As a San Francisco Bay Area foodie who's been steadily eating my way through Charlotte, I had…read morebookmarked Lee's Sandwiches and was excited to finally give it a try--and overall, it did not disappoint.
The concept is refreshingly simple: a straightforward menu of banh mi sandwiches, summer rolls, chips, and prepared foods ready to go. They also offer beer on tap, traditional Vietnamese iced coffee and tea, and fresh fruit smoothies. No frills--just solid, approachable Vietnamese fare.
I ordered the #8 Chinese barbecue (char siu) banh mi and requested light pâté and extra vegetables. The sandwich was made to order and came out quickly. One of the owners kindly let me know that pâté typically isn't included on that particular sandwich and didn't charge me for it, which I appreciated. The sandwich itself was good, reasonably priced (around $8-9), and filling.
I also ordered a Vietnamese iced coffee, which delivered exactly the caffeine kick I was looking for. It wasn't overly sweet, had beautifully crushed ice, and came with a proper lid--not the plastic film seal you sometimes see at boba shops. Combined, the sandwich and coffee came to about $15, which felt like a great value.
The interior is charming and thoughtfully designed. There's a small tuk-tuk display with retail items, traditional Vietnamese decor like bamboo hats on the walls, and even a seating area with low stools that gives a nod to the street-side dining style you'd find in Vietnam. I also loved the creative touch of repurposed Café Du Monde coffee cans holding napkins and chopsticks--simple, clever, and memorable.
One small note for authenticity seekers: as someone who grew up with traditional Vietnamese cuisine, I've been searching for the classic old-school imperial rolls made with rice paper that fries up bubbly, crispy, and slightly chewy. The owner confirmed what I've been noticing--that many restaurants in the Charlotte area adapt recipes to American tastes, so that particular style is harder to find here. It wasn't a dealbreaker, just an interesting cultural observation.
For my personal taste, the char siu wasn't quite as rich or fatty as the Chinese barbecue versions I'm used to, and the pâté had a slightly bitter note. Next time, I'll likely try the lemongrass pork banh mi and skip the pâté altogether.
Insider tip: This is a great spot for a quick, affordable lunch with authentic flavors and fast service. The iced coffee alone is worth the visit.
Overall, a cute, well-run neighborhood shop with solid value, friendly service, and a menu that does a few things well. I'll definitely be back to continue exploring the offerings.
