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Mong Thu Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Mong Thu Cafe
8.4
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family-run since 1993, this tiny cafe serves exceptional Vietnamese comfort food with distinct broths for each soup variety. The bun rieu and chicken pho draw devoted regulars to this cash-only gem where portions overflow and prices stay remarkably low.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Rieu (Crab Tomato Soup), Pho Ga (Chicken Pho), Banh Mi Bo Kho (Beef Stew Sandwich)
Scores:
Value: 9.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Multiple distinct soup broths made fresh daily in tiny kitchen
Who should go: Soup lovers seeking authentic Vietnamese home cooking
When to visit: Early morning for breakfast pho experience
What to order: Bun rieu, chicken pho, corn pudding dessert
Insider tip: Cash only - only 4 tables so takeout often faster
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging in Tenderloin, use garage at Turk & Hyde ($8-12) and walk 2 blocks
Dress code: Come as you are - completely casual, locals in everything from work clothes to pajamas
Noise level: Quiet and intimate due to tiny space - easy conversation at all 4 tables
Weekend wait: Closed by 4pm - no dinner service
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min wait common, many opt for takeout to avoid wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu pho and vegetable spring rolls available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian dishes, ask about fish sauce
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles naturally GF, but confirm broths and sauces with owner
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - extremely casual, tiny space with only 4 tables, and you'll be eating in the rough Tenderloin. Better for established couples who prioritize food over ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - first come, first served only. With just 4 tables, consider takeout or arrive right at 7am opening
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - owner Kim is accommodating with families, portions huge enough to share, and casual atmosphere means no stress about kids being kids
Best For
Better for: Authentic home-style broths you won't find elsewhere, incredible value under $15, and when you want the anti-trendy neighborhood Vietnamese experience
Skip if: You need atmosphere, full bar, dinner service, or feel unsafe in the Tenderloin - try Bodega SF for elevated experience instead
Mong Thu Cafe
8.3
Small Civic Center counter offering a broad Vietnamese comfort menu—from pho and bún bò Huế to bamboo duck noodle soup—at modest prices. Best for quick takeout near City Hall with a few stools for dine-in.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (rare beef), Bun Bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), Bamboo Duck Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Broad, wallet-friendly menu with rarely seen bamboo-duck noodle soup.
Who should go: Office workers and pho traditionalists
When to visit: Weekday lunch before courthouse and City Hall rush
What to order: Pho bo, bun bo hue, bamboo duck noodle soup
Insider tip: Plan for takeout—seating is limited and fills fast at noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best to use public transit around Civic Center.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, no dress requirements.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly quiet with occasional lunch rush chatter.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; quieter in evenings and weekends.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak courthouse and City Hall lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dishes like vegetarian pho and tofu vermicelli bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request vegetable pho or rice plates without fish sauce or meat.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodle soups and rice plates work for gluten-sensitive diners, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a quick, casual stop than a romantic setting. Better for a shared lunch than a first date impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken; seating is limited, so be prepared for takeout if stools are full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly menu with mild pho options, but note the small space and limited seating. Best for quick meals rather than lingering with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, homestyle Vietnamese noodle soups and rare specialties like bamboo duck noodle soup.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, cocktails, or a sit-down dinner with more space—opt for a full-service Vietnamese restaurant instead.
Mong Thu Cafe
8.5
Downtown vegan mainstay since 1999 serving pan-Asian dishes with many Vietnamese staples. Known for lemongrass soy “chicken,” hearty noodle soups, and approachable, affordable plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lemongrass Deluxe (soy 'chicken'), Golden Rolls (vegan imperial rolls), House rice claypot
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Vegan Vietnamese-leaning comfort dishes with decades of loyal locals.
Who should go: Plant-based diners and mixed-diet groups
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest service
What to order: Lemongrass Deluxe; Golden Rolls; claypot
Insider tip: Plenty of gluten-free options—ask staff for guidance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; garages available at Civic Center Plaza but can fill during events.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, office attire or relaxed clothes both welcome.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to converse even at peak lunch hours.
Weekend wait: Rarely a wait; seating generally available within 5–10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Can be brisk around noon but tables usually turn quickly; waits under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is vegetarian-friendly with many choices.
Vegan options: Yes—menu is fully vegan-focused with diverse options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes can be made gluten-free; staff provides guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups or shared meals than formal dates—relaxed vibe but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are not required; walk-ins are the norm and usually seated quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—laid-back, family-friendly environment; menu items like noodle soups and rolls suit children.
Best For
Better for: Affordable vegan Vietnamese comfort food and long-standing community reputation.
Skip if: If seeking upscale ambiance, cocktails, or a fine-dining experience—this is a casual spot.