Le’s Pho and Sandwiches
3 E Court St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Le’s Pho and Sandwiches Menu
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Address :
3 E Court St
Cincinnati, OH, 45202 - Phone (513) 721-9700
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Samir M.
When small restaurants say "We're out of that..." I get excited... it means that the kitchen is turning food, that food is fresh, and that item is popular. Le's was out of the Bun, so I had the Pho. It was... ...Excellent. Self described 'hole in the wall', the chalk board menus and open kitchen with fresh spring rolls being rolled, and greens being plated are a refreshing approach to the $6 lunch, Cincinnati south Asian food, and palate-pleasing casual fare. This town needs more flavor-first restaurants like this that are cheap, friendly and delicious. While south Asian competitors Wild Ginger, Tan Thai, Lemon Grass, and Teak offer $3 of taste and $10 of ambiance, Le's Pho and Sandwiches maximizes the $/taste, and lets you fret about the ambiance of one of Court Street's best kept secrets. Don't get me wrong, Le's is clean, the family-staff are incredibly friendly (they taught me to pronounce Pho correctly), and the food was fresh - but you are not paying for carpets and table linens here. The Pho is authentic and amazing, equal to the quality of the best Vietnamese districts in North Philly and Chicago. I had Chicken Pho, accompanied with sprigs of mint, bean sprout, cilantro and slices of jalapeno. I would have ordered the Bun, but by 1:30pm, they had run out (see paragraph 1) and I will be back early next time to try it. Try it, you will love it. -Samir
(5)Louise D.
Small hole in the wall place but who cares if the food is phenomenal? I decided to try the beef bun and it was soooo good! It took me back to my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Paris and I just couldn't stop smiling: I had finally found my bun in Cincinnati too :) Friendly friendly staff, it feels like you're going for lunch at your grandparents :) Can't wait to try the sandwiches too, although I probably never will now that I have tasted the bun...
(5)Trevor F.
Really good little hole in the wall. Great sandwiches and Pho. Not as many options as pho lang thang but very very worth while.
(4)Nikki F.
This is a family owned awesome place. I loved the beef egg roll. I have never had anything like it. We had the Beef Pho. Would like to go back and try the sandwiches soon. The family cooking together is so cute. I wish every restaurant had the owner on site. It makes the food SO much better because they care about the final product. I will go back!
(5)Nathan K.
This is a great lesser known place for authentic Vietnamese food in downtown Cincinnati. I see people enjoying everything on the menu. I have stayed with only one item... the pork Banh Mi. This sandwich is amazing. The bread is perfectly crusty yet light and soft on the inside. The meat and toppings (pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and cucumber) blend perfectly in this traditional Vietnamese sandwich. I recommend adding a splash of Sriracha sauce.
(5)Stuart T.
I really enjoyed this unsuspecting little Vietnamese restaurant. There was a sweet lady that takes your order that was very friendly. I took my order to go and it was out quickly. I ordered Banh Mi and a Spring Roll. The 2 spring rolls have three pieces of shrimp in them. The roll tasted very fresh. The flavors seemed to pop! The Banh mi was great too. I got the chicken banh mi. There were some spicy bites to the sandwich. That was a bit of a surprise. I will definitely add this place to my lunch list.
(5)Dan M.
This TINY pho/banh-mi shop has solid, cheap, authentic food. The pho not too exciting, and that's a shame for it because Pho Lang Thang is right around the corner in OTR and even better - for pho. This place is where it's at for banh mi. I was a little disappointed to see mayo go on instead of butter, but otherwise, the banh mi was great! As a heads up, it's actually on Court just past the corner of Main. Bottom Line: I'll be back for the banh mi or hit up Pho Lang Thang for the pho.
(4)Will M.
This was a new restaurant to me, but apparently they'd been operating in the library for years. They've moved into a spcae that attempted to be a minimart several times over the past year, opening for a day or two, closing, rearranging, opening for 12 hours, closing, rearranging... it's nice to have something here not selling pay-as-you-go phones. I wasn't certain what to make of the menu. It's actually kind of mini-martish, with some frozen ice cream, Snickers, some (good looking) cookies, hot dogs, etc. But then there's the more traditional Vietnamese food, such as pho, and some sandwhich options. I went with the pork sandwich, rated Best Savory Sandwich in Cincinnati in 2007, apparently, and my friend went with the lo mein. Well, Downtown has changed drastically since 2007. I wasn't here then, but I've been told the quality of restaurant has improved drastically. I'd still put this towards the top. My sandwich really, really hit the spot. It's small and light, but delicious, especially with some Sriracha (which it didn't need but enhanced it.) The lo mein was small, with not much (dark) meat chicken, but my friend said it was delicious, and it was also remarkably cheap. Two meals and a water for marginally more than a nearby crepe. Due to the hours I'll never make it for dinner, but this has become my go-to Saturday lunch (on days I sleep too late to make it for a Servati's bagel.) Tom & Chee is nearby, too, but I think I'll experiment with the less fattening Le's Pho for a while. My sandwich was great, the staff was great... really a great experience. It's not high end gourmet, but man, that sandwich is one to go back for.
(4)Michael R.
Great food and great prices. A great lunch spot downtown.
(5)Edith M.
This place is one of downtown best kept secrets. This family has a special place in my heart. The Patriarch and matriarch are extremely nice and humble. They alwyas greet you with a big smile. The soup is fresh and delicious. The place doesn't have a trendy or nice decoration... I don't care about any of that as long as my food is delicious!
(5)Tony P.
Great Pho...Great Spring rolls....fresh ingredients...great prices. What else could you ask for!!!!
(4)Dan S.
Really loved the food here. For some reason, Vietnamese food seems to just taste better when it's enjoyed at a hole in the wall location. I had the beef pho; the broth was excellent and the noodles were perfectly cooked. My dining companion had a banh mi that looked absolutely divine. I would love to go back and try the other items on the menu!
(4)Emily G.
We eat here at least twice a week. Love the pho and the bahn mi. The owners are very nice and their service is always excellent.
(5)Donnell S.
Wish I could give 4.5 stars. Food is great. Prices are great. The staff are super friendly. It's not 5 stars because I've had better pho and sandwiches, but this place is still fantastic!
(4)Reena L.
AWESOME! So glad that I found this little gem of a place. Very traditional Vietnamese food and a great price. I had no idea they were there, or that they'd been operating in the library before. The inside is small, but there's tables to sit and eat. I got mine to go. I ordered the Bun - vermicelli noods with fresh herbs, vegetables and your choice of meat (I choose pork because the owner recommended it). For what I paid, $5.50, I got SO much food. Plus they gave me 2 egg rolls. The owner told me that the next time I have to try her Pho, because it's better than anywhere else. Challenge accepted! Next time I head there for lunch, that's what I'm getting. Stay tuned for the next review.
(5)Mike S.
I've tried every place in Cincinnati and Dayton that advertises Pho. Le's is the only place that serves authentic Pho. I've only eaten here once, but I already love this place. The only reason I gave it a 4 and not a 5, is because the Pho was not served as hot as it should be, so my noodles were slightly undercooked.
(4)Niela L.
Absolutely delicious tiny restaurant. The Banh Mi is out of this world!
(5)Jackie S.
I hate to go against the grain here, but I truly would not recommend this restaurant. I was told to check this place out because they have amazing food at great prices, but I have to disagree. The atmosphere is extremely bare-bones and it's a bit confusing if you're a first timer (order at the counter). I got a noodle dish and a side spring roll. The noodle dish was thickly laden with a beef sauce that I would have preferred to have never tasted. The spring roll was bland and too sticky on the outside. They served it cold, which was a disappointment to me, and it was basically impossible to eat because the inside fell apart while the outside stuck to everything. Worst of all, it took a long time to get our food. Customer service was basically non-existent. Despite the extreme convenience of location near where I work, I can't see myself ever going back.
(2)Hyatt G.
Got the Banh mi with beef this time. Very good. Plush warm bread, fresh veggies, and deliciously spiced beef. Need more beef though! YUM!
(4)Lea N.
There are many reasons to be happy about Le's Pho and Sandwiches, one of which is that they didn't move very far away from their former location. I was more than sad to see Le's Cafe leave the library but I am overjoyed that they have found a new location only a block away! Now that Le Ha and Hai Bui have reopened as a stand- alone restaurant, we can all rejoice over the return of Le's FABULOUS pho, a staple Vietnamese noodle soup that is a must try! I have never had better pho anywhere! Le's features several other classic Vietnamese dishes, including their already famous bahn mai sandwiches and several variations on bun. Bun is a cold, rice noodle creation that is so wonderful it will have you wanting to lick the bottom of your bowl!! Le Ha and Hai Bui treat all their customers like family and I could go on for several paragraphs about how wonderful, friendly, cheerful and downright amazing they are but you really need to meet them for yourself. Le's Pho and Sandwiches is a must for lunch downtown. I would say get there before word gets out but the lines are already forming around the block!!
(5)JoEllen H.
Wow! What a find! Great taste of Vietnamese food! I really enjoyed my lunch and the next time I am downtown will try it again.
(5)Joe P.
This place is terrific. The family that owns and operates the restaurant is beyond friendly. The food is great - I eat there about once a week. The Pho is good, particularly the beef, and any kind of bahn mi is good. What's more, the food is cheap (Large Pho is under $6, Bahn Mi is $4). The place is small and unassuming, but still warm and inviting.
(5)B S.
The food is good. My husband is a big pho fan and he loved the food. The staff was very friendly. The place is small and kind of crowded. It is not stroller friendly and doesn't have high chairs. I totally understand this, since it is downtown and geared towards people at work on their lunch hour. I would go back and recommend to others.
(4)Scot H.
delicious, inexpensive, divey. a great alternative to the other place in findlay market. service was good, food was good and two of us ate for $14.
(4)Kevin W.
An oasis in downtown Cincinnati. The food here is cheap, quick, and invariably delicious. The Ph and the Bánh mì were as good as I've had almost anywhere, and I think it might literally be impossible to spend a double-digit amount of money here. The proprietor is friendly, delivering your food to you at your seat. You have an option to tip when you order - do so. It may be a counter restaurant, but the owners go out of their way to be helpful. No bathroom on premises, which can be a bit annoying - but there's apparently one in the office complex across the street.
(5)Tim F.
I stopped by to get some pho and they were all out so I opted for teriyaki with lo mein and 2 crab rangoons. The teriyaki was good but the lo mein was more like ramen instead of a meatier noodle. What makes me drop the stars to 3 was the crab rangoon. It was bland and just tasted off. Best of all it was cheap. I'd definitely go back when it's not so close to closing and I assume I'd have a better experience.
(3)Katie D.
Driving down Vine to get here I can't help but think about the poor souls waiting 2 hours to be seated for lunch. Eat on Court Street instead!!! Many of these places are only open for weekday lunches, which can be inconvenient for those of us who don't work downtown. If you are going to visit any on your rare day off, Le's Pho is the best! Yes, it is true that the pho is inconsistent and might not always be as good as the last visit, but that's just the way it is when it comes to making large batches of soup. Maybe it will be better! That is part of the charm and culture here. The ingredients are fresh, delicious, and of course this place is super inexpensive. Where the heck else can you get a la carte egg rolls for $1? I'm not a big crab rangoon eater, but they are also a la carte 2 for $1! Those prices are hard to beat anywhere! Yes, it is also true that it can be hard to find a seat. Every time I come here I worry that we won't get a table, but alas, this has never happened. It looks like the hunger games, but one always opens up. So while some say there isn't enough seating, I say there is exactly the right amount of seating. If you are really concerned about this, just don't come right at 12. I'm sure any other time is fine.
(5)Ryan P.
This place might just be the best value lunch in the city, especially since Deli 720 closed (RIP). Let's get right to the goods: banh mi dac biet for $4, get it. You will thank me later. The toasty bread, the crisp vegetables, the Vietnamese meats, the fresh cilantro, and the spicy jalapenos combine to make the perfect sandwich. I could literally eat one every day. Add on an order of spring rolls ($3) and a coke ($1.50) and you have a super filling, handmade lunch for only $8.50. Good luck beating that anywhere else downtown! Le's is really the definition of a hole-in-the-wall joint, so there isn't much seating. Get there early if you want to sit down to eat. Getting a banh mi to go is good too, but you really need to eat there at least once to get the full effect of that crispy bread. The mother, father, and daughter that run the place are super friendly and always pumped to serve you. The food comes out quick too, so it's great if you're pressed for time. Parking on Court Street can be a hassle, so that's yet another reason to get there early. You can always find a spot before 11:30, and usually with plenty of time left in the meter too! The only downside of Le's is that they aren't open on evenings or weekends, but being a small operation and being on Court, you can't blame them. Damnit, not I'm really craving a banh mi.
(5)Shingo C.
I'm new to Cincinnati and have heard from quite a few people that this was a decent spot. First "cool" day of the year is here (63 degrees with a breeze), so I figured I'd give it a try. I asked the guy what I should get, he recommended the beef pho, so I ordered that to dine in and also added a dac biet banh mi to go. Let's just say when it gets really cold, I'll be frequenting this place often. Both the banh mi and the pho were delicious. Don't let the hole in the wall decor deter you. Easy spot to miss, do a favor to yourself and check it out!
(5)Mario A.
Love the pho here, was fortunate to spend a lot of time in manhattan post grad school and I'm picky about pho, this is no joke the best around for a long distance.
(5)Eric S.
On a cold, blistery day in February, I walked into the absolute perfect place in the city for lunch - Le's Pho. It's important to note that I've never had Vietnamese before. So, take my food review with a grain of salt. That said, it was exactly what I wanted! A huge bowl of beef pho that was piping hot and full of fresh herbs and veggies. On a cold winter day, it was perfect! I downed it quickly and slurped up the bottom of the bowl. The fun thing is you get to eat both the broth with a spoon, and use your chopsticks to get all of the noodles. Very filling. A few tips: I got there at 11:30, which was a good thing, as around noon, this place loads up, and as others have mentioned, you might have a hard time getting a seat. Also, if you want a drink, you have to pay for it. I didn't see any option even for a free cup of tap water. So, make sure you account for that. Other than that, the service was friendly. The food was delicious. The prices are great. And, I can't wait to go back and try the $4 Banh Mi!
(4)Lynn N.
THIS PLACE IS GREAT! Very authentic vietnamese at amazingly cheap prices. The pho beef broth was flavorful, you could taste the star anise but it wasn't too salty or fatty like other places, it definetly hit the spot. I tried the bun pork which was a little underwhelming, it came with cabbage eggrolls (not my favorite) and a rather small portion of tht nuông (grilled pork). The best was the banh mi đc bit, so so so good. The bread was perfectly crispy on. The outside but soft and chewy when you bit into it. The sandwiches were pretty hearty with the bread, authentic meats, pate carrots and daikon for the added crunch it is a deal at only $4. The little shop was packed for the lunch rush, but they do a great job with clearing tables and getting food out to you quickly. The service was great. My only complaint would be seating, their business is hopping especially during the lunch rush, that we had to stand and wait for our food, and luckily a table cleared for us, but you kind of feel guilty lingering there, and left to make way for the steady stream of patrons. I could go for another banh mi already...
(5)Maggie B.
Why have I never been here!?! It is right around the corner and amazing. It is run by an adorable and amazingly friendly family and they make fantastic soul warning fare for what should be considered stealing. Seriously it was so cheap I felt bad even with a 40% tip. They were very helpful with suggestions on the dishes. We had the Dak Biet Bah Mi sandwich. The bread was crusty the fillings fresh and flavorful. They also sell spring rolls and crab rangoons in singles so you can add them to your meal. They were both great and not greasy. The spring roll was especially delicious. We also had the Beef Pho which was rich and warming with fresh accoutrements. And it was HUGE. Seriously the biggest bowl of soup I have ever seen. We will l definitely be back to try the Bun and pretty much everything. You should go. Now!
(5)Katie M.
Small, cozy place. Great little lunch spot to get some pho on a cold day! Service was fast and good and the food is quite inexpensive. They do a great job on packaging to-go orders. Good place to come alone or with a small group of 4 people or less. Not enough space for large groups.
(4)Bill C.
The Banh Mi and Bùn are cheap and delicious! I was sweating from the jalapeño peppers and loved it. Everything was fresh and hot, and prepared before our eyes. The owners and their daughter provide fast friendly service too... always a treat these days. It is a small shop, so get there early! I can't wait to go back.
(5)Tessa X.
My first experience at Le's was a great one! This place has everything I want in a dining experience, from the staff to the food to the price. The cute little lady behind the counter was so friendly and she smiled as she took my order. I love when people seem genuinely happy to be serving you their food. My friend enjoyed her bowl of pho, and I had the dac biet banh mi which was both delicious and insanely cheap. Don't know how they stay in business but I'm glad they still are! Just wish they were open past 4pm so I could eat there more often. Since my first visit, we've also gotten catering from them for a work lunch. They delivered to our building and everyone raved about the food! Highly recommend them for catering events.
(5)Thomas C.
Summary: Love supporting mom and pop shops like this but there is better pho and bahn mi in town Ambience/Service: Despite what people said in prior reviews, there is quite a bit of seating in the restaurant, although I went on a holiday Monday at 2pm. There's probably enough seating for 20-25. The family owners are sweet sweet people with the mom who is busy taking orders and cleaning tables. Everyone is wonderful. Food: There's basically 3 menu items - pho (noodle soup), bun (vermicelli noodle bowl which is dry like a "salad" of sorts, and bahn mi (sandwich). My girlfriend got the dac biet pho. I'm vegetarian and got the tofu bun. I'd have to say the tofu bun seems like a bit of an afterthought. The noodles were stuck together and probably the same noodles used for their pho - typically the hot stock would break apart the noodles but there's no soup in this dish, making it difficult to eat. The peanut sauce that comes with it is thickened with maybe cornstarch and while it does have a nice flavor, doesn't seem to fit this dish, which usually has a soy-based liquid sauce that comes with it. We both are fans of tofu bahn mi's and ordered them to go. They were well-packaged and when eaten later, the bread seemed to hold up ok but the tofu didn't seem to be super fresh. Otherwise the pickled veggies were good and crunchy and the jalapenos had good heat. Overall: I really want to support the family and support mom-and-pop shops in general but I think there are better bahn mi's and pho (including vegan pho) elsewhere in the city. I might come back for a fresh bahn mi to see if it's any better but I will probably prefer going to other places for my fix.
(3)Joel L.
I ate during lunchtime on a weekday and it was packed. I had the Beef Pho and it was amazing. The broth was perfectly seasoned and the sprouts and other vegetables tasted fresh. I had a tooth-ache and the Beef Pho cured it! The cashier was very nice and patient while I ordered. The restaurant only seats about 15 people so I suggest that you arrive before the crowd.
(4)Matthew E.
First-timer here. I know, why have I not been to this place before?! Lately, I've been a pho-natic. I can't get enough. I had seen some reviews for Le's but never actually made the trip in. Working on the outskirts of downtown and with so many dining options around town, it took me a while to get here. Well, good people, this place was awesome! Let me break it down for ya! The Atmosphere: Exactly what you want in a lunch spot. Busy! That's always (usually!) a good sign that people love the food. It was business day lunch right at high noon across from the kroger building. I took it with a grain of salt that busy might not always mean awesome. The place is small, quaint and a little outdated if you're a person who cares about that kind of stuff. I'm all about the food myself, but to each his own. No hater here. The menu was a chalkboard hanging above the register that clearly listed the options for food. The place was being run by three people: an older man and woman and a young woman. The older lady ran the register while the other two prepared and served the meals. There were maybe 12 tables in the place each seating 2-4 people. The Food: I mean, this is the whole point, right?! The food was awesome! I had Beef Pho Dac Biet (three assorted meats) and I took my order to go as I happened to be a slave to my desk that day. I had a 5 minute ride back to work, unpacked my bags and mixed everything together. Took my first bite and ow! Burned my tongue! I was so impressed that after about 10 minutes passed since I was handed my food and was now back in the office and it was still piping hot! It was great! The actual food itself was stellar with fresh herbs, noodles and peppers to go with it. Came with a side of sriracha and hoisin sauce as well. The meats were delicious but I found myself extra partial to the Vietnamese meatballs. Dunno what it is about those things but I can't get enough! Overall I was very impressed by the quality of ingredients, portion size and the fact that it's packed well enough to still enjoy if you get it to go. If you haven't been here yet and love a good bowl of Pho, you have to try it! Can't wait to go back to try th Bahn Mi and Bun as well. This place became an instant favorite!
(5)Amanda L.
Atmosphere: simple picnic tables, wouldn't be missing out much if you did takeout Service: family run business, excellent attitude and service- loved the mom and the daughter they were so sweet! Food: *Banh Mi* was delicious, baguette was toasted to perfection, crispy outside, warm I inside. The veggies were fresh and the jalapeño peppers added a great spicy kick to the sandwich... Craving another! *Spring rolls* were fresh, crisp, and light a great salad alternative! *Iced coffee* not the traditional strong Vietnamese iced coffee I'm used to, not as sweet or strong .. I personally could go without one next time Enjoy!
(5)Allison M.
I am the type of person who will try anything once. I have always been interested in trying Le's Pho out, I walk by the restaurant almost daily. After reading the reviews I though why not! Dac Biet = $4 ORDER IT! I also tried an egg roll, delicious. The service is quick, food is super fresh, and I am defiantly addicted now. I was amazed at how expensive the food was, my sandwich was huge! I can't wait to try the soups now :)
(5)Beth K.
Alright, hold the phone. How has this place been hiding from me all this time? I recently heard about Le's from a friend of mine and decided to stop in the other day for lunch. Drove past it easily the first time, as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It may be a small, unimposing storefront, but Le's Pho is not to be missed! Located right on the corner of Court & Vine, this place is such a gem! Delicious bun and pho dishes, spring rolls made right when you order, and awesome banh mi for only $4?? Get outta town. (but no, seriously, this place needs to stay forever) Not a lot of seating inside, so be prepared to take it to go, especially if you're going right at lunch time when it can be quite busy. Staff is very friendly!
(5)Adam B.
Another good place for pho. We hit it on a Monday for lunch. There was a line to the door. It is clearly a place for the downtown lunch crowd and I can see why. Good, flavorful pho for a reasonable price. They seemed to do a lot of carryout business as well. It's tiny so if you plan to eat in, you might be waiting for a table.
(4)Tsyria T.
Their pho is phenomenal! It isn't as hip looking as Pho Lang Thang, but I think their food is more authentic. I only had the pho, but apparently their sandwiches are what they are known for. They have awards all over their walls. I'm definitely going back in the near future to try those!
(4)Luke S.
Cheap = Awesome. Delicious = Awesome. Only open for lunch during the week = Tough fact of life. If you are skipping work and find yourself by Court Street downtown do yourself a favor and pop in this place. Everyone is friendly, food comes out quickly, and as I mentioned above the food is delicious/awesome.
(5)rick k.
I have only gotten the Chicken Pho, but it is so good that is all I want. I eat here at least once every other week for lunch and it is always the same thing.
(5)Raven J.
Have I written about this place before? I work across the street so I come here often. This is a 3-man show: Mom at the register, dad running food, and daughter preparing meals. It's simple, fresh, cheap and has a loyal patronage. They just raised the prices and it's still the cheapest place downtown. Vegetarian friendly as well. Try everything once then settle on your faves. 4 stars because they don't do fried things well (crab Rangoon , egg rolls). Just stick to real Vietnamese food and you'll be very impressed (and healthier).
(4)Alex N.
You know you are in a authentic place when the restaurant is a whole in the wall and the cooks only speak Vietnamese. The Pho is delicious and the Banh Mi is a great meal on the go.
(5)Sheila M.
Maybe there was so much hype and I had waited so long to come here (literally years), that by the time I made it over last week my expectations were insurmountable. The pork banh mi was good but not close to the better ones I've had, as it was a bit on the dry side, and the pork tasted strange. The next day I came back for the pho that a Cali friend recommended to me, but it fell short of my expectations as well. They were pretty skimpy on both the meat and noodles. Flavor was close to authentic, so I'll give them that. Also, the price was quite reasonable...I don't think you'll find cheaper pho in Cincinnati. For the latter 2 reasons, I'd probably come back, but their hours (closing time is 4 pm) make that difficult.
(3)Megan B.
Great Vietnamese food - fast and friendly! I really love their banh mi sandwiches (I get the one with 2 kinds of pork - viet duc maybe?) but agree with others that the pho is hit and miss. There's a place in Findlay Market with amazing pho but I won't sully this review by mentioning it! At any rate, the food is good and fairly priced and this place is a real hidden gem in downtown Cincinnati. It can get very crowded but they'll also do orders to go. If you love Vietnamese food or are looking to get introduced this place is a solid place to try it out!
(4)Vicky N.
I came here on a rush for lunch today and wow, I am impressed by the service and quality of food! As someone raised on the Vietnamese cuisine, I will always enjoy any opportunity to eat like I did at home. Le's has very authentic dishes as others have said before (I order pho dac biet and banh mi dac biet), but even better: since its location is in a busy area of downtown, they served the food within 5-10 minutes considering how many people were there for lunch. The family is very sweet and friendly. I wish I could have spent more time there and order more dishes, but this place seems to have very short and odd hours, which tends to be an inconvenience. Just make sure to check what times they are open. Otherwise, compared to the other Viet places in Cincy, this one seems to have the most personality and flavor (literally!!). I definitely think it's very well priced for the quality of food provided.
(5)Rachel R.
If you like Vietnamese food, this is the place to go, and for cheap! I'm not a big Pho person, but it's pretty decent here, A little too sweet, but like i said, I'm not a big fan of pho. What I do love here is their lo mein! They're pork egg rolls aren't too shabby either. They don't have a huge menu, but what they do they do well. They mainly do pho, bahn mi, and buns. They have tofu options if not listed, just ask. The inside is tiny, a few close together tables, and a bar stretched across the window to people watch. They will also put a few small tables outside if its nice. Quick, easy, cheap, what more could you ask for?!
(4)Mark F.
Good chow in the heart of our legal district. I loved the expeditious service and friendly smiles. The choices of food and drink are unique enough to make it worth the walk from the Fountain Square area. Thumbs up. You won't be disappointed if you don't mind the very casual atmosphere.
(4)Elaine W.
$4 Banh Mi Dac Biet was a great lunch decision. Baguette was perfectly toasted. Crisp, crunchy on the outside, lightly mayo-ed on the inside. Not dense like most banh mi breads. This gave room for the fresh veggies in the middle to breathe, and there was just enough pork and pate! (Note: Some people might prefer a thicker proportion of meat, but I thought it was just enough to be delicious and not overwhelming). My friend got the pho (we tag team) and declared the broth flavorful. Happy to report we were not food coma'd by the end of this meal. Fulfilling. 4 bucks well spent.
(5)Katie F.
I love their sandwiches so much! I get the tofu bahn mi and it comes with such delicious bread and fresh crispy vegetables and cilantro. The two times I've give they have not had the Vietnamese iced tea, which is disappointing. Still the service is quick and friendly and the price-$4 for an awesome sandwich, can't be beat! It's a great option for vegetarians.
(4)Shoshana K.
This place is ghetto. So is most of cinci....but just sayin..... I frequent pho lang thang in Findlay and have been curious to try this place to see how they compare. The meatball pho at lee's is kinda nasty. Maybe meatball pho is just like that....I think the meatballs were pork but they were really bland and not my favorite texture...the toppings for the soup were a little sparse and not the freshest.... The best part is the prices here-really inexpensive. I got a bahn mi to go (dinner for later....) and the sm bowl of pho for $11!! The restaurant is tiny and the tables could use a wipe down. The food is def better at pho lang. The service is just as friendly at both establishments. One thing that I hate ab pho lang (that did NOT happen to me while dining at lees), is how I walk outta there smelling like a sweaty soup pot.
(2)Anjelica N.
Le's Pho and Sandwiches is most definitely a hidden gem. Often overshadowed by Pho Lang Thang- Le's has equally delicious and equally authentic Vietnamese cuisine! I first learned of this restaurant from my mother. Let me tell you- if my mother (a Vietnamese immigrant and one of the best cooks I know) says this place is legit, then it's going to be pretty darn fantastic. And of course, mother knows best. She was totally right. The banh mi dac biet is my favorite. The meat is tender, herbs are fresh and the bread is just right. Contrary to popular belief, the banh mi bread is not a French baguette. Its baguette inspired with a soft fluffy inside. Le's banh mi is crunchy on the outside and soft as can be inside. Delish! Oh yes...sandwiches are only $4...#STEAL My only criticism is about the pickled carrot and daikon. It's typically much more sour but I think the flavor, as is, is more appealing to the Americanized palette. :( Their pho tastes like how it should... just like grandmas! Also if you check this place out, don't miss out on their rice dishes. I prefer the chicken! A marinated rotisseries chicken with some asian flavors... it's juicy and extra filling....and enough for two meals. When you can, grab a seat at this tiny eatery on Court street. You won't regret it! (Neither will your wallet.)
(5)Tyler F.
Eat here. It's awesome
(5)Marissa Z.
So cheap! So worth it! You won't be disappointed. The $4 tofu banh mi canNOT be beat in value and glory. The tofu is nicely cooked and seasoned, and the bread is always the right combination of fresh and toasted. It's not super big, so if you're ravenous, get a spring roll or something, but it usually does the trick for me. If you're getting pho, though, go for the meat options. They're simple yet delicious, and the meat brings a sense of sturdiness to the soup, but I regretted the one time I got the tofu pho. The tofu was too light and flavorless for the soup, so if you're getting the meat-based broth, might as well get the meat along with it. Even after the blah tofu pho experience, though, Le's down-to-earth, family-owned style and unbeatable prices still get 5 stars in my book.
(5)L C.
Been here for lunch a couple of times.. All I got to say is absolutely delicious! Get the bah mi..
(5)Rosemary G.
Good pho, great prices. I had chicken pho and an egg roll for about $6.50. Limited seating area so get there before the lunch rush.
(5)Greta S.
My Tofu Banh Mi was delicious. Good portion size, flavor, awesome service. I'm a little sad that they don't offer a vegetarian broth option, like many other pho restaurants do, but I'll live.
(4)Tito M.
Wonderful little place. Pho is delicious. Bahn Mi are the best value sandwiches anywhere. There are sides like crab Rangoon, egg rolls, cold spring rolls. They used to run the cafe in the Library a block away, I am so glad they found a great spot so close by.
(5)Casey H.
The one thing that I really don't like about Le's Pho and Sandwiches is that they're only open for lunch Monday through Friday. I live so close, and sometimes I'm really craving a tofu Banh Mi on the weekend. It just teases me as I walk by and see the closed sign on the front door. Otherwise, this Vietnamese pho and sandwich shop is great. The vegetables that accompany my usual tofu Banh Mi order are always fresh. The bread is always warm and a little tough when you bite into it, and along with the tofu and mayo, it makes for quite an enjoyable lunch. $4 for this bad boy, and I feel like this spot it too good to be true. The only reason I know it's not is because they don't have a vegetarian pho option. The pho is made with a meat-based broth, so vegetarians beware. I guess I can't have it all, eh?
(4)Mitch D.
I just don't know how you can't love a place like this. No frills, bare bones, delicious pho and banh mi sandwiches. It's good for what ails you, and is easy on the wallet.
(4)Karen D.
Finally made it to Le's Pho and Sandwiches today and Wow why did I wait so long? Friendly family welcomed you from walking in the front door explaining the Pho and Sandwiches, I've been waiting to try so I had both the Beef Pho, "Mom's" suggestion and Chicken Bun, which was a lot to eat, but totally worth it and under $10 The Chicken Bun is one of the best sandwiches I've had in my entire life - the fresh warm bun with the just chopped right veggies, chicken and perfect hit of mayo Wow, I came back to work raving that everyone has to go try the bun. I'm serious if you're in downtown Cincinnati come down and try this its some of the best money you can spend on a delicious homemade sandwich. The Pho was served piping hot with veggies to add, so I added it all in & great mixture of flavors. Great on a cold winter today. While I was sitting there enjoying the food all three members of the family stopped by individually to ask if everything was okay on and the "Mom" suggesting I add the duck sauce to the Pho, which is her favorite. This is definitely a wonderful hidden gem to the downtown lunch scene and I'll be back for many future visits for the bun alone!
(5)Todd L.
Pork bahn mi was REALLY good and at $4 its an amazing deal. I also got the spring rolls (made in front of me while I waited and super good)...only $3...best $7 lunch in town...
(5)Ben N.
This modest little storefront with only a half-dozen or so tables is another great addition to Court Street's burgeoning "Restaurant Row" downtown. My expectations weren't too high going in. Only once had I been to the old Le's Cafe that was tucked away in the library a couple of blocks away. CityBeat had had a write-up about Le's bahn mi sandwiches, but what I'd gotten there was pretty disappointing: subaverage, sub-like French bread and roast pork, plus the rather gross inclusion of way too much plain white mayonnaise, or some spread very much like it. Anyway, I didn't go back. But I'll keep going back to this recently opened Le's Pho and Sandwiches as long as they keep serving up pho and banh mi as solid as what I've tried here so far. Regular pho dac biet is a really good value at $6.50 (I think). And believe me: the regular sized bowl is plenty big. Banh mi is very credible, too, and a steal at something like four dollars. (And very little mayonnaise-like spread to speak of!) As Will M. says, the menu overall is a little bit mini-martish, which I think detracts from the focus on Vietnamese items. But based on the Vietnamese stuff I've had so far, I'm sure not complaining.
(4)Lizbeth T.
I love Le's for weekday lunch. It's a small space, but somehow I've always managed to find a seat. Atmosphere is very simple, but the Le family is warm and welcoming. Order at the counter, have a seat and they will bring you your meal when it's ready. I'm far from an expert on vietnamese food, but Le's bahn mi is my favorite in the city.
(4)Jimmy B.
Amazing first experience here. I work nearby, and always forget to try this place. My pork Banh Mi was slightly better than Pho Lang Thang. This is mostly because of the amazingly crispy French roll and that was super soft inside. Pork was perfect, fresh jalepeños, and everything you'd expect. But, it's only $4!!! Perfect little hidden gem.
(5)Mike C.
I'm pretty much going to agree with a lot of comments from other reviewers. Le's Pho and Sandwiches is definitely a hidden gem. I had never heard of it until a couple months ago, though I have driven by it many times. It is often overshadowed by Pho Lang Thang, but Le's has equally delicious and equally authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Very friendly service from the owners. Typical ambience for many mom and pop Asian restaurants....ie more like hole in a wall, but those are the types of places I grew up going to, so it's no big deal for me. Had the pho dac biet. It was pretty authentic and had good flavor. My only complaint, though not major, is that I would love for them to have all the possible meat options that other Vietnamese places I've been to have had in their pho....such as pieces of tendon, tripe, rare beef, brisket, meatballs. The pho dad biet I had did have the beef and meatballs, and supposedly it had tendon, though I didn't really notice it. Also probably a little nit-picky, but the onion in the broth was still not as cooked down/soft as I'd personally like. I also had the banh mi dac biet, which their cold cut sandwich that has pork and pate. It was probably one of the better bang mis I've ever had. The baguette was perfectly toasted and crisp and crunchy on the outside, though super soft on the inside. I will say that I do wish there was just a tiny bit more meat inside. There was just a right amount of heat from peppers and the pickled vegetables provided just enough tang. Overall, I'd say Le's is a solid Vietnamese place for Cincinnat that's very reasonably priced,i and I'll definitely be back for the banh mi and to try some of the other dishes.
(4)Bryson M.
It's pretty simple... home run! It's a grand salami! But the don't serve the salami... kinda confusing for a restaurant called Lee's pho & $ammichs...on a more serious notizen the PHO is excellent and I also recommend their sandwiches!
(5)Giselle T.
My husband and I tried this place for lunch and it was great! The service is 5 star and the food is delicious. I highly recommend their pork sandwich. The bread was perfection and the pork...no words. Its not to heavy and it has enough vegetable to make you feel like you had a nutritious meal. My husband had the Pho and he liked it very much. It may not look like much from the outside but its great $, clean and delicious.
(5)Alexandra J.
Tasty and cheap pork bahn mi, definitely a steal at less than $5. The spring rolls were not very good and contained shrimp, so I wouldn't order them again.
(4)Erin K.
oh hell to the yes! a vietnamese sandwich place I can walk to for lunch breaks?! with authentically made vietnamese sandwiches?! and vietnamese coffee?! and and and oh the treats here are so yummy and this place makes my heart so happy. My new little hole in the wall lunchtime fave!
(5)Nathan S.
I love little places like this. Just had the beef pho for lunch and it was great! I used to get this all the time when I lived in southern California so it's nice to find a place to get it here. I also ordered a pork sandwich but it will have to wait for dinner as I'm stuffed.
(5)Brad B.
Le's is excellent! The pho is among the best in town, and at $6 for a large, it's also a great value. The same goes for Le's bahn mi sandwiches. Great flavor, fresh bread, $4. It's a steal. The place is small and very hole in the wall-ish, which isn't a knock at all. It's an excellent spot for lunch and on my weekly rotation and I highly recommend you try Le's.
(5)Kyle M.
Made by third trip to Le's for lunch. Convenient, quick, inexpensive VERY fresh, and friendly service. I have had the Dac Biet Bahn Mi twice now. It is in a wonder baguette (roll) with fresh cilantro, shaved carrots, jalapeno slices, shaved spare rib, and Pata. The sandwich was very fresh and yummy. Only 4 bucks. They also the same sandwich with chicken, beef, chicken teriakyki, and tofu. One of my friends got the Chicken Bun and loved it - a noodles dish with chicken and a lot of flavor. Tasty, fast, cheap, and clean... my kind of place. It is a not have a lot on ambiance, but since it is a downtown lunch place, doesn't need it.
(5)Drew A.
The banh mi (sandwich) is very good and the prices are great. This restaurant was formerly located inside the Cinci Library until around July 2012. Now it's a stand-alone shop by the Kroger building downtown. The owners (elderly Vietnamese couple) are so friendly and eager to please. They know how to cook.
(4)Elizabeth L.
GET the Grilled Pork Bahn Mi for $4. The french bread is heavenly, and they are not modest about toasting the bread in fear that it might be too crunchy-- it was perfect. The pho was also the best I've had in Cincinnati so far. It had a lighter flavored soup, we assumed because it wasn't cooked long enough (or to douse the usual saltiness of pho), but I'm okay with that. Not skimpy on the meat, and the large size is, indeed, large. The owner is so sweet and kind. She gave us free cookies, along with a shy "happy new year" and a smile. Sad that their hours are so limited due to its location, but she hopes to extend hours on weekends come spring '13 (but don't hold your breath). Pho Lang Thang is popular because it's in the right location, but if only people knew about Le's. If only...
(5)Angela C.
You really can't beat a bahn mi for $4. This tiny, unassuming shop is great! It's an order at the counter operation with a small and simple seating area. Definitely a hidden gem in the downtown lunch rotation. The beef bahn mi was very good. I loved the bread- crusty outside and a lot of softness inside. This would have been a 5 star but for a few things: no pate, the beef had been reheated but a chunk of it was still a little cold in the center (to be fair, it was a thick chunk) and no vegetarian pho option for my lunchmate.
(4)Jagan P.
Simply amazing! Great food, low prices, fast service. I eat here almost daily and have always been by the consistently delicious banh mi and pho.
(5)