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Tanglad
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Tanglad
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Casual Vietnamese street-food spot in the heart of the Castro serving pho, bun rieu, rice plates and banh mi with quick counter service. Locals come for five-spice chicken, lemongrass beef, and a comforting bowl of noodle soup without a long wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún riêu (tomato-crab noodle soup), Garlic noodles, Grilled lemongrass beef vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Street-food menu with broad range from pho to banh mi.
Who should go: Casual diners craving fast Vietnamese staples
When to visit: Weekdays 11am–2pm or early dinner to avoid lines
What to order: Bún riêu, five-spice chicken plate, garlic noodles
Insider tip: Ask for imperial rolls on the side to mix into vermicelli.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on 18th and Castro fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; gym wear and jeans are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy but expect some bustle during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for a table; counter seats usually open faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait before noon; quick turnover even during peak hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several dishes like tofu vermicelli and garlic noodles are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify certain noodle bowls to be vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes naturally gluten-free (rice plates, pho); no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual lunch or quick dinner than a formal date—laid-back vibe and fast service make it easygoing but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only; tables turn fast so even at peak times the wait is short.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcomes families; high chairs available and simple noodle dishes are great for kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and broader menu range than nearby Vietnamese cafés—ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
Skip if: You’re seeking an atmospheric dinner or craft cocktails—this is more quick-stop comfort food than date-night destination.
Tanglad
7.9
Compact Vietnamese street-food counter known for lively bowls, bún, and specialty soups like bún riêu and Hue-style spicy pho. A reliable pre-or-post neighborhood hang with quick service and steady flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bún riêu (tomato-crab soup), Hue-style spicy beef & pork pho, Grilled lemongrass pork with vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Street-food favorites with a focused menu and fast turnaround.
Who should go: Soup seekers and casual weeknight diners
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or early evening to avoid lines
What to order: Bún riêu; spicy Hue pho; grilled pork bun
Insider tip: Swap steamed rice for garlic noodles on rice plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on 18th Street or nearby residential blocks before 6pm, but tight during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, or work clothes are all common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — the small space has steady chatter and kitchen sounds, but conversation is easy at counter tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; fast turnover means lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; order at the counter and food arrives within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — tofu vermicelli and vegetable pho options available.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified upon request, but broths are typically meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Partially — rice noodle dishes work well, but sauces may contain soy; ask staff for clarification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for low-key and casual — it’s more of a quick meal spot than a sit-down romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations; seating is counter-style and usually quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with Vietnamese flavors; no dedicated children’s menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Speed, value, and authentic noodle soups made to order — ideal for casual locals grabbing comfort food.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down dinner, cocktails, or a date-night setting — nearby LeQuy or Mau offer a fuller dining experience.
Tanglad
8.3
Family-run Vietnamese street-food spot known for hot, aromatic pho made daily alongside garlic noodles and rice plates. Locals come for efficient counter service and consistently clean, beef-forward broths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hue Style Beef & Pork Pho, Seafood Combo Pho, Bún Riêu
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Daily-made pho with clear, assertive broth and quick counter service.
Who should go: Pho fans who prioritize speed and freshness
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid peak lines
What to order: Hue-style pho; seafood combo pho; bún riêu
Insider tip: Ask for house chili sate on the side to dial heat precisely.
Tanglad
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Noe Valley’s newer pho house focused on clean broths, bun bowls, and fresh herbs. Families and neighborhood regulars come for comforting soups and generous plates without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho dac biet (house special), Bun thit nuong (grilled pork vermicelli), Fresh shrimp & pork spring rolls
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Broth-forward pho and well-seasoned bun bowls in a calm setting.
Who should go: Soup seekers and neighborhood families
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm or weekends before noon
What to order: Pho dac biet; grilled-pork vermicelli; shrimp-pork rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra lime and Thai basil if you like a brighter bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 24th Street and nearby residential blocks; metered until 6pm but generally available after dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood dining—jeans, sweaters, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—easy for conversation during the week, slightly livelier on weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak hours between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5-minute seating delay.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—spring rolls, tofu bun, and vegetable pho are available.
Vegan options: Limited—pho chay and tofu dishes can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho and rice vermicelli dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s relaxed rather than romantic—ideal for a casual first date where conversation matters more than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; expect a short wait at peak dinner times, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families with young children frequent it; high chairs available and staff accommodate kids easily.
Best For
Better for: Cleaner broth and lighter seasoning than most neighborhood pho spots—great for those preferring balanced flavors over intensity.
Skip if: You want late-night dining or heavy, richly spiced broths; nearby options like Beit Rima or NOVY serve heartier fare.