Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwich
| Address: | 719 W Maxwell St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA |
| Phone: | +1 312-733-7595 |
| Site: | lotuscafechicago.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 10:30AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM 10:30AM–8PM Closed |
Location
Photos 95
Reviews 16
CU
Curtis McCollum
I had really high hopes for this place because of the reviews, but I was seriously disappointed! I ordered the honey grilled pork - the meat was really fatty and there was very little of it. The veggies on top were also scarce and had no pickled flavor whatsoever. The bread was decent. I also ordered a jasmine iced tea (plus tapioca) which lacked flavor. I then ordered the taro smoothie (plus tapioca) -- this was pretty tasty! The flavor was unusual and I wasnt sure I liked it, but I kept drinking it til it was gone, so I guess I did! My three items were over $15, with $1 of that being the added tapioca, which I think is silly to charge extra for. I would eat here again in a pinch, but the prices and quality were not worth it. There appeared to be 2 orders in front of mine (the place was basically empty) but it still took about 10 minutes to get my order. It should be noted though that they have a great and unique selection of bottled sodas, teas, and lemonades that would be worth stopping by to try! I found a parking space around the corner, but there is no parking on the street where the cafe is located. There is paid street parking nearby and a parking deck, but nothing free.
AN
Anthony Martorina
I typically avoid the University area because parking is a pain in the butt, then I found out they now had free parking. Honestly that is what was killing all of the businesses in this University complex. So the free parking worked and it brought me back to the area. The location is small and cute. The service was friendly and are sandwiches were cooked fresh to order. I loved the perfect warmth & crisp of my BANH MI bread. We ordered two sandwiches. The Honey Grilled Pork Shoulder Banh Mi with lemongrass, honey, garlic, scallions, pickled daikon, carrots, cucumber, cilantro & jalapenos. This sandwich had some amazing flavors going on. The one thing I didnt like was the quality on our cut of pork. We had to pull some inedible fat from our mouth. Im hoping this was a one time problem & on our next visit it will be perfect. We also ordered the Sunny-Side Sautéed Beef Banh Mi with caramelized onion, sunny-side up egg and crispy sweet potato fries. I really enjoyed this sandwich. The meat quality was perfect and everything worked together on the bun. So if youre in the area and looking for a fresh Vietnamese sandwich then this is the place.
BE
Bella
Ive ordered a honey grilled pork banh mi, the shrimp spring rolls (4 pieces) and a grazed wings on rice for delivery. The banh mi was not made from the real baguette, the bread was old. However, you can get fooled by looking at the shrimp spring rolls (4 pieces) on the menu, it is really just two spring rolls. They cut them in half and called it "4 pieces." Also, the spring rolls were poorly and incorrectly made. Spring rolls are supposed to be made with green lettuce (NOT iceberg lettuce), cucumber, mint leaves, pork, noodle, shrimp and chives which most Vietnamese restaurants dont include. The rice bowl has a few chicken wings that were poorly prepared, the marinade wasnt even good and did not come with fish sauce but came with the Chinese sweet and sour sauce instead. I dont mind paying the price but the food at least has to be decent but it was horrible. They can only sell to those who dont know much about Vietnamese food. VERY DISAPPOINTED!
SA
Sandy Xayasouk
Lotus has excellent seasoned dishes. Overall, tasty food, prefect banh mi bread, delicious pho, could use a better Vegan banh mi option, clean and cute atmosphere. Highly recommend for a Vietnamese craving without having to drive all the way to Argyle. The Seared beef pho was very tasty! They didnt skimp out on the herbs needed in the broth. It was almost perfectly seasoned how I make mine! Veggiecado banh mi was very filling, they sure stuffed a lot in that thing! Although it was tasty and we are very thankful for a vegetarian banh mi, we still prefer Ba Les vegetarian sandwiches. Classic Belly banh mi was actually really good. The pork belly was seasoned well. I do think they needed to add more of that.
HE
Heather Payne
Just what this area needs, but it is an unfortunate location. If you dont know its there, youd probably never just happen to stumble upon it. The menu is small, concise and has something for everyone. The pork belly classic is so amazing with its warm, crusty bread, perfectly cooked pork belly and array of fresh and pickled veggies. So much flavor packed into this sandwich. Everything on the menu is very fairly priced. There are even vegan and vegetarian options. The upscale beverage and smoothie selections are a nice accompaniment to the tasty sandwiches. I will definitely be back because there are so many different bahn mis and appetizers I want to try.
KA
Kate Linwood
Super cute shop with super good Viet food! I would recommend ANYTHING from the menu, as its all done so well! A lot of customers seem to go in for the Sunnyside Beef sandwich, but whether youre up for some yummy spring rolls, any of the other sandwiches, or the noodle salads, youll definitely be satisfied with Lotus Cafe! Personally, my favorites are the wings (extra hot!) and the rib eye pork noodle salad! Great service! They even have delivery!
ME
Melissa Phillips
Okay, lets just stop yapping about the relative pricing on these delicious sandwiches. Ill keep paying a couple extra $$ for the fresh ingredients, great tastes and most of all cleanliness! Lotus pays attention to these details so the food is the star of the show. Simple and reasonable. Many regulars and newbies coming through. Ill be back for sure.
SN
Snuffy Maya
Quick and light dishes. Great place for sandwiches (Banh mi) or salads, spring rolls. And my ultimate favorite crispy wings!!! The soy glazed wings are to die for. With your choice of mild or hot spice!!! I now order delivery so my pictures youll see are from delivery only.
GE
Genia Wat
The food is really fresh and good. The people who work there are also super nice! Last time I went there, I tried the sunny side beef and the spring rolls, both of which are amazing. I also definitely recommend their smoothies and coffee. highly highly highly highly recommend.
AL
Alex Palmer
Fantastic Bahn Mi and other casual Vietmenes menu items. The service is quick and friendly, and the cafe is casual yet presentable. The prices are slightly higher than similar restaurants in Chicago, but its still a great value.
PR
Prashant Mehta
Spring rolls are delicious with a fantastic peanut dipping sauce. Veggiecado Bahn Mi is also delicious, and we go out of our way to come here just for those two things. Free parking in the garage next door is an added bonus.
JE
Jeff Song
Tasty pho, good banh mi, and really good wings. A great option for the UIC crowd, but not really worth a visit if its out of your way.
JE
Jessi Reiss
Fast service good prices. My friend has the Sunnyside up beef and I loved my ginger chicken sandwich. Has outdoor seating as well.
NA
Natacha Somers
I wish I could give 10 stars! Best sandwiches and the owner, Q is reason enough to go there! Cant wait for their expansion.
LE
Leigh Wang
Banh mi sandwich not so good...very fast food take on Vietnamese dishes...so that should be the expectation bar
YA
Yasmin Husain
Love their food! It is addicting and totally satisfies any craving! The egg in the sandwhiches is delicious!
