Downtown Denver got its own Pho 79 this summer when an outpost of this homegrown chain opened above the 16th Street Mall, in a complex at 16th and Champa street that already holds Cafe Berlin and Diego's.

"It's more lively down here than on South Federal, and we've been getting busier every day," says manager Joe Ngo.

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Aside from the traditional Vietnamese pho that Pho 79 is known for, the rice special is a top seller, Ngo says. Similar to a Vietnamese noodle bowl, this dish tops steamed rice with a combination of grilled shrimp, egg rolls, pork, beef, egg and/or veggies, with fish sauce on the side. "So far, everyone says it's delicious, it's fantastic. We try to keep it that way so no one is disappointed," promises Ngo.

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