Hanco's
ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Pho in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Hanco's
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hanco's on Smith Street is the long-running Vietnamese counter that anchors banh mi and pho cravings for Cobble Hill and Downtown Brooklyn. Since the mid-2000s it’s been the default move for quick lunches, takeout dinners and bubble tea at prices that still feel friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic grilled pork banh mi, Beef pho, Shrimp summer rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neighborhood Vietnamese staple serving banh mi, pho and bubble tea since the mid-2000s.
Who should go: Anyone craving quick, affordable banh mi or pho.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners for fastest turnaround.
What to order: Grilled pork banh mi, beef pho, shrimp summer rolls.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during courthouse and office lunch rush to skip the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street is limited; expect metered spots and residential blocks that open up more in the evenings.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; most guests stop in during errands, lunch breaks or neighborhood walks.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch and early dinner; still manageable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during the early evening rush, especially for takeout pickups.
Weekday lunch: A brief line during courthouse and office lunch hours, typically moving within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu banh mi, tofu pho and multiple veggie-friendly rolls and noodle bowls.
Vegan options: Moderate — tofu dishes and vegetable rolls work, though some sauces may contain fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited — pho and rice dishes avoid wheat, but banh mi and many sauces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates; it’s quick, low-pressure and dependable, but not designed for lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with open seating; tables turn quickly, though peak lunch may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — fast service, mild pho options and casual seating make it easy for families; strollers fit best during off-peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, fast Vietnamese staples at friendly prices — ideal for everyday banh mi, pho and takeout runs.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Vietnamese dinner with cocktails, polished ambiance or a broader regional menu.