Pho 99 in South Carolina — Where to Find Authentic Vietnamese Noodle Soup

What Pho 99 Offers

Pho 99 is a Vietnamese restaurant chain with locations across South Carolina that specializes in pho — the slow-simmered beef or chicken broth served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and protein. The menu centers on this single dish done well, with variations in broth type, meat selection, and portion size rather than a sprawling list of unrelated items. Most locations also serve bánh mì sandwiches, spring rolls, and a small selection of other Vietnamese soups and rice dishes, but pho is what the restaurant exists to do.

The broth is the foundation. At Pho 99, it typically simmers for hours with beef bones, charred onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and coriander — the aromatics that define the dish. You order by protein (beef brisket, beef tendon, chicken, or combinations) and size, then customize at the table with fresh basil, cilantro, lime, jalapeño, and sriracha or hoisin sauce from the condiment station. The noodles arrive separate from the broth so you can control how much you want in each spoonful.

Key Takeaways

• Pho 99 locations in South Carolina serve traditional Vietnamese pho with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and customizable toppings at the table.
• The menu is focused — pho is the main event, with bánh mì, spring rolls, and a few other soups available as secondary options.
• Broth simmers for hours with traditional spices like star anise and cinnamon, and you build your bowl with fresh herbs and sauces to taste.
• Lunch and dinner hours vary by location, and most Pho 99 restaurants are cash-friendly but also accept cards.

Pho 99 Locations in South Carolina

Pho 99 has multiple locations across the state, with the largest concentration in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The Columbia location on Devine Street is one of the most established, drawing regulars who have been ordering the same bowl for years. Charleston has at least one location, as does Greenville, though exact addresses and hours change, so calling ahead or checking online before you visit is worth the minute it takes.

Each location operates independently in terms of hours and specials, so a restaurant that closes at 8 p.m. in one city may stay open until 9 p.m. in another. Many Pho 99 restaurants are family-run and may close for a day or two during the week for restocking or staff rest, particularly on Mondays or Tuesdays. If you are planning a trip specifically to eat pho, a quick phone call confirms they are open and have what you want in stock.

What to Order and How Pho Works

Start with a size — small, medium, or large — and a broth type. Beef pho (phở bò) comes in several versions: phở bò tái uses rare beef that cooks in the hot broth as you eat, phở bò nạm uses brisket, and phở bò gầu uses tendon and tripe for a chewier texture. Chicken pho (phở gà) is lighter and milder, a good entry point if you are new to the dish. Combination bowls mix two or three proteins.

The bowl arrives with noodles in broth and a plate of fresh herbs on the side — Thai basil, cilantro, mint, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and bean sprouts. You tear or snip the herbs into the bowl as you eat, squeeze lime over it, and add sriracha or hoisin to taste. The condiments are not optional flavoring; they are part of the dish. A traditional pho eater tastes the broth first, then adjusts with heat and acid and herbs until it is right for that moment.

Beyond Pho — Other Menu Items

Bánh mì sandwiches at Pho 99 are typically made on a crispy baguette with Vietnamese cold cuts, pâté, pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, and jalapeño. They are a lighter lunch option than pho and pair well with a side of spring rolls or a small soup. Spring rolls (chả giò) are fried and crispy, served with a dipping sauce, and make a good starter if you are eating with others and want to share.

Some locations offer bún — rice vermicelli bowls topped with grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and a fish sauce-based dressing — or cơm tấm, broken rice with grilled pork chop and a fried egg. These are less common than pho on the menu, and availability depends on the location. Ask your server what is available that day; some dishes are made to order and take longer than pho, which is always ready.

Dining Atmosphere and Service

Pho 99 restaurants are typically casual, no-frills spaces with simple tables and chairs, fluorescent lighting, and walls decorated with photos of Vietnam or Vietnamese cultural imagery. The focus is on the food, not the ambiance. Service is usually quick and efficient — your server brings water and takes your order promptly, and pho arrives within 10 to 15 minutes because the broth is already simmering.

Most locations are small and can get crowded during lunch and dinner rushes, particularly on weekends. If you are eating alone or with one other person, you may find yourself at a shared table or a counter seat. This is normal and part of the experience. Noise levels are moderate to high during peak hours, so it is not a quiet place to work or have a long conversation, but it is a warm and social space.

Payment, Hours, and Planning Your Visit

Most Pho 99 locations accept both cash and credit cards, though some older or smaller locations may prefer cash. Prices are moderate — a large bowl of pho typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on the protein and location. Bánh mì sandwiches and spring rolls are usually $5 to $8. Drinks are simple: water, soft drinks, Vietnamese iced coffee, and sometimes fresh lemonade or sugarcane juice.

Hours vary by location but typically run from late morning (around 10 or 11 a.m.) through early evening (8 or 9 p.m.), with some locations closing for a few hours in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service. Many Pho 99 restaurants are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. Before you go, search online for the specific location's hours or call ahead — a five-minute phone call saves a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pho spicy?

The broth itself is mild and aromatic, not spicy. Heat comes from the sriracha and jalapeños you add at the table, so you control the level. If you do not like spicy food, skip the sriracha and jalapeño and enjoy the broth as is. If you want it very hot, add both generously.

Can I get pho if I do not eat meat?

Most Pho 99 locations can make vegetable pho with a vegetable broth or a lighter chicken broth base, topped with tofu and vegetables. Call ahead to confirm your location offers this, as not all do. Spring rolls and bánh mì can also be made vegetarian if you ask.

What is the difference between pho and other Vietnamese soups?

Pho is defined by its broth — beef or chicken simmered with specific spices — and rice noodles. Other Vietnamese soups like bún riêu (crab and tomato) or canh chua (sour soup with fish) use different broths and noodles. Pho 99 specializes in pho, though some locations offer one or two other soups as well.

How long does pho take to arrive?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes because the broth is already prepared. If you order something made to order like bánh mì or a rice dish, it may take 15 to 20 minutes. During very busy times, add a few minutes to the wait.

Do I need a reservation?

Most Pho 99 locations are walk-in only and do not take reservations. Arrive during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays) if you want to avoid a wait, or expect a short wait during lunch and dinner rushes on weekends.