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Givrals Vietnamese Bistro - The Original

MY REVIEW: I didn't have the Bahn Mi like most all the other comments. I had the Pho. I was skeptikal at first becuase it looked slightly different than I am used to, but it was delicious! I also had their Spring Rolls on the side, very nice flavor. The ambiance was nice and it was clean, I love that! I called my order in by phone for pick up and the owner seemed abrupt and maybe a little rude. But, when I went to pick up the order he was very nice in person. I will definitly go there again and try one of the sandwiches next time that everyone keeps raving about.

NAME: HungryTeacher
SUBMITTED: 10/8/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 10/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: We normally eat Vietnamese food up in the Heights, but someone recommended this place because of price. The food was very good...service was a little lacking. I didn't like the music so we took it to go. We would definitely come back for the sandwiches.

NAME: Novice
SUBMITTED: 7/19/2010   LAST VISIT WAS: 07/2010
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: This is the place for the best bahn mi in town. Their tofu sandwich has more flavor than other places; I think it's the good seasoning they put on the veggies that makes everything taste better. You get a big hot crispy sandwich for 2.35 - 2.55 depending on the filling. Another huge plus is that they are open til 7 pm on most nights, while other sandwich places are only open til 3.

NAME: Yumyum
SUBMITTED: 10/14/2009   LAST VISIT WAS: 10-09
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: I've visited several vietnamese sandwich shops and this one is the best. It seems cleaner than many of the others and has slightly more decor. I have tried only the sandwiches and soft spring rolls. The spring rolls were average, but the sandwich was excellent. Very crispy bread, fresh veggies, flavorful and a great value. This place might be come a new Saturday tradition for me.

NAME: Goldy Locks
SUBMITTED: 9/7/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 9/7/08
FREQUENCY: Visited 2-3 times

MY REVIEW: I have been here off and on for 2 years when they moved to Elgin. I finally had their sandwiches and realized it was the best viet sandwich I have ever had. I noticed the bread was crisp on the outside, moist inside, and just the right amount of chewiness. The way French baguettes are supposed to be. With that foundation, I had the roasted pork and roasted chicken sandwiches. I was like how moist the meat was and the seasoning was about perfect. The pickled carrots, cucumber and pepper complimented the sandwich perfectly.

I would most likely ask for a little less butter.

As for the other items they are all ok. I did not think they were that special, but the prices were all around $5. Every thing was an excellent value. I would just come here and get a couple of sandwiches instead. Be sure to bring CASH as he does not accept Credit, but $2-4 will do fine for sandwiches.

NAME: Almost Rice
SUBMITTED: 3/4/2008   LAST VISIT WAS: 2/2008
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: The new shop has a nicer deco but they to build up a new clientele. We went there last wkend after a sudden craving for BBQ meat sandwiches. I did notice a minimal price increase but its still cheap ($2 /sandwich) & value for your money. We ordered a variety of their sandwiches & I am glad to report there was no drop in quality nor taste. IMHO This is the best Viet sandwich in Houston & i have tried almost every place.

NAME: DannyKnowsHisFood
SUBMITTED: 9/29/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: sep/07
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Tofu Noodle Soup was realllllllllly good! Lots of texture, crunchy sprouts, full of flavor basil & cilantro, jalepenos on the side, red onions, all in a veggie broth.

NAME: zaara
SUBMITTED: 8/16/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: 08/07
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: They have moved! The current location is near the University of Houston at Elgin and Scott, next to the College Bookstore. Food is still great and prices are still low, even with the very minimal increase.

NAME: Amie
SUBMITTED: 4/19/2007   LAST VISIT WAS: April 2007
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I work in the downtown area and when I'm craving Banh Mi Thit (vietnamese sandwiches) I come here. The owners are real nice and the sandwiches are delicious! I usually go for the combo meats w/ pate. I haven't sat down to eat their plate dishes (no time), but the food looks good.

What's even better is, if you buy 5 sandwiches, you get one free! How awesome is that?!?

I believe the original owners of this place moved a couple of years ago but the new owners kept the restaurant name (albeit they added the Banh Mi Hoang part).

Most people might be hesitant about coming here because of the location, but ignore the decrepit building and have a cheap and satisfying lunch at this place! Enjoy!

NAME: cbien
SUBMITTED: 3/6/2006   LAST VISIT WAS: 3/2006
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: I gave this place a try for lunch and got a Vietnamese sandwich (pate & meatball). Simply the best in midtown. I've been going to the other Givrals in midtown, but this place simply serves up better Banh Mi. This place is also more careful to not use the same people to "handle money" and cook at the same time. They are very aware of cross-contamination!

I recommend the sandwiches here to everyone!

:)

NAME: Roberto Diaz
SUBMITTED: 11/5/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 11/07/2005
FREQUENCY: Visited once

MY REVIEW: I LOVE the BBQ pork sandwiches that they make here, however lately it has happen that they don't make the sandwiches as I ask. Several times I have asked not to have Jalapeños and cucumber in my sandwiches and I have gotten the jalapeños and the cucumber but not the cilantro. They write what I ask them but they don't do it. I gave them the benefit of the doubt a couple of times, not anymore.

NAME: Nat
SUBMITTED: 6/25/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 06/05
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: This place is wonderful! The staff all seems to be family, and are very friendly, the ambiance is welcoming, and the food is wonderful. The sandwiches and spring rolls are my favorites. The prices can't be beat! Even with a small price increase, you can still well for under six dollars. I have recommended this place to everyone I know. If you work downtown, you owe it to yourself to check it out!

NAME: Kristin
SUBMITTED: 4/25/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: March 2005
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: omfg. this place rocks. i go here with my mom everytime we are downtown. ive tried all sorts of places with roughly the same kind of sandwich but this place takes all and even though it is farther away then id go to every day, its definitely worth the trip when i can make it. i love it. (especially the barbecued pork sandwich - banh mi thit)

NAME: Val
SUBMITTED: 2/5/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: last month
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: Oh this is the best sandwich place EVER. The tofu sandwich is the best in the city! Although they can be a little slow, it is VERY WORTH IT! The mung bean ball is so nice! The outside is chewy and covered in sesame seeds and the inside is flaky mung bean packed into a little ball. I love this place. I am there nearly every week.. and it doesn't put a huge dent in my wallet!! (Tofu sandwich and mung bean ball-- grand total.. $2.50! A WHOLE LUNCH FOR $2.50!!)

NAME: Katie
SUBMITTED: 1/23/2005   LAST VISIT WAS: 1/2005
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

MY REVIEW: One word explains it all: EXCELLENT! The food sure makes up for what the ambiance lacks, and more. My favorite, as with many others, are without a doubt the grilled pork sandwiches. However, one must not overlook the many desserts available to end a good meal.

NAME: Cliff
SUBMITTED: 12/21/2003   LAST VISIT WAS: December 2003
FREQUENCY: Everybody here knows my name...

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