Skip to main content
0 Followers

Free analytics & customer insights

Pasteur

5525 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
$$
Vietnamese, French

Vibe Check this spot

Rate this spot and tag the vibes that fit

Log In to Add Vibe Check

Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)

Pasteur 8.3
Edgewater
A polished Vietnamese-leaning dinner spot that works best as a paced, shareable meal rather than a maximalist order. Start with one starter and a bright salad, then pick one main that shows off the kitchen’s sauces and herbs.
Must-Try Dishes: Pho, Shaking beef (bo luc lac), Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon)
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8.6 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Vietnamese flavors in a date-night-ready room with a cocktail-friendly rhythm.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups sharing plates
When to visit: Dinner when you can pace courses
What to order: Shaking beef, pho, spring rolls
Insider tip: Order in waves—starter first, then one main, then decide.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Broadway and nearby side streets; availability drops during peak dinner hours, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but the room skews polished and night-out ready.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but still workable for conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on time and group size.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is less crowded than dinner; waits are typically minimal or nonexistent.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward starters, salads, and some mains can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and substitutions; best to confirm specifics with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes are available, but cross-contact is possible; communicate clearly with your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished atmosphere, shareable plates, and controlled pacing make it easy to talk and avoid awkward over-ordering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are competitive—reservations are strongly recommended for prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented; older kids who can handle a longer, paced meal will be fine, but it’s not designed as a family-first spot.
Best For
Better for: Date-night Vietnamese with cocktails, refined plating, and a modern dining-room feel rather than quick pho-house energy.
Skip if: You want fast, casual bowls or maximum value—simpler, pho-focused spots will feel more efficient and budget-friendly.
Pasteur 8.2
Edgewater
A Vietnamese restaurant with a French-colonial tilt—cocktail-friendly, softly upscale, and strongest when you pace the meal like a modern bistro. The kitchen shines most when you anchor with one richer main and keep the rest bright and snacky.
Must-Try Dishes: Claypot ginger chicken, Dumplings, Saigon crepe
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Vietnamese cooking framed in a French-colonial, cocktail-ready room.
Who should go: Date nights and small groups sharing plates
When to visit: Dinner for the full ambiance and menu range
What to order: Claypot ginger chicken, dumplings, Saigon crepe
Insider tip: Order in waves: starter first, then one main, then decide.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on Broadway and nearby side streets; availability tightens after 6pm, no dedicated valet.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but the room feels best with a polished look.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but controlled, easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; occasional short pause during peak noon hour
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and at least one satisfying main
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and small-plate focus
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes available; ask server for guidance
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the lighting, cocktails, and shareable pacing make it feel intentional without being stiff, ideal for conversation and splitting plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—early evenings or later-night arrivals work best; peak Friday and Saturday dinner hours are much tougher without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—while kids aren’t unwelcome, the menu, pacing, and cocktail-forward vibe skew adult and date-night focused.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails plus Vietnamese flavors in a polished, bistro-like setting with strong atmosphere control.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional Vietnamese cooking, large portions for sharing, or a casual, family-style dining room.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 10pm
Saturday4pm - 10pm
Sunday4pm - 10pm