Pho An 22 in Oklahoma City: Bowl-by-Bowl Vietnamese in Midtown
Pho An 22 is a casual counter-service pho restaurant in Oklahoma City's Midtown district that specializes in beef and chicken pho, banh mi sandwiches, and a compact menu of Vietnamese sides. The restaurant operates as a no-frills storefront with a small dining room and serves lunch and early dinner to a mix of regulars and newcomers seeking authentic Vietnamese noodle soup without pretense or markup.
What Pho An 22 actually is
Pho An 22 occupies a modest space and centers entirely on pho, the Vietnamese beef or chicken broth soup built on long simmers of bone and aromatics. The restaurant does not attempt a broad menu. You order at the counter, receive a number, and wait for your bowl at a table. The setup prioritizes speed and simplicity over table service or side dishes that pad the bill. It is the type of place where the owner's reputation rests on broth depth and noodle quality, not presentation.
Menu and pricing
Beef pho (pho bo) and chicken pho (pho ga) are the anchors. Beef pho typically runs $10 to $12 per bowl depending on protein choice (rare beef, well-done brisket, or a combination). Chicken pho is slightly less, around $9 to $11. Banh mi sandwiches, available in pate and meat variations, cost $6 to $8. Spring rolls and other sides run $3 to $5. A bowl of pho at Pho An 22 is priced competitively within Oklahoma City's Vietnamese segment; confirm current pricing before visiting, as ingredient costs shift seasonally.
The broth is cooked in-house over multiple hours. Noodles are delivered fresh several times per week rather than dried from bulk stock, a detail that separates pho restaurants built on commitment from those cutting corners.
How it compares to other Vietnamese restaurants in Oklahoma City
Pho An 22 competes most directly with Pho Ca Dao, also in Midtown, which offers a broader menu including vermicelli bowls, curries, and egg coffee but charges slightly more per pho bowl. Pho Ca Dao provides more table service and a wider range of drinks. Pho An 22 wins if you want speed and price; Pho Ca Dao wins if you want variety and a longer sit.
Thanh Huong, another local Vietnamese spot, specializes in northern-style pho and caters to diners willing to spend time exploring a deeper menu. It is larger and less rushed. Pho An 22 is the right choice for a quick, no-decision bowl; Thanh Huong suits a leisurely meal with friends who want to order five dishes and share.
Who it suits and who it does not
Pho An 22 is ideal for office workers seeking lunch in 20 minutes, students on a tight budget, and anyone who believes pho should taste like pho, not like a vehicle for extras. It is not designed for those who want a full dining experience, extensive vegetarian options beyond broth substitutes, or a quiet space for a date. The dining room is utilitarian, and the pace is transactional.
Those with gluten sensitivities should ask about broth and banh mi preparation; the kitchen is small and cross-contact is possible. Vegetarians can order vegetable pho, but the menu assumes most customers eat meat.
What the first visit involves
Walk in, scan the handwritten or printed menu board, and decide between beef and chicken pho. The counter staff will ask if you want rare beef, cooked beef, or mixed; they will also ask your spice level. Order banh mi or spring rolls if you want sides. Pay at the counter. Take a number to your table, which will likely be one of a few four-tops or two-tops. Your bowl arrives in 5 to 10 minutes, steaming and full. Use the lime wedges, jalapeños, basil, and soy sauce at the table to adjust flavor. Eat quickly while the noodles are at their best.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Pho An 22 is located in Midtown Oklahoma City, a neighborhood with mixed street and lot parking. Street parking can be tight during lunch hours (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). The restaurant typically operates from 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 p.m.; confirm hours before visiting, as many local Vietnamese restaurants close early on Mondays or Sundays. Cash and card are both accepted. The space is not large; on busy days, expect to wait a few minutes for a table even after your bowl is ready.
Pho An 22 earns its place because it treats pho as craft rather than convenience food, pricing it accessibly and refusing to dilute the formula with trends. In a city where Vietnamese restaurants often broaden their appeal, this one remains narrow and reliable.
