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5ive Spice
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
5ive Spice
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Girls Night Out Approved
Instagram Worthy Wonders
5ive Spice’s Nolita outpost blends slow-simmered pho, banh mi, and shaking beef with its signature bánh xèo tacos in a compact, buzzy setting. High multi-platform ratings and steady crowds point to reliable execution, especially for the broths and short rib dishes, even if prices run higher than a traditional hole-in-the-wall.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Short Rib Bánh Xèo Tacos, Classic Pho Noodle Soup, Short Rib Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Modern Nolita Vietnamese with standout bánh xèo tacos and richly built pho.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting creative Vietnamese and a lively scene.
When to visit: Weeknights or late lunch for shorter waits and more elbow room.
What to order: Braised short rib bánh xèo tacos, classic pho, short rib banh mi.
Insider tip: Check the cocktail list and daily specials; they often spotlight limited-run dishes and drinks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nolita; expect difficulty after 5pm. Nearest paid garages are on Lafayette St. and Bowery.
Dress code: Casual to trendy-casual; most diners lean stylish given the Nolita location, but jeans and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak hours; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for small groups; longer for 4+ during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though the dining room stays consistently active.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several solid options including tofu pho and veggie-focused bowls; substitutions are generally flexible.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—ask for modifications on rice bowls, spring rolls, and certain banh mi.
Gluten-free options: Pho and many rice-based dishes can be prepared gluten-free; banh mi and tacos are not suitable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, lively dates—its upbeat energy and creative dishes make it fun, though the tight space and higher noise may not suit a quieter, more intimate first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in friendly. Arrive slightly off-peak (late lunch, early evening) to avoid lines and secure seats faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy Vietnamese flavors. Space is tight, there’s no stroller parking, and no dedicated children’s menu.
Best For
Better for: Creative Vietnamese plates—especially the bánh xèo tacos—and polished execution in a trend-conscious setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, large-group seating, or traditional Vietnamese pricing; the room is compact and the vibe skews busy.
5ive Spice
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Instagram Worthy Wonders
5ive Spice’s Nolita outpost takes a modern, mash-up approach to Vietnamese, pairing 12-hour pho with banh xeo tacos and banh mi in a compact, design-forward space. It’s less traditional than the Village stalwarts, but strong flavors and flexible formats make it a useful pho-and-more option for nearby offices and shoppers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Pho Noodle Soup, Banh Xeo Shrimp & Pork Tacos, Shaking Beef Vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A contemporary Nolita Vietnamese spot where pho, banh mi, and banh xeo tacos share the menu in a casual, fast-moving setting.
Who should go: Dinosaurs seeking pho plus playful Vietnamese fusion near Soho.
When to visit: Lunch or early evening for quicker counter service and easier seating.
What to order: Classic pho noodle soup, banh xeo shrimp and pork tacos, shaking beef vermicelli.
Insider tip: If you’re sharing, build a spread of tacos, one pho, and a vermicelli bowl so everyone can taste both the traditional and the fusion side of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Nolita; rely on nearby paid garages along Lafayette and Bowery.
Dress code: Casual and trend-conscious; athleisure and denim are common, but the design-forward space suits slightly polished streetwear.
Noise level: Moderate—lively playlist and steady chatter, but still workable for conversation at close range.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak shopping hours; faster turnover later in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, though the counter line can swell briefly at peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetarian pho, tofu banh mi, and veggie vermicelli bowls appear regularly.
Vegan options: Limited but viable—look for tofu-focused bowls and salads; some items require modification.
Gluten-free options: Partial availability—pho and vermicelli bowls can work, but tacos and banh mi are not GF; cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates—the space is upbeat and stylish, but counter service and tight seating make it less ideal for a long, intimate evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arrive slightly off-peak (e.g., 11:45am or 6pm) for the best chance at immediate seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy noodles and tacos; the compact space and quick service are less ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: More playful Vietnamese fusion and faster service than traditional pho houses, with photogenic dishes that appeal to casual groups and social-media-minded diners.
Skip if: You want a slow, traditional pho experience with deeper broth focus or prefer quieter, sit-down dining—Village stalwarts like Saigon Shack or Hello Saigon may suit better.
5ive Spice
8.2
5ive Spice’s Nolita location blends Vietnamese flavors with tacos, serving bánh xèo tacos, pho, and banh mi in a casual, always-busy room just off Prince Street. It’s more about reliable, filling plates than destination cooking, but the tacos and sandwiches are strong value for the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bánh xèo steak tacos, Lemongrass chicken bánh mì, Pho bo noodle soup
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Vietnamese spot where bánh xèo tacos share billing with pho and banh mi.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting lighter tacos, pho, and banh mi.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner before peak Nolita traffic.
What to order: Bánh xèo tacos, lemongrass chicken bánh mì, classic pho.
Insider tip: Pair tacos with a vermicelli bowl to split and stretch value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nolita; expect metered spots to be scarce during meal peaks. Nearest reliable option is nearby paid garages along Prince and Lafayette.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; office-casual attire fits in during weekday lunch hours.
Noise level: Moderate—busy at peak times but generally easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during prime hours, though turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, even during rush, thanks to fast-casual service flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options including tofu bánh mì, vegetable pho, and veg-forward tacos.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—look for tofu or vegetable-based bowls and request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes like pho and certain bowls can be made gluten-free; tacos depend on tortilla choice. No separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual first date if you want something quick, affordable, and flavorful, but not ideal if you’re aiming for ambiance or a long sit-down meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with steady turnover; tables open up regularly even during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Good for older kids who enjoy noodles, tacos, or mild Vietnamese flavors; no dedicated kids’ menu and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Lighter, Vietnamese-accented tacos and bowls at a solid value compared to more traditional or heavier taco spots nearby.
Skip if: You want purely Mexican-style tacos, a quieter dining room, or a more atmospheric sit-down experience.
5ive Spice
8.3
5ive Spice brings Vietnamese banh mi, pho, and bánh xèo tacos to a casual Nolita corner with fast-casual service. Banh mi come on crisp, sturdy bread with balanced fillings that lean more polished than your average corner-shop sandwich.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Vietnamese Banh Mi, Brisket Banh Mi, Bánh Xèo Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vietnamese spot where banh mi and bánh xèo tacos headline the menu.
Who should go: Casual diners wanting Vietnamese sandwiches and quick rice bowls.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evenings before dinner rush.
What to order: Classic Banh Mi, Brisket Banh Mi, Bánh Xèo tacos flight.
Insider tip: Pair a banh mi with shared tacos instead of committing to a giant entree.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Elizabeth and Kenmare; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. No valet or garage partnerships nearby.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Most diners wear everyday streetwear or light weekend attire.
Noise level: Moderate; counter-service bustle means you can converse easily but it’s not quiet.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, mostly for takeaway congestion rather than seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lines may form briefly around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like tofu banh mi, veggie rice bowls, and sides can form a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable tofu banh mi without mayo is the primary option; confirm sauces at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Some rice bowls work, but banh mi bread is not gluten-free and there’s no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual, low-pressure meetup than a formal date. Fast-casual ordering and tight seating make it relaxed but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Tables turn quickly, and many guests take food to go, freeing up seats regularly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy Vietnamese flavors. Space is tight for strollers, and there are no high chairs, so toddlers may find it challenging.
Best For
Better for: Polished, flavor-balanced banh mi and quick-service Vietnamese plates in a central Nolita location.
Skip if: You want a full-service Vietnamese restaurant, quiet dining room, or extensive gluten-free selection.