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Chateau Lemongrass
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chateau Lemongrass
7.7
Chateau Lemongrass offers classic Vietnamese comfort fare like pho and bun, plus crisp garlic wings that have built a devoted following. Locals return for reliable flavors, generous portions, and friendly family-run energy in an easygoing setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Dac Biet, Crispy Garlic Wings, Bun Thit Nuong
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Beloved for their crunchy chicken wings alongside Vietnamese staples.
Who should go: Families, wing fans, casual group diners
When to visit: Weekend lunches and early dinners get lively
What to order: Pho dac biet, garlic wings, fresh rolls
Insider tip: Request extra dipping sauce for the wings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available along Eagle Rock Boulevard, with some free neighborhood spots nearby. It can get tight during peak meal times, so allow extra time to park.
Dress code: Casual attire is welcome—jeans and tees are standard, but neat appearance appreciated for group outings.
Noise level: Casual, lively atmosphere—conversations are easy with friends, but it can get moderately noisy during big family meals.
Weekend wait: Plan for a 20-35 minute wait during peak dinner hours, especially for groups larger than four.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; tables are often available right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian choices like tofu pho, fresh rolls, and lemongrass tofu bowls.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2-3 vegan options, mainly in the vermicelli and fresh roll sections.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes, especially pho and rice noodle bowls, but cross-contamination is possible; best to specify needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Comfortable for casual, low-pressure dates, but keep in mind the bustling vibe and family focus—it’s better for those valuing comfort food over privacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are standard and usually fine for parties under six, but arrive early for weekend dinners to minimize waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, staff are welcoming to families, and the roomy tables suit little ones; best for ages 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Nailing crispy garlic wings, reliable portions of pho and bun, and a welcoming, lived-in ambience perfect for group meals.
Skip if: Looking for trendy interiors, chef-driven innovation, or a full vegan menu—consider other options if prioritizing modern aesthetics or specialty diets.
Chateau Lemongrass
7.8
Chateau Lemongrass serves reliably tasty, generously portioned pho and Vietnamese comfort fare in a no-frills space that draws a steady neighborhood following. Standouts include their meat-laden All Meat Pho and affordable, crispy egg rolls; gluten-free and vegetarian options boost its accessibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
All Meat Pho (Pho Dac Biet), Lemongrass Chicken, Vegetarian Pho
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Exceptional value and stellar portions for budget-friendly phở.
Who should go: Students, solo diners, frugal foodies
When to visit: Lunch or casual dinner–expect short waits at peak
What to order: Pho Dac Biet, Lemongrass Chicken, Vegetarian Pho
Insider tip: Pair egg rolls with their signature carrot sauce.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available, especially midday, but can be competitive during peak evening hours due to the busy Eagle Rock stretch. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual attire is perfectly acceptable. Most diners opt for jeans, tees, or basic daywear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—table conversations are easy even during dinner rush, with some ambient chatter from regulars.
Weekend wait: Usually a 10-20 minute wait during the peak hours around 6-8pm, but solo diners are often seated faster.
Weekday lunch: Rarely any wait; walk-ins usually seated promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there is a dedicated vegetarian pho and customizable tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly the vegetarian pho minus egg, plus fresh rolls. Confirm ingredients with staff for stricter needs.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho broth is traditionally gluten-free, rice noodles are standard, and several appetizers qualify. Always verify sauces and prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s comfortable and affordable, best for casual, low-pressure meetups, but not ideal for romantic ambiance; expect friendly neighborhood energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. There are no reservations, and you’ll nearly always find a spot except at the busiest weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—highchairs are available, staff are welcoming, and the menu is mild enough for most ages. Best for families with kids above toddler age due to the informal space.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, lower prices, and reliably tasty comfort classics set this apart from pricier pho spots in Highland Park or Pasadena.
Skip if: If you want artisanal ambiance, craft cocktails, or chef-driven fusion, nearby competitors like Pho 79 or Little Tokyo Bistro may be a better fit.