Discovering Pho Tay Bac Restaurant: A Taste of Northern Vietnam in Brea, California
Nestled in the vibrant community of Brea, California, at 860 W Imperial Hwy # A, Pho Tay Bac Restaurant stands as a cherished culinary destination for those seeking authentic flavors reminiscent of Northern Vietnam. More than just a place to eat, Pho Tay Bac represents a commitment to traditional cooking methods, fresh, high-quality ingredients, and an atmosphere that welcomes every guest like family. For years, this establishment has dedicated itself to perfecting the art of Vietnamese cuisine, particularly focusing on the nuanced and deeply satisfying flavors characteristic of the Tay Bac (Northwest) region.
The journey into Pho Tay Bac is a journey into culinary heritage. In a region brimming with diverse dining options, Pho Tay Bac has carved out a distinct niche by prioritizing depth of flavor over fleeting trends. Their dedication to slow-simmered broths, meticulously prepared herbs, and perfectly balanced spices ensures that every bowl served is a testament to time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Whether you are a long-time aficionado of Vietnamese food or new to exploring its rich tapestry of tastes, Pho Tay Bac offers an accessible yet profoundly authentic experience right here in Orange County.
What truly sets Pho Tay Bac apart is their unwavering focus on quality and authenticity. They understand that the soul of Vietnamese cooking lies in the details—the precise charring of aromatics, the careful layering of textures, and the freshness of the accompanying greens. This meticulous approach elevates simple dishes into memorable culinary events, making a visit here a genuine cultural exploration through taste.
Key Highlights of the Pho Tay Bac Experience
When dining at Pho Tay Bac, several elements consistently stand out, contributing to its reputation as a local favorite:
The Signature Broth: The cornerstone of any great Pho restaurant is its broth, and Pho Tay Bac excels here. Their signature beef broth is simmered for many hours, developing a complex, clear, and deeply savory profile that is both robust and remarkably clean on the palate. This slow process extracts maximum flavor from the bones and spices, creating a foundation that defines their entire Pho menu.
Commitment to Freshness: Recognizing that Vietnamese cuisine relies heavily on vibrant, fresh components, the restaurant maintains rigorous standards for sourcing its ingredients. From the crisp bean sprouts and fragrant Thai basil to the thinly sliced meats, the emphasis on freshness ensures that the final dish bursts with life and natural flavor, providing the necessary contrast to the rich broth.
Authentic Regional Focus: While many Vietnamese restaurants offer a broad menu, Pho Tay Bac often highlights specialties and preparation styles rooted in the Northern traditions. This focus provides patrons with an opportunity to experience dishes that might be harder to find elsewhere, showcasing the subtle differences in seasoning and presentation that characterize the cuisine of Vietnam’s Northwest.
Welcoming and Community-Oriented Atmosphere: Located conveniently on W Imperial Hwy, the restaurant fosters a warm, unpretentious environment. It is designed to be a comfortable gathering spot where neighbors can connect over a satisfying meal, reflecting the hospitality central to Vietnamese culture.
More Than Just Pho
While the Pho undoubtedly draws many patrons to 860 W Imperial Hwy, the menu at Pho Tay Bac offers a broader spectrum of Vietnamese culinary delights. Exploring beyond the signature noodle soup reveals expertly prepared rice dishes, vermicelli bowls (Bún), and various appetizers that showcase the kitchen's versatility. Each item is treated with the same level of care and dedication to traditional preparation, ensuring consistency across the entire offering. Whether you are looking for a light lunch or a hearty, comforting dinner, the variety allows for repeat visits without repetition.
The dedication evident in every aspect of Pho Tay Bac—from the careful selection of herbs to the attentive service—reinforces its position as a vital part of Brea’s dining landscape. It serves as a reliable beacon for authentic Northern Vietnamese flavors, inviting the community to partake in a culinary tradition that values patience, quality, and heartfelt preparation.
Pho Tay Bac Restaurant invites you to experience this dedication firsthand at their location in Brea, CA. It is a place where tradition is honored, and every customer leaves feeling satisfied, nourished, and already anticipating their next visit to savor the genuine taste of Northern Vietnam.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Menus
Photos
Reviews Pho Tay Bac Restaurant
Brian Goodall
30-10-2025
When I was a kid, my family and I would eat here all the time since the food was always great and the staff was always friendly. Nine years ago, I moved away for college, and tonight, for the first time since then, my parents and I came back for dinner. The food was even better than I remembered and the staff members were still incredibly kind. Thank you Pho Tay Bac for being a beloved neighborhood staple for all of these years!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Shaking Beef, Rice Dishes
Mr. Tustin - Mauricio Roque
25-09-2025
Happy Hour from 2-5pm!!!!
20% discount between those times.
The Pho itself is great, I am no Pho expert but this one was pretty good!!! the rest of the food is also delicious. We ordered the barbecue pork and flavor was fantastic. Prices are good too & they serve very fast
S
24-08-2025
Food was just OK. Portions are good and above average but quality of broth is just average at best.
My problem is the daughter of the owner I’m assuming who is constantly on her phone during dinner time. While everyone picks up the slack in the kitchen/front she is too busy on her phone. Surely there must be something she could do instead of checking social media or whatever. No matter how important, an employee; especially an owner, should not be on their phone in the view of customers.
Very unprofessional and unsanitary.
$70 for 3 bowls of pho and some egg rolls, ingredient cost being no more than $10-$15. Pho is supposed to be cheap, if it’s going to be $20+ a person it needs to be a little bit better considering that you can get better quality for cheaper elsewhere.
Restaurant is very run down and has that sticky feeling everywhere. Worth going once if you are in proximity but definitely not worth going out of your way for in this run down plaza.
2/5, would have been 3-4/5 if the daughter was not so useless
Food: 3
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2
azzans
11-07-2025
Very classic Pho environment and has been around a long time. I have come to this spot for over 15 years. Great place and good food.
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Group size
Suitable for all group sizes
Wait time
No wait
VanitySD
05-07-2025
U can’t mest up on pho, the worse is average but this is below average! The worse pho, broth is sour and not clear, noodles over cooked. The spring rolls dont look fresh.
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
eric boyd
23-06-2025
great egg rolls very friendly staff and pho was awesome!!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wait time
No wait
Seating type
Indoor dining area
Lyon Zhu
05-06-2025
The pho was very delicious and it is more cheaper than most other pho restaurants. The lady that served us was very nice. However, the place is a little worn down but had plenty of parking outside. I definitely recommend this place and if I am around that area again, I definitely would go back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Pho Combination
Stephanie Sanchez
24-05-2025
Never a dull visit. Always satisfied with this location, with their delicious food and amazing service.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Aaron Haase
01-02-2025
The pho was great,the service was welcoming will be coming back!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Betty Jones
28-01-2025
Pretty good place! Nothing amazing or out of the ordinary. Actually the egg rolls were pretty small. 😩 Wah. The pho itself tasted good 🍜 . And good portion of beef and noodles. Service was good. Had a big group.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$30–50
Recommended dishes
Rare Steak Pho
Reviews Pho Tay Bac Restaurant