The stretch of Alameda Avenue between South Broadway and Downing Street traditionally hasn't been a haven of foodiness. Greasy spoons, pizza joints, and chains were the standards—until recently.

Anchored by the inventive farm-to table cuisine of Olav Peterson's Bittersweet, these blocks are swiftly transforming. My new fave? Pho Pasta. The menu is a hodgepodge of traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as the signature pho, satays, and spring rolls, as well as dim sum, pasta, and random appetizers—like eggplant Parmesan.

But I'm partial to the spicy central pho, with either chicken or rare beef. At $6-$8, it's savory and delicious and is hearty enough for more than one meal, with its assorted spices and veggies and hefty helping of meaty broth. To top it off, order a $1 draft beer—all day, every day.

295 S. Pennsylvania St., 303-733-6888