Share your favorite place so that if any of us are far away from home, we can satisfy our yearnings for a good sandwich in any part of the country. Difference of opinions will arise, but remember that we are all bound by one common thread- the search and appreciation of a good banh mi sandwich. So please, house rules are to comment only your favorite. Lets just discuss the positives and where the recommended eateries are. Do not post any negative comments about any banh mi place, because we would rather spend our precious time eating than reading any negative, non-constructive comments. No haters, only banh mi lovers.
Visit the comments for places that have been shared already. When we get a chance we’ll add your share onto the map. (We are just going off of what people submit. Please double check local guides for visiting the locations.)
Comment to share your opinions on the best places and any that we’ve missed:
Area Directory – Chicago
Area Directory – Michigan
Area Directory – Minnesota
Area Directory – Missouri
Area Directory – Ohio
Pho Hoa
When in Cleveland and a craving for Banh Mi strikes, head downtown to the almost-hidden spare little spot that is Pho Hoa (known previously as Superior Pho). The bread and fillings are crunchy and fresh, the flavors sparkle and burst in your mouth. The Pho is also a winner – try the Pho and Bahn Mi combo that will leave your belly happy and full, and your wallet the same. Don’t confuse this spot for the more street-visible #1 Pho, which is #1 in ambience.
Heidi
Pho Hoa
3030 Superior Ave.
Cleveland OH 44114
216/781.7462
Bahn Mi in Madison Hts MI
There are good Bahn Mi sandwiches at a place called Que Hong (now might be Thuy Trang, was Vy Nga) at 30491 John R Rd in Madison Hts, MI. There is also a bakery nearby that sells the sandwiches pre-made (not as good as fresh from Que Hong) and also sells the tasty baguettes.
My favorite in Chicago
One of my top fav is Ba Le, which is already on the list. The other place I really like to eat Banh Mi at is
Pho Xe Lua
1021 W Argyle St
(between Kenmore Ave & Sheridan Rd)
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 275-7512
You can ask for them to warm up the Banh Mi, it’ll come out warm, crispy on the outside, warm, sweet, and soft inside. I eat it with the red crushed peppers there. It’s awesome.
My Favorite Banh Mi In Saint Paul, MN
Everyone who comes to Minnesota whether they live in here or just coming for a vacation. If you want the BEST banh mi, you’ve got to go to SAIGON in Saint Paul, MN. It’s located on University Avenue. Go there and YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!
bon bon
bon bon has the best banh mi in chicago bon bon is at 2333 w north ave in wicker park the tofu is outta this world
Best Banh Mi is from Saigon in MN!
I agree with the other poster, Saigon on University in St. Paul has absolutely the best banh mi EVER! I always get the Saigon Special it has everything! And is SOOOOO yummy!
Favorites in Chicago
Apr 16th, 2008 by Tom
My two favorites in Chicago,
Nhu Lan
2612 W Lawrence Ave
(between Rockwell St & Talman Ave)
Chicago, IL 60625
Ba Le
5018 N. Broadway Ave.,
Chicago, Il
Xinh Xinh Cafe in Urbana, IL. Best baguettes anywhere in the twin cities.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/xinh-xinh-cafe-urbana-2
The best banh mi is at Saigon Sisters at the French Market! I’ve tried “The Porky” and “The Sun Tanned Cow” and wowwwww they are good – next up is “The Meatball!” Yum!
http://www.saigonsisters.com
The Chicago French Market
131 N. Clinton Street, Chicago, IL 60661
(773) 878-7147
I am new to the Banh mi, but I really enjoyed a sandwich at Bon Bon in Wicker Park Chicago. It is also one of the best deals in the city!
http://bonbonsandwiches.com/
2333 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773-278-5800
Store Hours: 10am-8pm everyday
(except Mondays open til 7pm)
In Indiana, Greenleaf is amazing. In Avon, at 10240 E. US Highway 36 and in West Lafayette at 111 S. River Rd, Ste G. Really tasty.
There’s a little cafe inside the public library in downtown Cincinnati serving Banh Mi:
Le’s Cafe
800 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-665-3339
We serve high grade meats and fresh produce in our banh mi, spring rolls, bun salads, and pho in our first location at the Chicago French Market. We are opening our second location with full service and more banh mis and creative services in early fall 2010.
131 N. Clinton St.
Chicago, IL 60661
312-496-0094
567 W. Lake St.
COMING SOON!!!
Great website/resource.
We did a pretty hilarious write up on banh mi sandwiches in Cleveland.
After your threesome, you should dip it in some Pho (SFW)
http://quarrylanefarms.wordpress.com/2010/06/09/after-your-threesome-you-should-dip-it-in-some-pho-sfw/
QuarryLaneFarms
I was just at the newly opened Saigon Sisters at 567 W Lake St and I was very impressed! I had The Porky and also the Wagyu Bun. They were both delicious…I can’t wait to come back and try some more!!!
Mi Li has the best Banh Mi sandwich in Columbus, OH, hands down, mostly because of their exceptional baguettes (it’s perfect, and made to their specification locally). Indo-Chine runs a close second place (two sizes available, also respectable baguettes). Tied for fourth (because neither are worthy of third IMHO) would be Lac Viet on Bethel and Luc’s Asian Market on the Hilltop. Both fail in the bread department, Lac Viet doesn’t even offer pate’, and while Luc’s sandwich meats may be authentic, they’re unwieldily thick cut (think 1/4 thick slabs of head cheese, which makes for a very chewy experience).
If you’re trying your hand at making your own, I have a hint for the roast pork version. Brine your sliced pork in 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar, 1/4 Cup Salt, 2 Qt’s water, some five spice powder, sliced chiles, and a couple Tbsp to 1/4 Cup Fish Sauce (depending on how “funky” you like it). Brine overnight, then rinse well, pat dry, and roast or grill. Any cut of pork should do, just don’t bother trying to slice up Country Style Ribs (I made this mistake, because I just can’t pass up a sale on meat).
Trung Nam French Bakery in Frogtown (St Paul) has the best Bahn Mi in the Twin Cities! The crust is super crackly, and the flavors perfect without being overwhelming. At $2.50 it’s the best deal in town. When you add their croissant specialties…coconut, apricot, chocolate, cinnamon raisin…Trung Nam wins hands down!
In the Milwaukee area (Greenfield, actually), there’s Banh Mi Nhu Y, 5455 S 27th St. It’s inside the gigantic asian grocery. Great banh mi, and amazing sesame balls. Maybe some day I’ll work up the nerve to try their tapioca beverages.
Pho 83 in Shakopee, MN has some fantastic Bahn Mi sandwiches. We really like the Cold Cut style, dipped in our Pho broth. The BBQ Pork is also great. http://www.pho83.com
NEW BANH-MI RESTAURANT IN LEWIS CENTER, OH
Hey guys I am working at the newest Vietnamese restaurant at the Walmart Plaza in Lewis Center, OH, just up the road from Powell. It is named Banh-Mi (easy, hum?) and we serve sandwiches, Pho soup, Vermicelli and Spring rolls as well as egg rolls. Come visit us!!!
Grilled marinated beef banh mi at Pho Xe Tang (Tank Noodle) at the corner of Argyle and Broadway in Chicago. Perfect amount of sweet with spicy in the beef marinade. Grab a sandwich then head to the Green Mill for some great music and poetry slam. I can’t wait to go back!
Have not tried the St Paul recommendations yet, they sound great though, but the best one on the west side of the Twin Cities is Tranm Anh in Brooklyn Park. Very nice staff, they will customize it to your tastes and a great price.
8038 Brooklyn Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55445-2407
(763) 391-0900
The Viet Iced coffee is ridiculously good, but be ready for a sugar and caffine rush.
Evan
If you are in the Twin Cities, then you have got to try out ( Lu’s Sandwiches )located in Nicollet ave in Minneapolis. Read so many positive comments on Yelp.com and finally (I) myself decided to try this place out. Now that I have fallen in love with their sandwiches; I want to give my own review of this family owned sandwiche shop, Friendly People, Fresh crispy bread, and the best of all reasonable priced. I will give this place a five star rating, and it will definitely knock the rest of the other sandwich shop around town out of the way.
In Cincinnati, OH:
Le’s Cafe
800 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
This little shop is located in the downtown Cincinnati Public Library by a Vietnamese couple. The banh mi sandwiches are made fresh in front of your eyes. The bread is crispy and delicious and the fillings pack just the right amount of heat. I love these sandwiches because they are fresh, extremely tasty, and very reasonably priced. Enjoy!
In Milwaukee Pho Hai Tuyet.
Just north of Howard on South 27th street. Not such a great website, but an AWESOME sandwich. Fresh peppers (jalepenos?), greens and some crunchy pickled vegs on red colored pork butt or shoulder. Something else on the meat, maybe pine nuts?
Based on my recommendation, my friend went there and complained of inattentive service (irrelevant) and lack of meat on the sandwich. I had one two weeks ago that was so hardy I could only eat half and I’m a big eater/large guy. The second half was delicious reheated in my oven at home YUM.
I think it’s #71 on an admittedly confusing menu. $8 dollars no hollers!
http://www.phohaituyet.com/
Best place to eat on the university of Minnesota Campus in Minneapolis.
Bun Mi Sandwiches
604 Washington Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Buckeye Pho has the best bahn mi ive ever had. a must have.
761 Bethel Rd
Columbus, OH 43214
Phone: (614) 451-2828
Best Banh Mi in Chicago…. Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ!
You can choose between pulled rotisserie chicken, house smoked pulled pork, house smoked chopped brisket, or crispy oven roasted pork belly! Their mouth-watering sandwich comes with pickled daikon, carrots, pea sprouts tossed in a spicy sambal aioli, cilantro, and fresh jalapenos. Sooo good!
441 N. Clark
Chicago, IL 60654
312.955.1900
In the Milwaukee area, head up to Bayside on the north side of town and go to Pho Hai Tuyet II for amazing pho and a delicious charred pork bahn mi.
The best banh mi I have ever had is Bun Mi sandwiches near the University of Minnesota campus. My best friend since childhood is Vietnamese and nothing I ever tried around the cities with him and his family ever compared. Absolutely incredible! They have tons of variety; along with the classics, they have a thai chicken curry banh mi that is to die for. The owners are also very nice and make the effort to get to know their patrons.
K&T Deli in Indianapolis has the most delicious Banh mi! The bread they use is amazing and all the ingredients are fresh! Location: 3738 Lafayette Rd Ste B Indianapolis, IN.
Pho Viet Nam…delicious. Located on Upton Ave. south of Sylvania Ave.
Current Minneapolis favorite on Nicollet Ave:
Lu’s Sandwiches
Address: 2624 S NICOLLET AVE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55443
PHONE #: 612-870-0350
http://www.lusandwiches.com/
Noodles Etc.
Hyde Park, Chicago
http://www.noodlesetc.com/
The veggie/tofu banh mi are addictive …