this is technically only the second entry in the "Eating Our Way Out" series, but we'll pick up the pace soon haha. having tried 777, Tank, and 999, the only place left to go and get some warm pho was 888, which was recommended by the NU Asian magazine.
we showed up to an empty restaurant with 5 workers sitting around, making some sort of huge glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in banana leaves - a true sign of authenticity, and a sign that the food was going to be great! haha (: we started off with an order of the vietnamese shrimp spring roll ($3.50), and we each got a bowl of pho as well.
these were delicious. the shrimp was so sweet and plump, and the herbs really brought out the flavour of the rolls! i normally dislike the strong taste of basil, but for some reason just really hit the spot for me. the peanut plum sauce wasn't bad for dipping, either, and with a bit of sriracha, it was just PERFECT.
i just thought the colours looked really nice, too. (:
i have absolutely no complaints about these. i just wish they gave you more (they come with 2 / order)! i really would just eat five or something in one sitting .. haha.
the pho i ordered was #22 - pho with round eye steak and soft tendon ($6.50). for some reason, they screwed up and switched our orders, so J and i spent the first 2 minutes swapping out the meats in our bowls.. it was a great moment haha.
the soup was so nice; this is probably the best pho i've had in Argyle. it's not too oily, and the broth was so flavourful and sweet! the only complaint i have is about the noodles - slightly overcooked and too soft for my taste. also, as J mentioned, the temperature could've been hotter. we didn't have to wait at all before sipping the soup...bad!
spoonful of rice noodles + beef + a bit of soup + sriracha sauce + drizzle of plum sauce = heavenly.
with tax and tip the total barely came to $10 a person...such a good steal! they give you a massive bowl of pho.. i couldn't even finish mine! i'm definitely going to come back here and try the Bahn Mi...most of the sandwiches are only $3.50. no joke.
888 pho
1137 W. Argyle St.
Chicago, IL 60640
