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Banh Mi King
$ · Vietnamese, Pho

180 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 644-0893
Closed
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Pho in San Francisco Best Hidden Gems Vietnamese in San Francisco

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Banh Mi King 8.0
Financial District
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Business Lunch Power Players Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Compact counter-service spot in the Transbay/Rincon corridor serving straightforward pho alongside banh mi. Broth leans clean and comforting, portions are solid for the price, and it’s efficient for office-day lunches.
Must-Try Dishes: Pho Beef Noodles, Pho Chicken Noodles, Pork Belly Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Affordable pho in a fast, downtown-friendly format.
Who should go: Office workers needing a quick, hearty bowl
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:30 for fastest service
What to order: Pho Beef; Pho Chicken; Pork Belly Banh Mi
Insider tip: Order ahead online to skip the midday line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Folsom and Main; easiest to use nearby paid garages at 201 Mission or 199 Fremont.
Dress code: Casual—office attire, jeans, and sneakers all fine for quick lunches.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush with open kitchen sounds, quiet outside peak hours.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner; daytime only service.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at peak, faster for online orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu banh mi available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetarian pho can be made vegan upon request, but check broth base.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are gluten-free, but cross-contact possible in prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a counter-service lunch spot than a sit-down setting for conversation or ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted or needed; grab a seat or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with quick dining; no high chairs or booster seats provided.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than sit-down pho spots nearby; ideal for weekday office crowds.
Skip if: You’re seeking a leisurely meal with ambiance or evening dining—head to Lao Table or Perilla instead.

Hours

Monday10am - 5pm
Tuesday10am - 5pm
Wednesday10am - 5pm
Thursday10am - 5pm
Friday10am - 5pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed