Pho & More in South Carolina: Where to Find Authentic Vietnamese Bowls and Beyond

What Pho & More Offers

Pho & More 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—alongside other traditional Vietnamese dishes. The menu extends beyond pho to include bánh mì sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, and stir-fried entrées, making it a straightforward spot for both pho devotees and those exploring Vietnamese cuisine for the first time.

The restaurant's approach centers on the fundamentals: a broth that simmers for hours, fresh herbs brought to your table so you control the flavor, and rice noodles cooked to order. Most locations operate as casual counter-service or quick-casual dining, meaning you order at the counter and sit in a dining room or take your meal to go. Prices typically range from moderate to affordable, with most bowls under $15.

Key Takeaways

• Pho & More serves traditional Vietnamese pho with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs you add yourself at the table.
• The menu includes bánh mì sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, spring rolls, and stir-fried dishes beyond pho if you want variety.
• Most South Carolina locations operate as counter-service restaurants where you order at the counter and eat in or take out.
• Pho & More locations are found in cities across South Carolina, including Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, with hours and menus varying by location.

Pho Broth and How to Build Your Bowl

The pho arrives as a large bowl with a clear, aromatic broth and rice noodles already in the bowl, topped with your choice of protein—typically rare beef slices that cook in the hot broth, or pre-cooked chicken. A plate of fresh herbs and vegetables comes on the side: Thai basil, cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños, and bean sprouts. You tear the herbs, squeeze the lime, and add them to your bowl in whatever proportion you prefer.

This setup is intentional. Vietnamese pho culture treats the fresh herbs as essential, not optional, and the broth as the foundation that everything else flavors. If you are new to pho, start with a small amount of herbs and lime, taste, and adjust. The broth itself should taste clean and slightly sweet, with depth from bone and spice. If it tastes flat or one-dimensional, the restaurant may not be simmering it long enough.

Other Dishes Worth Ordering

Bánh mì sandwiches at Pho & More typically feature a crispy baguette filled with Vietnamese cold cuts, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeños. They are a lighter, handheld alternative to pho and work well for lunch or if you want something you can eat quickly. Most locations offer several protein options, including vegetarian versions with tofu.

Vermicelli bowls (also called bún) layer thin rice vermicelli noodles with grilled protein—chicken, pork, or shrimp—fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a sauce on the side. They are served cold or at room temperature and are popular in warmer months. Spring rolls come fresh (with a translucent rice paper wrapper) or fried, filled with shrimp, pork, or vegetables, and served with a dipping sauce. Stir-fried entrées round out the menu, though pho and bánh mì are the restaurant's signature items.

South Carolina Locations and Hours

Pho & More has multiple locations across South Carolina. The largest concentration is in the Midlands, with a location in Columbia. Charleston and Greenville also have Pho & More restaurants. Hours and exact addresses vary by location, so check the restaurant's website or call ahead before visiting, especially on Sundays or holidays when some locations may close early or stay closed.

Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, typically from late morning through evening. Counter-service means the line moves quickly during peak hours (noon to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.), so arriving slightly off-peak can mean shorter waits. Many locations offer takeout and delivery through third-party apps, though ordering directly from the restaurant often gives you fresher food and avoids delivery fees.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Walk in and look for a menu board or printed menu at the counter. Most Pho & More locations display photos of their dishes, which helps if you are unfamiliar with Vietnamese food. Staff can answer questions about spice level, protein options, and ingredients. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, mention them when ordering—peanut allergies are particularly important to flag, as peanuts appear in some sauces and garnishes.

Seating is usually first-come, first-served. Grab a table, and your food will be brought to you when ready. Condiments like sriracha, hoisin sauce, and extra lime wedges are typically available at a condiment station or on request. Pho is meant to be eaten hot and relatively quickly after it arrives, so dig in while the broth is still steaming.

Pho & More's Place in South Carolina's Vietnamese Food Scene

Pho & More represents the accessible entry point to Vietnamese cuisine in South Carolina. It is not fine dining, and it does not attempt elaborate presentations or fusion experiments. Instead, it focuses on doing pho and a few other classics well, at a price that makes Vietnamese food a regular meal rather than a special occasion.

South Carolina's Vietnamese community is concentrated in a few urban areas, and restaurants like Pho & More serve both that community and the growing number of South Carolinians who have developed a taste for Vietnamese food through travel or word of mouth. The straightforward menu and casual atmosphere make it a reliable choice whether you are a pho regular or trying it for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pho supposed to be spicy?

Traditional pho broth is mild and aromatic, not spicy. The heat comes from jalapeños and sriracha that you add at the table. If you prefer no spice, skip the jalapeños and hot sauce. If you want more heat, add both generously.

What is the difference between pho and bánh mì?

Pho is a hot soup with rice noodles in broth, served with fresh herbs on the side. Bánh mì is a sandwich on a crispy baguette with cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. Bánh mì is eaten cold or at room temperature and is faster to eat.

Can I get pho if I do not eat meat?

Most Pho & More locations offer vegetable pho made with vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. Ask at the counter about vegetarian options, which may also include tofu-based dishes and vegetable bánh mì sandwiches.

How long does pho take to arrive after I order?

Pho typically arrives within 5 to 10 minutes of ordering, since the broth is already simmering and the noodles cook quickly. Bánh mì and other cold dishes may arrive faster. During busy lunch or dinner hours, wait times can stretch longer.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Most Pho & More locations operate on a walk-in basis and do not take reservations. Arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) usually means shorter waits than peak lunch or dinner times.