Slightly unconventional, Lotus' “stew pho” is a combination of potatoes, carrots, choice of meat, rice noodles and broth.. Lotus also has traditional choices like beef or meatball pho.

This nondescript restaurant is just steps away from the back end of Kmart on Eat Street. Pho Tau Bay banks on its low prices and amsubdued diner atmosphere. The restaurant’s most popular pho has a strong beefy broth with traditional ingredients like tripe and fishballs. If offal doesn't appeal, Pho Tau Bay also can whip out 20 different varieties of pho.

Always bustling with people, Quang’s is a great restaurant for people watching. Open since 1989, the stone age of Twin Cities Vietnamese cuisine, Quang’s has survived in no small part because of their big bowls of hot pho. The generous portions of meat, vegetables, and noodles come with just the right amount of hot seasoned broth. First timers to this legendary establishment should stick to the classics like pho tai or beef pho.

The sleek and stylish Bep Eatery can be found in two skyway locations now. The build-your-own bowl you choose what proteins, vegetables and herbs go into your pho and the counter-service crew tops it off with broth and noodles.

The rich, sweet broth of Pho 79’s signature dish doesn’t skimp on the greens or the meat. Order the Special Pho 79 that comes with rare lean beef, well done flank, fat brisket, soft tendon, tripe, and meatballs.

Don’t let the pop culture iconography of iPho by Saigon fool you. The broth is a classic mixture of spices like cloves and star anise, boiled for hours to reach its savory perfection. With fifteen different options, including seafood and vegetarian options, as well as three different sizes--regular, x-large, and jumbo--iPho by Saigon will never freeze and crash on you like the technology that bears its name.

Located on a small hill along University Avenue in St. Paul, Trieu Chau is a mecca for lovers of Vietnamese food, including pho. The restaurant's broth is clear and slightly sweet with hints of star anise and the service always friendly.

The broth at Pho Ca Dao is as clear enough to see to the bottom of the bowl and instead of cilantro on the side, Pho Ca Dao offers culantro, an aromatically stronger cousin of cilantro. Plan accordingly, Pho Ca Dao only serves pho and eggrolls and is cash only.