The Pho Spot restaurant at the Princeton Shopping Center closes permanently

The Pho Spot, a popular Princeton eatery that served up delicious Vietnamese food, has closed, much to the chagrin of many Princeton area residents.

Known for its simple menu of pho, fresh spring rolls, and Vietnamese coffee and its outgoing and friendly owner, the Pho Spot quickly became a favorite restaurant in Princeton. Owner Tom Le knew all his regulars by name, and would often greet people from behind the counter. He prided himself on never using MSG in his food.

Le had to close temporarily in September due to a staffing shortage and announced this week that the Pho Spot is closed permanently.

But fans of Le and his hot bowls of vegan and beef pho broth can visit him up in Edison starting sometime in the spring. He will be opening a larger restaurant at the Wick Shopping Plaza at 561 Route 1 South, he said.

“It is a much bigger place and will allow us to work more efficiently because you all know how hard it was for us in that tiny kitchen,” Le said on social media. “We will truly miss everybody in Princeton, but please visit us if you are in the area or just craving a hot bowl of pho. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for keeping us going all this time.”

Anyone with gift cards can still use them at the new restaurant, Le said. The Wick Shopping Plaza is located about 19 miles from Princeton and is about a 35-minute drive from the current location at the shopping center.