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Little Green Cyclo (Food Truck at SPARK Social)
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Little Green Cyclo (Food Truck at SPARK Social)
8.1
Women-owned Vietnamese truck known for garlic noodles, bánh mì, and rice boxes, appearing regularly at SPARK Social’s Mission Bay park. Expect fast counter service and rotating specials; check the day’s lineup before you go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Noodles w/ Lemongrass Chicken, Classic Bánh Mì (pâté & pork), Shaking Beef Rice Box
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Rotating Vietnamese truck bringing garlic noodles, bánh mì, and rice boxes to SPARK.
Who should go: Budget-minded fans of quick Vietnamese classics
When to visit: Weekdays 11–2 or 5–7 for shortest lines
What to order: Garlic noodles, lemongrass chicken bánh mì, shaking beef rice box
Insider tip: Confirm the day’s truck lineup on SPARK’s calendar before heading over.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Mission Bay Boulevard South and 4th Street; easiest option is the paid lot directly adjacent to SPARK Social ($6–$8 depending on duration).
Dress code: Completely casual—outdoor park environment means shorts, hoodies, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during lunch rush or happy hour; conversation-friendly at off-peak times but expect background music and crowd chatter.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on event activity at SPARK or nearby Chase Center.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, but short lines form between 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu bánh mì, spring rolls, and garlic noodles can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – a few dishes can be modified on request (e.g., tofu rice box without sauce).
Gluten-free options: Partial – rice boxes and noodle bowls are safe options, but bánh mì contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and fun; it’s an open-air food-truck park, so not ideal for intimate conversation but great for a low-pressure meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – SPARK Social seating is first-come, first-served. Picnic tables fill up during peak hours but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – SPARK Social is family-oriented with open seating, games, and a nearby mini-golf course (Stagecoach Greens). Kids can roam while adults relax with food and drinks.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Vietnamese street food in an energetic outdoor setting—ideal for casual meals and food-truck exploration.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down Vietnamese dinner or guaranteed truck availability on off-days; the schedule rotates.
Little Green Cyclo (Food Truck at SPARK Social)
8.2
Long-running Vietnamese food truck serving banh mi, garlic noodles, and vermicelli bowls at SPARK Social’s outdoor park. Portions are solid for the price and service is quick even on busy evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Garlic Noodles with Chicken, Lemongrass Pork Vermicelli Box
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Vietnamese street-food staples served daily at SPARK Social’s open-air park.
Who should go: Casual eaters wanting fast Vietnamese classics
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 pm before peak lines
What to order: Pork banh mi; garlic noodles; spring rolls
Insider tip: Trucks rotate—check SPARK’s daily lineup to confirm the LGC truck.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: SPARK Social offers a small on-site lot and ample metered street parking along 4th Street and Mission Bay Boulevard; free after 6 pm but fills quickly on event nights.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most guests come in jeans, sneakers, or activewear suitable for the park setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—outdoor picnic seating with music and food-truck bustle; still possible to chat without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours for pickup; food trucks rotate but lines move fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick turnaround even with multiple orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options like tofu banh mi, garlic noodles with vegetables, and fresh spring rolls.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be made vegan by omitting mayo or fish sauce; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial—vermicelli bowls and rice plates are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact possible in shared prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, picnic-style outing. The open-air park atmosphere is fun and low-pressure, but not ideal for an intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—SPARK Social seating is first-come, first-served with shared picnic tables. Arrive early on sunny weekends to secure a good spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—plenty of outdoor space, open seating, and nearby play areas make it suitable for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more consistent quality than most Vietnamese trucks, with generous portions and a family-friendly outdoor setup.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down meal or traditional restaurant atmosphere—this is more about casual outdoor dining and community vibes.
Little Green Cyclo (Food Truck at SPARK Social)
8.0
Rotating Vietnamese truck known for banh mi, vermicelli rice boxes, and fresh rolls. When scheduled at SPARK Social, it’s a fast, flavorful option with balanced portions and clear, herby profiles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Vermicelli Box with Lemongrass Chicken, Fresh Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Vietnamese street-food staples done clean and fast.
Who should go: Banh mi and noodle bowl seekers
When to visit: Early evening before SPARK peak rush
What to order: Grilled pork banh mi; lemongrass chicken vermicelli; spring rolls
Insider tip: Check SPARK’s daily lineup to confirm the truck is scheduled.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lot parking available at SPARK Social; street parking nearby fills up quickly during events.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most diners are in event or park attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on SPARK crowd and music volume.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on event traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu banh mi and veggie vermicelli bowls are popular.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 items can be made vegan by request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – rice noodle and spring roll options are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for casual or activity-based dates at SPARK Social—great energy and shareable bites, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – SPARK offers open communal seating, but arrive early on event nights to secure a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the park setting, open space, and casual service make it an easy spot for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Fresher herbs and cleaner flavors than many SPARK vendors; standout for light, balanced Vietnamese fare.
Skip if: You’re craving a full-service dining experience or prefer heavier, saucier dishes.