Phở Năm Lúa

The pho from this casual Vietnamese spot in North Park is one of the best versions in the city—we’re convinced that it’s a universal remedy for everything from the common cold to heartbreak. But even if you’re not looking for a cure-all, it’s still worth ordering a bowl from Phở Năm Lúa. The cuts of meat like flank steak or tendons are great, but there's at least one bowl at every table because of their incredibly balanced broth. It’s light yet still beefy and complex, with a perfectly calibrated mix of spices. It’s pretty easy to grab a table for lunch, but dinner time is prime noodle slurping hour—so show up on the earlier side or close to its 9pm closing to avoid the rush.