The town of Winooski, located a few miles from downtown Burlington, is quickly becoming a hot spot for eating out in Vermont. With ample free parking and many diverse eateries to choose from—from Tiny Thai to Misery Loves Company to Papa Franks—the former trading city and mill town is a go-to for Vermonters and visitors alike.

Off the beaten path, yet only a few blocks from the circle in Winooski, is Pho Dang, the sister restaurant to Pho Hong in the north end of Burlington. Pho Dang’s appearance from the street (and let’s face it, when you walk into the restaurant) leaves much something to be desired. Home-printed menus, rickety metal folding chairs, eight or so tables tightly packed into the small space…

If I didn’t have a soft spot for restaurants with a hint of dive and grime (Mad Taco, anyone?), I would have likely skipped over Pho Dang without a second thought… But I’m glad I didn’t judge this book by its cover, because this small Vietnamese restaurant with even smaller price tags has some serious big flavors and massive bowls of pho.

Like Pho Hong, Pho Dang is BYOB, so I sipped a Fiddlehead Mastermind Double IPA while I ordered from the straightforward menu with four appetizers, 10 or so types of pho and another 10 bun noodles or rice dishes. I opted for Goi Cuon Tom Thit (#3 ,$3.50), two fresh rolls with shrimp, pork and vegetables, served alongside a delicious peanut-tamari sauce that I may have poured into my bowl of pho, it was that good. Per my server’s recommendation, I opted for a large bowl of Pho Tai Bo Vien (#7, $7.50), with rare beef and beef meatballs.  I could only guzzle about half of it but it was fantastic, even on a warm day. Loaded up with bean sprouts, basil, Sriracha, fish sauce and soy sauce, I was quickly in a Vietnamese food coma.

Pho Hong or Pho Dang: Which is better?

With two Vietnamese restaurants within a few miles of each other, which should you try? I’ve heard from Vietnamese foos=d conossieuers that Pho Dang is the better choice for authenticity. To me though, a relative novice when it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, I enjoyed the flavors and food at both equally. The price tag (about $20-$25 for two) is similar at both restaurants, but Pho Hong has more personality and a hustle-and-bustle that leads to great people watching. Whatever your choice, if you’re hungry for a cheap and filling, quick and flavorful meal in Winooski, Pho Dang is worth a visit.

Tips for Eating at Pho Dang Vietnamese Cafe Like a Local:

• If you’re not feeling the atmosphere, consider take-out. For around $20 for two huge meals, it’s the perfect mid-week, I-don’t-wanna-cook meal. It’s also quick, and there’s parking right out front on the street.
• Unlike Pho Hong in Burlington, Pho Dang typically has shorter wait times, despite the small table count. Both restaurants are BYOB, so crack open a beer and enjoy watching dishes come out of the kitchen as you wait.
• Always order the large bowl of pho. For about a dollar more, the portion increase is substantial, and leftover pho is delicious the next day (just make sure to add your b before you head out).
• Don’t know what to order? Eavesdrop a little and get recommendations from the people around you. You can’t go wrong with pho, whatever kind you choose.

Pho Dang Vietnamese Cafe

215 Main Street, Winooski
802.655.0707