Soup season is here! There is nothing more satisfying than a warm bowl of soup to rejuvenate your body during these chilly months. Personally, no soup cures my Winter ailments quite like pho and if you’re craving something that satisfies your stomach or if you’ve been wanting to try something new, look no further because we have curated a list of the BEST pho spots in the area (according to locals).
What is pho?
Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup dish. It is typically topped with different herbs and meats such as beef, chicken, or seafood. It is considered Vietnam’s national dish and is served in households, sold by street vendors, and in restaurants. Additionally, Hmong people have adopted the dish over the years, and it is now a staple in Hmong cuisine! If you’ve never tried pho before, it is a hearty, flavorful broth with a balance of textures—smooth, crispy, soft, and chewy—that all come together in every spoonful. It feels like comfort and excitement all at once, and it leaves you feeling satisfied but not overly full. It’s a kind of soul-satisfying meal.
⭐️ Christine’s Bar, 📍936 S 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
Known for its food and exceptional bartenders, if you're looking for a chill vibe to lounge & karaoke, Christine’s Bar is the place to be! Christine’s is beloved by many in the community and has become a go-to spot for locals. Enjoy your pho with one of their signature cocktails and don’t be afraid to try their fried chicken gizzards!
Make sure to bring your bills as it is cash only (ATM available onsite).
Photo credits: Christine’s Bar 2
⭐️ Yummy Deli LLC, 📍1205 Merrill Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
Yummy Deli LLC is a small family-owned restaurant that specializes in Hmong Cuisines. Their popular items are pho and Hmong Sausage or pork belly with sticky rice and eggrolls. You can find classic beef pho or more unique flavors like oxtail pho here, and if you’re looking for a challenge, you can take a stab at the Jay Pho Challenge! It’s a massive and hearty bowl equal to about four large bowls of pho. About 12-15 people tried and only a few people got near the halfway point within the one-hour time limit. Come see if you can defeat this beast to win a prize and be decorated on the Yummy Deli’s Wall of Fame!
Photo credits: Yummy Deli LLC
⭐️ Hmong Eggroll, 📍932 S 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
Hmong Eggroll has over 10 different types of eggrolls including salmon, pork, chicken, steak, seafood, BBQ and many more. Along with that, they have some of the most satisfying pho in the area! Try the “Charlie Bowl.” A delicious beef-based broth with ample servings of pork belly and a soft-boiled egg that will keep you satiated for the whole day.
⭐️ Pho Zone, 📍4204 Schofield Ave, Schofield, WI 54476
At Pho Zone, you’ll find authentic Vietnamese pho with a variety of other Asian fusion dishes. Try their “Fall-Off-the-Bone Beef Rib Pho” for a mouthwatering sensation or their “Seafood Pho” for complex textures and flavors. Don’t forget to enjoy your meal with some delicious boba tea and hand-rolled ice cream!