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.
Lunch offers rich flavors and an authentic vibe with Vietnamese dishes that encourage good conversation.
Pho stands out with its rich broth and authentic flavors. Vietnamese dishes here deliver a genuine taste that leaves a strong impression.
Good to know
Cash is the only accepted payment method; Zelle is also accepted.
Bring cash as cards are not accepted.
The portions served are very generous for the price.
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.
Seats are available for early lunch on weekends. Offers pho during lunch hours. Serves as a reliable lunch spot in the area.
Beef brisket pho stands out with its rich, flavorful broth and authentic aroma. Banh mi options include grilled steak and a vegetarian lemongrass tofu version, both tasty and fresh.
Good to know
DePaul students get a discount.
The restaurant is handicap accessible.
The portions of the dishes are generous.
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.
Offers a lighter, healthier lunch option with a calm atmosphere. Stays open late enough to serve lunch reliably and is conveniently close to workplaces for a quick meal.
Pho and banh mi stand out with excellent flavor and authentic taste. Options like chicken finger pho, honey grilled pork banh mi, and chicken curry bowl offer variety and consistent availability even late in the afternoon.
Good to know
Expect long lines during lunch hours, especially around noon.
The line moves quickly, so don't be discouraged by the wait.
They offer a few vegan options on the menu.
Small storefront with four seats focuses on takeout and offers authentic Vietnamese sandwiches including vegan options. Atmosphere feels welcoming and approachable with straightforward, no-frills setup. Sandwiches are fresh, reasonably priced, and often considered among the best in the area.
Constant customer flow shows this spot is popular for lunch. It offers quick, delicious options ideal for a grab and go meal.
Banh mi sandwiches stand out with freshness and full flavor, especially the lemongrass chicken and original varieties. Vietnamese coffee pairs well and prices stay under $10.
Good to know
They offer a buy five sandwiches, get one free promotion.
Nhu Lan Bakery specializes in takeout, with limited seating available.
Vegan options include four different sandwiches and vegan pho.
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.
Offers quick lunch options with two sizes of Pho, where the small size fits well for a midday meal. Known for being fast and reliable in the neighborhood for lunch.
Banh Mi comes fresh and hot with plenty of jalapeños, showing clear authenticity. Pho offers a rich, aromatic broth with two size options, both flavorful and comforting.
Good to know
Most diners get takeout, so there are usually spots to sit inside even during busy times.
Expect a lunch rush, but the line moves quickly.
The sandwiches are reasonably priced for the Loop area.
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.
Cozy spot with delicious bahn mi sandwiches makes for a simple and satisfying lunch. Small, sweet atmosphere fits casual lunch dates well.
Pho stands out with its very tasty broth and options like meat and shrimp. Banh mi sandwiches come in generous sizes with warm, soft bread and varieties like lemongrass chicken, sweet BBQ pork, and vegetarian. Spring rolls are fresh, affordable, and include unique choices like lemongrass tofu.
Good to know
Banh Mi City offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.
Prices for banh mi start at $10, which is reasonable for the portion size.
Takeout is available, making it a good option for a quick meal.
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.
Offers a peaceful atmosphere for lunch with options that are both light and filling. Serves as a reliable spot for a quick, easy, and satisfying midday meal.
Pho here is incredibly flavorful with options like tofu and ginger chicken that balance taste well. Banh mi sandwiches come crispy and spicy, featuring varieties like honey grilled pork, belly, and Veggiecado. Spring rolls also stand out as a notable dish.
Good to know
Parking is hard to find, with metered parking except on Sundays and a garage costing $3 for 2 hours.
The total cost is $24 USD, with $17 for beef pho and $6-7 for spring rolls.
They charge $10 for a sandwich and don't skimp on the meat.
Vietnamese deli and market with takeout-only service and no seating, decorated in bright reds and yellows with hanging plants. Atmosphere feels intimate and no-frills, attracting a steady flow of customers who often eat in their cars. Known for fresh, high-quality bánh mì sandwiches with well-drained pickled vegetables that avoid sogginess.
Offers a quick bite ideal for lunch. Frequent visits show it serves fantastic meals consistently during midday.
Banh mi sandwiches stand out with fresh, flavorful ingredients and a variety of options like shrimp, pork, and sugarcane. Prices stay reasonable around $8, and vegan bánh mì and Vietnamese desserts like chè are also available.
Good to know
Nhu Lan Bakery & Sandwiches is a takeout-only establishment with no indoor seating.
All sandwiches are priced under $9, offering good value for quality.
There is a free parking lot available in front of the bakery.
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.
Lunch offers generous portions with options like spring rolls and a Banh Mi chicken sandwich. Meals come at an affordable price and satisfy with solid flavor.
Clear, flavorful pho broth stands out with no MSG. The menu features chicken pho, spicy beef soup, and seafood bun do bien. Spring rolls and Bánh mì sandwiches complement the dishes well.
Good to know
The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $13.
The menu includes options for both sit-down meals and takeout.
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.
Lunch options include a chicken curry meal sized just right for midday. The lemongrass pork workers lunch offers a flavorful alternative.
Pho stands out with a delicately poached chicken and a clear lime leaf flavor. The menu also features fish sauce wings and nuggets, spring rolls, and lemongrass pork banh mi, all fitting a cozy, pho-friendly vibe.
Good to know
The menu on Google may not reflect current offerings; check in person for updates.
Portions are slightly smaller than average, but prices remain reasonable.
Tofu is one of the most affordable protein options on the menu.
Spacious interior with large tables suits groups but feels awkwardly quiet without music. Family-run spot offers authentic Vietnamese and Thai cuisine with a diverse menu featuring standout dishes like Bun Bo Hue. Atmosphere is cozy and clean, evoking a homey vibe reminiscent of Vietnam.
Lunch hours show light crowds with no waiting lines, even on Fridays and Sundays. Visits after peak times, like 2 pm on weekdays, find the spot quiet and empty.
Bun Bo Hue stands out with its authentic bone broth and rich flavor. Pho Ga and Vietnamese pancakes also offer solid, delicious options alongside crispy noodles with tofu and shrimp spring rolls.
Good to know
Parking is available on the street near the restaurant.
Prices are affordable, with generous portion sizes for most dishes.
The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.
Vietnamese restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with a calm ambiance suited for family or friends. The menu features halal meat with generous portions and affordable prices. The setting is clean and comfortable, making it ideal for a warm, filling meal.
Offers delicious and filling meals with options like beef and rice for a quick lunch. Suitable for both lunch and dinner with satisfying portions.
Pho here features a rich and flavorful broth with tender beef that stands out. The menu includes halal pho options and a national dish called beshbarmak, offering a unique Vietnamese food experience.
Good to know
All the meat used is halal, ensuring confidence in dietary choices.
The price is affordable compared to other restaurants in the area.
Portions are generous, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner.
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.
Lunch offers easy, satisfying meals with consistent quality. The atmosphere can be disrupted by unexpected disturbances from other diners.
Spicy chicken mexi-pho uses thicker noodles and has a broth that's crazy flavorful and revitalizing. The ropa vieja beef banh mi offers a nice culinary twist with bold flavors.
Good to know
The restaurant offers many options for people with dietary restrictions.
Prices are on the higher side for the portion sizes provided.
To-go boxes are provided for leftovers, which is convenient.
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.
Lunch draws crowds, prompting an expansion into the next space. Options include pho and a grilled pork banh mi sandwich. Lunch for two with appetizers runs about $70, excluding drinks.
Rich, deep-flavored pho stands out here, especially the chicken pho and Pho Tai that taste authentic and fresh. The menu also features consistently good banh mi and cold noodles like bun kho.
Good to know
Street parking is available nearby.
Reservations are not required for this family friendly, authentic Vietnamese restaurant.
As of 2025, the restaurant closes at 8:30 PM.
Vietnamese and Chinese dishes fill a clean, spacious space with a casual, inviting vibe. Groups gather comfortably amid an interior that blends simplicity with cultural touches. Bold flavors and a wide menu create a lively, authentic dining experience.
Great food and lunch specials stand out here. Staff provide helpful service even during busy lunch times.
Rich, flavorful broth defines the pho, with perfectly cooked noodles and tender, juicy meat. The menu also features grilled pork chops, Bánh Mì, papaya salad, and cold noodle Bun, all reflecting authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Good to know
Parking can be quite difficult after 7pm.
Metered parking is available on the side street along Lincoln Avenue.
Expect reasonable prices for the quality of food served.
Cozy coffee shop blends modern chic and traditional charm with rustic wooden tables and delicate ceramic cups. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, supporting work or relaxed conversations with plenty of power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Friendly, family-oriented vibe includes pet-friendly policies and unique wall graphics sharing coffee origins.
Offers OG Bahn Mi and Bahn Mi bowls for lunch. Serves coffee and allows dining in, making it a solid spot to grab a quick meal after activities like yoga.
Banh mi here stands out with a great balance of salty and sweet flavors, fresh and pickled vegetables, and pork. The Xia Xu Banh mi empanadas offer a crispy texture packed with traditional flavors, while the authentic Vietnamese coffee complements the menu well.
Good to know
Expect to pay around $10 for a drink and snack.
Signature, custom blended beans are roasted on the premises.
The shop uses coconut condensed milk for their coffee drinks.
Small dining space offers a cozy atmosphere with simple tables and chairs. The menu is varied and features authentic Chinese dishes with some standout items like orange chicken and steamed dumplings. The environment is quiet with few diners, focusing more on takeout than dine-in experience.
Lunch specials include an egg roll, soup, and rice or noodles. Each special costs about 6-7 dollars, leaving just a few cents change.
Pho stands out with good flavor but lacks extra hoisin and chili on the side. Vietnamese egg rolls resemble Chinese egg rolls closely in taste and style.
Good to know
Lunch specials cost approximately $6-7 each.
Credit cards accepted, but Discover is not.
The restaurant is family-owned and very clean.
Small Chinese restaurant with cozy interior and ample seating divided into two sections. Atmosphere feels like being in someone's home, lively and family-friendly with a busy, energetic vibe. Music is loud and quirky, adding an unusual but memorable touch.
Seating happens quickly during lunch, making it easy to settle in. The spot suits families looking for a relaxed afternoon meal with quick seating and a family-friendly vibe.
Huge portions come with the pho and double meatball noodle soup. Vietnamese spring rolls are fresh and crunchy, with shrimp versions standing out. Beef pho features tender meat and a solid broth.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get very busy.
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.
An automatic tip of 18%-20% is added to the bill for all customers.