Nothing beats a bowl of noodle soup when the rain sets in. These San Francisco hot spots serve up some of the largest, steaming bowls of pho around, guaranteed to keep you nice and warm on these chilly SF nights.
Tucked away in the Tenderloin, Turtle Tower is easy to walk past if you're not paying attention. Serving authentic Hanoi cuisine prepared by chef and owner Steven Nghia Pham, it's definitely worth a second look. Opt for their traditional Pho Ga, the classic chicken noodle soup, but know that Turtle Tower offers no side garnishes or bean sprouts with their dishes. Still, the combination of free-range chicken and Turtle Tower's signature broth will cure the cold you never even had. // 645 Larkin St; turtletowersf.com
Located in the Upper Haight, Citrus Club is a small noodle house with an intimate atmosphere. Perfect for a get-together with friends or date night with your sweetheart, Citrus Club remains open until 11pm on weekends. The menu is stocked with noodle options ranging from soups to salads, but the real star of their menu is the Tom-Ka, a Thai coconut soup. If the portion alone doesn't fill you up, the assortment of veggies and sweet broth will. Filled with signature rice noodles, tofu, and veggies such as carrots, cabbage, snow peas, cilantro, galanga, and onions, this a must-stop spot after your weekly Whole Foods run. // 1790 Haight Street; citrusclubsf.com
Miss Saigon's extensive noodle menu makes up for its sometimes-sketchy 6th Street address. Known for their classic Vietnamese comfort food, Miss Saigon's homemade kimchi is the perfect start to any lunch or dinner. Try not to get overwhelmed by the options, and order the famous “17b," a classic Vietnamese soup filled with delicious and tender filet mignon. Another perk to this SoMa spot? They offer two size options for certain soups, just in case you don't feel like indulging too much. // 100 6th St; misssaigonsfwebsit.wixsite.com
(photo via Trip Advisor)
Golden Star Vietnamese
Located in Chinatown, Golden Star is a local institution for delicious pho. The menu offers eighteen different soups to choose from, but the lengthy weekend line will give you the perfect opportunity to peruse the options. For the carnivores, we recommend their signature beef pho, which is served with slices of tender beef, meatballs, and a light broth full of flavor. And with an affordable price tag of $8 for a huge portion, this may just be the best deal in the city. // 11 Walter U Lum Pl; (415) 398-1215; yelp.com
Thanks to Mau, the Mission isn't just home to burritos anymore. With a menu offering everything from soups to clay pots, this Vietnamese noodle house puts a unique spin on traditional cuisine. Don't be afraid to go big at this spot; the Bun Thang pho is served with chicken, a fried egg, shrimp, pork sausage, rau ram, cilantro, and chicken broth. You won't even know where to start before digging in. // 665 Valencia St; eatmau.com
