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Lotus Vietnamese Sandwiches
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lotus Vietnamese Sandwiches
8.0
On 5th Avenue, Lotus focuses on tightly executed banh mi, summer rolls, and a small lineup of rice and noodle dishes at very friendly prices. With hundreds of reviews across platforms and a strong delivery presence, it’s the neighborhood’s go-to for fast, affordable Vietnamese sandwiches.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled pork choo banh mi, Lemongrass chicken banh mi, Shrimp summer rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Dedicated banh mi shop with strong value and a loyal local following.
Who should go: Budget-minded eaters craving quick, flavorful Vietnamese sandwiches.
When to visit: Lunch hours and early dinner for the quickest turnaround.
What to order: Grilled pork choo banh mi, lemongrass chicken banh mi, shrimp rolls.
Insider tip: Order ahead online during peak hours—the narrow space fills quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 5th Avenue is limited; look for spots on side streets, typically easier before 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; most guests are in everyday streetwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate; the narrow space has steady foot traffic, but conversations remain easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for pickup; dine-in seating can be scarce during peak delivery surges.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though online orders queue up around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options—vegetarian banh mi, tofu dishes, and vegetable rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for tofu banh mi without mayo and choose vegetable rolls.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice and noodle dishes can work, but traditional baguette-based banh mi are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something ultra-casual—it's more of a quick-stop sandwich shop than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It's counter-service with a few seats; availability varies, but takeout is the primary format.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple flavors, fast service, and low prices. Space is tight, so strollers may be difficult to maneuver.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable banh mi with consistent execution and strong delivery performance.
Skip if: You want a full Vietnamese menu, leisurely dining, or gluten-free bread alternatives.
Lotus Vietnamese Sandwiches
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Lotus is a busy 5th Avenue counter spot where an enormous banh mi lineup shares space with one of the area’s most popular delivery-friendly pho menus. With thousands of app ratings and steady neighborhood traffic, it’s the workhorse choice for beef and chicken pho that travels well.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Pho, Shredded Chicken Pho, Braised Beef Pho
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume banh mi shop with a deep, delivery-optimized pho lineup.
Who should go: Pho fans who prioritize convenience, delivery, and big portions.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner before the heaviest delivery rush hits.
What to order: Beef Pho, Shredded Chicken Pho, summer rolls.
Insider tip: Pair your pho with a classic banh mi and split both for the best value-to-variety ratio.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable midday but tight after 6 p.m. along 5th Avenue.
Dress code: Completely casual — counter service, come as you are.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for solo diners to hear themselves, though delivery activity adds some bustle.
Weekend wait: Typically no dine-in wait, but pickup orders may take 10–20 minutes during peak delivery surges.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu banh mi, vegetarian pho, and several veggie sides.
Vegan options: Limited — tofu banh mi and some vegetable-based items, but broths are not fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial — pho rice noodles are gluten-free, but sauces and marinades may contain gluten; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, casual meetup — it’s more a quick-service pho and banh mi spot than a sit-down date venue.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating; tables turn quickly, and takeout dominates.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; simple flavors, fast service, and manageable portions. No high chairs or space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Delivery-friendly pho, fast turnarounds, affordable combos, and a huge banh mi lineup that outpaces most competitors in variety.
Skip if: You want a leisurely sit-down pho experience, fully vegan broths, or a quieter dine-in environment with more ambiance.