Cafe La Vie has easily become my go to spot. Ever since my wife put me on, it's basically turned into a weekly ritual. They never miss every visit is consistent, fresh, and hits every time. Opening at 6am makes it clutch for early mornings too. Pork and shrimp noodle soup is my go to here . Service is amazing, the owners are great, and the ambiance really feels like a true Vietnamese café hangout spot. It's the kind of place you can just sit, eat, and vibe. read more

Cafe La Vie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

This place has been a Vietnamese staple in Tacoma for years. You'll often see a bunch of men gathering here having coffee with their friends before they go about their business everyday. This place is consistently busy. There's indoor and outdoor seating. The building is a small house and has enough space for about 20-30 people inside. Probably another 20-30 if outdoor seating is available. You seat yourself or order from the front if hou are ordering takeout. Tables get cleaned immediately as soon as people leave. Service is quick and the workers are friendly. Their bánh mì đặc biệt (deluxe sandwich) and the cà phê sửa đá (iced condensed milk coffee) are my typical go-tos. The sandwich has layers of meat and portioned appropriately. The pâté adds a rich umami flavor and the Vietnamese bơ (mayo) gives it a buttery flavor. The veggies are always healthy and seem fresh. Also their jalapeños actually have a kick unlike most places I've been to. I recommend this staple to anyone looking for a solid Vietnamese sandwich in Tacoma. Great place to chill and have coffee to start your day. They have other foods like noodle soups, stews, and a rice plate. I haven't tried any of them, but it might be something I might look into in the future read more

Cafe La Vie - bánh mì đặc biệt & cà phê sửa đá (deluxe sandwich and iced condensed milk coffee) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Small Vietnamese cafe and they only feature a few signature dishes. We tried the deluxe bahn Mi which is a combo with pork, pate and vegetables. The combo rice plate has egg, pork and shrimp- comes with a bowl of broth. Very simple but flavorful and good prices! read more

Cafe La Vie - Rice plate with deluxe bahn mi - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

This spot is definitely a mom & pop shop! This is more of a home cooked meal feel. So if that's what you're looking for, this is your spot. I really enjoyed the bun Bo hue here. The flavors of it were perfect. These were the only two items I've tried. The meat in the rice plate however isn't the juicy type of cut meat though, on the more dried side which isn't my preference but my partner enjoys it like that. I'd definitely come back and give it a try if you're in the area. But like I said, it's as if you're going home to your parents cooking so don't expect high end dining or anything extravagant. The inside of the restaurant is filled with the uncles and aunties so it really fulfills the mom and pop vibes. read more

Cafe La Vie - Bun bo hue - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Came from out of state and had to try the banh mi sandwich after hearing so many great reviews! The place was already pretty packed when I arrived, which says a lot for a smaller restaurant. Parking is limited--you'll likely need to find a spot along the street--but it's manageable. Customer service was a bit on the slower side, probably due to how busy it was, but everyone was friendly once we got seated. The food definitely lived up to the hype--fresh, flavorful, and worth the wait. Overall, a nice and decent spot that's worth checking out if you're in the area! read more

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I went here for a bahn mi and it was one of the worst things I've ever bit into. I got no lemongrass taste, only what I thought was liver pâté and bad breath. I asked for extra meat and there was tofu and this weird pickled pork. Super sad I went here. I'm gonna have bahn mi trust issues forever now. The service was fine and the space was clean enough. read more

Cafe La Vie - Bahn mi - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

My friend and coworker had been telling me about this place for a couple of years now so it's been on my radar for a while. I drove down to Tacoma to run an errand and since I was close I decided to stop by. It's everything you imagine from a local mom & pop style restaurant. The tables were filled with people and families. Chatter amongst all the guests. Uncles outside gathered together smoking their cigarettes after a nice satisfying meal. I walked in and was immediately greeted. After a quick assessment that there was no where to sit, I was told I could sit anywhere outside. Before I went to my table I ordered at the cashier. I ordered a bun Bo hue and a banh mi to go. The bun Bo hue was delicious and authentic. The broth was light yet bold. The noodles were cooked perfectly and the meat was fresh. My greedy ass just wish there had been a few more slices. I added lots of chili oil bc I like mine spicy. The banh mi bread was super fresh. Nice chew but tender and a nice crust. Definitely good eats and if in the area, I'd come back! read more

Cafe La Vie - Bun Bo hue - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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The beef stew pho is the truth. Tender, rich and delicious. Great price for the amount of food

Really good food just not what I was expecting. Because they have escargot I thought they would have French things on the menu. There's on street parking nearby but no parking lot But service is friendly. Food was great and cheap. read more

Solid family owned spot. Been coming here since 2012 and it's always consistent. Will stop in to grab a Banh Mi and Vietnamese coffee Togo and when I have time I sit down for the Bun Oc and Bun Bo Hue. This place is a gem in Tacoma read more

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If you need a quick breakfast, you can go here. If you miss the coffee shop vibe in vietnam, you can go here. read more

Cafe La Vie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

This place is a small mom & pop shop with a couple tables. best bun bo hue I've had in a minute! It has everything a BBH should have. I ordered takeout and was blown away by the flavor of the soup. The guy that cashed me out up front was very nice as well. Definitely going to come back to try the sandwiches and drinks! read more

Cafe La Vie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I take my little here often for a girls day. Service is great and food always hits. I love the atmosphere, reminds me of my viet dad and all his dad friends. I always get the Bon Bo hue. Can't help myself to try other things but tbh I know it's good. read more

I love this Ma & Pop's place! Been coming here for over 10 years and will keep on coming. This place is small so be prepare to wait. Not a problem, if it's busy I just order to go. read more

The sandwich was spectacular and the service was amazing. I absolutely love finding places like this. Also, you have to play the lottery .

Where else can you buy pho and lotto tickets?! Walking in, the rough signage boasts this location has produced multiple $10k winners. Of course, you gotta buy one. Or two lol. This is as divey as it gets. The front counter is a mesmerizing mess of mess. Bathroom do not go in. Sticky tables. Pho came out hot but a bit on the oily side. Average Bahn Mi. Street residental parking is very limited and so narrow you wonder if your car will be safe from a side swipe. Our tickets were not winners. Oh well, c'est la vie Cafe La Vie. read more

Cafe La Vie - Spicy Pho ;) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Got the pork banh mi, meatball soup, and Vietnamese coffee. Always delish and quick service

The banh mi and meatball soup was bombbbb!!! The customer service was very nice and helpful. The vibe here is so cozy and homey. I love it read more

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So good. Ate here since I was a kid when they had a little shop on 38th st. Tofu bahn mi sandwich is the best in Tacoma read more

Cafe La Vie - Amazing tofu bahn mi sandwich. Hands down the best. I remember eating this when I was a kid 30yrs ago. They use to be located on China town - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The real deal for sure. Perfect sandwich, coffee and they even give you an iced tea while you wait. read more

Cafe La Vie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

La Vie is a staple in my household. I've been going since I was still in elementary school. My dad would take me to school earlier just to get a Bánh Mì to have in the way and finish at lunch. The Bánh Mì Thịt Nguội is my personal favorite. The baguette has such a nice crisp to it. The owners have been the same for as long as I can remember, always very nice and efficient. As a kid, I never went in but as an adult now, it definitely gives Vietnamese street breakfast vibes. Outside there would be tables for food, casual coffee and smokes. La Vie is a gem and definite Tacoma staple. read more

Excellent. Learned about Vietnamese tea from the staff. Iced Lotus tea is the house drink instead of and much better than water. Also had iced coffee to drink. We had the barbeque. We'll be back to try the rest of the menu. Recommend for anyone that wants Vietnamese cuisine that isn't Americanized. read more

i was running errands in Tacoma and decided to stop for lunch, Cafe La Vie popped up with a 4.6 star rating, so i figured it was worth checking out. unfortunately, my experience did not match up the hype. My son ordered a Banh Mi, but the bread was so stale and lacked of freshness. I ordered a rice plate, and the meat was so dry and overly salty. It was a let down overall, especially considering the high review. On top of that they we were charged $4.00 for "Custom Amount" I was not sure what is that for. Overall, I definitely not recommend this place. read more

If you are looking for good authentic Vietnamese food this is the place! They open super early and you can get your Vietnamese coffee there too!! I needed to find a place to eat before my 10 am dentist appt and called this place to make sure they were opened and the man answered the phone saying he opens "6 am to 6 pm every day."!!! I walked into there and there's options for indoor or outdoor seating. Their menu seems to be limited but it's all the food you wouldn't normally find at allot of other Vietnamese restaurant. I ordered the bun bo hue and chao long (no pic because I ate it all). Their bun no hue was very flavorful and had everything you would expect a real bowl of it would have. So good! I need to go back and try other things on their menu! read more

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My favorite place to go on a cold day! Everything here taste like your grandma cooked for you.

Sandwiches and Vietnamese coffee is top tier. Inside you'll find the inside filled with families inside and outside (if the weather permits) enjoying each other's company over great food. Service is great. Straight to the point. read more

Well, 5 years later, after my previous review I must report that the French Sandwich is now my order, although the BBQ is fantastic, the French Sandwich is LIFE. (super-crispy baguette, various cold cuts, roast pork and the normal bahn mi trimmings - plenty of veggies, just enough jalapeno, a pretty good schmear of pate, the right amount of maggi seasoning) I love this little cafe off 38th St. The Bun Bo Hue is amazing, also. And the people who run it are super kind and nice. read more

Quaint little place. Very local. Food is totally authentic. It really felt like this place is at the core of the community.

This is without question the best bánh mì in the south Sound--and better than much of what you'll find in Seattle.

My go to spot when I'm in Tacoma. Service was great and place was very comforting as always read more

Cafe La Vie - Combo rice plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Incredible sandwiches! Between the bbq and cold cuts & vegetables it was hard to choose a favorite. In the end, bbq won. Service and ambiance were great for a casual Sunday lunch. Definitely will be going back!! read more

Got the Vietnamese iced coffee. It was $6 and they didn't even fill it up to the top. The service was pretty rude as well. read more

Cafe La Vie - Got the Vietnamese iced coffee. $6 and they don't fill it to the top. Rude service. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I was looking for a good banh mi spot in Tacoma and came across Cafe La Vie. As I entered, there was a lady that was busy prepping something in the front, but I was greeted by an elderly man who took my order. I ordered the BBQ pork banh mi and the pork meatball soup. I stood and waited about 7 minutes since there were no chairs around, but the man went up to me and offered a chair for me to sit which was nice of him. I received my order soon after and went home ready to eat my soup and banh mi. The soup was amazing and it even came with extra bread for dipping! I was tempted to add my own noodles, but the soup with the meatballs by itself was delicious. The broth was very light and flavorful, and the pork meatballs were juicy and tender. The level of sweetness of the meatballs was a tad too much for my liking though, but everything else was very good and satisfying. The banh mi didn't "wow" me, but I enjoyed every bite and I liked how they didn't include a lot of jalepenos. I think the prices here are very affordable; both the banh mi, meatball soup, and extra bread came out to $12. I will come back for the meatball soup again and try their pho next time! read more

Cafe La Vie - Pork Meatball Soup $7.00. The broth is divine and the meatballs are sweet, juicy and tender! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Amazing food! The menu is pretty versatile, so there's something for everyone. The service is amazing for a small restaurant too. They're super kind and generous here. I'd eat here again and again! read more

Owners are so friendly and start you off with complimentary iced green tea while you have a very short wait for your food. We shared an amazing bahn mi with a great side of broth for dipping. 10/10 must try. read more

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Fun, small cafe with good service. They only have a few tables and the place is tucked into a residential neighborhood. They I ordered the coffee and fried bread and both were delicious. read more

Wonderful Vietnamese breakfast: French baguette (banh mi), soups ( Chao, hu tieu, bun bo hue)

This is my favorite spot for soup in all of the Puget Sound region . Period end of review

I love coming here when I'm craving a banh mi. Depending on the kind you get they are $3.50-4 and the best I can find in Tacoma. The cafe is set up in a older home and is part of a neighborhood so it can be easily missed if you have never been. Parking can be a bit difficult sometimes but I usually get pretty lucky. It is all street parking so you may have to park a few stores down if the 8 spots they have nearby are taken. I generally order 2-4 sandwiches which take about 5-8 minutes. Not a bad wait especially since it is busy. They have other food that I have not tried. I normally don't dine in for lunch. The customer base is normally older Vietnamese or cambodian men who just come to hang out and have a light bite. It's "their" Starbucks haha. Anyway I just grab my sandwich and go. If you're looking for a banh mi give this place a try. read more

Cafe La Vie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Love this place. The food was very well done and everything we ordered was fantastic. The cold coffee rocked too! Definitely will be back again read more

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