Pho 79 in Columbia: Authentic Vietnamese Noodle Soup and More

What Pho 79 Serves and Where to Find It

Pho 79 is a Vietnamese restaurant in Columbia that specializes in pho—the slow-simmered beef or chicken broth served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and your choice of protein. The restaurant sits on Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with other restaurants, shops, and galleries nearby. The space is casual and straightforward, designed for the kind of meal where you come hungry and leave satisfied.

Beyond pho, the menu includes bánh mì sandwiches, spring rolls, vermicelli bowls, and stir-fried dishes. The broth is the foundation of everything here—it takes hours to build the depth of flavor that makes pho worth the wait. Pho 79 sources ingredients to match that commitment, and the result shows in the bowl.

Key Takeaways

• Pho 79 is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, a short drive or walk from downtown.
• The restaurant's signature dish is pho, available with beef, chicken, or vegetarian broth, served with fresh herbs and noodles you customize at the table.
• Beyond pho, the menu includes bánh mì sandwiches, spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls—all built on the same attention to broth and seasoning.
• The dining room is casual and efficient, designed for a quick lunch or a lingering dinner with friends.

How to Order Pho and What to Expect

When you sit down, you'll receive a menu with pho options organized by protein: beef (phở bò), chicken (phở gà), or vegetarian. Each comes in a regular or large bowl. The broth arrives steaming, with noodles already in the bowl, and a plate of fresh herbs and vegetables on the side—typically Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños, and bean sprouts.

The customization happens at your table. Squeeze lime into the broth, add as much or as little herb as you prefer, and adjust the heat with jalapeños or sriracha from the condiment station. This is how pho is meant to be eaten—you build the flavor profile to your taste with each spoonful. First-time diners often add more herbs and lime than they expect; that's the right instinct.

If you're ordering bánh mì, expect a crispy baguette filled with Vietnamese cold cuts, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeños. The contrast between the crunch of the bread and the soft, savory filling is the whole point. Vermicelli bowls work similarly—rice noodles topped with grilled protein, fresh vegetables, and a fish sauce–based dressing you mix in yourself.

When to Go and What the Pace Is Like

Lunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, and the restaurant fills quickly between noon and 1 p.m. If you're going during that window, expect a short wait for a table, especially on Fridays. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. and runs until 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the day. Weeknight dinners are quieter than lunch; weekends draw a steady crowd but rarely feel rushed.

The kitchen moves fast once your order is in—pho usually arrives within 10 to 15 minutes because the broth is kept at a rolling simmer throughout service. If you're in a hurry, pho is faster than you might expect. If you want to linger over a bowl and conversation, the restaurant won't push you out.

Parking and Neighborhood Context

Pho 79 has its own small parking lot, which fills during peak lunch hours. Street parking is also available on Devine Street and the surrounding blocks. Five Points is a compact neighborhood, so if you're coming from downtown or another part of Columbia, the drive is usually under 10 minutes. The area is walkable if you're staying nearby or combining your meal with a visit to other shops or restaurants.

The neighborhood itself has a mix of independent businesses—coffee shops, vintage stores, galleries, and other restaurants representing different cuisines. If you're planning a longer outing, Five Points gives you options before or after your meal.

Price Range and Payment

A regular bowl of pho costs between $10 and $13, depending on the protein. Large bowls run a few dollars more. Bánh mì sandwiches and vermicelli bowls fall in a similar range. Soft drinks, Vietnamese iced coffee, and beer are available. The total for one person—a bowl, a drink, and tax—typically comes to $15 to $20.

Pho 79 accepts cash and card. Call ahead if you're ordering for a group; the kitchen can handle larger orders, but a heads-up helps them prepare.

What Makes the Broth Different

The broth at Pho 79 is built from beef bones, onion, ginger, and spices simmered for hours. That long cooking time extracts collagen and flavor from the bones, creating a broth that tastes rich without being heavy. The spice blend—usually star anise, cinnamon, coriander, and clove—is balanced enough that you taste the beef first, then the warmth of the spices underneath.

Chicken pho uses a lighter broth made the same way but with chicken bones, resulting in a cleaner, more delicate flavor. Vegetarian pho relies on mushrooms, dried shiitake, and the same spice profile to build depth. The difference between a good pho and a rushed one comes down to this broth—and Pho 79 doesn't rush it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pho a soup or a noodle dish?

It's both. Pho is a bowl of broth with noodles, protein, and fresh herbs. You eat it with a spoon and chopsticks—the spoon for the broth, the chopsticks for the noodles and solids. It's lighter than a stew but more substantial than a clear broth.

What's the difference between beef and chicken pho?

Beef pho has a deeper, richer broth made from beef bones. Chicken pho is lighter and more delicate. Both are authentic; it comes down to what you're in the mood for. First-time diners often start with beef because the flavor is more pronounced.

Can I get pho if I'm vegetarian?

Yes. Pho 79 offers vegetarian pho made with a broth built from mushrooms and vegetables instead of meat. The noodles and herbs are the same, and you customize it at the table just like any other bowl.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations aren't required for individuals or small groups. Walk-ins are welcome, and the wait is usually short unless you arrive right at noon on a weekday. For larger groups, calling ahead is a good idea so the kitchen can prepare.

What should I order if I don't like pho?

The bánh mì sandwiches and vermicelli bowls are both excellent. Bánh mì is a crispy baguette sandwich with Vietnamese cold cuts and pickled vegetables. Vermicelli bowls are rice noodles topped with grilled protein and fresh vegetables. Both let you taste the same attention to flavor that goes into the pho.