Generally the best places for pho in Norcal, and there are a handful, are where the big pockets of Vietnamese reside such as certain parts of San Jose and Milpitas. However, even the mid-sized cities between San Jose and San Francisco will have one or two good pho places.

That being said, we are spoiled here for most types of Asian food such that even what we consider "mediocre" pho is light years ahead of the pho served in many of the other states. I spent over half a year in South Carolina...it was tough. Pho was $9 a bowl too!

For those in Norcal, the cold weather we've been having is perfect for a steaming bowl of pho (or Japanese ramen or Chinese beef noodle soup or... clearly my favorite comfort food is noodle soup)