One of the best things about living in Seattle—aside from the fantastic views, the easy access to nature and the reasonable weather (polar vortex, anyone?) is the wide and delicious variety of available ethnic cuisine. From Thai to Mexican to Italian to Greek, if you crave it, chances are you can get it, and it’s going to be good. Pho (pronounced “fuh”, for the uninitiated) is the latest craze in the Vietnamese dining scene—a new restaurant will likely pop up in your ‘hood before you can say Sriracha. But which ones are kid-friendly? Never fear, foodie family—flip through for nine fantastic pho joints for the whole pho-mily.

Best Sweet Treat: Than Brothers (17 locations including North Seattle, Kirkland & West Seattle)

One of Seattle’s first pho restaurants, Than Brothers’ 17 locations proudly serve only pho—and boy do they serve it! They’re a favorite with vegetarians, as their veggie pho is served in vegetable broth and comes with tofu, carrots, mushrooms and broccoli, although they also offer the full range of meats, from chicken and steak to brisket, flank, tripe and more. But make sure you leave a little room—Than Brothers is famous for more than their noodle soup. With each order, you get a homemade, pillowy cream puff—sure to make your little ones happy after they fill their bellies full of pho.

We recommend: The veggie pho is chock-full of veggies, and we love that they offer a truly vegetarian dish. And the cream puffs are an obvious winner!

Online: thanbrothers.com

What is Pho?
With an estimated 73 Pho restaurants in the Seattle area (#3 in the nation according to the website phofever.com), you’re likely to find one around every corner. Pho is a Vietnamese beef noodle soup, consisting of rice noodles and a variety of meats (or tofu and veggies) in a beef (or chicken or veggie) broth seasoned with anise, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Yum! Provided with every order, fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil, lime wedges and jalapeno slices can be added, as well as Sriracha and hoisin or plum sauces, depending on your pho preferences.

Also Pho-nomenal
What the Pho: Great for the pho beginner—Southcenter, Bothell & Bellevue
La Lot: Fancy pho—Downtown Seattle
Papaya Vietnamese Cafe: Offers a “light pho” option with zucchini noodles—Renton & Bellevue
Pho Tai: Nice kids’ options, friendly service—White Center

Where’s your favorite place to eat pho with the kids? Let us know in a comment below!

-Erin Cranston (words and some photos)

Photos thanks to: Rowena D on Yelp; Atn H on Yelp;  Jesse P on Yelp; Paula R on Yelp; Meme S on Yelp

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