Don Cafe

Don Café is a Houston staple that I’ve been coming to for years. The bánh mì is always on point—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. Their wonton noodle soup is comforting and delicious every time. And don’t miss the Vietnamese coffee—it packs a powerful punch and gives you that perfect energy boost. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or craving something familiar, this spot always delivers.

One of my favorite bahn mi sandwiches, the bread is light and crisp and the char-grilled pork is my go to sandwich and I think one of the best in the city. I have been a customer for over 20 years and enjoy it every time I visit.

Order BBQ Beef Sandwich & Egg Rolls! They are absolutely delicious! (Don't order the soup, smells burnt) They said that's the way it's supposed to. Can't say I didn't warn you. Other than that, enjoy the music and scenery!

The best Banh mi in town. We love the combination and grilled pork with extra mayo and extra pate. Sometime if i need more comfy food i will Go for a bowl of Pho or wonton noodle soup. My family has pretty much ate everything on the menu. We love this place so much. Family owned .

Great find. The items we selected to try were more on the sweet side, more similar to the Hanoi-style flavor profile than Saigon. I definitely would recommend it and look forward to trying it again. I also loved the story of how they named the restaurant. Gig’Em, Don.

This place still takes orders on post-it notes so you know it’s the real classic OG. If I lived closer I would probably order 1 Banh Mi Dac Bet every single day. Loved this place.

After eating Bánh mì in so many places from Pearland and Sugar Land to Katy, I began to wonder why I haven’t tried many in Bellaire. I guess I’m usually focused on other Vietnamese foods when in the area. Shoutout to David Lu on YouTube for giving the inspiration to check out some Bellaire bánh mì shops. After hopping in the car and taking the twenty minute drive, I arrived at Don’s, I walked in and it was busy and alive with action. I started for the counter and a young man politely stopped me and asked if I was eating there or to go. I decided to eat in there to catch the vibe. He showed me to a table. Every time I’m in Bellaire, I’m taking the opportunity to practice my Vietnamese. So while ordering my sandwiches, with a combination of Vietnamese, Spanish and English, I ordered a Bánh Mì Bò Nướng and a Bánh Mì Đặc Biệt. Both of these bánh mì were excellent. The bread tasted fresh and was crispy on the outside and so soft on the inside. It’s one of the best baguettes I’ve had so far. The meats in both were delicious. The Bò Nướng was tender and packed with flavor. The Đặc Biệt was excellent as well, with all the meats tasting fresh and flavorful. The Vietnamese mayo and veggies combined for a creamy crunchy inside that satisfied my desire for complex simplicity. After devouring the first two, I decided I should get a couple more for the road. I wanted the Bánh Mì Cà Tuna but I was informed they were out of Tuna. No problem. I ordered another Bánh Mì Bò Nướng and Bánh Mì Gà Xé. In retrospect, I should have gotten either the Bánh Mì Pâté or Bánh Mì Xíu Mại. Next time for sure along with a ca phê sữa đá. I heard its strong here and that’s how I like it. One last note on the service. I thought for the amount of people coming in and actually eating in there , the waiter did very well. He was polite and efficient. The cashier seemed polite as well, although very busy with all the to go orders coming in. The people behind the counter seemed to be very good at making the bánh mì quickly and efficiently. I was surprised to see some negative reviews later when I looked it up. I’m not a regular (yet) but I didn’t notice any issues at all, while I was there. The food was great , the service was good and the vibe was cool. I enjoyed seeing the mix of diverse cultures in there while I was eating. From the Vietnamese and Mexican/Central American staff to the 80’s tunes like Journey playing over the speaker, it was truly a mix of culture and cuisine in the heart of the city. I’m always impressed to see Vietnamese cuisine and culture be introduced to new audiences and I thought Don Cafe was doing that really well that evening.

Been here many times and thought it was mid every time. My wife and I got a couple of bahn mi’s to go. They’re good for the price. I got the shaking beef which was light on meat. My wife ordered number 14 which she said was just average. It’s a value place if that’s what’s important to you.

Food in this location is always the best always hot and ready fresh Love coming here with my family since I was a little girl An amazing staff as well!!

I really like their grilled pork banh mi. The pork is seasoned so well and the bread is always fresh and crispy. The banh mi dac biet and the pho were not bad but I don't think I would get them again. I mainly rated it so high because of the grilled pork banh mi! The service is quick and you seat yourself. Parking in the plaza is a bit tough and the inside is a bit crowded but it is clean.

Had a craving for vietnamese eats late June. Saturday early afternoon, my buddy picks me up and brings me here after telling him of the eats on my mind. They'll do call-in orders or order up front at the counter. When we arrived, the place was pretty full but we still got a table after seeing a couple leave. As we waited, I sipped on my Vietnamese coffee; it's sweet and thick due to the condensed milk. Figured I needed some sweetness before eating my food which arrived shortly after. I went with the Don's Special Banh Mi (Banh Mi Dac Biet) and Lean meat flank beef noodle soup. My oh my, what took me so long to get to this place!? The sandwich was filling with the right consistency with the bread: crunchy, chewy, soft on the inside. The soup was hearty with good amount of noodles and meat with an earthy, meaty broth. Favorite part is dipping my sandwich in the soup; like a vietnamese french dip. Best way to eat them if you ask me! This is another reason why the Chinatown area is where the real asian eats are. Cheap and great value, this is what I think of when I want banh mi or pho/beef noodle soups. Cash only so have that paper ready!

A really good banh mi!! Probably the best we've had in Houston so far. The meat is super tender and flavorful. The bread...crisp and delicious--not too overwhelming. The toppings are crunchy and fresh. Service is INSANELY fast. Like, we waited maybe 2 minutes. The rush during weekend lunch is nuts. There's a line but the service is so speedy that you never notice it. Ambiance isn't anything to write home about. Really casual cafeteria style setting. We ate at their outdoor seating becaus the inside was packed. They share the parking lot with a bunch of restaurants and stores so there is no shortage of parking (if you're OK walking a little distance lol). 10/10 will be back!

Purchased 5 sandwiches - BANH MI DAC BIET X3, TUNA, MEATBALL - all of them under filled with meat. We ordered to go so did not notice 30 minutes later when we got home. Only 2 pork meatballs in the sandwich which was torn apart into small pieces to make it look substantial. I am very disappointed in this business model. Ambiance is nothing pretty to look at but they are quite efficient in service.

This picture doesn't do this banh mi from Don cafe justice. I went with a some classmates for a celebratory final exam lunch. I got their dac biet sandwich to go, which has the usual cold cuts with pickled carrots and daikon, cilantro, and peppers. My order was taken by a Hispanic guy at the front who actually knows how to communicate in Vietnamese! They don't hold back on the butter and pate for this sandwich. They pack in plenty of meat and vegetables as well. The veggies were really refreshing and paired well with the meat. Overall really solid sandwich, the only knock for me would be the bread, I thought it could've been a little more fresher

An institution here in Houston, it's all about the sandwich (Bánh Mì). Yes this have other type of Vietnamese food here, but they are known for the sandwich (Bánh Mì). If you are getting to go like a lot of customers there. You may see a crowd near the front, but not everyone is in line to buy the sandwich so pay attention to the line near the cash register for you to order your food. The person at the register can speak multiple languages, I heard English, Vietnamese, and Spanish. This place is cash only. All of the sandwich are great and very fresh.

I'm NEVER disappointed when I come to Don's! Food is always fresh and delicious. Service is fast and reliable. :)

CASH ONLY my favorite restaurant for banh mi. This place can get really busy and the wait may be a while. But food is fresh and delicious. My go to is their combination banh mi and egg rolls. Their egg rolls are made in house and come out piping hot. The floors near the seating areas may be a little dirty but not too bad.

The best bahn mi I ever had in Chinatown, HTX! Super crispy baguette, packed with layers of cold cut meats. I asked for extra spicy and they gave me 4 pieces of jalapenos, it was perfect. Normally other bahn mi I have tried are usually buttery, but Don's is not too buttery, which I like because the sandwich is not too heavy and oily to eat. I could taste more the bread flavor and meats and veggies. Service was quick and friendly, they use gloves so look clean. The shop is a stand alone in the plaza but is pretty homely on the inside. Always people waiting for their to go or dinning in, they got a good variety of noodle soups too so I will be back definitely to check it out. Why didn't I discover them sooner?!

Disappointing Decline at Don's Cafe I used to love Don's Cafe for their Vietnamese po'boys, but my recent visit left me disappointed. The banh mi "thit nuong" and "dac biet" lacked flavor and were dry. This was a letdown after five years of loyal patronage. I hope they can improve, but for now, I'll be looking for better options elsewhere. Overall Rating: 2/5 - Disappointing Decline from Former Excellence

Don Café & Sandwich makes the best bánh mì sandwiches in Houston! Each sandwich is made with exceptionally fresh ingredients - the pork is flavorful, the pâté creamy, the veggies crisp, and the baguette lightly brushed with butter and toasted. We called ahead and placed an order for pick up because Don's can get very busy, especially on the weekends. The service is always fast and friendly, and many of the staff members speak multiple languages. The inside of the restaurant is fairly typical of a locally owned Vietnamese restaurant in Bellaire. It combines function and typical Asian decor - traditional money plant, lucky cat, and a tribute to Buddha. Note: Make sure you have cash on hand because Don's does not take credit cards!

This place has been around since I was a kid, and it is a place I will always revisit. When should enter is not going to be an impressive ambiance. You will feel like a home style dining or like visiting an aunt. They are super busy all the time. Orders are taken quite quickly. It can seem intimidating. Know what you want before approaching helps the process. They are super nice and get the food out extras quick. I usually order the cold cut, but without the soy sauce. We normally order multiple sandwiches as I end up having it for multiple meals. The ingredients are fresh and definitely superior. They fill the sandwiches up and does not skimp on the Mayo. If you like banh mi the Mayo plays a crucial part in the sandwich process. This is the best spot for an authentic banh mi in houston.

We always make a stop when in town, the bahn mi can't be beat here, tasty and great price. The bread is exactly how it should be, crispy on the outside but yet holds up with the sandwich within. The filling is perfect and just the right amount. The way the bahn mi is made, makes every bite just perfect. The place is cash only so be prepared with that if you want to grab a bunch of Bahn mi to eat. Though it won't set you back that much, around $5 or so for each bahn mi depending on the filling.

Love Don's! It's my first place I go to for Banh mi when I'm in town. The prices posted is exact price you pay. Cash only, $5-$5.25 a sandwich. The bread is crunchy, the pickles add the right crisp, and the meats are savory goodness. I think it's good value and my kids devoured theirs.

Don Cafe is an OG Bánh Mì spot that to this day still makes some of the best and affordable sandwiches! They make their Bánh Mì incredibly fast and they do not skimp out on any ingredients. I love their crisp, fresh baguettes. I also appreciate the generous amount of butter they put in their Bánh Mì... so creamy and indulgent. You can't go wrong with any of their protein options. My favorite is the thit nuong. Be sure to bring cash!

Yes, sir! Best Old Skool spot with toasted baguette and well-seasoned BBQ pork! I don't know how Vietwich got the best award for their sandwich because that is the new style, not the ones I grew up with!

I grew up with Don Cafe since childhood and love seeing the familiar employees! I like looking through the banh mi window and I'm always amazed at the speed the employees made the sandwiches. This is my absolute fav place to get the special (combination) and shredded chicken sandwich. If any of my friends ask me where to get banh mi, this is the place. The dining area is super casual but it works well for the food served. My husband loves the beef stew noodle soup here above all other places too but enjoys it dining in only (not to go). The eggrolls and iced viet coffee are great additions to eating banh mi too! The restroom was outdated last time I checked but I tend to avoid it so I'm not sure if it has changed in the past year. Plenty of parking when it isn't prime time lunch. It's located within a shopping complex. I always get to go banh mi for the next day too.

True OG legit bahn mi experience for the connoisseur. Delicious Vietnamese sandwiches packed with flavor in an old school cafe vibe.

Truly a staple in Houston's Chinatown, the food here can't get any more authentic. I was so shocked when I found out the workers here who are of Hispanic descent, can speak fluent Vietnamese. Make sure to bring cash and they'll bring out your food which comes out pretty fast and fresh. The portions are good for the prices and there are plenty of seats. There's never really a crowd as people come and go. You can see everything being made in front of you behind a clear glass screen and they have a lot of variety on the menu. The place is usually clean and neat.

7/15 revisited this place I got the banh mi special, it was roughly 5-6$. It is a savory sammich, with flavor and the spice was there w/ the jalapeno. The cucumbers were crisp and the bread was crunchy. I can see why its a fan favorite, and why it gets the hype. Something I thought was funny - tried to get them to cut the sammich up in 4s so my teeth or lack of would have a better chance at eating this sammich and they were like no. The most they would do was 2 xD.

Price has gone up, unfortunately. My husband loved the banh mi siu mai with pate here so when I am in the area, I pick up a few for him. The meatball is seasoned well and easy to bite into. I like that they don't put pink color dye like some other places. Today, I tried their special dac biet today and thought it was good but not great. Cali sandwich is the best by far. I haven't found a place that beats their sandwich in Houston. For me, I would just come back for the siu mai only. Cash only. I think that needs to change, hopefully soon. I would've bought more but didn't have enough cash on hand this visit, unfortunately.

The food is good, faced paced and always busy I always forget to take a picture of my food but I buy enough to bring back for seconds home. The place is not as clean as it should be but the food areas are clean. And cash only

This place has been around for as long as I can remember! I grew up not to far from it and it has the BEST BANH MI SANDWICHES! From the butter to the bread to the pate', like everything is done right. I don't know how many they crank out a day but I do know this is where I come to get my Banh Mi! Definitely recommend, bring cash because it's a cash only place.

I'm glad Don Cafe opened the dining room finally. I have been by often seeing limited open time and no dining in throughout the CoVid pandemic restaurant restrictions in 2020 and 2021. However they do it, there's always a line in there. Because of the efficiency, the line moved very quickly. I only come here for banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). I know they got noodles soup etc. But I have hungry people to feed at home. Sandwich is the best takeout in this humid weather. Out-of-town guests came visiting and they wanted unique lunch option. First thing came up in my mind was banh mi. Nothing goes wrong with these scrumptious meaty sandwiches. I watched the sandwich artist spin out fast and easily. I don't know how they got all those ingredients in the bun. He was in a perfect cadence, almost like he's dancing. To me, Don Cafe's banh mi are the best in Chinatown as far as I know. For many years, I went to Thanh Noi Sandwich, it was the one behind this restaurant. I always thought it cost more because of the standalone building in Metropole Center. But in reality, the sandwiches are reasonable priced and generous portions.

Below is a series of pointers for anyone looking to indulge at Don Café, one of the city's most well known Vietnamese sandwich spots: * Practically everyone is here for the banh mi. While they offer noodle dishes and soups like bun bo hue, pho, and bun cha gio, few people make this a destination for it. The only other thing I would get here is a Vietnamese iced coffee (which is pretty strong). * Banh mi isn't mind blowing, but it is consistent and good overall. The bread is fresh but not all that airy or fluffy. Their real bread and butter (#1) is their homemade assortment of cold cuts. That headcheese is right up there with some of the best in Houston. * It's important to order it exactly the way you want it and make no bones about checking it on the spot. I prefer mine in special combination (dac biet) form, with a slavering of lots of extra paté, buhhhh-ter, mayo, and maggi. * The Mexican dude at the counter isn't there to just take your money and bark orders at the staff. He is real deal and clearly has got excellent command of Vietnamese, English, and Spanish. A total boss. Err, jefe. Err, đại sư. * Service can be a slippery slope. They work fast and won't take time to sort out issues, so try to get it right the first time by over-communicating. Phone calls are going to be a liability, so beware of ordering ahead of time or worse yet, disputing any order issues. * They're open earlier than most places in Asiatown. Expect to see many empty bizes and a steady stream of locals here in the wee hours of any morning. * Come with cash. They don't take anything else. (#2) * Seating is virtually nil. The pandemic has made them a strictly takeout business at this point. * Parking is probably the easiest thing here. There are always going to be spots since it's in an open parking lot. _____________ (#1) Mind the bun. Err, pun. (#2) Credit card junkies: This is very normal for lots of bizes like this.

I have been getting Bahn Mi from here my whole life, since a kid my parents would always come back with a ton of their combination specials. Some of the most delicious, succulent, and authentic sandwiches. You'll find in Belair, especially for a really good price even in inflation times right now. Definitely worth coming to! Atmosphere is kind of like a diner vibe but definitely Asian diner vibe :) everyone is really friendly. They are cash only, which I totally forgot this time coming in, but Julio, let me Zelle him since I didn't have any cash on me which was really really kind of him. Super grateful for a gem like this! You've got to get the combination either everything, top tier :)

After eating Bánh mì in so many places from Pearland and Sugar Land to Katy, I began to wonder why I haven't tried many in Bellaire. I guess I'm usually focused on other Vietnamese foods when in the area. Shoutout to David Lu on YouTube for giving the inspiration to check out some Bellaire bánh mì shops. After hopping in the car and taking the twenty minute drive, I arrived at Don's, I walked in and it was busy and alive with action. I started for the counter and a young man politely stopped me and asked if I was eating there or to go. I decided to eat in there to catch the vibe. He showed me to a table. Every time I'm in Bellaire, I'm taking the opportunity to practice my Vietnamese. So while ordering my sandwiches, with a combination of Vietnamese, Spanish and English, I ordered a Bánh Mì Bò Nướng and a Bánh Mì Đặc Biệt. Both of these bánh mì were excellent. The bread tasted fresh and was crispy on the outside and so soft on the inside. It's one of the best baguettes I've had so far. The meats in both were delicious. The Bò Nướng was tender and packed with flavor. The Đặc Biệt was excellent as well, with all the meats tasting fresh and flavorful. The Vietnamese mayo and veggies combined for a creamy crunchy inside that satisfied my desire for complex simplicity. After devouring the first two, I decided I should get a couple more for the road. I wanted the Bánh Mì Cà Tuna but I was informed they were out of Tuna. No problem. I ordered another Bánh Mì Bò Nướng and Bánh Mì Gà Xé. In retrospect, I should have gotten either the Bánh Mì Pâté or Bánh Mì Xíu Mại. Next time for sure along with a ca phê sữa đá. I heard its strong here and that's how I like it. One last note on the service. I thought for the amount of people coming in and actually eating in there , the waiter did very well. He was polite and efficient. The cashier seemed polite as well, although very busy with all the to go orders coming in. The people behind the counter seemed to be very good at making the bánh mì quickly and efficiently. I was surprised to see some negative reviews later when I looked it up. I'm not a regular (yet) but I didn't notice any issues at all, while I was there. The food was great , the service was good and the vibe was cool. I enjoyed seeing the mix of diverse cultures in there while I was eating. From the Vietnamese and Mexican/Central American staff to the 80's tunes like Journey playing over the speaker, it was truly a mix of culture and cuisine in the heart of the city. I'm always impressed to see Vietnamese cuisine and culture be introduced to new audiences and I thought Don Cafe was doing that really well that evening.

Authentic banh mi. I had the banh mi thit nuong and viet coffee. Decent pricing. Cute and cozy decor inside. Would come back!

It's great value if you are looking for something quick bite but not spending too much. Many people were there for the sandwiches. There are many options to choose for sandwiches. We tried beef pho, spring rolls and bun Bo hui as well. They are delicious but on the sweet side for me. The soups were a bit too sweet. But overall all, great food.

WE LOVE THIS PLACE!!! It'a cash only, so remember to bring some cash. beef round steak pho $9.25: this is such a classic. You really can't go wrong with this. The broth is flavorful and this is the definition of comfort food. pork with vermicelli $9.25 Trued this for the first time and it truly did not disappoint. The fish sauce that pairs with this is the perfect amount of sweet and sour the dish needs. This fish is great for anyone craving noodles on a hot summer day. I will definitely come back to order this. We also ordered grilled pork banh mis to-go ($5 each) and this is probably the most worth it banh mi ever. Don's uses their house made butter in the banh mis and you can really taste the nice butter flavor. Lots of people come in and buy a lot of banh mis to-go since with makes the perfect snack or lunch throughout their weeks. Overall, this place is our first choice for banh mi and pho. Anytime I'm craving vietnamese food, I will come here. The staff are quick and they've been here a long time, so they know what they're doing.

I mean it's got history. I like that. But there are no Asians working here. I go to Chinatown for a piece of home. Didn't get that feel here at all. Food was ok. We just got bbq sandwiches. I think they're as good as anywhere else though. It's a bit saltier than other places. Bread is fresh. And that's important. They were trucking it in by the bag full. Don't go right when they open as they're not really ready. Cash only.

If there's 0 star I would give this place a 0. Customer service sucks! There's this Hispanic lady making the banh mi behind the counter is super rude. The guy that takes my order on the phone messed up my banh mi. I'm sure I did said veggies on the side and banh mi gió. I end up getting banh mi with the fatty ham inside with veggies. I expect they would redo my order but instead the guy said that's what I heard. Um, I know he doesn't understand Vietnamese completely but do please repeat the order before he hang up. Bottom line I'll never come back because of the employees there are rude!

This is an update from my review 2 years ago. It's been a while since I have back. My older sister still says this is the best banh mì spot in Houston. I ordered my regular banh mi Thịt nướng and yes it's still too dry for my liking. The baguette was quite good with the right amount of crunchiness and the soft tenderness inside. The meat was dry. The banh mì đặc biệt was filled with meat and well worth the price of 5.50. I believe it to be a good sandwich but my grill pork sandwich was still too dry for my tastebud. The price is very reasonable and I think it is worth recommending.

I love love love me a good banh mi. It's the perfect grab and go sandwich and probably my favorite sandwich period. The banh mi game in Houston has really exploded in the past decade, and these tasty sandwiches can now readily be found outside of Chinatown and Midtown. Unfortunately since the popularity of banh mi has risen, I've noticed a quality drop at some of my old og favorites, including here. Its been a decade since I've reviewed Don Cafe, and I've eaten here longer than that. Not too much has changed about this long standing establishment except the rising prices to keep up with current costs. The pork in my latest banh mi order was so underwhelming. The flavor was lacking, and the meat was a scant portion and not particularly juicy. Their crusty bread and crisp veggies were pretty good though, and they're always super fresh. I may return some day for one of the cold cut combos that I once enjoyed, but I think I've given up on the thit nuong. Right now their dining room is closed and it is togo orders only. They do offer a variety of soups and other items, but I stick to the banh mi.

Pho1/10: super greasy, weird taste, veggies did not looks fresh, soggy rice noddles Pork sandwich 5/10: not crispy, soft bun, cold, dry meat. Service 1/10: did not once asked if we needed anything, homeboy looked like he was forced to be there lol. Overall this place lost quality and TASTE. I needed a to go other as well and I preferred to make the drive to Don in stafford. Stafford location never fails.

No frills cash only family fun restaurant serving up good pork bank mi. It's just what you would expect - semi grumpy server, not extremely fast, but food is good. The sandwiches are now over $5.00. They used to be $3. Still I come when I am in the area.

Craving for banh mi, Don to the rescue. I don't even remember how long I've been eating at Don yet this is my 1st review! I used to come here around lunch time and was amazed at those 2 ladies behind counter that churned out hundreds of sandwiches in the most efficient way. AND they got the orders correct! The Hispanic guy who is at the cashier, he started as a bus boy and worked his way up to the register where he even speaks some Vietnamese. I'm so impressed but I don't speak Vietnamese. I always get the xiu mai and all the prices have gone up. No longer have the buy 5 get 1 free deal. However, the bread is still a good size but not that much meatballs. I love their crunchy carrots. Right now it's for to-go and cash only. There's a Don in Stafford and I saw the son works there from time to time.

This is home. Don's is the meca of Vietnamese Sandwiches. It's cash only and the owner/staff here has been with the community for 2 generations now. Yes, there are other Vietnamese sandwich places around but THIS IS HOME.

Their banh mi is still a popular taste in the asian community. Cash only! The price did increase a lot so 4 star for this reason.

Ordered a bbq pork sandwich. They were clearing everything out , probably was 4pm. I paid for the food and sat down. There were flies everywhere and I really wanted to just ask for my money back because I was realizing they were clearing everything out because there were so many flies. (Doors were open I guess they were getting their ac fixed) next day I had food poisoning and haven't felt well for the past 5 days. This used to be a go to spot but I'm never returning. I'd recommend everyone stay away from this place.

Stopped by here our last day in Houston before heading to the airport, cash only establishment, but fairly quick & reasonably priced. They have a whole assembly line for Bahn Mi's here & it is definitely legit. Even with the Vietnamese butter/mayo. We got 3 of the number 1s & 3 of the number 2s with extra pate, veggies on the side as we were taking it on the plane to go home. Compared to other places I've been to, they definitely pack it in the sandwiches. Meats & pate was flavorful, but the pickled veggies was just the carrots, not sure if they normally do that or just didn't have any daikon to pickle? It was still good, regardless. Definitely a must try for some reasonably priced bahn mi. Next time we want to try other food items from here!

This is my first time dining here, and decided to try it since it was the first banh mi place that popped up to my yelp. I've tried multiple banh mi places and this is one of the worst places I've had by far. I got the banh mi thit nuong & the meat was extremely tough and dry. I asked for a small extra side of butter because the sandwich was dry, and they tried charging me $10 extra. Overall, I didn't like my experience here, the service and food was mediocre. I think any other place would be a better choice

If you're ordering to go, you go to the register. If you're dining in, just take a seat and a server will be right there to take your orders and bring you your food. This is an OG place - clearly need some updates and go through their food for expirations. I have tried multiple of times. Some days, their banh mi are okay. Other days, god awful smell and old meat they use. Not sure how the other food taste since I only get banh mi and any of their grab-n-go items; hence when I'm desperate for a quick meal to get to one of my properties on that side. I bumped up one star because the Hispanic guy at the register can speak English, Spanish, and Vietnamese pretty fluently. For his hard work, you get one extra star. I hope he gets a raise from the owners. Friendly staffs. Never had a problem with them - just wish they would at least go through their food procedures and expirations a bit better if they want continuous business for years to come.

Sandwiches were OK Similar to other bánh mì I had been eating. I ate here numerous times and the consistency does change from one time to the other. Like yesterday banh mi wasn't that good but other times are good

Good food and more affordable that most places, to me best sandwiches and varmasely there is. Authentic Vietnamese food

Probably the best vietnamese sandwiches in Houston! Only issue is that they only take cash...maybe someone should suggest they take Zelle or something similar.

Came here for the first time on our recent trip right around when they opened. Supposedly they opened at 8am but no one was inside nor was the door unlocked. Had left to get some coffee from Long Coffee down the street, came back and found it to be open with people chilling outside enjoying their sandwiches Don Cafe is located in a standalone building in the same lot as Jusco in Chinatown. Their pricing INCLUDES tax which makes it convenient BUT is CASH ONLY. Their setup is pretty simple. During COVID times, no inside dining allowed. Had ordered 3x "Banh Mi Dac Biet" at $4. Simple and easy. Our local friend had suggested to request bread be toasted and have both side mayo'ed, and veggies on the side. Took a little bit for the toasted but their sandwich making process is quick. They have a setup similar to what you see (on YouTube or in person if you go to Vietnam) like a cart with pre-sliced meat and mayo/pate. Streamlined process of opening the bread, spread mayo/pate, add meat, veggies and next one they go. The sandwich itself was pretty decent. Regret agreeing w/ my friend to get that mayo double sided. Too much for my preference. Adding veggies would be nice if you plan to eat it right away. If you are eating it later in the day or days later, separate. Otherwise, i dont think it changes anything. Weirdly didn't notice maggi/liquid seasoning being used. Not bad of a place. Definitely convenient since its literally down the street (residential street !!) on my friends place. Not top choice but definitely would hit the spot if theres a craving.

Was in Houston the past weekend and our friends suggested going to Don Cafe for a banh mi cause it was their favorite place. We decided to get it for breakfast since they open at 8AM. We got there at 8AM on a Friday and they weren't open yet. I guess they were running a bit late? So we decided to go down the street to get some coffee in the mean time. They are take out only right now. You cannot dine it but I noticed there were some chairs outside that you can sit and eat if you choose to do so. When we walked in, they had piles of meat in the case area. This was where they assembled the sandwiches, mainly the combo (dac biet) ones. It reminded us of how it is done in Vietnam! Down side of going right in the morning is that they only had pork and combo available. They did not have beef so don't go so early in the morning if you want a beef banh mi. Our friend usually gets his with spread on both sides, toasted, and veggies on the side. He says that when you get the veggies on the side, they give more meat. So, we followed his advice and got three dac biet banh mi's that way. While we waited for our bread to toast, we saw them assembling a huge order. They pack 'em quick! The banh mi was pretty decent. I think whether or not you get veggies on the side, the amount of meat is the same. I think regular amount of spread (mayo) would have been fine as well. Prices are cheap (to me) since each dac biet was $4.00 and that included tax in it. The only thing is that they are missing a component to the sandwich that I have to have. They are missing that liquid seasoning in their banh mi (aka maggi seasoning). Overall, pretty decent. Definitely wouldn't mind coming back but it honestly wouldn't be my first choice.