After living with three Pho restaurants within a 15 minute drive back in Buffalo, I didn't think it would be so hard to find good Pho in Pittsburgh!
Pho Van was recommended to me and I was glad to have discovered it. The menu is basic but that is expected because of the type of place it is.
The decor is extremely basic and the atmosphere very casual. I've found service to be sort of hit or miss. They can be extremely helpful at times and other times you have to hunt a server down for a water refill.
I really enjoyed their fresh spring rolls. They were huge, the ingredients were fresh and they were full of flavor. I love peanut sauce and was glad they didn't charge extra or give me any grief for asking for extra to use with the spring rolls.
My husband and I both ordered pho thai. The bowls were large and chock full of broth and noodles. The broth had a good flavor (although I did still add siracha and hoision) But the amount of meat was almost non existent. There was an upcharge of $2 for double meat and now I see why they have that as an option.
Check for discounts before you come. They have a buy one get one in the Entertainment Book.
Overall, a great pho experience. I will be back.