Ba Le Sandwiches

“This is my new favorite bahn mi spot, the classic is just perfect.”

This is my new favorite bahn mi spot, the classic is just perfect. The bread is so light and delicately crisp, I could taste all the individual meats and that mayonnaise was incredible. They also have tons hot and cold grab and go items. The prices were decent for the city.

Valerie Litwinko

Jan 2026

“Although this place is always busy, their service is fast and the quality to their food is great.”

Although this place is always busy, their service is fast and the quality to their food is great. I haven’t been able to find a better bánh mi place so far!!! This is the place I go to or order online from when I’m craving an authentic Chinese pork bánh mi and chạo tôm. Staff is really friendly and helpful as well :) i love how there are other fresh food options you in person, including desserts, that you can take home and try.

Estefhany Medina

Sep 2025

“Second time in this restaurant.”

Second time in this restaurant. We ordered vegetables sandwiches. They were fresh and delicious. Friendly customer service. The Mango smoothies were very good. I do recommend this place.

Georgia Salazar

Jul 2025

“a fantastic store with a lot of ready to go options and made to order menu choices.”

a fantastic store with a lot of ready to go options and made to order menu choices. The crêpe cheesecake is just amazing.

Graff Kelly

Jul 2025

“Got the banh mi #1 special, and it tasted just like a perfectly good banh mi.”

Got the banh mi #1 special, and it tasted just like a perfectly good banh mi. Exactly what I came here for. What I like about this place though is they have a good variety of goodies in the front which is nice to have, and they have seating areas inside and outside. The location is also nice as it's right on Argyle and close to the red line. It's a great place, and if somebody you know wants banh mi, this is a solid recommendation.

Justin Nguyen

Jun 2025

“Went in here for something quick to grab, since I have dinner plans later on… this was so good.”

Went in here for something quick to grab, since I have dinner plans later on… this was so good. Simple ingredients but very flavorful. There also so many option in the store to eat!

Cheltsea Marte

Jun 2025

“You can get vietnamese ham, head cheese, and mayo to make your own bahn mi at home.”

You can get vietnamese ham, head cheese, and mayo to make your own bahn mi at home! and tons of classic Vietnamese dishes and snacks, and a soup + bahn mi combo for $15. They also have nem chua and vegan coconut pudding in a coconut!

Alice yeung

Jan 2025

“I love this place.”

I love this place. I’m part Vietnamese and grew up eating a lot of Vietnamese foods. This place is much than just a Bahn Mi spot. They have so many traditional snacks, desserts and meals here. I got a Bahn Mi, it was good, a little bit dry not the best Bahn Mi I’ve had in chicago but still yummy. And it wasn’t the bread that’s “dry” the bread is naturally crunchy on the outside and flaky and soft on the inside, that was achieved. I think I felt the fillings could have been balanced a bit better is all. I got a few viet desserts and some pickled mustard greens that I grew up with. I also got a “fried pork roll” which if you’ve never had it I highly recommend it, warm or cold. Just cut a slice off and eat it or eat it with rice or rice noodles. All were flavors that reminded me of home and I am so happy I found this spot. I will certainly be back. Service was fast and friendly. My friend even left her phone on the counter and they stopped her to give it back. If you’ve been looking for Viet desserts, meats, pickled items etc. I’d say this is your spot to stop by. Bahn Mi needs improvement though. I’ve had some better spots elsewhere.

Kien “Kiki” Lam

Mar 2024

“For a refreshingly new taste experience.”

For a refreshingly new taste experience. try the “Chao-Tom” version of a classic Vietnamese Sandwich. “Pork Shrimpcake #11 @$8.95 + extra daikon @.20¢ + extra Jalapeño’s @ NC from the 1st bite through the perfectly crispy crust of this perfectly-baked-baguette to the satisfyingly scrumptousness of the Slightly-sweet Shrimp-Cake combined with a sharp-acidic bite of Daikon Radish/ Carrot “pickle”- this sandwich sets a high-bar for other competitors in the Vietnamese Sandwich space. “Number 11 please”, is your “Secret” to Happiness-at Ba Le.👍🏼👍🏼 (number 11 is the Shrimp Paste Patties)

R. KRAMER

Mar 2024

“Ba Le is the second banh mi spot I've tried out in Uptown.”

Ba Le is the second banh mi spot I've tried out in Uptown. I did not leave disappointed! Ba Le has been around since the 80s and they've made a lot of updates to make the space more inviting. This sandwich shop doubles as a convenience store limited to Vietnamese snacks, desserts, and meats. I was able to try the Special and the Saigon Sausage. Both were incredibly well seasoned and put together. If the bread is not right, the whole experience is bad. Luckily Ba Le had the rolls that are flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. The balance between meats, seasoning, and toppings is perfect. The acidity from the pickled daikon and carrot is a beautiful contrast to the fatty meats. The cilantro and jalapeño add freshness and a perfect amount of spice. Ordering was easy enough and the folks at the counter were sure to ask the right questions. "Do you want everything on that?", etc. I should've used the numbers on the menu to order my sandwich, an oversight on my part. I ordered the Vietnamese Sausage Sandwich and was given the Saigon Sausage Sandwich. This was delicious so I can't really complain.. but I was really looking forward to that sandwich. Overall I eas very impressed with the timing, quality and execution of Ba Le and I will definitely be back soon!

Brandon

Nov 2023

“This place is awesome.”

This place is awesome. They don’t just have Bánh Mì but also macarons, bánh bao, bánh giò, croissants, summer rolls, sticky rice, and when we went they also had bánh tét and bánh chưng. The place is pretty chill and has self serving kiosks, with nice and friendly staff as well. Definitely recommend this place for family and friends for some delicious food, and will definitely come back again.

Csilla Fodor

Dec 2022

“Very good macarons.”

Very good macarons. My first time for a bahn mi sandwich. Felt very fresh. Had good options for vegans and vegetarians as well.

Rich

Sep 2022