ZipPicks Awards
Best Vietnamese in Lincoln Square
Best Pho in Lincoln Square
Best Sandwiches in Lincoln Square
Best Cheap Eats in Lincoln Square
Best Vegan Restaurants in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Nhu Lan Bakery
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A high-volume Vietnamese bakery-and-sandwich counter where the move is classic banh mi on crackly bread, built fast and consistently. It’s strongest when you order one house-style sub and a light side (spring rolls or a pastry) instead of turning it into a full menu tour.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special Banh Mi, Roast Pork Banh Mi, Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A bakery-backed banh mi counter with rare, sustained local validation for speed and consistency.
Who should go: Banh mi loyalists and fast lunch hunters
When to visit: Morning or early lunch for peak freshness
What to order: House special banh mi, roast pork banh mi, spring rolls
Insider tip: Keep it tight: one banh mi + one side—skip over-ordering extras.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Lincoln Square side streets; availability varies but usually manageable during daytime hours.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, work clothes all standard.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service bustle but not loud; fine for short conversations.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; brief line possible during peak afternoon hours.
Weekday lunch: Short line at peak lunch, usually moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian banh mi options and bakery items available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable-focused banh mi possible, but bread and sauces may limit strict vegan compatibility.
Gluten-free options: No—banh mi is bread-dependent and there are no true gluten-free substitutes.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date, but great for a casual daytime bite or quick food stop where the focus is the sandwich, not the setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is primarily counter service with limited seating; most people order to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like sandwiches or pastries, but the tight space and quick pace make it better for short visits.
Best For
Better for: Fast, consistent banh mi with bakery-level bread quality and strong value.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Vietnamese meal, noodle soups, or a broad menu experience—this is a focused sandwich stop.
Hours
Monday7:30am - 5:30pm
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday7:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday7:30am - 5:30pm
Friday7:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday7am - 7pm
Sunday7am - 7pm