Bánh Mì & Co.

Exquisite sandwiches.

This review is strictly based on the appearance and prices of this place. I walked in to Banh Mi on Broadway yesterday and was a bit disappointed. Having gone to a few Banh Mi places here and other cities, I expected to see Vietnamese folks behind the counter. This at least gives me an indication they must own the place and I am getting authentic food - not some fushioned sandwich. Also, their prices are at least  double that of the 'real' Banh Mi places in viet town. I understand that this is Lakeview but double and more? Really? Thats also probaly why they do not put prices on their website. If they do you may think twice before going there. So I told myself I'll wait and pick up some Banh Mis when I go to Nhu Lan tomorrow where I know for sure that they will be really good since I've had theirs before. Bánh Mì & Co. is probably good for those who do not want to venture to the Asian section of town where they can gain some cultural experience.

Ok, I don't get what all the fuss is about.  The sandwiches are good...I'll give them that.  (Although...they really are overpriced considering their competition.)  The bread is perfect and crispy and the pate is a great feature on the sandwich.  But even though this is at the end of my block, I'd rather go to Ba Le any day.  

Not only doe Ba Le have more selections for sandwich types, but they don't get your order wrong.  I've been here a handful of times and EACH time, I'll ask for no cilantro - without fail.  And everytime I open up my sandwich, there's cilantro right on top.  Ugh, really?

Also, I placed an order on Seamless and paid online prior to pick-up.  When I got there, the woman still charged me for the sandwich.  I was caught off-guard and, yes, I probably should have questioned her at the time, but every other restaurant clearly knows when something is prepaid.  Blah.  What a waste.  

I love Get Nail'd (which I believe they also own, too), so I really wanted to be a fan of this place.  Maybe I'll give it another go.  Or...probably not.