Pho 881 Restaurant

Nestled on the bustling Anaheim Street in Long Beach, Pho 881 Restaurant serves up an authentic Vietnamese dining experience that’s a genuine delight for pho enthusiasts and newcomers alike. This mom-and-pop eatery may greet you with modest surroundings—a simple dining area with minimalist decor and a straightforward paper menu—but what truly shines here is the exceptional quality and soul in every bowl.

Specializing in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, Pho 881 boasts a diverse menu that highlights the rich flavors and textures synonymous with Vietnamese cooking. Fans of classic noodle soups will be drawn to their famous selections such as Phở Tái (Rare Steak Pho), Phở Gân (Soft Tendon Pho), and the hearty Phở Tái, Chin (Rare Steak and Brisket), each served steaming hot with a clear, fragrant broth delicately infused with fresh Thai basil, and various sides like crisp bean sprouts and lime to customize every spoonful.

Beyond pho, diners can indulge in vibrant dishes such as the Bún Tôm Thịt Nướng Chả Giò—a colorful bowl of vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, succulent shrimp, crispy egg rolls, and fresh herbs, finished with crunchy roasted peanuts and a tangy house fish sauce dressing that dances on the palate. The authentic Cơm Gà Hainam offers tender poached chicken served with fragrant jasmine rice and homemade ginger sauce—a comforting choice that whispers of home-cooked warmth.

The atmosphere at Pho 881 might be unpretentious, but it lends a cozy, welcoming charm that invites you to focus on the food itself. Customers praise the friendly, familial service, with one guest recalling a moment of thoughtful care when advised on the perfect soup choice for feeling under the weather—an indication that this restaurant treats you like more than just a patron.

Meanwhile, patrons appreciate the generous portions and fair pricing, noting that the $12 bowls of pho come in sizes that satisfy without overwhelming, positioning Pho 881 as an excellent value compared to pricier spots in neighboring cities. The broth’s clarity and fresh herbal notes coupled with the tender cuts of meat transport diners on a sensory journey into the heart of Vietnamese culinary tradition.

While some have mentioned minor quirks in the dining space, such as shared parking and simple decor, these small details fade in the glow of genuinely satisfying meals and memorable flavors. Pho 881’s straightforward charm and heartfelt cooking make it a standout destination for anyone seeking an honest, flavorful bowl of pho and Vietnamese fare in Long Beach.

If you’re craving a deeply authentic taste of Vietnam without the fuss but with plenty of warmth and soul, Pho 881 Restaurant is a welcoming spot worth visiting—where every spoonful tells a story and every dish feels like a comforting embrace.