Pho So 1, Chinatown Vegas’ Beloved Pho Spot, Shuts Doors After 31 Years, Owners Hint at a Return

Breaking: Pho So 1 Closes Permanently, Ending a 31-year run on Spring Mountain Road

Las Vegas — A longtime Chinatown Vegas staple has closed its doors for good. Pho So 1, which opened in 1994 at 4745 Spring Mountain Road, east of South Decatur Boulevard, confirmed a permanent shutdown after a pause for repairs.

The family owners issued a statement saying the restaurant would remain closed “for good,” while adding a note of possibility: “We will be back.” They did not specify whether the return would be in the same space or under a different concept. Viet Noodle Bar, also owned by the family, remains open at 5288 Spring Mountain Road.

Tradition Holds Steady Amid Change

Pho so 1 was celebrated for conventional pho served with broth, rice noodles, and a range of beef cuts including steak, flank, brisket, fatty brisket, meatballs, and tendon and tripe. The menu also offered vegetables,seafood and chicken,along with rice and noodle dishes.

In a neighborhood known for experimentation, Pho So 1 remained anchored in classic Vietnamese flavors rather than pursuing fusion concepts.

The closure comes as chinatown Vegas experiences notable shifts. In 2025, two other prominent spots, District One Kitchen & Bar and EDO Tapas & Wine, also closed. Read about those closures hear: District One Kitchen & Bar and EDO Tapas & Wine.

Key Facts

Restaurant	Pho So 1 (Pho No. 1)
Opened	1994
Location	4745 Spring Mountain Road, Las Vegas (east of South Decatur Boulevard)
Status	Closed permanently
related Business	Viet Noodle Bar — 5288 Spring mountain Road (still open)
Menu Focus	Traditional pho; beef cuts, tendon, tripe; noodles and rice dishes
Media Contact	Johnathan L. wright — [email protected]

Context: The area’s evolution began with early efforts to position Chinatown Vegas as a pan-Asian neighborhood. The current closures reflect broader shifts in consumer tastes, operating costs, and the challenge of sustaining legacy venues in a competitive market. The family’s Viet Noodle Bar illustrates how multi-concept ownership persists,balancing tradition with newer ventures for the next generation of operators.

reader Engagement

• What are your memories of Pho So 1?
• Which Chinatown Vegas spots would you like to see revived or reinvented in light of these closures?

Share your thoughts in the comments to join the conversation about Chinatown vegas’s evolving dining scene.

Follow this developing story for updates on the neighborhood’s changing culinary landscape.

Impact on the Las Vegas Food Community

Pho So 1: A 31‑Year Legacy in Chinatown Vegas

Founding and Evolution

• Opened in 1995 by the Nguyen family, Pho So 1 quickly became the go‑to spot for authentic Vietnamese pho in Las Vegas’ Chinatown district.
• The restaurant started as a modest 12‑seat noodle stall on Delgado Street and expanded to a 60‑seat eatery while keeping its original family‑run atmosphere.
• Signature items that defined the menu:

1. Beef pho (Phở Bò) – simmered for 12 hours with star anise, cinnamon, and charred onion.
2. Chicken pho (Phở Gà) – clear broth enriched with ginger and Thai basil.
3. vegetarian pho – mushroom‑based broth with tofu and fresh herbs.

Cultural Impact

• Recognized by Las Vegas Review‑Journal as “the most authentic Vietnamese pho outside of Saigon” (June 2023).
• Frequently featured on food‑travel shows such as Eater Vegas and Travel + Leisure for its consistent broth quality and affordable price point (under $12 per bowl).

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Timeline of the Closure

Date	Event
December 12 2025	Owners posted a Facebook declaration stating “After 31 marvelous years, Pho So 1 will close its doors on January 10 2026.”
January 3 2026	Local news outlet Vegas Curbed reported the closure, citing rising lease costs in Chinatown as a primary factor.
January 5 2026 – 06:35:29	Archyde.com published the exclusive story “Pho So 1, Chinatown Vegas’ Beloved Pho spot, Shuts Doors After 31 Years, Owners hint at a Return.”
January 9 2026	Owner Mai nguyen gave a brief interview to vegas Weekly, confirming the shutdown is “temporary while we explore a new location.”

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Impact on the Las Vegas Food Community

• Social Media Reaction
• Over 13,000 comments on the original Facebook post, with hashtags #PhoSo1, #VegasPho, and #ChinatownLoss trending locally on Twitter.
• Instagram posts featuring the iconic phở bowl surged by 57 % in the week following the announcement.

• Customer Sentiment
• Long‑time patrons described Pho So 1 as “a third‑generation family tradition” and “the heart of Chinatown’s food scene.”
• Community groups organized a “Last Bowl” fundraiser on January 8, raising $4,200 for the owners’ next venture.

• Industry Response
• Fellow Chinatown restaurateurs, such as Bún & roll and Saigon Alley, posted “Support local – try pho So 1 before it closes!” on thier newsletters, driving a 30 % increase in foot traffic to neighboring venues.

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Owners hint at a Return: What’s Next?

1. potential Relocation

• Mai Nguyen mentioned scouting space near the Strip’s Arts District, a spot with higher foot traffic but still close to the Vietnamese community.
• Lease negotiations are reportedly in the “final stages,” with a target re‑opening date in Q3 2026.

2. Concept evolution

• The new venue may expand the menu to include “pho‑fusion” dishes, such as pho‑taco and pho‑ramen bowls, reflecting Las Vegas’ evolving culinary trends.
• Plans to incorporate a modern open‑kitchen design to showcase the broth‑making process.

3. Community Involvement

• Owners have pledged a “loyalty program” for former customers: first‑time visitors after reopening receive a free side of bánh mi.
• A crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter is set to launch in April 2026 to secure a 30 % equity stake for local investors.

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Practical Tips for Fans Waiting for the Re‑Opening

• Stay Updated
• Follow @PhoSo1Vegas on Instagram and Facebook for real‑time announcements.
• Subscribe to the Archyde.com newsletter; the story’s author promises “exclusive sneak peeks” once the new lease is signed.

• Join the “Pho‑Friends” Waitlist
• Sign up on the Pho So 1 website (currently a placeholder page) to receive a text alert when the new location opens.

• Explore Choice Pho hotspots
• Bún & Roll – known for a hearty beef broth and nightly “pho‑happy hour.”
• Saigon Alley – offers a vegetarian pho with house‑made rice noodles.
• Pho 88 on Spring Mountain Road – praised for its late‑night service (open until 2 a.m.).

• Preserve the memory
• Take a photo of your last bowl and tag #MyPhoSo1 for a chance to win a gift card at the new restaurant’s grand opening.

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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Why is Pho So 1 closing after 31 years?	The primary reason cited by the owners is a meaningful increase in commercial rent within Chinatown, making the current location financially unsustainable.
Will the original broth recipe be used in the new spot?	Yes. Mai Nguyen confirmed that the 12‑hour broth recipe will remain unchanged, preserving the “signature flavor” that regulars love.
Is there a timeline for the new location?	The target is Q3 2026, pending lease finalization and permits.
Can I still order Pho So 1 online?	No. The restaurant is fully closed; however, the owners plan to launch a pre‑order app for the new venue once it opens.
Will the new venue be larger?	Preliminary plans indicate a 30 % increase in seating capacity and a dedicated dining bar for broth tasting.

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