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Saigon Café
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Saigon Café
7.8
Downtown standby serving classic Northern-leaning beef pho with a richer, beefier broth and straightforward service. It’s a reliable, budget-friendly choice near First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Phở tái (rare steak), Gỏi cuốn (shrimp & pork rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic beef-forward broth with generous portions at lower prices.
Who should go: Value-minded pho traditionalists
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3:00pm for quickest seating
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; phở tái; gỏi cuốn
Insider tip: Request extra broth if you like it soupier—the kitchen is accommodating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot directly behind the building and metered street parking along First Street; easiest midday or after 6pm when turnover is high.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, T-shirts, and workwear are all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly except during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for small parties; larger groups may wait 20–30 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except right at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu stir-fry options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable pho without broth base can be made on request, but not many add-ons.
Gluten-free options: Mostly safe—rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce use is minimal but confirm if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates—simple setting and quick service keep it low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; reservations aren’t taken or needed for small groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths fit families, staff are accommodating with kids, and portions can be split easily.
Best For
Better for: Generous portion sizes and consistently hot, beefy broth make it a go-to for affordable, filling pho downtown.
Skip if: You’re seeking a modern or customizable pho bar—this is a traditional setup focused on speed and value.
Saigon Café
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Old-school Vietnamese spot in the heart of downtown turning out pho, vermicelli plates, and rice dishes with friendly, efficient service. Locals use it for dependable bowls and sit-down meals right off First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet, Bun Thit Nuong, Goi Cuon (Shrimp Spring Rolls)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Downtown staple for classic pho and vermicelli plates.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting a reliable sit-down meal
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm to avoid peak
What to order: Pho dac biet; grilled pork vermicelli; shrimp spring rolls
Insider tip: Parking is easier on 2nd/3rd Street a block away.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along First, Second, and Third Streets, with additional free public lots within a 2-minute walk. It’s easiest after 6:30pm when nearby offices clear out.
Dress code: Casual. Locals come in jeans and polos; no need to dress up unless coming from work.
Noise level: Moderate – you can hold a conversation comfortably even when busy, though lunch rush gets lively.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak 6–7:30pm hours, often faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except Fridays around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu and vegetable pho, vermicelli, and stir-fry dishes are available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegetable pho and rice plate options can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – rice noodles and rice plates are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce not always GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance but great for casual comfort – good lighting, friendly service, and conversation-friendly tables make it better for relaxed meetups than formal dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they don’t take reservations, but turnover is quick and you’ll rarely wait more than 20 minutes even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – high chairs are available, staff is welcoming to families, and portions work well for sharing with kids 6 and up.
Best For
Better for: Consistent pho, generous portions, and friendly staff make it better for families and regular downtown lunches than trendier Vietnamese spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking elevated presentation, cocktails, or fusion-style Vietnamese; head elsewhere for upscale dining.