"Huynh is the most reliable restaurant near Downtown. The service and food at this beloved Vietnamese restaurant are always solid. It’s where locals and folks who stumbled over from the convention hotels gel into one. And even though the atmosphere is casual thanks to solo diners with large bowls of spicy bún bò and office co-workers splitting large plates of cơm bò lúc lằc, service feels warm. Mostly thanks to the owners (or at least the same folks from the family photos in the front) checking in on every diner and regulars sharing BYOB wine. photo credit: Liz Silva Food Rundown photo credit: Liz Silva Bánh Ướt Thit Nướng The soft rice crepes surrounding the grilled pork on this dish have an almost tapioca pudding-like texture. And while this is great enough, each piece tastes even better once dunked into the savory meat sauce on the side. Don’t share this one. photo credit: Liz Silva Gỏi Vịt This salad is small, almost too small, but the sharp hit of acid in each bite makes up for the size. We love the roast duck coated in fish sauce tang and the thin-sliced cabbage and fresh herbs. This dish works great before a savory meal or alongside any dish as a palate cleanser. photo credit: Liz Silva Bún Bò Huế This is the best bowl of bún bò huế inside the loop. It has a deep, earthy flavor with layers of chili spice and lemongrass. Order it “Vietnamese-style” if you want extra blood cake. photo credit: Liz Silva Ðậu Hủ Xào Lăn This dish is for tofu lovers. Fried tofu, to be specific. It’s smothered in mild, creamy coconut curry and crushed peanuts. And while you can add vegetables, we say don’t mess with Huynh’s process. Cơm Bò Lúc Lằc Every order of cơm bò lúc lằc we’ve eaten here (over 50 at this point) arrives hot, with caramelized onions, just-softened green peppers, and wok-sauteed beef with a thin crust that opens to tender meat. Drown everything in pepper-lime sauce, and this dish will become a new favorite. Bít Tết Vietnamese steak and eggs take the crown as the king of stomach-lining brunch plates. You may actually never be hungry again after you eat this. The ultra-rich and ultra-savory plate of griddled steak, a fried egg, and long sausage slices arrive sizzling in butter and soy sauce. You will need every square inch of bread on the sop up every bite." - Chelsea Thomas
