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Hello Saigon
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Hello Saigon
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hello Saigon is a spacious Greenwich Village Vietnamese restaurant known for southern-style pho, bun bo Hue, and a long menu of familiar classics served with beer, wine, and sake. Thousands of recent reviews highlight its clean, comforting broths and relaxed, linger-friendly dining room just off the NYU bar corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Hello Saigon, Bun Bo Hue, Crispy Pork Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Casual, sit-down Vietnamese with roomy seating and southern-leaning pho near NYU.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting relaxed Vietnamese close to campus.
When to visit: Chilly evenings or rainy days when a big bowl of pho helps most.
What to order: Pho Hello Saigon, bun bo Hue, crispy pork spring rolls.
Insider tip: Portions are large; split appetizers or upgrade to a large pho to share if you’re snacking around the Village.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along LaGuardia Place and West Houston; expect meter scarcity during evenings. No valet, but nearby garages on Mercer and Thompson typically have paid availability.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are. Most diners wear jeans and sweaters or everyday campus-friendly outfits.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait longer during peak NYU rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak 12:30–1:30pm class breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — tofu pho, vegetarian spring rolls, and vegetable stir-fries are reliable standbys.
Vegan options: Moderate — a few dishes like vegan pho and simple rice/noodle plates can be customized; confirm broth ingredients when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Several rice noodle and rice plate dishes naturally fit; pho is typically safe, but verify sauce additions and fried items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a relaxed, no-pressure meal with comforting pho and shareable starters. It’s warm and easygoing rather than romantic or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes. The dining room is larger than most Village spots, and walk-ins are common. Peak weekend dinners may require a short wait, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious tables, mild broths, and straightforward rice and noodle dishes make it suitable for school-age kids. High chairs are often available, though infants and strollers may require aisle seating.
Best For
Better for: Roomy seating, consistently clean broths, and group-friendly service make it stronger for casual gatherings than smaller, faster-turnover Vietnamese spots nearby.
Skip if: You want hyper-regional dishes, ultra-traditional pricing, or a trend-driven setting — other Village venues may better suit those needs.
Hello Saigon
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hello Saigon is a roomy Bleecker Street Vietnamese restaurant where pho and bun bo Hue share space with a long list of classics at still-manageable West Village prices. It’s a go-to for locals chasing darker, more aromatic broths and bigger menus than the tighter MacDougal spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special Pho (Pho Dac Biet), Beef Brisket Pho (Nam), Bun Bo Hue
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A larger, sit-down Vietnamese spot where the pho lineup and spicy soups draw both students and longtime Village regulars.
Who should go: Groups wanting roomy seating and a bigger Vietnamese menu.
When to visit: Early dinners or late lunches when Bleecker is calmer.
What to order: House Special Pho, beef brisket pho, bun bo Hue with a side of shrimp summer rolls.
Insider tip: If you like richer broths, ask for extra herbs and lime and build your bowl up tableside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Bleecker is limited; metered spots open up more after 7pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; everyday jeans and sweaters are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection including tofu pho, vegetarian spring rolls, and rice and noodle dishes.
Vegan options: A handful of vegan-friendly options; broths are typically not vegan, so confirm when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Pho and many rice-based dishes can be made gluten-friendly; communicate clearly to avoid soy sauce–based marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you prefer a relaxed, low-pressure setting with comforting food; less ideal for a quiet, intimate night since the room can get lively.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes — it’s a roomy space with steady turnover. Expect short waits at peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Spacious seating, mild broth options, and quick service make it suitable for families with kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Roomier seating, broader Vietnamese menu, and deeper, more aromatic broths than the tighter MacDougal Street pho shops.
Skip if: You want ultra-fast counter service, minimalist menus, or the cheapest possible pho portions nearby.