Lotus Cafe & Banh Mi Sandwiches

Mellow pop music and muted earth tones make Lotus Cafe a tranquil place to enjoy a bowl of pho. And since most locals opt for takeout, it’s easy to get one of the handful of tables at the quiet University Village location of this Vietnamese mini-chain. Choose proteins like five spice beef or ginger chicken to go in your banh mi, pho, rice bowls, or noodle salads. The sandwiches come on ultra-soft bread with a pleasant chew, complemented by a generous amount of crunchy vegetables. But pho is the real star here—the noodles have a nice bite, and the fragrant broth is balanced, not too salty or sweet. Like the banh mi, the flavor is a little light, so make ample use of the accompanying sauces.