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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Chicago

Pho and salad

A steaming bowl of pho followed by a crisp, refreshing salad is the balance needed today.

Based on 493 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lotus Banh Mi - Chicago UIC image 1
Lotus Banh Mi - Chicago UIC image 2
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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.

Beef noodle salad features well seasoned beef and noodles. Chicken noodle salad offers a simple mix of chicken and noodles. Both salads focus on noodle-based ingredients with straightforward flavors.

People are saying

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

"I thought the pho here had some of the best broth Iโ€™ve had."

"I highly recommend the well-seasoned Chicken Noodle Salad."

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.

02
Hoanh Long Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant image 1

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.

Broth comes rich and flavorful with tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Noodles cook perfectly and service is lightning fast, making it easy to satisfy pho cravings quickly.

Salads feature papaya, mango and beef, and cold noodle Bun options. Noodle salads come out consistently perfect and delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The Pho broth here is legit rich and plentiful."

"I loved the mango and beef salad; it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be quite difficult after 7pm.

2

Metered parking is available on the side street along Lincoln Avenue.

3

Expect reasonable prices for the quality of food served.

03
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 bรกnh mรฌ 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.

Rice noodle salad offers a bright, fresh taste with a perfect crunch-to-noodle ratio. Lemongrass chicken noodle salad comes in a small portion and can be bland with cold chicken breast.

People are saying

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

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

"The rice noodle salad is bright, fresh, and has a perfect crunch."

Good to know

1

DePaul students get a discount.

2

The restaurant is handicap accessible.

3

The portions of the dishes are generous.

04
Cafe Hoang | Vietnamese & Thai image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

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.

Pho features a light, earthy broth with fresh spices. Options include Pho Ga (chicken) and meatball pho, served in generous portions at a fair price.

Salads feature dry vermicelli noodles with shrimp and chopped spring rolls, plus options like pork and chicken. The duck salad stands out as a notable choice.

People are saying

"I thought the pho here was very good and light."

"I found the Bun Bo Hue here to be the best I've had."

"I enjoyed the delicious pho and great salads."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street near the restaurant.

2

Prices are affordable, with generous portion sizes for most dishes.

3

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own drinks.

05
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.

Fresh herbs and garlicy papaya salad stand out, often served with rice crackers. The Lotus salad rates well and shrimp features in some salads, adding a tasty touch.

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 loved the fresh papaya salad with rice crackers."

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.

06
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.

Beef noodle salad comes in a large portion that can be shared. Noodle salads offer simple choices with 3 to 4 items each, and some versions have less meat than expected.

People are saying

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

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

"The rice bowls and noodle salads here are very tasty."

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.

07
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.

Ginger chicken salad stands out with fresh flavors and light dressing. Options include a variety of Vietnamese salads alongside sandwiches and noodle bowls.

People are saying

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

"The pho here is amazing and so flavorful."

"The salad ingredients here are always so fresh."

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.

08
Pasteur (formerly Simply Pasteur) image 1

Outdoor dining features a beautiful patio with comfortable seating and a classy ambiance that feels inviting and warm. The space balances cool indoor dining with a private, well-decorated open-air area. The atmosphere suits family-friendly gatherings but is not kid friendly.

Broth comes with options like beef, meatballs, or tofu. Prices range from about $19 to $22 for large bowls. Some orders include extras like curry shrimp alongside pho.

Mango salad stands out with fresh, vibrant flavors. Lunch specials include a small salad alongside other dishes and drinks.

People are saying

"The food here is unique, satisfying, and tasty."

"I wanted to eat the spring rolls daily until I die."

"I highly recommend the mango salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large events to ensure adequate space.

2

The restaurant is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

3

Lunch specials are available from Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 3 pm.

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