Phamous Cafe offers a casual dining experience specializing in traditional Vietnamese pho and other comfort foods, attracting a diverse crowd including college students and families. Guests enjoy quick, friendly service, a clean environment, vegetarian dishes, and ample free parking at The Plaza in Goleta.
What to Expect:
🍜 Signature Beef Pho and Combination Pho
🥢 Vietnamese Coffee and Thai Iced Tea
🌿 Vegetarian options plentiful
☀️ Outdoor seating available
Important Information:
Open daily except Tuesdays
Credit and debit cards accepted; NFC mobile payments supported
Wheelchair accessible entry and parking
Dogs allowed outside in designated area
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🥢 Combo Pho is a Fan Favorite: Regulars swear by the #1 combination pho for balanced flavors and generous toppings.
☕ Don’t Miss the Vietnamese Coffee: The Vietnamese coffee with extra milk is a must-try treat beloved by long-time patrons.
🍃 Vegetarian Delights: The vegetable pho and other vegetarian options are highly recommended, with many appreciating their quality and variety.
🚗 Parking Is Simple: Plenty of free street and lot parking available around The Plaza, making visits hassle-free.
Review Sentiment
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Phamous Cafe is widely praised for its authentic pho, flavorful broth, and friendly, fast service. Many reviewers highlight the clean and casual ambiance along with generous vegetarian options. Some report occasional slow service during peak hours and isolated poor interactions, but most guests find the welcoming environment and quality food worth repeated visits.
Last updated on
January 9th, 2026
From The preserve
Standout Dishes
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The Selection
Accommodations
Course Stats
Angler’s Offerings
What You'll Find
Beef Pho, Combination Pho, Chicken Pho, Vietnamese Coffee, Thai Iced Tea, Egg Rolls, Spring Rolls, Fried Tofu Pho, Rice Vermicelli, Fried Rice
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating available ensuring ease of access for guests with mobility needs.
