I seriously love this place and have been here so many times. At least once a week I am here. I have only had their banh mi and coffee so my 5 star rating is based on the banh mi, coffee, and service. So far I've had the beef, shredded chicken, and bbq pork but the bbq pork is my favorite. It's always so juicy and flavorful and they really do load their banh mi's full of meat every single time. Their bread is also a stand out feature to this sandwich because of the amazing crunch. The veggies are also always very fresh and no stingy portions at all. I want to mention that they have my most favorite Vietnamese Coffee in the area as well! Always stirred fresh with little clumps of condensed milk at the bottom which I appreciate strangely. Another thing that has me coming back is the service. It is always fast and friendly every time Ive come in. If you are looking for a great banh mi in the midtown area I can't recommend this place enough. I've had others in the area but this one is easily the winner! read more

My hair guy suggested to stop in. My logic is if someone from the country recommends a place it's worth checking out. I had the rice vermicelli with bbq pork. I felt like I ate soooo much yet still had leftovers. We started with the spring rolls which each were fairly hefty. The peanut sauce was served warm which was different but tasty. The pho broth was tasty enough that I'd consider it which I typically skip. They managed to make my step son tap out before the bottom is a small bowl which I consider an absolute win with his appetite lately. The overall restaurant isn't fancy. It's fairly simple. But the prices were good and service was quick. read more

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This restaurant's meals are really cheap and the grilled pork banh mi was delicious. It's smaller than the usual banh mi that I am used to, but being less than $6, I think it's a pretty good price. read more

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Tried the ban mi sandwich double pork. Delicious. But don't deliver unless you uber for twice the sandwich price

Hey I just met you And Viet in Houston is crazy! So here's an option Cali maybe? Extremely busy sandwich place which isn't just excellent by Midtown standards, it would be one of the best in Alief too, on Bellaire Blvd, anywhere. In San Jose. In Ho Chi Minh. Or as my friends call it "the big Ho." Probably the best Banh Mi in Midtown, possibly the best in Greater Houston, divine and stuffed full of goodness, authentic and fresh made. Did you know the owners here are the former owners of the legendary Les Givral's nearby (which no longer exists). If it were in Miami it would be located on Cali Ocho. But it's not, it's here in Houston, because we're lucky. Just don't ask me for Cuban food recs in HTX, because there are some things Miami really does better. We love the people that run it and we love their sandwiches even more. All the food served here is utterly delicious. However, they have a hidden gem that keeps me coming back here almost daily. If I came for it daily, I might be dead already, but maybe I am. How do I know I'm not though. Okay this just got very philosophical. I'm sorry. But it's the coffee. Sorry, the Cafe Sua Da. Viet Iced Coffee. Amazing! I know my coffees, and this one is strong, authentic, cheap, incredible, unusually large portion, fresh made every time you order it. Easily the best and best value coffee in the city. Anyone who likes Cafe Sua Da absolutely must try it here. You may never try it anywhere else. As in it might kill you. But if it doesn't, you will keep coming back for more until it does. It's in Midtown, so be careful, masses of homeless and a little crime. Not so much Jack The Ripper crime, but definitely petty crimes that Cali Ripa would report on. I mean Kelly. Lots of beautiful people come here on their lunch break. I guess the Pho keeps everyone looking young and glamorous. The owner is a sweetheart and I consider her a friend. Andrew and his brother are great guys and it's always good to see them, they both have fantastic customer service. And there's a little woman making sandwiches and my coffees that is such a sweet, lovely person, and one of my fave employees of all time, anywhere. I always have lovely chats with her. If you haven't been to Cali, go to Colombia, or even Los Angeles, and see what you think. But if you haven't been to Cali Sandwich, you're missing out. The best sandwiches and especially coffee in town. Cheap, delicious, authentic, and right next to downtown. It's like the very best of Alief without having to even look at an inch of the asphalt of 59. And it's near Montrose, so when you pop in for sandwiches and coffee, feel free to Cali Me By Your Name. Now let's allow LL Cool J to take it away: I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali I'm going back to Cali, hell yes, I think so I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali I'm going back to Cali, I sure hope so I'm going back to Cali, the crowds are surprising I went there at lunchtime and they were sizing Barbie up Her skirt, small; heels, tall She said, she liked, the Fresh Rolls She showed me a Banh Mi, gave me Viet Coffee And pulled out the Chili Garlic Now I thought that was fast, but the girl next to us got it faster She's looking for a real good sandwich I said, "Close your eyes, I got a surprise, " And she loved it, then ran out on the bill Note: I don't run out on bills (Or Monicas, or Hilarys) read more

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Upon entering this place might throw you off. The chairs are wobbly. Tables also. There is a lot of clean up that needs to happen. This is your true mom & pop business. I entered and did not know if I had to go to the counter or find a place to sit. The guy, working there just told me to go sit anywhere. I had their beef bahn mi and it was the best one I have ever had. Hands down. Best one. Nice and saucy. Bread wasn't too toasty either. It was PERFECT. There was a constant flow of customers and the ladies prepping the food were constantly making sandwiches. There is plenty of parking also. I like 45 mins away and I would make the drive. read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Beef Bahn mi - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Well, I was in the area so I decided to drop by Cali to pick up some of our favorite _banh mi_ to surprise my wife for dinner. But alas, Cali was shuttered and locked. I haven't been there for a few months, so I was apprehensive that the place might have closed down. I checked Yelp, but there was no hint from Yelp that anything was wrong. So I'm in the dark. I ended up going to Subway. read more

This place has quickly become a favorite! So sad I hadn't found it sooner. Parking here is tough, there's a small adjoining lot, but the strip mall it's in has a lounge so spots go quick. There's a lot behind it but it's reserved for another pho spot and they tow- so street parking is something you have to prepare for. Typically if a place has bad parking, in Houston, the land of plenty, I usually don't go! There's just too many restaurants to put up with that kind of nuisance. But here? It's worth the small annoyance because their food IS SO good. It's spacious inside, and you'll get seated immediately. The servers have real mom and pop vibes and won't hesitate to suggest foods in case you're confused. I went with a friend who is vegetarian, and they had plenty of veggie options for him to choose from. I had the Pho Tai, and he got the Mi Xao Chay, stir fried tofu & vegetables with Egg Noodles. We also ordered a tofu bahn mi. Fun fact- I've seen stir fried veggies and noodles at many restaurants but not a lot of places make them with mi ( egg noodles) and this is my fave type of noodle. This was both of our fave dish, and the reason I keep going back. The broth of the pho was delicious, didn't have that canned taste, tasted fresh, and the Banh Mi was also great. read more

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Wasn't super impressed my sandwich. It wasn't bad by any means but both texture and taste wise the sandwich fell flat as an experience. Also while I was there I noticed water from a vent over the table right next to me. And while I feel like I have a pretty strong stomach for lacking atmosphere or slight dinginess, this place definitely pushes what I consider acceptable. read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Tofu Bahn Mi - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Best banh mi's in Houston area. I love their grilled pork banh mi but sometimes I get the Cali combination too. Pho is also very nice but the banh mi's are spectacular. Plenty of seating and incredibly fast service. read more

f you're looking for a good banh mi in Houston, this is the spot. I got the Cali Combination and it did not disappoint. The ingredients were super fresh, the bread was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the flavors were on point. Prices are very reasonable, making this a great go-to spot for a quick lunch. The food comes out fast, and the service is friendly and efficient. Whether you want to grab and go or sit down and eat, Cali Sandwiches has you covered. Definitely recommend! read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Cali combination - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

In a city where a mediocre sandwich can run you $18, Cali is out here feeding you well for a fraction of that. The BBQ pork is savory and layered generously alongside pickled carrots, jalapeños, and cilantro. For the beef pho, the beef was tender and the noodles were silky. Service is speedy and efficient, and vibes give true mom and pop business. Perfect for a lunch break, a quick dinner, or honestly just any time~ read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Bbq Pork Banh Mi - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

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All I have to say is , that was a hard ass sandwich. Almost broke a tooth Hard is not the same as crunchy on the outside soft on the inside . No sir read more

Fast service. Tasty food. Reasonable cost. The highlights were the banh mi's with crispy baguettes with healthy portions of meat and vegetable fillings. Also the freshly blended fruit smoothies are top notch, clearly plenty of fresh fruit was used and I highly recommend. Some of the best I've had. The spring rolls and other apps were not quite as good and probably would skip next time, but the sandwiches and smoothies will have me coming back. read more

This review is for takeout- efficient process and you can't go wrong with the food from here, especially for the price! I got a tofu banh mi and their tofu rolls. The tofu was soft and flavorful and their bread is crispy on the outside and perfectly soft on the inside. This will be my new go to banh mi spot! read more

The only good thing to come out of the pandemic-era closure of Les Givral's was switching my banh mi allegiance over to Cali instead - but having had the chance to try more and more of the menu over the last few years, I can definitely say Cali is so much more than a simple banh mi joint. Even with the lengthy menu, they manage to execute each dish at a high level and an excellent price point, whether it's the crispy, filling-packed banh mi, the rich, savory noodle soups, or the fiery, wok-fried hot dishes. My banh mi of choice layers juicy meatballs, vinegary pickled carrots, cucumber, cilantro, and jalapeno for perfect texture and balance in every bite; my go-to soup is the seafood-forward bún riêu, packed with various umami-laden bites and fresh herbs. Pair your sizable meal with a luscious, caffeine-maxed cà phê sữa đá or a creamy fruit smoothie (my favorites are the papaya and avocado!) Service is efficient and water/napkin refills are always proactive; when you're done, just head up to the counter to pay your bill. While it's a great place to call in to-go orders, it's also fun to dine-in to experience an incomparable cross-section of Houstonian patrons enjoying some great food together. Hope to catch you there next time! read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng (rice steam sheets with grilled pork) - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Finally what I'm looking for here!! The fried spring rolls I've been craving for is called egg rolls! It was perfect. Crispy and stuffed with goodness. We also ordered the BBQ pork banh mi and Cali combination banh mi. The texture of the bread was perfect. I loved the bread to filling ratio. See photos. The Pho was also great (partner had it and I didn't). Very satisfying meal. read more

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Pretty good pho dac biet (combo); I feel that it was seasoned to be eaten without additional condiments (sriracha and hoisin), which made adding those condiments a little over the top. read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Pho Dac Biet - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

In terms of Midtown dining, it's hard to discount Cali Sandwich & Pho, one of the city's most frequented spots for affordable (#1) food and a solid lunch option. A family run business, they're pushing two decades in operation, and is worth a shot for anyone who enjoys a decent banh mi. It might not look like much from the outside, but the seating here is spacious enough to where waiting for a seat is rare. Minus their busy lunch hours and weekend diners, there are plenty of options for groups of all sizes. The natural lighting is a nice touch and the bustle of the family working to get food out is very admirable. For yours truly, it's banh mi, coffee, and close to nothing else. The bread is soft and they're quite good about lathering the insides with extra paté, is always a wonderful thing. Their dac biet version is a good portion of various meats from cha lua to head cheese. Their trung (egg) op is one of their better combos with lots of paté and I appreciate the runny egg. The coffee is an excellent size and I love the fact it's just sweet enough to savor but bitter enough to give me life. I tend to buy their ca phe sua das in tandem with banh mi, which makes for an ideal takeout order. The good news is that a majority of the foods are under $10. The bad news is that I haven't found much I've enjoyed outside of the sandiwches. The broth was just too bland for my tastes and I thought the goi cuon summer rolls were also a bit disappointing. I think the com rice dishes are solid and I still haven't had their bun rieu. Food snafus aside, I think the service can be a bit rough around the edges at times. The young guys running the place don't always give off the friendliest vibe and ordering in Vietnamese is usually met with English. Shout out to the Viet aunties working hard in the back to make this all work. The parking is a dedicated parking lot, but fills up quick since it's shared with other businesses in the same lot. When the service gets a bit backed up, sometimes the wait for food while dining in can be a bit much. Takeout or bust, and in addition to the banh mi, I love their mini station of sauces and condiments that they also sell like an Asian supermarket. They do accept credit card, but cash is always the way to go. ___________ (#1) In the loop anyway. read more

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If Cali sandwich has 1 million customers, I'm one of them. If Cali Sandwich has 100 customers I'm one of them. If Cali sandwich has 1 customer, I'm one of them. I stand with Cali sandwich till the day I die! These Báhn Mìs are too die for. The grilled BBQ pork Báhn Mì is a staple with a smoky-sweet pork. Cilantro can be abundant at time but not too much of a headache. I'm not sure what umami is entirely, but this definitely got it. I've dined and ordered here several times and are a perfect company lunch order. I don't feel credited enough to call this place authentic but I've heard from credible sources that Cali Sandwich is up there in authenticity. Fast service, and casual atmosphere. read more

Sandwiches are loaded, but not without some areas for improvement. For years I have sung tales and revered Cali Sandwich & Pho (CSP), but I feel the team falls short these days. I can vouche for their quickness in services, and maybe there is a story behind this. For a place that is known to make their own bread in-house, its probably one of the most disappointing aspects of the sandwich. Why is it so stale? It's like chewing into a leather shoe! I'm looking for bread that has that "Gosh-darn thats crispy" outer texture with a fluffy soft interior but we're pretty from optimal here and it's really putting a damper on every bite. The fillings, however, are the truth. Their combination sandwich (minus the bread) still has undeniable, amazing flavor worthy of mention--the butter, patê, the perfectly pickled vegetables, and the harmony of cold cuts--God, WHY IS THE BREAD SO... [clenching fists]. It could've been perfec--WE would've been perfect... Anyway, the restaurant is a little worn down, but I feel on the upside it does bring an authentic vietnamese charm that you would only find across the sea, and it also possibly allows the prices to not climb so quickly, either, so, dare I say, this might be a good thing! You won't catch me paying $8 for a banh mi (not yet, anyways). And--I don't know--again, seeing the aunties run around organizing their ingredients where they can find space just adds to the experience and really brings me down memory lane. In the past, I've tried their soups and have not been impressed, but on a good day, they could arguably have the best sandwich in town. 3.5 stars with the round down due to their obsession with selling Huy Fong's Sriracha over market price (I kid, it has nothing to do with that--I just always find it a bit hilarious). But seriously, try their combination, "Dac Biet" sandwich. It's pretty dope. read more

My favorite pho place in Houston! I've tried many places and this one tops for pricing and flavor of soup broth and variety. The bun bo hue (spicy beef) had ample lemongrass flavor albeit less spicy than I'm used to. The pho broth was fragrant and a classic staple. Banh Mi's were 5.50$ and great bang for buck. Will definitely be back! Service was fast and ambiance casual. read more

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Some really delicious Vietnamese food in Houston. Great spring rolls and excellent Bahn Mi. Great friendly service.

It has been a couple years since I've dined in and decided to go with friends & our kids. The parking lot is very small and limited. There is street parking nearby but I parked in a lot next door without issues. It was around 1:30 pm on Saturday and it was busy but they were able to quickly cleaned a table for 5. We did have some trouble communicating with our server but after several attempts, we were able to get our order in. We asked for fried rice without eggs due to an allergy but they said they couldn't accommodate. The food came out fairly quickly and everything was delicious. Eggrolls are always my fav appetizer to start with. My go to is the banh mi dac biet (combination sandwich). I always appreciate a restaurant that gives good amount of pate & butter in a banh mi. There isn't a kids menu/portion. I got my daughter a pho with rare beef & brisket size small. My friends got the spicy garlic shrimp which comes with steamed rice, bbq pork sandwich, and combination fried rice. I've had the spicy garlic beef & rice & crispy tofu dish before and both are great. The women's restroom was fairly cleaned & had two stalls (one large family size). The staff were overall friendly. I would definitely come back again or order to go. read more

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Ordered the Cali Combination Banh Mi. As someone who's used to Austin prices, I was SHOOK when I saw that the banh mi here was only $6! So affordable. And so good. Unlike at some other restaurants, the bread here is soft enough where every bite isn't scraping the roof of my mouth. I can't wait to come back and try their pho next time! read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Cali Combination Banh Mi - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

Cali Sandwich is one of those legendary establishments which has existed for decades. It has outlived myriad restaurants which seem to come and go with increasing frequency these days. My first encounter with Cali Sandwich (at a different location) many years ago left a really good impression. I remember ordering fresh squeezed sugarcane juice at the old location...a true rarity. The banh mi was top notch, as I recall. Flashing forward, years later, to the new location on Travis...I am reminded of why I liked Cali Sandwich so much in the first place. The understated decor and high quality are still there. I really miss places like Van Loc, Les Givrals and Vietnam Restaurant, but Cali Sandwich, much like Thien An, is keeping that old school Vietnamese restaurant vibe and tradition going in Midtown. The cha gio from here is delicious. It seems like restaurants no longer serve it with mung bean sprouts and mint, but I still really enjoyed Cali's version, which is served with green leaf lettuce and basil. As for the tofu banh mi, it was really good. I liked that Cali Sandwich still serves theirs with daikon radish. And the tofu is of a much higher quality and more flavorful than most other restaurants' tofu banh mi. Highly recommended. read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Tofu banh mi and cha gio with fish sauce. - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Food was so good very flavorful. Great spot for a quick lunch. Had to go on my lunch break. The staff were kind and quick.

We played volleyball on a Saturday morning and afterwards were craving a good Banh Mi Sandwich. Our friend recommended a spot near us, so we had to stop by. It's actually close to a coffee shop (ola cafe) I enjoy. We ordered a #83 (Dac biet, cali combination) and #84 (thit nuong, grilled BBQ pork) with pate added to it. Both sandwiches hit the spot. Not too big, but plenty of protein. Loved the pate that was added to the #84 sandwich too. Pricing is SUPER reasonable especially for being in the loop. Quick service and definitely will come back! read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

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A Houston staple when it comes affordable, yet tasty, eats. The banh mi sandwiches are filled and inexpensive. The midtown location has moved ever so slightly into a newer building. There are a good amount of tables and seats. The decor is basic, but gets the job done. The menu is extensive, but I always stick to the basics. My go-to is the special banh mi, commonly known as dac biet. If you're looking to try banh mi for the first time, thit nuong would be your best bet. It's juicy, marinated pork and is always a crowd favorite. read more

Been going here 25 years and I'll keep going for the bbq pork bang mi with home made mayo

Delicious and affordable so delicious! Bahn mi with egg was heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Iced coffee very delicious and strong!!

Amazing food midtown best you need to try it or pick up the food it's fresh and delish

I've been by before about four years ago sandwiches are good. I haven't been back lately.

Returned to try the spicy tofu. Didn't disappoint- came with steamed rice and sauce you make from salt/pepper add squeezed limes and pour over tofu dish. Delicious vegetarian meal! Parking in front of restaurant is limited & shared with other stores. Usually park on the side street on Anita. Ask for Andrew, he can give you the off-the-menu offerings too! read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Fried egg rolls - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Best banh mi place in Houston! I've been here multiple times with my family and it has never failed me. The service is great; always greeted at the door and quickly seated. I get the banh mi thit nuong (grilled pork sandwich) and it is always delicious and fresh. The ratio of meat and vegetables is perfect and works great for me. Recently, I have tried their Pho (beef noodle soup) and it was impressive! Super refreshing and delicious broth. The sandwiches are all $5+ and so worth the price! 10/10 would recommend! Give this place a try if you haven't! read more

This place might not be much to look at from the outside and parking is incredibly tight, but what matters is the food, and they knock it out of the park in terms of flavor and affordability. Having gone to Houston in February when it was ridiculously cold, I had to get stuff to warm up. First off, that Hot Vietnamese Coffee really hit the spot. You take a sip and that mix of strong caffeinated coffee and sweet condensed milk immediately warms you up and gives you energy like nothing else. Everyone says to get the Banh Mi here, and they are absolutely correct. The bread itself has that perfect balance of crunch and crust on the outside while staying soft and warm on the inside. The roast pork is tender and super flavorful. Everything is nicely balanced out with the pickled carrots and daikon radish. Finally, get the wonton soup. So worth it. Most places you might get like 3 wonton, and that was what I was initially expecting. But what I got was a giant bowl of 8 or 9 wonton. Absolutely delicious for a cold day. So definitely drop by here in Houston! Definitely taking you to flavortown with their delicious food! :) read more

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Food was Ok. The combination bánh mì would be a good choice to have. It's just a but weird to have American ham with it, I prefer to opt out if I have known it. The pork meatball is just nah... Price range is really good. read more

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I came to Cali Sandwich & Pho specifically for the banh mi, and it absolutely delivered. This is hands down the best one I have had since my trip to Vietnam, and that is not said lightly. The bread is perfect. Light, airy, and crisp on the outside without tearing up your mouth. Inside, everything is balanced exactly the way it should be. Savory protein, fresh cilantro, pickled vegetables with just the right bite, and a clean spread that brings it all together without overpowering anything. Every bite hits with contrast, freshness, and comfort. What really stands out is how authentic it feels. Nothing about this sandwich is overdone or Americanized. It tastes like something you would grab from a busy local shop overseas, simple but executed with confidence and care. The shop itself is casual and welcoming, and service is quick and efficient. Prices are more than fair, especially considering the quality and portion size. This is the kind of place you come for one thing and end up planning your next visit before you leave. read more

One of the best Bahn-mi's in houston, all my friends agree with me. Definitely order the cali combo bahn mi (add an egg if you're feeling adventurous). We also ordered the spring rolls (really big) but I would highly recommend the eggrolls because they are fried perfectly on the outside and full of flavor. My boyfriend loves the bun rieu (Crab pho)- you can't really find it done this well at a restaurant anywhere else. Service is really fast and I will always recommend this place to anyone craving a bahn mi. read more

Cali Sandwich & Pho - Cali combination bahn mi - Sandwiches Near Me - Houston, Texas

If I lived in Houston I'd definitely come here at least once a week. I'm from northern VA where banh mi will cost you at least $9 nowadays, it is a BARGAIN to get a delicious banh mi for $5-6 here!! Even with extra meat, it's about $7! Service is so kind here as well, we also tried the bo luc lac and beef pho and both were delicious! I'd highly recommend coming here and supporting this business :) ps order the egg rolls SO CRISPY AND YUMMY read more

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