Pho88 at the Old Mill

Vietnamese fried chicken wings with sweet and sour sauce, oh my! A rare gluten-free treat.

There's a new Vietnamese eatery in town -- always good news for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Like Mexican cuisine, Vietnamese naturally lends itself to gluten-free eating with fresh veggies, rice plates and aromatic phos. I biked to the Old Mill, shortly after Pho88 opened, to meet some friends and check it out.

Butter and garlic shrimp, topped with scallions, sweet and silky.

The atmosphere is welcoming and laid back and the menu copious, offering everything from gluten-free, fried chicken wings (!), to vermicelli noodle bowls, rice plates and, of course, delicious and varied pho, all gluten free. If there are those in your group who are what I like to call glutentypical, the bahn mi Vietnamese sandwich is also well represented and, according to my friend, Joan, delish!

A bowl of pho with brisket and GF noodles. Just one among the many offered.

Beef and vegetable stir-fry (top) and grilled meat vermicelli with chicken (bottom) -- plentiful and tasty.

We ordered heaping platefuls of GF sweet-and-sour chicken wings and butter garlic shrimp for the table. My husband and I shared a fragrant and steaming bowl of pho brimming with rice noodles and brisket and a plate of vermicelli with juicy grilled chicken. Rounding out the table was Ann, who tucked into a GF plate of beef and veggie stir-fry.

Did I mention that portions are generous enough to split or take home? We carried out with us enough for an entire second meal!

Conveniently located in the Old Mill District, one of Bend's beloved landmarks for shopping, movies, river walks and more, Pho88 makes its home in the building next to REI and behind M's Bakery. It's owned and operated by veteran restauranteur Alice Nguyen who brings years of knowledge and experience with authentic Vietnamese cuisine to every table. As for gluten-free info, the staff is generous and accommodating. They will happily go the extra mile to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.

Pho88, located in the Old Mill District in the building next to REI and behind M's Bakery.

Open Sun.-Thurs. 11:30 am-8 pm -- Fri. and Sat. 11:30 am-8:30 pm

330 SW Powerhouse Dr., Ste. 150, Bend OR 97702

541-241-9888

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