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Mai’s Vietnamese Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Mai’s Vietnamese Restaurant
7.9
Neighborhood classic pouring straightforward beef and chicken phở alongside bun bò huế and rice plates. Portions are hearty, pricing is friendly, and service is brisk.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Phở, Phở Gà, Bún Bò Huế
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big bowls at wallet-friendly prices with a classic menu.
Who should go: Students and value hunters
When to visit: Lunch hour for the hottest, quickest bowls
What to order: Regular beef phở; chicken phở; bun bò huế
Insider tip: Ask for a side of chili oil to boost mid-bowl flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and 22nd Ave; typically open midafternoon but fills up during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and hoodies are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation-friendly at lunch, a bit louder during weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, especially rainy evenings.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu phở, vegetarian spring rolls, and stir-fried vegetables available.
Vegan options: Limited – can request vegetable broth and skip fish sauce; 2–3 adaptable options.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes – phở noodles are rice-based, but check sauces for soy and hoisin traces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than formal dates—fast service and tight seating make it ideal for easygoing conversation, not candlelight ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Evenings can get full, but turnover is quick, so waits rarely exceed 20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family regulars are common. High chairs are available, and mild broth options work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, affordable portions and quick turnaround make it superior for weekday lunches or budget-friendly phở cravings.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined ambiance or creative fusion—opt for Le Soleil or Turtle Tower instead.