) with beef shank, pork meat loaf, pork feet, and pork blood cake, plus Hu Tieu Nam Vang (special pork rib noodle soup).

Banh mi runs $5.50 for 6" or $9.95 for foot-long in six varieties including vegetarian tofu. Rice plates extend to Korean-style beef short ribs ($16.50). The avocado smoothie is "highly praised."

• Hours: Mon 10am-8:45pm, Tue CLOSED, Wed-Sat 10am-8:45pm, Sun 10am-7:45pm

• Phone: (414) 367-2983

• Takeout: Special container system packages pho ingredients separately to preserve quality

• Online ordering: Via Skipli

• Family features: Reviewers specifically mention bringing kids ages 13-15 who became "hooked on the pho"

Oak Creek

Lotus Asian Cuisine at 9011 S. Howell Ave serves as a multi-cuisine Asian restaurant (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese) with sushi bar and hibachi. While Vietnamese options exist, dedicated pho seekers should visit Pho Viet or Pho Ever for more authentic experiences. Good for families with diverse preferences. Health score: 98/100. Private rooms available for parties. Call (414) 768-8888.

Suburbs without options

Franklin, Cudahy, South Milwaukee, Greendale, and St. Francis lack dedicated Vietnamese restaurants. Franklin's Waha Buffet (6514 S. Lovers Lane Rd) includes a pho station with Vietnamese staff—a reasonable option for families wanting buffet variety. Otherwise, plan trips to Greenfield or Hales Corners (3-5 miles).

Northern suburbs: gems worth the drive

Cedarburg

Le's Pho at W63 N148 Washington Ave operates as a genuine hidden gem with 4.8/5 on both Yelp (122+ reviews) and TripAdvisor. Reviewers call it "best Vietnamese food—authentic flavors, unreal prices" with pho that "knocks it out of the park."

Pricing remains reasonable: Pho Chicken $12.99, Crispy Egg Rolls $4.99, Crab Rangoon $8.99, Spicy Cajun Fried Rice $12.99. The grilled pork banh mi consistently earns praise. Beyond pho, explore spicy lemongrass chicken, shaken beef tenderloin, and excellent Thai tea.

• Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8:30pm, Sun CLOSED

• Phone: (262) 204-8169

• Takeout/Delivery: DoorDash, curbside pickup

• Family features: Strip mall with ample parking, generous portions, friendly professional staff

• Vegetarian: Available with modifications

Grafton

Bamboo Bistro at 1955 Wisconsin Ave focuses on Thai and Laotian cuisine with pho as an addition. The beef pho features sliced beef, meatballs, onion, and rice noodles in fresh beef broth. Outstanding Pad Thai, fresh papaya salad made to order, and multiple curry options (Massaman is the mildest and most popular).

• Hours: Thu 11:30am-8pm, Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat 4-9pm, Sun noon-8pm, closed Mon-Wed

• Phone: (262) 204-8334

• Health Score: 100/100

• Family features: Kids' menu, outdoor seating, casual atmosphere, beer and wine

• Note: Some reviews suggest pho could use more flavor compared to dedicated Vietnamese spots

Port Washington, Thiensville, Germantown

These communities lack Vietnamese restaurants. Germantown residents should head to Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen in Menomonee Falls. Port Washington and Thiensville families have the shortest drive to Le's Pho in Cedarburg.

Practical planning for families

Restaurants with dedicated kids' options

• Pho 414 (Hmong Town): P7 Pho Kid—rice noodles with meatballs

• Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen: Baby changing table, extensive approachable options

• Bamboo Bistro (Grafton): Dedicated kids' menu

Best for large family gatherings

• BaoBao Cuisine: Private dining room seats up to 300

• Pho 4 U (Brookfield): "Good for groups," huge diverse menu

• Lotus Asian Cuisine (Oak Creek): Private rooms for parties

Strongest vegetarian/vegan options

• Huế Vietnamese Restaurant (Bay View): Multiple vegetarian pho varieties, vegan-friendly throughout

• Mint Asian Kitchen (Mequon): Veggie pho, tofu options, vegetarian egg rolls

• Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen: Extensive marked vegetarian and gluten-free items

Best value (under $12 per bowl)

• Vientiane Noodle Shop: ~$7-13

• Pho Viet (Greenfield): Starting at $9.75

• Le's Pho (Cedarburg): Starting at $12.99

Tuesday closures to note

Both Pho Viet and Pho Ever close Tuesdays. Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen also closes Tuesdays. Mint Asian Kitchen closes Monday-Tuesday.

Restaurants with validated/free parking

• Pho Spot MKE: 3rd Street Market Hall validated parking

• Pho 4 U: Free Shoppers World plaza parking

• Most strip mall locations: Ample free lots

Delivery availability across platforms

All major restaurants offer DoorDash. Grubhub coverage includes Pho One24, Pho Saigon, Evie's, and most Milwaukee city locations. Call-in orders often preferred by restaurants to support local business and ensure quality.

Seasonal considerations and best times to visit

Pho consumption peaks during Wisconsin's cold months (October through April), when hot broth provides maximum comfort. Expect longer waits at popular spots like Vientiane Noodle Shop and Pho Viet during winter weekends. Summer months offer easier seating and some restaurants (Mint Asian Kitchen, Bamboo Bistro) add outdoor dining.

The annual Phobruary celebration in Milwaukee's Silver City neighborhood (February) features special pricing at Vientiane Noodle Shop and neighborhood events—an excellent time for families to explore the area's Vietnamese heritage.

For families with young children, weekday lunches (11am-2pm) typically offer the fastest service and quietest atmospheres. Weekend dinner rushes hit hardest between 6-7:30pm across all locations.

Quick reference by region

Region Top Pick Address Phone Price Downtown Pho Spot MKE 275 W. Wisconsin Ave Market Hall $$ Bay View Huế 2699 S. Kinnickinnic Ave (414) 294-0483 $$ Silver City Vientiane Noodle Shop 3422 W. National Ave (414) 672-8440 $ S. 27th St BaoBao Cuisine 4624 S. 27th St (262) 688-9999 $$ North Shore Mint Asian Kitchen 1380 W. Mequon Rd (262) 518-0088 $$ Brookfield Pho One24 3705 N. 124th St (262) 583-1250 $$ West Allis Pho Saigon 10534 W. Greenfield Ave (414) 828-9698 $$ Menomonee Falls Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen N89W16851 Appleton Ave (262) 415-5540 $$ Greenfield Pho Viet 5475 S. 27th St (414) 282-8852 $ Hales Corners Pho Ever 5740 S. 108th St (414) 367-2983 $-$$ Cedarburg Le's Pho W63 N148 Washington Ave (262) 204-8169 $$ Grafton Bamboo Bistro 1955 Wisconsin Ave (262) 204-8334 $$

Conclusion

Milwaukee's pho landscape rewards families willing to explore beyond their immediate neighborhoods. The S. 27th Street corridor remains the metro's most concentrated Vietnamese dining zone, while Brookfield's 124th Street has emerged as a western suburban hub. North Shore families face the longest drives but find quality at Mint Asian Kitchen in Mequon and Le's Pho in Cedarburg.

The standout discovery: Evie's Vietnamese Kitchen in Menomonee Falls successfully bridges casual family dining with elevated Vietnamese cuisine, complete with a full bar for parents—a model that could expand across the metro as demand grows. For pure authenticity and value, Vientiane Noodle Shop and Pho Viet remain essential destinations, while Pho Ever in Hales Corners offers the warmest family hospitality in the southern suburbs.

Whatever your starting point, a steaming bowl of pho sits within reasonable driving distance—and the journey often leads to neighborhoods, markets, and cultural experiences worth the trip.