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Pho and banh mi

A proper meal requires both a bowl of pho and a fresh banh mi, and you shouldn't have to compromise on either.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with a simple, barebones dining area and authentic, home-cooked vibe. Atmosphere feels like eating in someone's kitchen, with rich flavors and cash or Zelle-only payment. Known for high-quality pho and banh mi that many consider the best in the city.

Broth stands out with its rich flavor and depth. Pho here offers an authentic taste that many find unmatched in the city.

Freshly cooked pork and homemade pâté fill a crusty baguette, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Pickled vegetables add a tangy contrast, making the banh mi savory, fresh, and authentic.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here is authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"I found the Pho broth here to be the best in Chicago."

"I had the best Banh Mi I've ever had here."

Good to know

1

Cash is the only accepted payment method; Zelle is also accepted.

2

Bring cash as cards are not accepted.

3

The portions served are very generous for the price.

02
CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches & Phở image 1

Vietnamese restaurant offers fresh banh mi sandwiches with exceptional tofu and pork belly options. Atmosphere suits takeout and delivery with limited dine-in space and quiet, private vibe. Menu is simple and focused, emphasizing quality and flavor over variety.

Chicken pho offers a lot of flavors and tastes delicious. The broth comes rich and satisfying, making it a solid choice for a comforting meal.

Banh Mi sandwiches here offer a light yet satisfying bite with fresh ingredients. Options like lemongrass pork, tofu vegan-friendly, and the #2 Saigon stand out for quality and flavor.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with all the right flavors."

"I had the best Banh Mi I've ever tasted."

"The pho here is packed with flavor and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

They only offer takeout or delivery since the pandemic, and they are closed on Tuesdays.

2

The restaurant accepts cards with a minimum $10 purchase for takeout.

3

The location is accessible via bus lines #9 and 81.

03
Viet Fusion image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with simple, roomy decor and a chill vibe. The space feels relaxing and comfortable, inviting diners to enjoy traditional dishes in a quiet setting. Stainless steel bowls add an industrial touch to the authentic dining experience.

Large servings of traditional pho come in stainless steel bowls that look sleek and industrial. Pho Tai is fresh, full of flavor, and pairs well with delicious spring rolls.

Tofu banh mi stands out with its large size and filling nature. The sandwich offers a vegetarian option that is consistently flavorful and satisfying.

People are saying

"I loved the vegetarian banh mi, it was large and filling."

"The pho here is traditional, large, and full of flavor."

"The tofu banh mi here is delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant offers BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to find a spot.

04
Pho Home 2 image 1
Restaurant

Small space with a semi-open kitchen creates a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels inviting and peaceful. Clean interior and hole-in-the-wall charm make it stand out from typical restaurants. Regulars come for authentic Vietnamese pho and a warm, familiar vibe.

Broth in the pho is rich and full of flavor. Options include spicy beef and chicken pho served with fresh sides like veggie spring rolls and chicken skewers.

Banh mi sandwiches come in large portions with options like chicken, beef, satay beef, and tofu. They offer a complex flavor profile and stay fresh and flavorful even after a night in the fridge.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, comforting, and flavorful."

"I've never had pho this delicious; it's a perfect 10/10."

"I loved the banh mi; it was flavorful and larger than I expected."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $13.

3

The menu includes options for both sit-down meals and takeout.

05
3 Asian Sisters image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant with cozy vibe and cute decor featuring plants and pretty lights. K-pop music plays, creating a cool atmosphere that invites relaxation. Generous portions of authentic dishes like pho and bánh mì attract a diverse crowd, including students with discounts.

Beef brisket pho stands out with a rich, flavorful broth that is satisfying and not greasy. The pho noodles carry a strong authentic aroma, and the beef and meatball pho offers a delicious, hearty taste.

Porky banh mi comes with a good amount of meat and pate for the price. Options include lemongrass chicken, grilled steak, and a vegetarian version with lemongrass tofu, all tasting very authentic and delicious.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a light, flavorful broth."

"The pho broth is light, flavorful, and not greasy."

"I loved the lemongrass chicken banh mi."

Good to know

1

DePaul students get a discount.

2

The restaurant is handicap accessible.

3

The portions of the dishes are generous.

06
Lotus Banh Mi - Chicago UIC image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, cozy space with bright sunlight and wood tables creates a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Music stays chill and unobtrusive, making it suitable for working or relaxing. Known for authentic Vietnamese food with consistently flavorful pho and banh mi sandwiches.

Pho here is incredibly flavorful and authentic, with fresh noodles and a perfect balance of ginger in the chicken version. The tofu and beef pho come out quickly and are cooked to perfection.

Banh mi here stands out for its crispy bread and flavorful spice. Options like the Pork Belly and honey grilled pork banh mi deliver rich, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"The pho here has the best, most flavorful broth."

"I thought the pho here had some of the best broth I’ve had."

"I found it to be one of the best spots for banh mi."

Good to know

1

Parking is hard to find, with metered parking except on Sundays and a garage costing $3 for 2 hours.

2

The total cost is $24 USD, with $17 for beef pho and $6-7 for spring rolls.

3

They charge $10 for a sandwich and don't skimp on the meat.

07
Banh Mi City image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, casual Vietnamese spot with a cozy interior and rock music playing softly. Atmosphere feels simplistic and chill, with limited seating and a quiet vibe. Known for generous banh mi sandwiches and excellent pho, making it a solid choice for takeout or a relaxed meal.

Broth has all the right flavors with delicious beef in the meat pho. Shrimp pho offers a tasty alternative, paired well with shrimp spring rolls and vegetarian options like vegan pho and banh mi.

Banh mi sandwiches come with soft and fluffy bread that is warm when served. Options include pork, lemongrass chicken, sweet BBQ pork, Vietnamese meatball, vegetarian, and shrimp, all generously filled and priced around $10.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, has a really good broth."

"The banh mi here is delicious and packed with meat."

"I loved the pho here; the broth was super tasty."

Good to know

1

Banh Mi City offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

2

Prices for banh mi start at $10, which is reasonable for the portion size.

3

Takeout is available, making it a good option for a quick meal.

08
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Bubble tea store

Small cafeteria-style spot offers upstairs booths with a decent street view and a calm, casual atmosphere. Seating is clean and well-arranged, making it suitable for quick bites or casual stops. The vibe stays relaxed without much noise or crowd.

Broth stands out with its excellent flavor and clear depth. Pho tai nam features tender beef slices that complement the rich broth well. Summer rolls often accompany the pho, adding a fresh contrast.

Authentic pork lemongrass banh mi stands out with flavors close to traditional family recipes. The lineup includes a signature sandwich and a grilled chicken option, all consistently delicious.

People are saying

"I thought the pho broth was excellent."

"I found the banh mi here to be delicious and authentic."

"I thought the pho here was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Pre-order online if you're short on time for dining in.

2

The food is ready quickly, usually within 7 minutes during busy hours.

3

They only offer one size for bubble tea at $20.

09
Nhà Hàng Vietnam Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small tables and chairs create a cozy family-style dining space with a 90’s throwback vibe. Strong kitchen aromas fill the air, adding to the authentic Vietnamese atmosphere that feels like eating at a grandparent's home. Diverse crowds gather here, drawn by the highly regarded pho and extensive menu.

Rich, deep-flavored broth defines the chicken pho here, served steaming hot in generous portions. The Pho Tai and cold noodles (bun kho) stand out for their fantastic taste and consistent quality.

Crusty bread holds the banh mi together while the meat stays well marinated and grilled nicely. Every bite packs flavor throughout the sandwich.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and authentic Vietnamese."

"The pho here is incredibly flavorful and satisfying."

"The banh mi bread was perfectly crispy and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available nearby.

2

Reservations are not required for this family friendly, authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

3

As of 2025, the restaurant closes at 8:30 PM.

10
Saucy Porka Hyde Park image 1
Fusion restaurant

Fusion restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with great music and a clean, lowkey setting. The menu features unique items like bao tacos and flavorful pho with thicker noodles. Portions tend to be small, but the place accommodates various dietary restrictions and allows separate ordering.

The pho features a spicy chicken mexi-pho with broth that is crazy flavorful and revitalizing. Noodles are thicker than traditional pho noodles, adding a unique texture to the dish.

Banh mi here features creative twists like kimchi with beef and a flavorful ropa vieja beef option. Sandwiches come with bold flavors and pair well with rice bowls.

People are saying

"You have to try the shrimp Baco; it's my favorite seafood."

"I found the chicken mexi-pho to be amazing and perfectly spicy."

"The ropa vieja beef banh mi was full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers many options for people with dietary restrictions.

2

Prices are on the higher side for the portion sizes provided.

3

To-go boxes are provided for leftovers, which is convenient.

11
Lotus Banh Mi - Loop image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Spacious interior with soft jazz ambient music creates a calm, chill atmosphere ideal for lunch. The menu offers Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi, focusing on lighter, healthier options in a busy downtown setting.

Chicken finger pho stands out with a small size ideal for lunchtime. Beef pho offers excellent flavor and taste. Options like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls provide variety for any weather.

Fresh and flavorful banh mi options include honey grilled pork, tofu, and sunny side beef. The sandwiches come close to authentic Vietnamese style and are consistently available even late in the afternoon.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's food is fresh and delicious."

"The pho here is amazing and so flavorful."

"I found the Banh Mi here really fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially around noon.

2

The line moves quickly, so don't be discouraged by the wait.

3

They offer a few vegan options on the menu.

12
Lotus Banh Mi - Chicago Loop image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Simple, elegant design creates a clean and bright space with a chill vibe and soothing background music. The atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting, making it suitable for quick, satisfying lunches. Most diners opt for takeout, so seating is usually available even during busy times.

Broth offers a rich aromatic spice blend with deep flavor. Pho comes in two sizes, with the small being a perfect lunch portion. Packaging keeps broth separate for freshness in carry-out orders.

Crispy baguette holds tender pork with a perfect hint of lemongrass and honey. Plenty of jalapeños add fresh spice, making the sandwiches a flavor explosion.

People are saying

"The pho here has a hot, flavorful broth."

"This lunch spot's banh mi and pho are terrific options."

"I considered this Banh Mi the best I had outside of Vietnam."

Good to know

1

Most diners get takeout, so there are usually spots to sit inside even during busy times.

2

Expect a lunch rush, but the line moves quickly.

3

The sandwiches are reasonably priced for the Loop area.

13
Little Vietnam Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Intimate Vietnamese spot with a cozy atmosphere and laidback vibe feels like home. Regulars enjoy authentic pho featuring rich broth with real yellow fat and black pepper. The place offers affordable lunch specials and a relaxed setting for casual dining or takeout.

Broth simmers for hours, creating a rich flavor that stands out. Options include beef brisket and veggie pho loaded with tofu and fresh vegetables, all served at a favorable price.

Fried pork and meatball banh mi stand out with crispy textures and rich flavors. Grilled chicken and pork options offer savory tastes, while vegetarian banh mi and spring rolls provide plant-based choices.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has the best pho broth I've ever tasted."

"I found pho with real yellow fat liquid and good black pepper."

"The banh mi's bread was crisp and the pork was flavorful."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or Zelle for payment.

2

Parking can be tough, so plan accordingly.

3

They frequently offer affordable lunch specials.

14
Hai Yen Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Bright, spacious dining room features watercolors of Vietnamese life that create a playful and tranquil atmosphere. Friendly, slightly quirky staff contribute to a warm and relaxed vibe despite a lively noise level. The setting balances simple, comfortable decor with an inviting charm uncommon in similar restaurants.

Chicken pho stands out with its authentic flavor and consistent quality. Pho dac biet comes with all the fixin's but can be a bit oily. Overall, the pho here feels more authentic than many Chinatown options.

Charbroiled pork skewer banh mi offers fresh bread, juicy pork, and crisp veggies with balanced sauce. Some orders include cilantro even when requested without it.

People are saying

"I loved the Vietnamese food, especially the pho and spring rolls."

"I found the pho broth to be smooth and flavorful."

"I found hair in my Banh Mi after taking a photo."

Good to know

1

The total cost is typically under $25 for a meal.

2

The restaurant charges an extra $2 for a cup of fish sauce.

3

They also charge an additional $2 for extra bean sprouts and basil.

15
Cà Phê Dá - Dang Good Wings image 1

Cozy space with old funk music sets a relaxed, inviting mood. Regulars enjoy pho and banh mi with reasonable prices and excellent price-to-quality ratio. Quiet enough for solo dining or work, the vibe balances simplicity with flavorful comfort.

Chicken pho features a lime leaf flavor and delicate poaching, with a slightly sweet taste. Portions are smaller than average but come at reasonable prices and include tofu triangles in the broth.

Lemongrass pork stands out in the banh mi offerings. Other versions range from decent to average in flavor and seasoning.

People are saying

"The egg custard coffee is light, fluffy, and amazingly good."

"The lemongrass pork banh mi was delicious."

"The Pho here is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The menu on Google may not reflect current offerings; check in person for updates.

2

Portions are slightly smaller than average, but prices remain reasonable.

3

Tofu is one of the most affordable protein options on the menu.

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