Pho 88 is one of the newest spots heating up the Southside dining scene, and if the steady flow of regulars is any sign, it’s already made a strong impression. With soft green seating, rustic wood tables and colorful lanterns hanging from the ceiling, the space strikes a balance between modern and welcoming.
The idea behind Pho 88 is rooted in tradition. The owner, already known for running several nail salons across town, wanted to bring a taste of home to Corpus Christi, so he partnered with a kitchen team that knows Vietnamese cuisine inside and out. “He’s lived here for over 10 years and always wanted to open a restaurant that brought real Vietnamese flavor to the Coastal Bend,” shared Anita, the assistant manager.
Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Loan, with support from Main Chef Hung. This duo crafts a menu that feels both comforting and bold, leaning heavily on southern Vietnamese recipes and fresh, vibrant ingredients.
If you’re new to the menu, start with the Special Combo Pho: a steaming bowl of broth layered with beef ribs, tendon, well-done flank and meatballs delivering a dish full of flavor, perfectly balanced and served with all the classic add-ins.
The 88 Special Rice is another crowd favorite, served with a grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, pork pie, pickled veggies and a fried egg. It’s the kind of dish that gives you a little bit of everything in every bite. For something a bit lighter, the 88 Combo Vermicelli is a solid go-to: grilled pork, shrimp and egg rolls over noodles and greens, finished with a tangy fish sauce dressing.
Eggrolls here are best-sellers, and for good reason. These delicious bites are stuffed with pork, shrimp, taro and carrots, then fried up fresh and served golden crisp. The Bánh Mì sandwiches bring that same level of detail: crispy baguettes packed with housemade pâté, mayo, pickles, cucumber, jalapeños and cilantro, with the occasional American twist. “Our egg and spam sandwich is kind of a fun take on the classic,” Anita said. “We try to balance traditional Vietnamese flavors with some American ones, so everyone finds something they love.”
For something sweet and savory, try the Special Coin Bread. It’s filled with creamy mozzarella cheese and pork floss, offering a melty bite that’s hard to put down, and it can be enjoyed as either an appetizer or dessert.
To drink, Pho 88 serves a wide variety of milk teas with brown sugar tapioca, along with smoothies and fresh fruit teas. The Taro Lover is a house favorite, but there are plenty of options to satisfy every palate.
“Everything’s made fresh every day, and if customers have special requests, we try to make it happen,” Anita said. “We want people to feel at home here.”
With its laid-back vibe, carefully prepared dishes and dedication to sharing tradition, Pho 88 offers a full-on flavor experience.
