Photo by J.B. Forbes (Post-Dispatch)
Pho Long
Over its 12-year run, Pho Long has grown from a tiny University City storefront serving pho and little else to a somewhat less tiny storefront in University City serving pho and a few other dishes. Who needs to change when you serve the best pho in town? Pho Long’s dedication to the traditional Vietnamese beef-noodle soup and its fragrant, meaty broth have marked it as special since 2006. Now, in its own way, it’s continuing to grow. After my most recent visit, the restaurant introduced two new pho variations: one served with beef belly, the other with a 16-ounce beef rib.
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily (University City location closed Tuesday; South Grand location closed Wednesday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2006
Must order: Pho ($8.50-$13.95)