If the nondescript brick building that houses the spacious Vietnam Café looks like an old roadhouse — inside and out — that’s because it was a raucous saloon for many years before owner Brian Lam lightened up the interior deécor, put Saigon souvenir shop dolls on the mirrored bar shelves (the long bar is now used primarily for carry-out orders) and mirrors on the walls so that the focus of the joint is on the food and not booze. In fact, the only liquor now sold here is ice-cold beer, which can help cool down the burning palates of patrons who toss a few too many jalape–o peppers into their Pho bowls of meat and noodles in a hot beef broth garnished with basil, lime and bean sprouts. The very laid-back Vietnam Café has a long and elaborate vinyl-sheathed menu (including a separate all-vegetarian menu) of delicious traditional Vietnamese dishes such as banh xeo, the deliciously crispy pancake folded over a filling of shrimp, roast pork and onion or a pot of rejuvenating tamarind soup made with pineapple, scallions and peppers. Visuals are important here: the fat spring rolls are almost too pretty to eat, and most dinners are artfully arranged. The prices are very reasonable, including free refills on soft drinks and iced tea. Alas, no refills on the popular Vietnamese iced coffee, coconut juice or “grass jelly drink,” which only sounds intoxicating. — Charles Ferruzza
Price: $$
Payment Type: All Major Credit Cards, Diners Club, cash, check
Parking: Lot Available
Reservations: Accepted
Attire: casual
