Restaurant review: Pho 75
1721 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, Va.
703-525-7355

Vietnamese beef noodle soup, or pho, is ubiquitous throughout Northern Virginia. One of the best options is Pho 75.

Don't expect much in the way of service or atmosphere. One recent meal ended without a single word from the staff, and seating consists of cafeteria tables. But these giant bowls of broth, noodles, onions and beef make for a hearty, delicious and cheap meal.

Pho 75 is aptly named, with nothing but pho on the menu. Large bowls run $7 regardless of meat selection, which ranges from flank steak and brisket to soft tendon and tripe. The soup is served with plates of bean sprouts, jalapenos, lime wedges and basil. Each table also sports hot sauce and hoisin sauce. Note: the fish sauce, which we find an integral part of eating pho, has been removed from the tables at the Arlington location; it's available by request.

Manual dexterity is necessary: pho is traditionally eaten with spoon in one hand, chopsticks in the other. Other locations in Falls Church, Rockville, Herndon and Langley Park.

Bottom line: Large bowls of soup for just a few dollars. A great weeknight meal, especially on a cold evening.