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Ly's Vietnamese Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Ly's Vietnamese Cuisine
8.1
Neighborhood Vietnamese standby in the Marina serving straightforward bowls of pho, garlic noodles, and grilled meats with speedy, friendly service. It’s a low-key room where locals warm up with rich broths and share imperial rolls before a stroll along Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Combo Pho, Five-Spice Chicken Garlic Noodles, Imperial Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Comfort-first pho and garlic noodles made fast and reliably.
Who should go: Marina locals craving hearty Vietnamese classics
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7 pm for quicker tables and pacing
What to order: Beef combo pho; five-spice chicken noodles; imperial rolls
Insider tip: Ask for beef satay broth if you like a spicier, richer pho.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Lombard and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm but manageable before dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; locals drop in wearing jeans, hoodies, or workout clothes post–Crissy Field stroll.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to chat across the table, even during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for two during prime time; faster for solo diners.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady flow of takeout orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu pho, vegetarian garlic noodles, and vegetable spring rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify tofu pho or rolls by omitting fish sauce; staff are accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Yes – rice noodles and many rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce not always GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates comfort over polish—it's cozy, casual, and better for relaxed conversation than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only; even during peak dinner hours, turnover is quick, and solo or duo tables open frequently.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—highchairs available, quick service, and mild broth dishes make it great for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, home-style pho and friendly service in a no-fuss setting; ideal for locals craving warmth and speed.
Skip if: You’re seeking a modern or design-forward Vietnamese dining experience—this is a classic, not a concept spot.
Ly's Vietnamese Cuisine
8.1
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood stalwart for steaming bowls of phở, grilled pork vermicelli, and fresh rolls at fair prices. Locals hit it for reliable execution, generous portions, and no-frills comfort on Lombard.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (beef combo), Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork vermicelli), Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Classic phở house flavors with dependable portions on Lombard.
Who should go: Phở fans craving consistent, affordable bowls
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for shortest waits
What to order: Phở đặc biệt, grilled pork vermicelli, fresh spring rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and a side of chili oil for punch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Lombard and nearby residential blocks is metered and competitive during dinner hours; best luck on side streets after 7pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies and jeans are the norm; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady conversation possible even during peak meal times.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak; quick turnover keeps lines moving.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; tables available immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian phở, tofu vermicelli, and fresh rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some noodle dishes by omitting fish sauce or meat toppings.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—rice noodles and broths are gluten-free, but soy sauce is not; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values comfort over ambiance—it's more cozy and casual than romantic, great for an easygoing meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Even on weekends, turnover is fast enough that you’ll rarely wait more than 20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, staff are accommodating, and the mild soups and rice plates work well for kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Hearty phở and vermicelli dishes served quickly and affordably without the chaos of trendier spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails or stylish ambiance—this is a straight-up comfort food joint.
Ly's Vietnamese Cuisine
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Marina District standby serving clean, fragrant bowls of beef and chicken pho alongside fresh rolls and rice plates. Locals use it for a reliable, no-fuss pho fix with fast service before or after neighborhood errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rare Steak & Brisket Pho (pho tái nạm), Chicken Pho (pho gà), Shrimp Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Straightforward, well-balanced broths with quick, friendly counter service.
Who should go: Pho traditionalists and busy weeknight diners
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1 or late after 8 for quickest seating
What to order: Rare steak & brisket pho; chicken pho; shrimp spring rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime wedges for a brighter bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—manageable before 6pm, but fills quickly during dinner hours. No valet or lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—neighborhood attire like jeans and sweaters fits perfectly.
Noise level: Moderate—steady conversation hum but still easy to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes typical; tables turn quickly due to efficient service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable pho can be made vegan on request (no broth base).
Gluten-free options: Partially—rice noodles and most pho options are gluten-free, but soy sauces may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic first dates—clean, well-lit, and low-stress but more functional than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard, and service moves quickly even during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families, and portions suit sharing. No high chairs, but small tables accommodate kids comfortably.
Best For
Better for: A quick, consistent pho fix with clean flavors and friendly service—ideal for weekday lunches or solo comfort meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance or craft cocktails—this is a neighborhood pho spot, not a date-night destination.
Ly's Vietnamese Cuisine
8.2
Neighborhood Vietnamese staple in the Marina serving clean, balanced pho, garlicky noodles, and reliable rice and vermicelli plates. Locals use it for quick, comforting bowls with friendly, no-fuss service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai with fresh herbs, Garlic Noodles with Five-Spice Chicken, Grilled Pork Vermicelli (bun thit nuong)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Well-executed pho and classics at fair prices in the Marina.
Who should go: Pho lovers and casual weeknight diners
When to visit: Late lunch 2–4pm or early dinner before 6
What to order: Pho tai; garlic noodles + five-spice chicken; spring rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten a lighter broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Chestnut and nearby side streets; easier before 6pm but can fill fast during dinner rush. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, or light jackets are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation even when busy.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes typical wait; quick turnover keeps lines manageable.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple noodle and rice dishes can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes without fish sauce, but staff can adapt some items.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho and rice-based dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual comfort food—laid-back setting and quick service, not a romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; tables turn fast and you’ll rarely wait long.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, staff are accommodating, and portions work well for sharing.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, balanced pho and value-focused plates in a calm Marina setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for trendy cocktails or modern Vietnamese fusion—this is traditional and low-key.