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ZipPicks Awards
Best Pho in Livermore
Best Vietnamese in Livermore
Master Critic Review
Saigon Café
7.8
Downtown standby serving classic Northern-leaning beef pho with a richer, beefier broth and straightforward service. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice near First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Phở tái (rare steak), Gỏi cuốn (shrimp & pork rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic beef-forward broth with generous portions at lower prices.
Who should go: Value-minded pho traditionalists
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3:00pm for quickest seating
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; phở tái; gỏi cuốn
Insider tip: Request extra broth if you like it soupier—the kitchen is accommodating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot directly behind the building and metered street parking along First Street; easiest midday or after 6pm when turnover is high.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, T-shirts, and workwear are all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly except during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for small parties; larger groups may wait 20–30 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu stir-fry options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable pho without broth base can be made on request, but not many add-ons.
Gluten-free options: Mostly safe—rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce use is minimal but confirm if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates—simple setting and quick service keep it low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; reservations aren’t taken or needed for small groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths fit families, staff are accommodating with kids, and portions can be split easily.
Best For
Better for: Generous portion sizes and consistently hot, beefy broth make it a go-to for affordable, filling pho downtown.
Skip if: You’re seeking a modern or customizable pho bar—this is a traditional setup focused on speed and value.
Hours
Monday10:30am - 9pm
Tuesday10:30am - 9pm
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:30am - 9pm
Friday10:30am - 9pm
Saturday10:30am - 9pm
Sunday10:30am - 9pm