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Xe May Sandwich Shop

96 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
$
Vietnamese
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Master Critic Review

Xe May Sandwich Shop 7.8
East Village
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries Comfort Food Classics
A banh mi-first counter built for quick, craveable sandwiches with punchy pickles and heat. It’s best when you treat it like a single-item stop—choose one signature sandwich, keep the add-ons minimal, and eat it while the bread still has snap.
Must-Try Dishes: Classic-style banh mi, Pork-focused banh mi, Spicy chicken banh mi
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Banh mi built for speed with bright pickles and real crunch.
Who should go: Sandwich people chasing a fast, savory lunch.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon for the shortest line.
What to order: Classic banh mi, pork banh mi, spicy chicken banh mi.
Insider tip: Pick one sandwich style per person—mixing too many blurs what makes each shine.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and competitive in the East Village, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — anything from jeans to athleisure fits the counter-service vibe.
Noise level: Low — mostly order-and-go with minimal ambient noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu-based banh mi and veggie-forward builds are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with tofu and no mayo; confirm sauces when ordering.
Gluten-free options: No — banh mi is bread-centric with no gluten-free substitute.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date — better as a quick daytime bite or casual food stop before doing something else nearby.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s little to no table service — expect counter ordering and limited seating, or plan to take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sandwiches; best for quick meals rather than lingering with young children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable banh mi with crisp bread and bold pickled flavors — ideal when speed, price, and crunch matter most.
Skip if: You’re looking for pho, a sit-down Vietnamese meal, or gluten-free-friendly options.