As much we love to see all the new spots coming to the area, we love it even more when we get to shine a light on a true hidden gem. Pho 97 in Pinellas Park (6800 49th Street N) is one of the ultimate “if you know, you know” spots in the area, serving up amazing Vietnamese classics to loyal regulars for nearly 30 years.
Pho 97 (opened in 1997) serves up an incredible array of traditional Vietnamese dishes, from a grilled pork banh mi served on homemade bread, to a customizable vermicelli bowl, to a decadently mouthwatering broken rice platter loaded up with grilled pork, shredded skin pork, meat cake, sunny-side up eggs, grilled shrimp, and Vietnamese sausage. We should also mention they’re also opening a second location on July 1 at 30111 US Hwy 19 North, just north of Countryside Mall.
The star of the show at Pho 97, and maybe the most insta-worthy dish in the city, is the insane Flying Boat Pho with rare beef, well-done flank, brisket, soft tendon, tripe, meatball, oxtail, and short ribs. It’s No. 34 on the menu, and we recommend remembering that one.
Pho 97 serves their banh mi with fresh-baked, scratch-made baguettes
However, it’s not just the great food that makes Pho 97 worth visiting time and time again. It’s also one of the most affordable restaurants in the area. WIth the exception of the gargantuan Flying Boat Pho, not a thing on the menu even crosses the $16 barrier, with most entrees checking in between $12-15 and nearly a dozen appetizers available for under $7.
They also have several combo deals that let you try several things, and their happy hour is legitimately one of the best in all of Pinellas County. From 2-4 pm every single day, beers are just $3, and a plate of their fantastically crispy chicken wings is only $5. You can cover a cold beer, an order of wings and a 25% tip with just a $10 bill. We don’t know many other places that can beat that deal.
Pho 97 also opens daily at 7 am for Vietnamese breakfast. To start, we recommend the traditional Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, brewed in a “phin,” which blends French press with pour over for a strong, rejuvenating cup of java. To eat, the restaurant has a variety of breakfast options, including rice porridge congee, sandwiches, and pho, among other dishes.
For long-timers, we should note that Pho 97 has transitioned to new ownership, and they’ve done it in the best way possible. They inherited the recipes from the old owners and kept the staff intact, including several who have been there upwards of 15 years. Everything, even down to the hoisin sauce, is still made in-house. The changes came in the form of upgrades to the interior decor, the addition of technology to the process (including a serving robot that helps servers bring dishes to tables), and a handful of new menu items.
Pho 97’s serving robot (right) helps servers deliver hot dishes right to your table
Pho 97 was originally opened on 34th Street in 1997, until the founding couple moved it to its current location a little more than 15 years ago. As the couple got older, they made the decision to retire and sell the restaurant to its new owner, although you can still see them popping in from time to time.
If you’ve missed out on this hidden gem, consider this your sign to give Pho 97 a try. And if you’ve been before, let this be your sign to make another visit. The restaurant is currently open 7 am – 9 pm daily!
Follow Pho 97 on Instagram to see the latest, and check out their full menu here.
