0 Followers
Hoi An 1608 Vietnamese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hoi An 1608 Vietnamese Restaurant
8.4
Polk Street Vietnamese spot serving polished bowls alongside a fuller menu and cocktails. Pho arrives with quality beef and aromatics, making it a comfortable sit-down option for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho steak (ribeye & sirloin), Pho gà with bok choy, Bún bò Huế
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Refined pho program with upgraded cuts and a full bar.
Who should go: Friends who want pho and a sit-down meal
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm for easiest seating
What to order: Ribeye pho; chicken pho; bún bò Huế
Insider tip: Share an appetizer first—the bowls are sizable and arrive hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Polk and side streets; fills up quickly after 6 pm, so expect to circle or use nearby paid garages within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are common, but some guests lean dressy given the cocktails and polished setting.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy at smaller tables, though peak hours bring more background buzz from groups.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables open quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pho and rice plate options can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 customizable dishes, though broths are primarily meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho with rice noodles works for most gluten-sensitive diners, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—upgraded cocktails, stylish atmosphere, and quality pho make it feel more polished than casual noodle shops, while still relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on weekdays, but on weekends or peak dinner hours a reservation is strongly advised to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—booth seating and rice dishes work well, but the vibe is more adult-oriented with a full bar; not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: A sit-down pho experience with cocktails and a wider Vietnamese menu—ideal for groups or date nights.
Skip if: You want a quick, budget pho fix; smaller counter-service spots nearby will be faster and cheaper.
Hoi An 1608 Vietnamese Restaurant
8.1
Modern, family-owned spot (since 2021) highlighting central-Vietnam flavors with Hanoi vermicelli, spicy beef noodle soup, and wok-fried garlic noodles. A tidy room and longer menu make it a polished neighborhood option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún chả Hà Nội (Hanoi vermicelli), Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), Wok-fried lemongrass chicken with garlic noodles
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Central-Vietnam specialties alongside crowd-pleasing noodles and rice plates.
Who should go: Friends craving variety beyond pho
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for easiest seating
What to order: Bún chả Hà Nội; bún bò Huế; garlic noodles
Insider tip: Ask for the Hoi An bowls if you want lighter, herb-forward flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; can be tight after 6pm—look on Polk or nearby side streets.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; neat jeans and shirts are fine.
Noise level: Moderate—tables are close but you can carry a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins fine.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several noodle and rice dishes can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes possible if you ask to omit fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some rice noodle soups and vermicelli bowls are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for casual but polished. The setting is tidy and modern, though not overly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Most weeknights you can walk in, but on weekends it’s safer to book ahead or arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle noodle soups and chopsticks; no special kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Central-Vietnamese flavors and variety beyond pho, with polished plating in a comfortable setting.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap eats or a super fast takeout—this is a sit-down meal with a fuller menu.