Lotus is a great spot to enjoy authentic and delicious Vietnamese dishes. One thing I really appreciate is their special menu for Lunar New Year. They always put together festive dishes that make the occasion feel extra special. We ordered LNY specials this year, and everything was well-prepared and flavorful as always. The only downside is that they haven't allowed dine-in service since COVID, which is a bit of a bummer because it would be nice to enjoy the food fresh at the restaurant. Still, it's definitely worth ordering from if you're looking for quality Vietnamese food! read more

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We have eaten at this restaurant many times over many years. The food is always good and plentiful. The wife cooks while her husband deals with the public. After many years they are only do take out orders. It is best to call and allow them time to prepare your order. The husband brings your food to your car. It is worth the effort if you are not looking for sit down dining. A very different experience, but enjoyable Vietnamese food. read more

The very best of Vietnamese food! Homemade by the family that owns it......Best Ban Xoe I have ever had by far! So good!

I have been eating here since I was a teenager. I'm in my 50s now. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. The family makes the food with love. I've never had anything that was bad. While you may to wait awhile if you're eating in the restaurant, it's worth it. You're getting fresh perfectly cooked food. read more

Incredible!! The kindest service and homemade food. Would come back anytime. Loved the hand pained signs

Everything is made with love here, family owned this restaurant has always held a special place in my heart. The food might take awhile to prepare but is completely worth the wait, this is a to-go restaurant only . read more

Walking into Lotus is in itself an experience. The Entry way is overgrown (I say this because the plants truly look like they have been there so long they are now a part of the building's frame work) with plants that possibly are potted? Once entering the second door you are automatically struck at how dark and aged the place feels ... and how the mounds of magazines, calendars from ten years ago, and piles of dishes that quite possibly have cob webs on them, remind you of the beginnings of a hoarder's episode ... or your great Aunt Bobbie's dining room. Despite all the masses of aged and forgotten things I pressed on (you should too). It was at this point that I saw the dining area. A narrow dining area with perhaps 10 or 11 tables surrounded by thatch covered walls. Well not sure it is exactly thatch but it looks to be woven dried bamboo leaves in the form of wall paper on the upper half of all of the walls. A menagerie of interesting and mismatched pictures, decor, photos, out dated calendars, etc. covers all of Lotus's walls. You will also find newspaper articles featuring Lotus and mentions of all the famous people that have gone out of their way to eat within those same doors you entered. Joe is the adorable proprietor. Now I'm not sure what his entire name is ... I just know everyone calls him Joe ... and he insisted that I do too. The first time I ever sat down in the restaurant (more often than not - I get everything to go these days) I was immediately struck with the feeling of a 70s James Bond Movie in the back alley of some city he was hunting down clandestine information ... I saw the bamboo curtain in the back wall move slightly and I had an uneasy sensation that at any moment a weapon carrying ninja was going to leap out and attack. Of course it was just the overall feeling of the place ... and I'm not James Bond of course ... but I will tell you I have never ventured back behind those curtains. The Food is fantastic. They make everything to order and I really don't think you can get a better soup in town. I firmly believe it is good for all that ails you and Joe is real proud of his soups and especially his Hot & Sour soup which he will imfatticaly tell you is the best and that he cooks it all day for hours. The First time I visited my sister and I ordered and I requested that my dish only have tofu. He looked at me and said, 'You vegetarian?' I nodded and said, 'Yes'. He looked me up and down and said, 'been vegetarian a while?' I said, 'Yes since I was 11." he looked puzzled 'I never seen vegetarian so round? How you get so round?' I tried to keep a straight face and said, 'that's a good question.' My sister and I burst out laughing as soon as he returned to the kitchen. It is one of our favorite stories! Sure the decor is old and crowded and dark ... and the outside even a little scary. And service is sooo slow. I mean I call in an order and wait 30 minutes before going ... and I still have to wait 30 additional minutes ... but it is as it should be. Lotus is not just a great place to get good food ... it's quite simply an experience. One I hope everyone tires ... and will be around for many years to come because I don't think I could quite live without it. read more

First to say, this review is long overdue...we found this hidden jam after moving from downtown Memphis to East Memphis. The search for yummy Vietnamese food stops here. Like others mentioned, the first time we were there, it was a wait to get our food, its well worth the wait for sure. I have not tasted that rich flavor of the soup broth for pho. Trust me, I had tasted lots of broth in my life. Over the years we probably tried the full list from the menu, brought friends there and everyone likes the food. Of course the dine-in option was pre-post COVID..... Things we tried in the past, pho, teriyaki chicken or steak w/fried rice, shrimp with lobster sauce, lemongrass with bbq pork or chicken or beef, wonton soup, wonton noodles, summer rolls, spring rolls, Chinese sausage, combination veggie soup, Vietnamese beef vermicelli, hot sour soup, broth to go etc. If you like spicy food that their home made hot sauce is a must try. Have I mentioned about their Chinese New Year's menu? That just another different beast. Will save it for another time once the dine in option is back. We are still getting to-go as curbside pickup since the dine-in option is still unknown. Please go support our local restaurants, and small businesses. Lotus Vietnamese food restaurant is the best Vietnamese food in Memphis. read more

Pho tai is oddly packaged for carry out - broth is so hot is melts the lid so be cautious Their broth is seriously deep and dark in flavor. This is not from any mix - this is old school. Very satisfying Pho - when they say their hot sauce is hot - they are not joking! read more

This restaurant is diamond in the rough. Great customer service. Food is delicious and always delivered with a smile.

It's not pretty to drive up to but the food is fantastic and the owners are nice! The Pho is darker than most but I'm sure that means it's authentic. Gotta try it. read more

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant - Outside - Vietnamese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Nastiest fried rice I've ever eaten, eggs rolls were horrible too. How this place has four stars is beyond me. Mad I wasted my money

Somewhat of an Institution here in Memphis, this place is family owned and operated. It's a bit out of the way on Summer. With overgrown shrubs and little if any external lighting, many passers by likely think it's closed, aside from the glow from the neon OPEN sign. The interior is worn, but comfortable and dining surfaces are very clean. Crowds are usually light but made up of diners who are aware they're getting something a little special. First off, as others stated: this place requires a bit of patience. Water & glasses for our wine arrived 7-8 minutes after we arrived. After placing our order, our app (Banh Xao) was delivered about 25 minutes later, and the entrees (Beef Pho, and Curry Vermicelli) coming about 25 minutes after that. Keep it in mind, bring a bottle of wine, and enjoy conversation. Service is excellent in the sense that the gentleman who works front of house (the son) is very knowledgeable and passionate about his family's food. He's helpful with recommendations and tips, as well as being very friendly. APP: Banh Xao Very tasty stuff. Moist filling generously stuffed into nice crisp shell, with huge fresh leaves of lettuce and delicious house pickled carrots. The sauce is just sweet enough, and benefits from a dab of their fantastic house-made chili paste (they even grow their own peppers). Be careful, it's potent! ENTREE: Beef Pho My beef pho arrived "assembled", with the mint/basil already in the broth, and a lime wedge on top (if you feel the broth needs it after tasting it). While many love hoisin and/of sriracha with their pho (either on the side like I prefer, or in the broth), they will only provide Hoisin on request. They (and I) suggest tasting the broth before adding anything. I found the hoisin blended with their chili paste makes an excellent dipping sauce for the sliced beef, if that's your thing. Now, about the broth... they claim 5 days of simmering. The color and beefy flavor supports that claim, or at least a few days worth. It is dark, rich, and clear. The flavor is dominated by a rich beefiness. Unfortunately, I found it lacking a bit of balance... with the flavor of the aromatics being a little too far in the background. Also, while overly salty pho broth isn't good (and usually a sign of "cheating" via bouillon cubes / flavoring), this broth could use a bit more salt to it. It's a touch "bland" outside the rich beefy flavor. That's not necessarily a bad thing, I just prefer a bit more complexity. Overall this place is a Memphis Classic. The food is VERY good, and prepared and served with care. It's impossible not to give them 5 stars here, in spite of a couple small quips and preferences. If you haven't been, I can't recommend it strongly enough. read more

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I love this hidden gem in our neighborhood. The food is yummy and made fresh for you. The owner is kind and professional! I enjoyed my lemongrass beef and egg drop soup, and it was enough to last me 3 meals! read more

Excellent food... it's worth the wait. We ordered on a Saturday evening. It took about an hour and a half for the food to be picked up. The restaurant is closed for restaurant dining, but able to pick up. Have to wait in the parking lot until your food is ready. read more

My first time ordering from here and I wish there was dine-in so I can try out their pho without driving it home, but during this time they're only doing take-out and curbside. Overall, I enjoyed my oder which was Lemongrass beef (comes with rice) and summer rolls. The dish was flavorful and comes with lots of vegetables. I already ate the summer rolls so no photos for those. My total rang up $21.99 I would definitely like to visit again especially when dine-in is available. read more

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant - Lemongrass beef - Vietnamese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I had the pho and it was delicious just like when my father makes it for the family! Also, had the wonton soup and it too yummmy! They only do pick up orders, but hey give me good food like that I don't need ambiance. read more

First time here. It's by my house and idk why I've never come... looks sketchy on the outside but that's just summer ave for ya. The place is small and cozy. Family run. It's like being home. Bring a book it takes time. Being a bartender/server that's what I tell people food food/drinks take time. Don't rush the process. Anyway, so I ordered the Vietnamese Eggroll and the Pho and some jasmine tea. So the eggroll was the best I've ever had. It was more like a spring roll but that's not the point. I'm going to get fat because of this place. Very good filling and super crunchy on the outside. BEST PHO IN MEMPHIS. The put everything in there for you and it comes in this huge bowl. Great deal for $10. Seriously if you like pho you have to come here. What a gem! read more

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant - Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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One of the best spots for Vietnamese in town. Their dining room is currently closed due to damage, so they are only doing carry out. They are very honest about wait times which I genuinely appreciate. LOVE their curry and their soups. If you've never been, try it!!! read more

MUST get their Vietnamese pancakes. Best ones Ive ever had and I've been to many different restaurants in and out of town so this says a lot

Update regarding the lunar new year special menu: We tried the Lunar New year special menu this year for the first time (posts announcing time, how to order, menu are through their Facebook page). Ordering was super easy through Facebook messenger. Easy picking up the order. Now the food-OMG. Best meal we had in a looong time. We stuffed ourselves full because it was so good! We got the squid, roast duck, and steamed fish. All so flavorful, so delicious. Our favorite was the roast duck. We will definitely be eating here every lunar new year. Thank you for such a wonderful meal!!! read more

House made everything! Bring some friends and a few bottles of wine. Sit back and enjoy each other's company while sweet Joe and his wife prepare your amazing dinner. Don't come expecting a speedy meal...It's more of an experience. And a step back in time. Amazing- just order whatever he recommends! read more

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Basically agreeing with the other great reviews. This place is a little dumpy slice of heaven. It's one of those hole in the wall places that looks like a crime scene but serves shockingly good food. Never been to Vietnam so I can't tell if it's authentic and I don't really care - it's just good! Joe and family are super sweet people at this Memphis institution. read more

I really love the food at this place, the soup is truly amazing. Talking the owner he reveals that they simmer the bone broth for one and half to two days making the foundation really rich and flavorful, I am craving so soup now! The Vietnamese Vermicelli with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, onions, Vermicelli rice noodles in a curry sauce is so tasty and very well-seasoned. Everything is freshly prepared to order so sometimes it may take some time but it absolutely worth it. Another favorite is the Lemon Grass with shrimp, once again freshly prepared, excellent aroms and flavor, and very generois portions! This food is quite delicious and you actually feel good after eating because it's very satisfying. I've been going to lotus for several years and have never had a bad meal. This unassuming restaurants dimly lit outside and you can blow right by it, trust me because I know where it's at and still miss it :-) it's cluttered inside and you can tell that it hasn't been updated since they opened but for me that's just part of the charm. I feel like I am sitting in soneone's living room just hanging out with friends. It's not fancy decor but the food is really fine Vietnamese dining from beginning to end. (They offer several other choices of Chinese and Asian dishes as well) Just go with some wine and good friends then you just have great conversation and can relax, drink wine and prepare for some great food! read more

I recently visited for their Vietnanese New Years dinner. Everything was fabulous as usual from the fried fish, Goi, Banh xeo, seafood nest and stuffed squid. Everything was delicious. Thank you to the Bach family for providing the special Tet dishes for the new year. Always a pleasure when I'm dining here. read more

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant - Vietnamese New Years 2017 - Vietnamese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Good but not great. It's like eating at your Vietnamese grandma's place. You don't get a side of veggies, but everything comes in one bowl. The broth is good. The folks are friendly. If you're out in that part of town it's solid. read more

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant - Vietnamese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I love the Pho here- it is unlike any other Pho in town, such a treat! It helps to call the order in ahead of time, even if you're planning to dine-in. read more

I have been going here for 25 years and while right now it is curbside pick up. Only, it is still some of the best food we ever pick up and bring home! read more

We've been eating and enjoying food from Lotus for over 25 years !! Joe the owner is and his wife are amazing chefs!! Joe is not only a small business owner , but is amazingly kind and personable. Now that life is different during the Pandemic, take out is very convenient. He brought our food out to the car , and chatted with us . The taste is exquisite. Shrimp with Lobster sauce and Vietnamese Vermicelli are fantastic. The steamed dumplings are exquisite. Order ahead and you won't be disappointed. read more

Been going here for a while. Always worth the wait. Call ahead every time. Joseph is the kindest man I've ever met. The best Vietnamese food in Memphis I judge all other Vietnamese food against. read more

Great pho- broth flavor was on point and quality of meat in steak was great. Staff was super attentive and friendly

Our family favorite since it opened over 30 years ago and still owned, staffed and cooked by the same family. Especially with Covid-19 - Please support this Memphis institution (for those in the know - AND the newly initiated). They do a curbside service during Covid-19. We've had the curbside many, many, many times sometimes several days in a week. The wait is worth it - I promise!!! You won't find better Vietnamese (or super fresh home-made ANY kind of food) anywhere else. Our favorites (but everything we've ever had is pure deliciousness) are: Banh Xeo, Lemongrass Shrimp, Shrimp with Lobster Sauce, Wonton Soup and their Summer Rolls. When we can have dine-in service again - you absolutely must go. This little spot on Summer Ave - where it's been since the beginning - brings a little haven of comfort in the world. This family has an amazing story and generations of family working there just like 30 years ago. Babies and kids at the little TV in the front. With Joseph still front of house and his wife cooking & teaching the next generations how to make the recipes she brought from Vietnam. Get Joseph talking about it and it will be a special treat guaranteed. Again - don't sweat the wait - after the food - you won't mind a bit. read more

I want to modify my review! It is delicious! Yes, the wait is long, but the food is amazing! Perhaps my favorite thing is the summer rolls which I are rice paper spring rolls served with a soy based peanut sauce! I had the shrimp with lobster sauce last time and hot and sour soup which were original! Can't wait to go back! The wait is EXORBITANT! The curry dish was too sweet, but their home made "Sriracha" is really really good!! I want to go back once before they close eventually and try the Pho' read more

Love this place. Excellent food. Don't go if you are looking for a quick bite. It's a small family restaurant and everything is made to order, they usually only have one person in the kitchen and Mr Joe is doing everything else. It's worth the wait! read more

If you like pho, you'll like this place. Personally, I don't do noodle dishes as much anymore, and I tried the lemongrass beef. Forget the fact that it looks a little iffy from the outside (the restaurant, I mean), the food is very good. It's a good place to go when you have the time to kick back, relax, and wait. Yes, the service can be a little slow, but it's worth it, in my opinion. I love authentic recipes and I feel like this is that. read more

Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant - Vietnamese Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Be careful. I feel compelled to warn people about this place. After my recent visit, I finally remembered why my family and I had stopped coming here 10+ years ago. When you first meet the old man who owns and operates the restaurant, he seems like a very warm and nice person. But all that nicety is a front for a mean, unethical, greedy old man underneath. When you order from here, make sure to 1) ask for a menu with prices, and 2) after you order, get a quote of how much your order actually is BEFORE paying. I can't emphasize the second point enough. What this guy usually does is, he asks you for your credit card for payment before he gives you a quote or the preliminary bill, then charges whatever he wants once he has your card. This is what happened to me. I asked how much the bill would be, he refused to tell me, and insisted that I give him the card first. I shouldn't have but I did hand my card over. He takes advantage of people who don't want to make it awkward by refusing him or think "a nice old man like him wouldn't do anything sketchy!" After waiting for a long time, he came out with the receipt without an itemized bill, I compared the final amount against the most recent menu he had online, he marked everything up by ~20%. I get there is inflation and everything, but the recent menu already reflects it. The worst part is, when I tried to nicely confront him about it and pointed out that it doesn't quite add up, his true color came out and turned really nasty. He said, in his broken English, "you complain, you no come back again." And then he had the audacity to make this insulting hand motion to shoo me away. I was shocked by this sudden change of demeanor. I responded by telling him that it's not right what he is doing and lectured him about being a good person. He was unrelenting UNTIL I said I'd tell other people about this. After hearing this, he immediately started being very apologetic. He said a whole bunch of things, I couldn't understand it all because of the accent but it involved things like "you are right about everything, I am sorry, my kids also tell me that I should stop doing this.." It sounded completely fake and disingenuous. He has been doing this BS for more than 10 years now. We used to be regulars here and he did these things back then. We never really called him out on it until now. I don't really care that much about a few dollars but it's about the principle. What he is doing is fraud and even theft. If you could somehow look past and tolerate the immoral BS that he pulls, the food is pretty average at best. read more

Our normal Vietnamese place is closed on Sundays so after reading mixed reviews we decided to give this place a try. The wait was longer than we were originally told but that was to be expected with only one chef. However the food we received was gross. The lemongrass beef was under seasoned and the vegetables were over cooked. The chicken fried rice was no better than what you'd get at the mall. My husbands pho was skimpy on the ingredients. We won't be returning. read more

My girlfriend is Vietnamese. She says the food is authentic . One of my favorite restaurants in Memphis. Don't be in a. Rush. Food in cooked to order and has only couple works. We always get take out and order way ahead. Worth the wait. read more

I don't really want many of you to come here because it is my favorite place and if it is ever too busy for me I would cry. It takes time because it is amazing and I love it to pieces, my favorite restaurant anywhere. Tastes like love and home and childhood, and I dream about when I'm gone. What else is there to say? read more

Update to this review 7 months ago. I have consistently been back here weekly to get Pho and one other entree on the menu. They know my voice when I place an order and just automatically give me extra chili sauce. Been through about everything on the menu at this point. Have not found a single item I didn't like. Pho is still my favorite item but the teriyaki sirloin with fried rice is a very close second. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone that even remotely likes Asian cuisine. read more