ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Boerum Hill
Master Critic Review
PhoBar
8.2
PhoBar’s Park Slope outpost is a modern pho house a short walk from Barclays Center, known for its Spicy Short Rib Pho, oxtail bowls, and a bar-like counter lined with herbs and condiments. It’s a go-to when groups want steaming broth and shareable apps in a room that feels livelier and more designed than the average noodle shop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Short Rib Pho, Oxtail Pho, Fried Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A contemporary pho specialist near Barclays where short rib bowls and oxtail pho headline the menu.
Who should go: Groups craving hearty pho before or after games or shows.
When to visit: Weeknights and post-event when the room is buzzing but manageable.
What to order: Spicy Short Rib Pho, Oxtail Pho, Fried Spring Rolls.
Insider tip: Book around Nets or concert times and aim for counter seats to watch bowls being built.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Flatbush/Fifth are possible but very competitive around Barclays event times.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and sneakers are common, but many diners lean slightly polished on event nights.
Noise level: Moderate–loud; conversation is doable at standard tables, trickier at peak post-event rush.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, longer if a major event just released nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait; walk right in outside of school holidays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pho and vermicelli bowls with tofu/veg, plus veg-forward apps.
Vegan options: Limited—some bowls can be customized, but broth base narrows choices.
Gluten-free options: Possible—rice noodles and certain broths work, but cross-contact risk exists; confirm with staff.
Best For
Better for: Bolder, beef-forward pho varieties and a livelier, modern vibe than most neighborhood noodle shops.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional pho house or need extensive vegan/gluten-free depth.