Pho Xe Tang/Tank Noodle
4953 N Broadway (at Argyle)
As we both felt that perhaps maybe, possibly we were catching colds, the Husband and I decided on pho for dinner. For the uninitiated, pho is a clear beef broth-based Vietnamese soup served with with rice noodles. Additions like fresh herbs, limes, bean sprouts, and hot peppers are presented on a separate plate so you can get your garnish on, but really, it’s all about the broth. Word on Chicago’s nerdiest food forum says Tank Noodle is among the best places in town.
So, we hauled it all the way north to Uptown. The place was hopping and completely no-nonsense. But a couple of plaques on the wall from the Hungry Hound confirmed that good soup was in our future.
At the last minute I swerved off the beef track and ordered chicken-based soup with rice noodles and tons of veggies. The Husband made me look like a sissy and ordered the special XL pho with beef, tripe, and “tendon.” Gulp. We split an order of spicy lemongrass tofu spring rolls and a freshly-squeezed limeade with soda. Completely delicious and our colds are gone (thank you, hot sauce).
What does military equipment have to do with noodles? Don’t know…but the menu had an illustration of a tank on it and our waitress was wearing a camo t-shirt. Cute! Total was $23.59.