XO Modern Pho & Grill in Baltimore: Pho and Seafood Crossover on the Avenue
XO Modern Pho & Grill is a casual counter-service restaurant in Baltimore that fuses Vietnamese pho with grilled seafood and meat preparations, positioned as a faster alternative to sit-down pho houses and more ingredient-driven than standard takeout Asian fusion spots.
What XO Modern Pho & Grill actually is
The restaurant operates as a walk-up ordering counter with limited seating, serving house-made pho broths alongside grilled proteins and rice bowls. Unlike traditional pho restaurants that simmer broth for 12+ hours and emphasize the slow ritual of assembly, XO streamlines the experience without sacrificing base flavor. The menu centers on beef and seafood options in pho or over rice, plus grilled whole fish and shrimp preparations. The space itself is compact and designed for quick turnover rather than lingering.
Menu and pricing
Pho bowls run $11 to $14, with beef brisket and oxtail versions at the lower end and shrimp or mixed seafood at the upper range. Grilled whole fish and shrimp plates cost $16 to $20 and arrive as single-protein plates rather than build-your-own formats. Rice bowls with protein and vegetables fall between $10 and $13. Spring rolls and appetizers cost $4 to $7. Confirm current pricing when visiting, as seafood sourcing costs shift seasonally.
How XO compares to other Baltimore seafood spots
Pho King in Canton focuses on traditional beef pho and charges similarly ($11 to $13 per bowl), but offers table service and a full bar. If you want speed and streamlined Vietnamese seafood options, XO's counter model wins; if you want to linger over a cocktail and explore an expanded meat-heavy pho menu, Pho King is the better fit. For grilled whole fish specifically, The Walters Restaurant Group restaurants like Charleston emphasize Lowcountry preparation and charge $28 to $35 for whole fish plates. XO's $16 to $20 grilled fish targets diners seeking quality preparation at casual pricing, not fine-dining presentation. Seafood-forward ramen shops like Choptank in Fells Point offer grilled fish and shellfish in broth, but emphasize Japanese technique and soy-based broths rather than Vietnamese spice profiles.
Who XO suits and who it does not
XO works well for lunch breaks, casual family dinners, and anyone seeking Vietnamese seafood in under 30 minutes. The counter service and limited seating suit solo diners and small groups; large parties or anyone prioritizing table service and ambiance should look elsewhere. Diners with allergies or dietary restrictions should confirm ingredient sourcing at ordering, as cross-contamination risk exists in small kitchen spaces. The menu leans savory and umami-forward, not suited to palates avoiding fermented fish sauce or preferring milder preparations.
What the first visit involves
Order at the counter, specify broth temperature and any modifications (no cilantro, extra lime), pay, receive a ticket, and find a seat or take the meal to-go. Pho bowls arrive in roughly 8 to 12 minutes; grilled plates take slightly longer. Condiments like sriracha, hoisin, and extra lime wedges sit on the counter for self-service.
Hours, parking, and logistics
XO Modern Pho & Grill is located on The Avenue in Canton. Hours typically run 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday, but verify before visiting as restaurant hours shift seasonally. Street parking is available along The Avenue but fills during peak lunch (noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner (6 to 7:30 p.m.); arrive early or use nearby municipal lots. The restaurant does not accept reservations.
XO fills a specific gap in Baltimore's seafood scene: Vietnamese technique without table-service pricing, and grilled seafood without the fine-dining markup. It earns its place by delivering consistent broth quality and whole fish at casual-restaurant economics.
