Al Pho Santa Maria Menu Reveals Unexpected Favorites
- 01. Al Pho Santa Maria Menu: Complete Guide to Prices, Favorites & Dietary Options
- 02. Menu Categories & Signature Dishes
- 03. Pho Varieties
- 04. Appetizers & Sides
- 05. Main Courses & Combo Plates
- 06. Pricing & Portion Details
- 07. Unexpected Menu Favorites
- 08. Dietary Accommodations & Customization
- 09. Location, Hours & Service Details
Al Pho Santa Maria Menu: Complete Guide to Prices, Favorites & Dietary Options
Al Pho Santa Maria's menu centers on authentic Vietnamese pho varieties including ox tail pho, pho tai (beef), Pho Ga (chicken), vegan pho, and chicken pho, alongside Imperial Rolls, spring rolls, vermicelli bowls, ghost wings, and Asian combo plates with short ribs, pork chop, or chicken. The restaurant is located at 1201 E Main St Ste B, Santa Maria, CA 93454, operates Tuesday-Sunday (closed Wednesdays), and offers takeout, outdoor seating, waiter service, and vegan options.
Menu Categories & Signature Dishes
Al Pho delivers authentic Vietnamese cuisine through a focused menu that balances traditional pho with barbecue fast-food elements. The restaurant's approach emphasizes fresh ingredients, generous portion sizes (one bowl can feed two people), and accommodating staff who customize orders for dietary needs.
Pho Varieties
- Ox tail pho - Customer favorite with tender meat that falls off the bone
- Pho tai - Classic beef pho, described as "magical" in first-taste reviews
- Pho Ga (chicken) - Served with beef and chicken broth; can be customized with vegan broth
- Vegan pho - Plant-based option with fresh vegetables and herbal garnishes
- Chicken pho - Standard chicken broth version
- Ghost Pho - Spicy variant with ghost chili heat
Appetizers & Sides
- Imperial Rolls - Top-rated "go-to" dish; wrap in lettuce with fresh fixings and dipping sauce
- Spring Rolls - Described as "an amazing little piece of heaven"
- Ghost Wings - Spicy chicken wings; prepare for significant heat
- Ghost Chili - Standalone spicy item
Main Courses & Combo Plates
The Asian combo plates feature two choices from short ribs, pork chop, or chicken, paired with rice and cabbage. Vermicelli bowls provide a lighter alternative to pho with fresh noodles and vegetables.
Pricing & Portion Details
| Dish | Price Range | Portion Size | Review Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ox tail pho | $16-$18 | Generous (feeds 2) | 30+ reviews |
| Pho tai | $14-$16 | Large bowl | 20+ reviews |
| Pho Ga (chicken) | $13-$15 | Standard | 20+ reviews |
| Vegan pho | $12-$14 | Standard | 20+ reviews |
| Imperial Rolls | $8-$10 | 6-8 pieces | 30 reviews |
| Spring Rolls | $7-$9 | 6 pieces | 120 reviews |
| Ghost Wings | $10-$12 | 8-10 wings | 12 reviews |
| Vermicelli Bowl | $11-$13 | Large | 33 reviews |
| Combo Plate | $15-$17 | Entree size | Multiple |
Prices reflect October 2024-November 2024 customer reports, with oxtail pho at approximately $17 for a generous serving.
Unexpected Menu Favorites
While pho dominates the menu, Imperial Rolls emerge as the most unexpectedly beloved item, with reviewers calling them a "heavenly experience" when wrapped in lettuce with garnishes. The ghost wings surprise customers with intense heat but deliver memorable flavor, earning dedicated fans despite the challenge. Spring rolls accumulate 120 Yelp reviews-the highest of any appetizer-confirming their status as a hidden gem.
"The only negative to this place is that it's closed on WEDNESDAYS! Haha Imperial Rolls are a go-to; wrapping them in the lettuce with all of the fresh fixin's, and dipping them in the sauce results in a heavenly experience for your taste buds!" - Local reviewer, November 2024
Dietary Accommodations & Customization
Al Pho excels at dietary flexibility, accommodating vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian needs through broth substitutions and ingredient modifications. A customer successfully requested Pho Ga with vegan broth instead of beef broth, and the cashier confirmed it was an "easy accommodation". The restaurant provides compostable containers, reusable tableware, and clearly marks vegan options.
Location, Hours & Service Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 1201 E Main St Ste B, Santa Maria, CA 93454 |
| Phone | 332-3378 |
| Closed Day | Wednesday only |
| Service Style | Order first, then sit; food brought to table |
| Seating | Outdoor seating available |
| Parking | Private lot (narrow driveway shared with Starbucks) |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, gender-neutral restrooms, wheelchair accessible |
| Catering | Takeout available |
Be cautious of the challenging driveway shared with Starbucks-locals report it requires multiple attempts to navigate safely.
What are the most common questions about Al Pho Santa Maria Menu Reveals Unexpected Favorites?
What are Al Pho Santa Maria's most popular menu items?
Spring rolls (120 reviews), Imperial Rolls (30 reviews), vermicelli bowls (33 reviews), ox tail pho, ghost pho, vegan pho, chicken pho, and ghost wings are the top-rated dishes.
Is Al Pho Santa Maria closed on any day?
Yes, Al Pho is closed exclusively on Wednesdays; it operates Tuesday through Sunday.
Does Al Pho offer vegan options?
Yes, Al Pho provides vegan pho, vegetarian broth substitutions for chicken pho, and clearly marked vegan choices throughout the menu.
What is the price range at Al Pho Santa Maria?
Pho bowls range from $12-$18, appetizers from $7-$12, and combo plates from $15-$17, with generous portions that often feed two people.
Can I customize my pho broth for dietary needs?
Absolutely-staff accommodate requests like substituting vegan broth for chicken pho, making it easy for pescatarians and vegetarians to enjoy pho.
Are ghost wings spicy at Al Pho?
Yes, ghost wings are intensely spicy with ghost chili heat; reviewers warn to "prepare yourself for the heat" but praise the flavor.
