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Hanco's
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Hanco's
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Hanco's on Smith Street is a long-running Vietnamese counter where banh mi and steaming bowls of pho anchor a fast-casual menu. People in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill rely on it for quick, budget-friendly bowls that are easy to grab between errands or on low-key nights in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Pho, Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Summer Rolls with peanut hoisin sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Long-running Vietnamese counter known for quick, affordable banh mi and pho.
Who should go: Neighborhood regulars needing fast, filling pho and sandwiches.
When to visit: Lunch rush or early dinner before lines build up.
What to order: Beef pho, grilled pork banh mi, summer rolls with peanut sauce.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during peak hours to minimize counter waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Smith Street and nearby residential blocks; generally manageable midday, tighter after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; everyday wear is completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours, but still easy enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during prime hours, especially for takeout pickups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but fast-moving counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including tofu pho, tofu banh mi, and vegetarian summer rolls.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—ask for tofu dishes without mayo or fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Pho can be a gluten-friendly choice; banh mi is not. No dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date unless you want something extremely casual. It’s more of a quick, affordable neighborhood stop than a sit-down destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Hanco’s doesn’t take reservations and operates counter-style. Seating is generally available except during peak lunch or early dinner rushes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual meals. Simple menu options, fast service, and a low-key environment make it workable for families with kids of any age.
Best For
Better for: Speed, affordability, consistent banh mi, and dependable pho when you need something quick and filling.
Skip if: You want a deeper broth experience, a polished dining room, or a place suited for date night or longer meals—other Vietnamese spots nearby offer more atmosphere and range.