Castro's Pho 335 closes; Dumpling House on the way

Castro's Pho 335 closes; Dumpling House on the wayDumpling House is set to open at 335 Noe St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Steven Bracco
Published on August 23, 2019

After less than a year in the Castro, Vietnamese restaurant Pho 335 (335 Noe St.) has closed.

While owners Harry Liu and Xiu Li did not respond to a request for comment on the closure, the space already has a new occupant. Signs and pictures in the window indicate the restaurant will soon reopen as Dumpling House.

At this time, it's unclear if Liu and Li have decided to change the concept, or have sold the restaurant to new owners.

Inside Pho 335 before it closed. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

Since the owners of House of Chen retired in 2017, after 28 years in business, the space at 335 Noe has seen a lot of turnover. Castro residents will recall Mr. Fu Kitchen opened in 2017, and closed a year later. Pho 335 lasted just 10 months. 

No construction work appears to be taking place inside the restaurant, and  public records indicate there currently is no application for a change of ownership for the liquor license. This might be a sign that Liu and Xiu plan to keep the restaurant, but change concepts.

Signs announcing Dumpling House. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

2019 has been an especially bad year for Castro retailers. This week alone, supplements store GNC, restaurant Finn Town Tavern and Unionmade's men's and women's clothing stores all announced their closures. 

Restaurants have been particularly hard-hit. Longtime spot Eureka Restaurant and Lounge and newcomer Izakaya Sushi Ran both closed their doors in the past month. 

District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman told Hoodline the Castro's retail vacancy problem is dire, and that he plans to convene with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to address the problems and come up with solutions.

As we learn more about Dumpling House, we'll keep you updated.