VIBE

In the Chinatown land of nondescript Vietnamese joints, this restaurant stands out from the rest. It’s as casual and low-key as restaurants come (refreshingly so, amid the bedlam of Canal Street), with basic furniture and sparse décor, but this 20-year-old gem buzzes with eclectic crowds of tourists and loyal locals looking for a fast, hearty, wallet friendly, and reliably tasty meal. The menu itself is extensive and dependable–you can’t go wrong with any of the choices, be it the pho, spring rolls, or papaya salads.

CROWD

A widely varied bunch of families, tourists, local business folk, and jurors from the courthouse nearby.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Super casual; show up in a favorite t-shirt, comfortable jeans, and nice sneakers or fun flats.

GO HERE WITH

Family; friends; kids

WHY WE LIKE IT

Unlike so many other spots in the area, this restaurant is clean, the fare is reliable, and the prices unbeatable. It’s a great spot to grab some authentic Vietnamese without breaking the bank.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Some gripe that the bathrooms are icky. Also, service has been known to suffer when the place gets crowded.

GOOD TO KNOW

Because this restaurant does not take reservations and gets pretty crowded, you might get stuck sharing tables with strangers when you want to sit down. Takeout is available.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Chinatown (New York)

CLOSEST COMPS

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.