I don't usually order out for lunch while at work, but today I decided to mix it up a little. My company recently moved our office to this area, so I pulled up Google maps to see what restaurants were nearby. I knew I wanted something light and fresh, so when I saw Simply Banh Mi, I was intrigued. Based on the Google images alone, I could tell they were a small, family-owned spot. I saw they had their own website, so I clicked on the link. There is a review down below that labels their website as "not user-friendly". And sure, you could call it that... but I think the person who posted that sort of missed the point. The amount of personality and story-telling posted to the website is honestly what sold me. (Don't expect to find a menu or Order Online feature there, but if you want to learn a bit of the story behind this place, it's worth the 5-minute read.) After reading through it, I knew I had to go support. I placed an order online through DoorDash and set out for my 5-minute walk about 20 minutes later. When I walked in, I spotted an empty table in the back corner where I knew I'd stake my claim. I went to the register, where I saw what I assumed was my order already waiting for me. I assumed correctly, so after the nice lady confirmed the contents of my order and handed me my bag, I set off for the back table. I popped my headphones in and started opening my Spring Rolls. The ingredients were fresh, they were rolled tightly (making them easier to eat), and I loved that the peanut sauce was a bit thinner than others I've had (making them easier to dip). I had just finished my first one when I noticed one of the staff touching tables and asking how everyone was doing. Everyone was great, myself included. Once I finished the second one, I decided to head back to my office and eat my Lemon Chicken Salad there. Before ordering, I saw a lot of comments complaining about the portion sizes, specifically with regard to protein amounts. I paid $3 for extra chicken and I'm glad I did. I was happy with the amount of protein I was given, but I could see how it may not be enough if I hadn't added extra. The chicken itself was juicy and flavorful and the veggies were crisp and fresh. There was just ONE thing missing and that was the jalapeños I selected in my online order, but I don't take points away for that. All in all, I was happy with what I got in exchange for the price I paid and I will definitely be back on a treat-myself day. TL;DR: Eat here! read more

I've come here several times. Some times for sandwiches, other times for soup. I think the menu has changed over time. I like coming here when I want an authentic ambience but am too lazy to goto Falls Church. Overall experience I think the food is good and there's not really many other choices within walking distance of this establishment. Wait times can be a bit longer here since it's a mom and pop shop, so if you're in a rush I would order ahead of time. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Lemongrass Lemongrass Beef Pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

I walked into this spot and immediately felt like I knew what I was getting an authentic Vietnamese street food experience. The first thing that caught my attention was a family photo displayed on the cashier counter. That detail alone set the tone and gave the place a sense of authenticity that you don't often see. I also noticed they sell Nongshim shrimp crackers in a few different flavors, along with other snacks, which added to the casual, neighborhood feel. This was my first visit, and I ordered the Banh Mi sandwich. I'd rate it a 6 out of 10. The sandwich had a generous amount of bread almost too much while the beef portion was very minimal. The vegetables, on the other hand, were plentiful and made up most of the sandwich, which I didn't mind. Flavor-wise, it was solid. The sandwich wasn't warm, but that didn't bother me much, and overall it had enough seasoning and freshness to be enjoyable. One downside was the way the sandwich was assembled the meat sat at the bottom, which caused the bread to get soggy, so I ended up eating it upside down. Not ideal, but manageable. The restaurant has a few booths available for dine-in around five from what I could tell so there is limited seating if you choose to eat there. The food itself honestly felt more like something you'd get from a food truck rather than a traditional sit-down restaurant. That said, the signage does emphasize "street food," so in that context, it makes sense. This feels like a quick-eats type of place rather than a destination dining experience. Overall, it's a straightforward, casual spot with clear roots in Vietnamese street food culture. I'd consider coming back, but I'd likely try something different next time. read more

We really wanted to like simply banh mi but unfortunately it just didn't meet our expectations. Our first impression was of the website which was not user-friendly. We couldn't figure out if/how we could order online, so we went inside. The inside is small and seemed a bit dirty tbh. You order at the counter which was quick. We got chicken & shrimp spring rolls, 1 lemongrass chicken noodle bowl and 1 beef noodle bowl. The spring roll was kind of hard and chewy, but the peanut sauce was good. The noodle bowls had very little protein in them. Maybe half of a chicken thigh. The chicken was good but the beef was very fatty. We ate every bite of our bowls but were still hungry. Definitely pricey for the amount / amount of protein you get. While it wasn't HORRIBLE, I will likely not be coming back. read more

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first of all, really nice staff that are extremely welcoming to customers, and a great location that's kept really cozy and clean. a minute walk from the ballston gold's gym. my friend and I come after the gym a few times and have really enjoyed their ban mhi--particularly the pork belly. the only feedback I have is that in relation to the price, there isn't a lot of meat on the sandwiches--even when you order extra protein. this is the only thing preventing this spot from becoming our go to post workout meal place. there are too many nearby competitors who will give a protein packed meal at a better price. however, the sandwich is delicious enough that we still come here on occasion. again, more protein would make this our regular spot. read more

Pretty good. Stopped by after Arlington book sale on a Friday and they were still getting ready and they were opening a little late. Soon after they turned on the lights though, a steady stream of regular customers came flowing in. I ordered a pork belly banh mi and a Viet meats one to go and it came out pretty quick. Unfortunately they gave me two pork bellies so my Vietnamese friend couldn't give me a legit review of the place. She didn't like the pork belly. I thought it was pretty good but a little skinny on ingredients--the bread was light, fluffy and crispy; the flavor was yummy. But I don't order banh mi a lot, so I might not be a good judge. I would come back to try the pho. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Pork Belly banh mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Returned for same noodle dish, repeat performance & experience. Service & atmosphere/ambiance were equally fantastic. Highly recommended. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Vietnamese vermicelli Lemongrass Tofu- AWESOMENESS IN A BOWL! - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

10/10 amazing food and people. The owners are so nice and made my meal feel like a home cooked meal with family. Diana hand painted these gorgeous macaroons ! Not only pretty but are delicious. So happy to see this store location in Arlington as I used to go to the location in Georgetown. Make sure to pop in! read more

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I didn't step foot in the store as my husband stopped by on his way home; decided to try this for dinner so we ordered online. Online ordering was easy. I ordered 2 Bahn Mi's all were labeled as "Lemon or Lemongrass" but when we got it, I didn't taste anything remotely close to lemon grass. Ordered Spring rolls; but the peanut dipping sauce was suspect. I never in my life ever seen or eaten whipped peanut sauce. And it didn't taste right; i'm not sure if this was a "vegan" option??? Lastly, the vermicelli was something my youngest was looking forward to this but was highly disappointed as the meat had no real flavor or even again, a hint of lemongrass, a lot of fried shallots that i we powered the dish. And the pickled carrot and radish on both sandwiches and dịsh wasn't marinated long enough. Suffice to say, I was disappointed as we very rarely get to have authentic Vietnamese food. read more

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John is awesome. Always a good chat with great food. Skip Cava and support local businesses like this!!! read more

Simply Banh Mi - Full menu! - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

So this is the new location in Arlington. We went to the OG spot in Georgetown, but ended up going to Arlington. The owner has extended hours for Ramadan, which was really cool. We got the new lemon chicken banh mi with fish sauce and the chuck beef with hoisen sauce. Both were really good! I did like the chicken better. The owner was great! While our sandwiches were being made we talked about a lot of things. I really appreciated talking to him and getting to know his story. The restaurant itself is really nice and has a lovely Vietnamese ambiance! Also if you don't know their chicken and beef are halal! read more

Simply Banh Mi took over the old Lee's Sandwiches location which was vacant for a while. I'm excited to see a banh mi place open up so close to me in Ballston. A few of us decided to grab lunch here this past weekend to give it a try. We got our orders to-go, but there's also a few booths for dine-in. BANH MI: PATE & COLD CUTS - 9.45 One of the flakiest baguettes I've ever had. It was super crispy with a nice chewy texture. I am a huge fan of the pate! However, I didn't think there was enough meat in the banh mi, and my friend who got the same banh mi thought the same. The pickled veggies were juicy, providing a good crunch. They're still pretty new/possibly in the soft opening stage. Our orders had a few hiccups (e.g., my friend's banh mi didn't have jalapenos) but I'm sure they'll improve over time. I could see myself stopping by in the future to grab a quick lunch. read more

I'm calling it now, this is going to be a Big Thing for the Ballston neighborhood. I happened upon the new location of Simply Banh Mi on a walk and was lucky enough to get to try it out during its soft opening. I got the BBQ pork belly banh mi with sriracha and jalapeños and it was everything I could've wanted in a banh mi -- the bread was fluffy and crunchy and perfect, the pork was flavorful and tender, the veggies had a great crunch, and the jalapeños were actually hot. I overheard that the bread is made fresh, which I loved. They've got a couple of 2-top tables and a few booths, for those who are interested in dining in. It was great meeting John, the owner - he shared that their food is halal, which I didn't know! He also shared that they will have an upcoming grand opening -- I'll be keeping an eye on their Instagram (@simplybanhmi) for when that date drops. Currently, their soft opening is offering a limited menu of banh mi and pho (see attached menu). Likewise, it sounds like you can shoot them a DM on Instagram or give them a call if you're looking to check out the soft opening. Ultimately, we left knowing that this will become a regular spot for us, and I'm thrilled to have it as a new addition to the neighborhood. PS: If you've read this far and are looking for a laugh, I'm obsessed with their website (simplybanhmidc.com) - it's not yet updated with the Arlington location, but it's a hoot. read more

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solid sandwiches, nice people, great bread, I would like twice as much filling for next time, and note that pate is not included by default. good tasting meat read more

We love Simply Banh Mi so much! We come here every week. The service is very friendly - and the food is delicious! Plus, the owners are great people. They are always adding something fun to try. Our favorite is the tofu banh mi - but everything is delicious! It's a small place with just a few tables. We usually do takeout. Try it once, and you'll be back... read more

Not worth the price. Paid $18 for chicken and added extra shrimp protein... got 2 oz of chicken and literally 3 small shrimps... paid extra for more protein but dang, didn't realize I was getting an appetizer. Gave this spot a second chance but they're very frugal with their protein. Food tastes great but it's a shame at that price point and small portions... I won't be back. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Noodle Bowl with chicken and shrimp - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Disorganized and *very slow* for fast food. Seltzers and water but no standard sodas. Limited seating is tight for space. Orders placed together came out over the course of 30 minutes. Very Limited menu BanhMi Sandwiches and pho. Condiments, napkins and cutlery in short supply and only available by request. Chicken pho was tasty but very light on protein and vegetables. Music was gangster rap coming from the kitchen. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Chicken pho - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

The place is really efficient and staff are friendly. Plenty of seating indoors at lunch. I got the lemongrass tofu bahn mi with peanut sauce and vegan Mayo. The carrots, daikon, cucumbers, and cilantro were fresh... and the baguette the best I've had in years. I only wish the sandwich had slices of jalapeno. I should have asked to make sure it was included -- it's a necessary ingredient! read more

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Stopped by when I saw the sign changed from Opening Soon to Open now. Was excited for this place open. The owner and his mom were they are they are currently soft opening while they get the restaurant setup. But soft opening doesn't mean soft on flavor, because this place is great! I asked them the banh mi they recommended and went with the pork belly. First, the bread is baked in house, you can literally see the oven and bread racks right when you walk in! A good banh mi bread is gonna be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and this hits all the marks. The pickled veggies break up the fattiness of the pork belly and there is the perfect amount of heat. Also picked up the chicken Pho. It's all about the broth with Pho and it brings the flavor! I appreciate the perfectly seasoned broth and the good amount of chicken and noodles you get with it. No notes on this one. I cant wait until they are fully open and the full menu is available to choose from, but even if you stop in when they are soft opening you wont be upset. Also the owner and his mother couldn't be nicer, so warm and friendly! A great addition to the neighborhood. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Chicken Pho (delicious, great broth!) - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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Pork belly banh mi was amazing, well cooked, great flavor, great bread, only complaint was it could've had more meat. One of the best veggie egg rolls I'd ever had. Taro boba was AMAZING fresh made and still warm. Food came out in less than 20 min! Family owned restaurant feel! All for $19! read more

Very nice establishment for Vietnamese food and drinks! This location is currently in a "soft opening," and I only tried their Vietnamese iced-coffee. Although I did try one of their banh mi sandwiches at their other location in Georgetown a while back, which is now temporarily closed last time I heard. I am happy that this location was recently opened up here in Ballston! The owner is very nice as well, and this place has a bit of a hole-in-the-wall look to it, which adds to the charm I think! read more

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Love the food here. Great service and friendly. Really appreciate that they have vegan pho.

Excellent service, Palestina sodas, extended hours (till midnight for Ramadan). We will be back for sure!! read more

Simply Banh Mi - Palestina sodas - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

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I'm was pleased to see that they offer the pate in their banh mi. Many places in the area do not, and without the pate, is it really a banh mi? read more

fantastic fresh Vietnamese food in Ballston! The Banh Mi is exceptional- they bake the bread in-house and it is the best I've ever had. We had vermicelli bowls on our second visit and it was also delicious. Can't wait to try more. It's a pleasure to have this authentic, delicious, and fairly priced food in the neighborhood. read more

Excellent service and excellent food. The owner is so nice and accommodating. First time there for lemongrass chicken Banh Mi sandwiches and I'll definitely be back. read more

Simply Banh Mi - Vietnamese Near Me - Arlington, Virginia

Pretty terrible. Whether you get a salad, sandwich or a bowl, it's pretty much the same rotation of bland options with terrible sauce. Chicken looked suspect so I changed it for tofu. The neighborhood really needs a good Vietnamese place, but sadly this is not it. Will not be back. read more

A lovely establishment run by the nicest people making the tastiest tofu bahn mi sandwiches

Delicious banh mi! Excellent crispy crusty bread, pickled veg and sauces. Tasty chicken, will be my go to.

Excellent sandwiches or Banh Mi hoagies (as we say in Philly!) It was delicious. Place was clean and quiet. Owner is a hard worker and his mom was making buns and helping prepare for the grand opening. Come and support this family business. We'll be coming back soon. Thanks for opening in Arlington! read more

I heard about Simply Bahn mi from another friend. I t was delicious. I had the lean pork belly bahn mi sandwich and it was wonderful. The bread was a stand out and so was the meat just the right amount of meat and the balance between the vegetables. I will definitely go back and try their soup and chicken meatball bahn mi. read more

Friendly service and wonderful food! This place is terrific...adding it to my list of neighborhood "go to" places.

The service was great, right from the door. I was greeted by very friendly people and informed to take my time to check out the menu. Next the food, I ended up getting the BBQ Pork Belly Banh Mi--it was nothing short of wonderful. The bread was fresh, and the flavors were distinctly delicious. The place was brimming with vibes inside as well. I'm definitely coming back to try more. read more

Food is awesome, especially the pork belly banh mi. The owner is very sweet as well! Love having a great banh mi spot in the neighborhood

I hate to leave a negative review, as I have been waiting for this place to open for a while. Arlington needed a good bahn mi place so that I didn't have to drive over to falls church anymore. Sadly, this place is not doing g a good job with authentic Vietnamese food. The pho was very watery and bland (maybe it will get better over time), and my wife said her banh mi was ok, but that the bread was dry and might have been a bit stale. Bummer, but hopefully they can improve. read more

When you enter the restaurant it is very clean and the people behind the counter are very welcoming. I ordered the Brisket Pho and it was very good. Will go back for the house made Banh Mi read more

Absolutely delicious banh mi, and the sodas they have are top notch! Service and vibes were great, very friendly staff!

Wonderful food, great family behind the whole success of the place and they make you feel welcomed and appreciated. We got Vegan Pho, one of the noodle bowls with extra egg as protein and it was perfectly done, and the garlic shrimp banh mi sandwich and there is no better bread around! It is crusty on the outside, beautifully soft on the inside and you just want to order bunches of bread to slather butter on at home AFTER you've eaten their delicious food at the restaurant. Diana and her son John are a joy to talk with! AND their iced coffee is delicious, I want a stronger coffee in it but it was a dessert in a cup for me and I loved it! Oh, and if you happen to like hot peppers and hot seasoning? Not only can you get extra fresh jalapenos for your culinary delight of choice, but they also offer a hot seasoning concoction that is nirvana in whatever you put it in! read more

Food was great, especially for the price. Owner was super kind and welcoming. We'll definitely be back!

Delicious !! Finally amazing pho in Arlington! My husband also had the Bahn Mi sandwich which was also delicious! We are so happy to have this restaurant here! Owner and his mom are very sweet. read more