Bites Nearby - Pho Há

Up and down Aurora Avenue North a string of Vietnamese Pho restaurants dot the avenue much like pearls on a string.

One Shoreline restaurant, Pho Há, boosts the offering beyond simply Pho in medium, large or jumbo with a meat selection tacked on. Additionally, Pho Há may be the only Shoreline eatery open late, until 11 p.m. Mon. through Sat.; 9 p.m. on Sun.

Pho at Pho Há starts off with clear broth. Choose from egg noodle selections ($7.75/$6.99), chicken broth offerings with rice noodles ($7.49/$6.49) or beef noodle soup ($6.49/$5.99). Next, at Pho Há they let you blend your favorite beef cuts, whether that be tendon, flank and brisket, or steak flank, tendon and tripe, to create the dish you love. Yes, there are options for vegetarian Pho dishes ($7.49).

Beyond Pho, Pho Há also lists vermicelli noodle dishes, rice plates, popular Chinese dishes including stir-fired noodles - Lomein to Pad Thai - plus Kung Pao chicken, beef and broccoli and Honey Prawn on its menu.

Another distinction to Pho Há over other Pho spots is that instead of trying to communicate with your table mates or your server over the staff shouting at each other, you are graciously greeted and served with style. A little civility goes a long way to the enjoyment of your time eating out.

In addition to the warm goodness that comes in bowls and plates, Pho Há offers the classic Bánh Mí Thit "sandwitch" ($4.15). Not as inexpensive as some Vietnamese take-out joints, but just as flavorful.

While it's great having all the assortment to pick and choose from, remember to take another look at the restaurant's name - Pho Há. Order the Pho, it's what they do best. After your Pho, treat yourself to a bubble tea ($3.45).

Pho Ha, 15215 Aurora Ave. N. Shoreline, 206-368-3887.