Lotus Banh Mi - Chicago

Lotus Banh Mi is a Vietnamese cuisine gem. Their banh mi sandwiches are a flavor explosion, and the pho is authentic and delicious. The casual atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great spot for a quick, satisfying meal. For Vietnamese delights, Lotus Banh Mi is a must-visit. Can't wait to return!

My tofu Noodle Bowl was delicious. I would love to have places like this in my neighborhood.

Nice spot for a quick lunch. The honey grilled pork bahn mi had tender meat and good flavor. The line was long during lunchtime but moved pretty fast.

Alright. I hate to he harsh, but this just ain 't it. The pho itself is devoid of any authentic veitnamese spice. Where 's the burnt onion? Where 's the clove? Star anise? Cinnamon? The broth just tastes like boiled cow bone. What is this? Pirate ship famine pho? That ain 't it. Moving on to the meat, it 's already cooked and served with lukewarm broth. WRONG! I get that this is a speedy take on pho, but pho is already speedy as hell to make. Just pour flavorful broth over thin raw meat to cook it a perfect medium. This spot ain 't doin ' that. Like I said, it 's an overcooked piece of beef inside some lukewarm broth. Now, onto the banh mi. COLESLAW AND VINEGAR IN A BANH MI?!?! I understand creative liberties, but that 's just some Americanized garbage. THAT AINT IT. If you 're a yuppie who don 't know better, then go ahead and eat your fow but don 't call this no pho . If you want soulless fow then eat your heart out kids. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. TLDR; Authenticity: none, soul: devoid, atmosphere: rushed yuppie nonsense. Sorry but once again, this ain 't it.

I've been eating lunch at Lotus Banh Mi for a few years now and can't believe I haven't reviewed until now. It's definitely the spot for pho during the winter, when the line can be to the door. Their banh mi are also pretty great, especially the warm and chewy french roll. The service is always friendly and quick. Overall, this is a great lunch spot in the Loop.