For carnivores who judge a bowl of pho based on the amount of meat it contains, Nguyen delivers the beefy goods. Even so, the rich, no-need-for-condiments broth would make this Raleigh Hills restaurant a top contender if there were a Portland pho contest. While the pho doesn’t need extra seasoning, a spoonful of chile oil doesn’t hurt, either. Pho Nguyen is open for takeout and delivery.

Northwest’s Fish Sauce is a slightly upscale option for Vietnamese beef noodle soup, and its biggest draw might be creative cocktails and a robust happy hour menu (which are currently paused). The pho features prime cuts like filet mignon, bolstered by springy meatballs instead of extras like tendons and tripe. The restaurant is open for takeout, delivery, and has outdoor seating.

Luc Lac is known as a hip and energetic late-night staple for steaming bowls of pho and colorful bun. The five-spice-fragrant pho broth is the recipe of co-owner Alan Ho’s grandmother, with meatballs, brisket, and eye round available; some don’t know that all the usual favorites — tripe, tendon, etc. — are available as well, for those who ask. Luc Lac is open for takeout and delivery but now closes at midnight.

In a former fast food spot with an unmistakable hat-shaped roof, Pho An is a favorite Sandy Blvd Vietnamese pit stop. The pho dac biet, which is only available in the restaurant’s largest portion, comes filled with slices of fatty brisket, round steak, a few tangles of tripe, meatballs, and a generous portion of gelatinous tendons that comes out of the kitchen mere minutes after placing an order. Pho An is open for takeout and delivery.

Thanks to Nong of khao man gai fame, many head to Mekha for the dry Phnom Penh noodles, but the pho, a little sweet and finished with a few grinds of black pepper, is also worth ordering. If there were a prize for most varied condiments, Mekha might win: The minimalist and modern restaurant offers more than just the usual Sriracha and hoisin, and also stocks house-made garlic paste, chile-infused vinegar, chile oil, and chile paste. Takeout and delivery are available.

Pho Kim might look like any other 82nd Avenue Vietnamese restaurant, but the pho is out-of-the-ordinary. The soup is distinguished by the use house-made rice noodles, a rarity in the U.S. The menu doesn’t make mention of this special addition, but ask for “big noodles,” and if available, the pho will come with wider-than-usual fresh rice noodles instead of the typical dried version. Pho Kim is open for takeout and delivery.

With Ha VL and sister restaurant Rose VL’s rotating roster of Vietnamese soups, it’s not an easy decision to go with the beef pho (Sundays at Ha VL and Tuesdays at Rose VL). This version isn’t a dac biet style affair; rather, this noodle soup stays simple, a rich broth full of sliced meatballs and fully cooked, thinly sliced round steak. Ha VL is open for takeout only while Rose VL does delivery, as well.

This Jade District restaurant known for its namesake spicy soup recently added a beef pho to its selection. Rather than being treated as an afterthought, the beef pho feels a little special, since it’s one of the only versions in town that includes a big fat bone-in pork rib. Teo Bun Bo Hue is also slightly more stylish than its strip mall neighbors; just look for the three Vespas inside the entrance. Teo Bun Bo Hue is open for takeout.  

Anyone who finds themselves at Clackamas Town Center and isn’t in the mood for Cinnabon will appreciate Pho Sen, a nearby Vietnamese restaurant with another branch in Vancouver. Diners can choose from the Special Beef Soup, which includes everything a pho dac biet can (round steak, flank, beef meatballs, well-done brisket, tripe, and tendon), to versions made with white meat chicken, tofu and vegetables, to a simple bowl of broth and rice noodles. Takeout and delivery are available.