Simple and chic are the operative words at this small, clean, cheap and very popular restaurant.

The bright lights illuminating an Eastside crowd straight out of an alt-rock music video are what make the first impression here, but this Vietnamese gem doesn't substitute substance for style. It's packed daily with people who appreciate a good deal in a lively (if noisy) environment. The spring rolls are a great way to gear up for the main attraction: pho. Gigantic bowls of meat, vegetables and thin noodles in broth—the namesake dish—are served with side plates of peppers, bean sprouts and mint leaves to be added to taste, along with five sauces to shake in until it's all just spicy enough. A dish of pho costs less than $7 and you'll probably take half of it home. (Unfortunately, it doesn't age well; the noodles disintegrate quickly.) There's no hard liquor here, but sake and beer are available and for $15 a server will uncork a bottle of wine brought in by you. (We always opt for the non-alcoholic jasmine/chrysanthemum tea.) Sticking to what it does best, this restaurant doesn't sell desserts. You'll have to settle for the fortune cookie delivered with your check, which can only be settled with cash.