Saigon Shack

Saigon Shack brings the aromas of phở to the stretch of MacDougal Street linking Washington Square with the university blocks. The restaurant describes itself as a casual Vietnamese kitchen focused on noodle soup, bánh mì and rice or vermicelli plates. The menu can suit either a quick stop or a fuller meal: classic phở is listed at $15.95 and bánh mì sandwiches start at $10.95, according to the restaurant’s online menu when checked.

Customers often praise the broth, fresh herbs, spring rolls and vegetarian choices; some mention waits at busy times and a compact dining room. Bowls arrive with accompaniments such as bean sprouts, basil, jalapeño and lime, which diners can adjust to taste. The menu also includes Vietnamese coffee and cold drinks. Online prices help with comparisons, although extras, drinks, tax and tip raise the final bill.

It is at 114 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012, and opens daily from 11 a.m.; it closes at 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. A review page consulted showed 4.4 out of 5 from 3,003 reviews, alongside 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor; positive comments centre on flavour and portions, with some caveats about waits. For lunch on a Village walk, it is the most sit-down-oriented choice among these three casual spots; takeaway and pickup can also be arranged through the official website.