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Mr Banh Mi
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Mr Banh Mi
7.8
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Walk-up banh mi window turning out crackly bread, generous fillings, and quick-service snacks. Ideal for grab-and-go picnics headed to Ocean Beach or Sutro Heights.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork Banh Mi, Meatball Banh Mi, Vietnamese Yogurt
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: House-baked-style crunch and stuffed sandwiches at neighborhood prices.
Who should go: Banh mi fans on the move
When to visit: Late morning to dodge lunch rush
What to order: BBQ pork, meatball, Vietnamese yogurt
Insider tip: Call ahead for bulk orders; they pack picnic-ready trays fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Balboa and nearby avenues; typically open spots before noon but fills during lunch hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, beachwear and hoodies fine.
Noise level: Low—outdoor pickup line chatter only; no indoor seating or loud environment.
Weekend wait: No dinner service; closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes typical wait, slightly longer around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—offers tofu and egg options on most sandwiches.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to omit mayo and pate; tofu or veggie banh mi can be made vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free bread or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's a grab-and-go window with no real seating; better for a casual lunch stop before a park walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables or reservations; pickup only, though there are nearby benches and parklets for eating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—fast service and mild options like egg or chicken banh mi, but limited seating and no restrooms.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable banh mi with great bread texture and generous fillings.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down meal or pho-style dining experience—try Pho Huong Viet or Kim Son instead.
Mr Banh Mi
7.8
Takeout-focused bánh mì counter with crisp baguettes, punchy pickles, and speedy tickets. Ideal for a quick lunch run or an affordable grab-and-go dinner near the Balboa corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bánh mì thịt nướng (grilled pork), Bánh mì gà nướng (grilled chicken), Gỏi cuốn tôm (shrimp spring rolls)
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Crackly baguettes and fast-moving counter service at friendly prices.
Who should go: Banh mi fans on a tight budget
When to visit: Lunch hours before school let-out rush
What to order: Grilled pork bánh mì; chicken bánh mì; shrimp rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra jalapeños and pâté spread if you like it bold.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Balboa and surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable except during school pickup hours.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are; most people stop by in everyday attire or work clothes.
Noise level: Low—mostly takeout traffic and short waits, easy to hold a quick conversation if you dine in briefly.
Weekend wait: Minimal; rarely a line even during weekend dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Light lunch rush around noon, but typically under 5 minutes wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—offers tofu bánh mì and vegetarian spring rolls.
Vegan options: Limited—1-2 options if you omit mayo and pâté; staff can accommodate simple swaps.
Gluten-free options: No—baguettes contain wheat and no gluten-free bread option is available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a quick takeout counter with limited seating, better for casual solo or lunch stops.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system; counter space and a few seats are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple flavors and short waits work well for older kids, though seating is limited.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and crispier baguettes than most local bánh mì spots in the Outer Richmond.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal or broader menu—opt for An Chi or Kim Son instead.
Mr Banh Mi
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tiny counter serving generously stuffed bánh mì, fresh rolls, and Vietnamese yogurt. Ideal for grab-and-go lunches or a quick, affordable bite near the park.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Pork Bánh Mì, Fresh Spring Rolls, Vietnamese Yogurt
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Well-priced, overstuffed bánh mì on crusty bread with fast service.
Who should go: Bánh mì lovers on a budget
When to visit: Midday before the lunch rush peak
What to order: BBQ pork bánh mì; fresh rolls; yogurt dessert
Insider tip: Ask for extra cilantro and jalapeño for a brighter kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clement and side streets; usually available midday but tighter near lunch peak.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most customers stop in for a quick grab-and-go meal.
Noise level: Low—small space with light chatter from takeout orders and music, but easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: No dinner service—closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: Short wait around noon; typically under 10 minutes for sandwiches.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—offers tofu bánh mì and fresh vegetarian spring rolls.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be customized by omitting mayo or pâté.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—traditional baguettes contain gluten; salads may be safer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a small counter spot better suited for a casual solo or quick lunch, not lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only with a few counter seats; most customers take their food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites—simple menu, mild flavors, and short waits make it fine for kids, though there’s limited seating.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more affordable than sit-down Vietnamese cafés nearby—ideal for grab-and-go bánh mì cravings.
Skip if: You’re seeking a dine-in meal with table service or evening hours; opt for An Chi or Pho Huong Viet instead.