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HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.6
A modern Vietnamese dining room in Pilsen that leans into shareable plates and bold, fish-sauce-forward flavors rather than a pho-only playbook. The kitchen’s best hits land with real wok char and punchy herbs—order a tight spread of a few signatures and let the table eat family-style.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish sauce wings, Crab fried rice, Green papaya salad
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese small plates with signature wings and crab fried rice in a polished room.
Who should go: Date-night diners and groups who like sharing plates
When to visit: Weeknights early for the easiest table
What to order: Fish sauce wings, crab fried rice, papaya salad
Insider tip: Order wings first, then balance with a bright herb-heavy salad.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only on nearby Pilsen blocks; generally manageable on weeknights but can be competitive Friday–Saturday after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; nice jeans are fine, but many diners dress up for date night.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — energetic room with music and chatter, still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused restaurant, typically closed for lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward small plates and rice/noodle options, though not a full separate section.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but fish sauce and shrimp paste are common in the menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free dishes, but cross-contact and sauces mean it’s best to ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the stylish room, shareable plates, and lively energy make it engaging without feeling stiff, especially if you like ordering together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on early weeknights, but weekends are tough; showing up right at opening improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids — the menu is adventurous and the vibe skews adult; better for teens who enjoy bold flavors.
Best For
Better for: Modern, chef-driven Vietnamese cooking with shareable plates and a date-night atmosphere rather than traditional pho-house dining.
Skip if: You want quick, casual pho or banh mi, or need lots of vegan or kid-friendly options.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.6
A Pilsen dinner destination where the move is Vietnamese small plates built around Chef Thai Dang’s caramelized fish sauce wings—crackly skin, sticky-salty glaze, and real chili bite. Treat the wings as the anchor, then round it out with one seafood-forward plate and a rice dish so the meal stays balanced instead of all heat and sugar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Caramelized fish sauce chicken wings, Crab fried rice, Papaya salad
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Fish sauce wings executed like a signature dish, not a bar snack.
Who should go: Wing obsessives and date-night diners
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations
What to order: Fish sauce wings, crab fried rice, papaya salad
Insider tip: Order wings first—then pace the rest around them.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable early evening but tight after 6:30pm. Allow extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine, but this reads as a date-night restaurant rather than a bar.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is easy at two-tops, louder at peak hours and larger tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-driven small plates and rice dishes can anchor a meal.
Vegan options: Limited – a few items can work with modifications; best to ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but fish sauce and shared prep mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—this is one of Pilsen’s strongest first-date picks. The room feels special without being stiff, and the shareable format gives you something to talk about.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends are risky. Bar seating can work for smaller parties if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for younger kids. The menu leans spicy and seafood-forward, and the evening vibe is adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Vietnamese flavors, chef-driven small plates, and wings that feel like a signature dish rather than a side.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual wing stop or a budget-friendly meal—this is a paced, higher-ticket dinner experience.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.0
A Vietnamese kitchen with a weekend brunch that leans more chef-driven than all-day breakfast, with bold flavors and a share-plate rhythm. The win is to build your order around one standout savory dish and one lighter plate so the table doesn’t overload.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thai chicken wings, Crab fried rice, Grilled oysters
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A more chef-driven brunch with Vietnamese flavor intensity and shareable plates.
Who should go: Groups who want brunch beyond eggs
When to visit: Sunday brunch for the full menu
What to order: Wings, fried rice, oysters
Insider tip: Keep it to 2–3 plates for two people—portions stack quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in the surrounding Pilsen blocks; availability is limited during weekend brunch hours, so plan extra time or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine, but many guests dress it up slightly for brunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but it’s not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for brunch; expect 30–60 minutes during peak weekend brunch without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait during off-peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward and rice-based dishes work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—some dishes can be adapted, but options are not clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based dishes are available, but cross-contact is possible and substitutions are situational.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something more interesting than classic egg brunch—the share-plate format gives you something to talk about, though it’s livelier than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but weekend brunch fills quickly; walking in is easier right at opening or later in the service window.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who are open to bold flavors; there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews adult and social.
Best For
Better for: Flavor-driven, chef-led brunch plates and sharing dishes that feel closer to lunch than breakfast.
Skip if: You want a traditional eggs-and-pancakes brunch or a quiet, kid-centric dining room.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.3
A modern Vietnamese dining room built for share-plate ordering—punchy herbs, fish-sauce depth, and a confident bar program. The move is to anchor the table with their strongest “repeat order” hits (wings and fried rice), then add one seafood or vegetable plate for contrast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish sauce wings, Crab fried rice, Octopus salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Modern Vietnamese small plates that reliably hit on bold, herb-forward flavor.
Who should go: Groups sharing plates and cocktail-forward diners
When to visit: Early dinner for easier reservations
What to order: Fish sauce wings, crab fried rice, octopus salad
Insider tip: Order your full spread early—kitchen timing improves when you batch it.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in Pilsen; generally manageable earlier in the evening but can tighten after 6:30–7pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine, but many guests dress it up for date nights or group dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but the room has a noticeable buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily a dinner-focused destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward small plates and rice/noodle options work well.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and server guidance, but not the menu’s strength.
Gluten-free options: Many naturally gluten-free dishes (rice, seafood, vegetables), though fish sauce and shared fryers mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished but not stiff, with shareable plates that create an easy, social rhythm without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s unpredictable—early evening or off-peak nights are your best bet. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—there’s no kids menu and the pacing, spice, and cocktail focus skew adult. Best for teens who enjoy adventurous flavors.
Best For
Better for: Group-friendly modern Vietnamese with bold flavors, reliable share plates, and a strong cocktail program.
Skip if: You want traditional Vietnamese comfort food, ultra-quiet dining, or a strictly kid-oriented meal.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.4
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Modern Vietnamese small plates built around punchy herbs, fish-sauce depth, and a confident cocktail program. The most reliable play is to anchor the table with fish sauce wings and crab fried rice, then add one bright, seafood-leaning plate to keep the meal crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish sauce wings, Crab fried rice, Octopus salad
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Bold, herb-forward Vietnamese plates with a real bar program.
Who should go: Groups sharing plates and cocktail-first diners.
When to visit: Early dinner for easier reservations.
What to order: Fish sauce wings, crab fried rice, octopus salad.
Insider tip: Order the full spread early—timing improves in batches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding Pilsen blocks; availability varies and gets tighter after 6pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are common, but the room skews slightly dressy at night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at the table, but the room buzzes as it fills.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-driven small plates and sides work well as a full meal when combined.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering and modifications; not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes, but fish sauce and shared prep mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—stylish without feeling stiff, with shareable plates that give you something to talk about and a strong cocktail program to set the tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evening, but weekends are competitive—arrive early or expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited to adults and older kids who enjoy bold flavors; there’s no kids’ menu and the vibe is more night-out than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward Vietnamese dining with polished plating and a social, share-plate rhythm.
Skip if: You want traditional, soup-heavy Vietnamese fare or a quiet, budget-focused dinner.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.4
A polished Pilsen dining room with a real “night-out” feel, anchored by fish sauce depth, bright herbs, and grill-forward plates that reward ordering as a spread. It’s especially strong when you lean into their tasting-menu format or build your own sequence: wings for punch, a rice/noodle anchor for comfort, then one seafood or vegetable plate to keep everything sharp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish sauce wings, Crab fried rice, Grand Tasting Menu
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A Pilsen Vietnamese kitchen with an optional Grand Tasting Menu and fish-sauce-forward signature dishes.
Who should go: Date nights and cocktail-first groups sharing plates
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Fish sauce wings, crab fried rice, Grand Tasting Menu
Insider tip: Order as one paced batch—apps, anchor, then one bright finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on nearby residential blocks, but can get tight after 7pm on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but most diners treat it like a night-out spot.
Noise level: Moderate-lively; energetic but still workable for conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward and tofu-friendly plates; easier if ordering à la carte.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but fish sauce is a core flavor, so ask before committing.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some rice-based dishes work, but sauces and marinades may contain gluten; staff can guide.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished room, shareable plates, and a cocktail program that keeps things social without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends are risky without a booking, especially for prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—menu and pacing skew toward adults, with a lively bar-driven atmosphere better suited for teens and up.
Best For
Better for: Vietnamese flavors in a true date-night, tasting-menu-capable format with cocktails and polished service.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual pho or quick solo dining—simpler neighborhood Vietnamese spots will fit better.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.5
Modern Vietnamese cooking with a polished dining room and a kitchen you can watch work if you book the chef’s counter. The strongest meals follow a clear sequence—wings for punch, one rice/noodle anchor for comfort, then a bright seafood or vegetable plate to keep everything sharp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish sauce wings, Crab fried rice, Dumplings
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A chef’s-counter option in a Bib Gourmand Vietnamese spot built for sharing.
Who should go: Cocktail-first groups and anniversaries
When to visit: Early dinner before peak reservations
What to order: Fish sauce wings, crab fried rice, dumplings
Insider tip: Reserve the chef’s counter for the best view of the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered and residential spots nearby. Can be tight after 6pm—allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk, but it has a buzzy dining-room energy.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation is common.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this restaurant is primarily dinner service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-focused plates and rice/noodle options.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—best to ask the server for current vegan-friendly dishes.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes; cross-contact is possible, so flag it when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—polished without being stiff, with shareable plates that keep things interactive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends are much tougher without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning—better for teens than young kids; no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Vietnamese flavors in a true date-night setting, plus a chef’s counter for kitchen-watchers.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual pho-house vibes or a quick, kid-focused meal.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.7
A Pilsen Vietnamese dining room with a real happy-hour hook: strong cocktails, tight small plates, and wings that hit sticky-salty-sweet with caramelized fish sauce. This is the move when you want “bar energy” but the cooking still feels chef-driven and consistent across repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef Thai’s Crispy Chicken Wings (caramelized fish sauce), Papaya Salad (with beef jerky), House Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Caramelized fish-sauce wings that are the table’s automatic first order.
Who should go: Cocktail people who still care about food execution
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Crispy wings, papaya salad, fried rice
Insider tip: Order wings first—everything else can follow after the first round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 18th Street and nearby side streets; generally manageable early, tighter after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished for cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during happy hour and dinner—conversation is easy early, more energetic as the room fills.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; bar seating sometimes opens faster.
Weekday lunch: Not offered—this is primarily a dinner and happy hour spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and rice or vegetable-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some dishes can work, but wings and many sauces are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like cocktails and sharing plates—the energy feels lively without being chaotic, and the wings give you an easy opener.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays, especially if you arrive early for happy hour; weekends are tougher and reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this skews adult and cocktail-driven, best for teens at minimum and more comfortable for adults.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour wings with real culinary depth—stronger sauces, better balance, and more polished cocktails than typical bar-wing spots.
Skip if: You want cheap wings, a quiet meal, or a fully kid-friendly environment—this is more about energy and execution than value pricing.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
8.5
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A chef-driven Vietnamese dining room that still works for families when you want a nicer night out—attentive service, bold flavors, and dishes designed to share. The move is to start with wings or a cold dish, add one seafood or noodle centerpiece, and let the table pass plates family-style.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy wings, Grilled oysters, Fried rice
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Shareable Vietnamese small plates with fine-dining level polish.
Who should go: Families celebrating something small
When to visit: Early evening for smooth pacing
What to order: Wings, grilled oysters, fried rice
Insider tip: Put your full order in early—kitchen pacing is better that way.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 18th Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm on weekends, plan a few extra minutes.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate—lively room but still workable for table conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-focused and rice/noodle dishes work well.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications; best to ask server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; cross-contamination is possible, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a polished but not stuffy setting—service is attentive and the shareable menu helps break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends fill up fast—reservations are the safer move.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and family celebrations—no kids menu, but shareable dishes and attentive service make it manageable.
Best For
Better for: Families or groups who want chef-driven Vietnamese cooking with a refined, celebratory feel.
Skip if: You need ultra-casual dining, a fast meal, or a clearly defined kids menu.