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Category: Vietnamese
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
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thank god the french colonized vietnam so that these sandwiches were created.
i don't even know where to begin. as a vegetarian, this place is about close to heaven as you can get. there are three sandwich options and pretty much all 3-4 soups they have are veggie friendly. i am now officially obsessed.
the lemongrass tofu is amazing with the pickled carrots and daikon. the cilantro gives the sandwich a fresh kick and the avocado with lettuce and tomato top it off perfectly. i also have tried the vegan classic which is "ham" with mushroom pate and the usual toppings. oh and i almost forgot to mention the fresh green peppers. yum.
SO SO SO GOOD. next to try will be the portobello sandwich.
these sandwiches are so fresh, tangy and just amazing.
now onto the soups. my boyfriend got the pho which was probobly the best pho i have ever had. you get chunks of marinated tofu and noodles. the vegetarian curry is great for those who like some spice in their life. you definitely need to check out the soups here.
now onto the prices. sandwich alone is $3.95, or you can combo it with a soup, or with chips and a drink. overall you wont ever spend more than $4-8 depending on how much you need to be full. also, the sandwiches are huge. about 9" long. such an amazing deal.
you should run, walk, hitchhike to this place like, asap. it is that good. leaves your stomach happy with minimal damage to your wallet.
Ok, seriously what is this place? Is it a cafe? Is it a restaurant? Is it a library/art gallery? Maybe all of the above.
I went here as a backup plan to Nhu Lan (for whatever reason Vietnamese joints like to close early). I had been wanting to try the Banh Mi, which is like their signature sandwich.
I ordered the Lemongrass Beef Banh Mi with a side of Vegetable Tofu Pho and a Chrysanthemum Tea Drink (it even says "Authentic Asian Drink" for you with the yellow fevah!!!). The sandwich alone sold me. I'm a big fan of flavor and the beef seemed to have been marinated for days. The beef along with this "Asian" type cole slaw and cilantro made for a uber delicious experience. The pho was good until I got to chewing the tofu; did I just buy some cheap calamari out of the back of someone's trunk? That's what we get for coming 30 mins before closing time.
The only bad part was the server completely forgot about our soup, so we reluctantly stopped eating our sandwiches just to wait for our soup to come. Who wants to end dinner eating soup?
Overall, that sandwich really stood out. Now I really have to try Nhu Lan to check out their Banh Mi.
p.s. The grocery store/cafe feel to the restaurant leaves one scatterbrained. The concept is cool but it detracts from Bon Bon's main strength which ultimately is serving good food.
I'm going to have to agree with Kevin A. here. People who give this place more than 3 stars have never been to Argyle street. I had high hopes for this place too since it's 15 minutes from my apartment instead of the 45 minutes it takes me to get to Ba Le. But every one of those agonizing 45 minutes to Ba Le is worth it where as the 15 minutes I waste going to this pale-imitation irritates me.
First of all, the meats are bland and dry and lacking the classic pork-parts goodness of a REAL banh mi (let's face it, the vietnamese loved the pig: every.single.part--including head cheese). The vegetables are ok but not loaded on properly.
These neutered sandwiches must be what ground beef tacos taste like to Mexicans. The bread is decent and the decor is cute, but if that's all I was expecting, I'd just bake my own bread in stay in my apt. Do yourself a favor and make the trek Uptown. You know its quality because LEGIONS of asian families buy 20 sandwiches at a time, not just because they're hungry, but because its fucking delicious at Ba Le.
Yummy and cheap!
This is a cute place to go when you are hungry but don't have too much cash. I got the minced pork sandwich, which was pretty good. The place wasn't crowded for a 3pm on a Friday which is fine by me, although my friend was a bit self-conscious getting happy hour started in an empty byob spot.
That said, I liked my sandwich, and the cutesy decor. They have boardgames and it's byob so I will be back to try the other sandwiches. As well as their smoothies.
Tried the vegan classic today and it was cheap, filling, and satisfying. Nice Vietnamese flavors make for an interesting twist on the typical sub sandwich. The faux ham was almost too realistic tasting (and real salty), which was my only complaint. Sometimes i'm not a fan of the meat imitations because i've never liked meat- but if you miss it you will love this stuff. Overall a real cute joint.
I think I'm getting addicted to this place! I've switched from minced pork and the classic to ginger chicken. DROOOOOOOL! I love the flavors in the ginger chicken - slightly sweet, moist chicken topped with the freshest, brightest vegs ever. I'm full after eating 1/2 of my sandwich but I can't stop myself from eating the 2nd half and by that time, I'm stuffed. Great go-to place!
Yummy! The classic sandwich had really juicy ham topped with super fresh veggies. It was like… Read more »
Really good. The bread itself is amazing. I really liked the vegan bánh mì. I got the veg pho, which was ok. I would have liked it a little more umami. I keep thinking about the sandwich though! And you cant beat the price. Service was excellent, a little chatty, but nice.
S'all right - I'm a fan of Ba Le and am fortunate that I work near it, but I thought I'd give Bon Bon a try since it is closer to home. Meh, is accurate. The mayo was under control for me, and agreed - the bread was good. But somehow, the combination of ingredients didn't have the oomph that the same sandwich at Ba Le had. My beef sandwich was rather bland for all the pickled veggies and jalapeño peppers involved. Maybe it was the pickled radishes and carrots where it didn't hit the mark...
Bon Bon has a much better atmosphere - you can sit down at a table or couch, enjoy free wifi, peruse the asian candies or books on the shelves. In contrast, Ba Le only has a couple tables, tucked into the corner next to the deli counter - not really a place to read a book or sit around. But for the same price point, Ba Le makes really outstanding sandwiches and clearly has my vote between the two.
Mmmmmm... I love bahn mi. Love love love love, love. When I was living in San Francisco, there was this tiny, closet-sized coffee shop owned by this amazing couple, right in downtown a block from my work, with amazing $3.00 bahn mi. I mean, I would buy two and literally SHOVE them down my throat as fast as possible. I have worked really hard over the years to make a really good bahn mi at home, and while there are excellent shops in Chicago, I've always really craved having bahn mi, right there, nearby, this whole time.
When I heard about Bon Bon, therefore, I was extremely enthusiastic. When I first moved here, there was a now-closed delivery place that had "bahn mi" and "Vietnamese spring rolls" and it was TERRIBLE. Dry pork, oversized novelty spring rolls that had no flavor, all that. But not Bon Bon, oh-oh-oh-no.
They don't deliver, and they are a long walk or a bahn-mi-priced bus ride down north for me to acquire one or two (or three) of them, but it's so worth it. Only downside is that I generally hate mayonnaise, and the place in SF seasoned theirs with soy and it was extra-nice, and sometimes they forget when you say 'no mayo' but OH MY GOD. So good. Dying, obsessively, perfectly good.
The right softness-to-hardness ratio on the baguette? Perfectly crunchy carrots and daikon? Melt-in-your-mouth braised/roasted chicken or pork (or pate, or, or or)? Yes, yes, and yes. I love Bon Bon.
Great sandwiches... free wifi... one of the better spots in the neighborhood because its right on North Ave... the owner is cool you dont always have to buy right away to use the free wifi... music needs a redo sometimes... some good artists need to come in here and add some new stuff...
I love this place! The sandwiches are really, really good. The bread is great, the pickled veggies are yummy and the ginger chicken is very good. I lived in the Bay Area and fell in love with banh mi there, so I was so excited to try Bon Bon and to find out that they do a really great job. They have a bunch of choices so I'll definitely be back to try some other things. The place has a funky and comfortable decor. And they gave me tea for free!
So this should be 3.5 stars, and I'm realizing I may be a bit of a more discerning critic, but first impressions tend to last with me.
That in point, Bon Bon wasn't bad! Just a little skimpy on the ingredients, and too long of a wait for two sandwiches and one bubble tea (she forgot) for being the only two customers (well four, but the other two were already seated and served) in the house. Tasty for sure though, and cute and Asian as expected. They have some really neat light fixtures and great art to purchase on the walls. I got the ginger chicken, and the bread was pretty fantastic. Mmm...carbs.
I'll be back to give Bon Bon another round.
Good stuff. $4 sandwich w/good bread, fresh ingedients. Nice old-school Wicker vibe.
I was caught unaware. Coming from SoCal where the spirit of Saigon is all over the place, I thought that Chicago Vietnamese food would be merely fun. But when I visited this place, I got a complete punch in the mouth. Bon Bon, you pwned me.
Seriously, the bahn mi is freakin' fantastic. The bread is fresh, and super soft, and toasted to perfection. The ingredients are all fresh and flavorful, but never over-powering. The meat is generous; wonderfully marinated. To top it off, this is four dollar sandwich that could easily be sold at twice the price. (Or triple, if they wanted to douche the place up and make everything 'gore-may', like say Bull & Bear.)
But this cute little cafe is so unassuming, yet so charming. There are a few choice Asian beverages, candies and snacks that you can also enjoy. With music and a handful of books there, you have yourself a nice little hang-out spot. Just make sure you have cash on hand. I could see myself here all the damn time, but alas, I live in the wrong neighborhood. Like 2,000 miles away.
ALERT DICK CHENEY
For I have identified a torture method more insidious and soul crushing than water boarding: death by mayo.
I was in the midst of a dilemma. I needed my banh mi fix, but Nhu Lan and Ba Le just seemed so far away. Plus, how could I justify getting in my car and driving 20 minutes for a $3 sammich? 'Shop local', the angel on my shoulder said. 'Screw your carbon footprint; drive to Uptown', said the devil. The angel won and I decided to give this place a shot.
The Good: The bread. Their bread is from Nhu Lan which means crusty, golden perfection.
The Bad: The wait was long, staff could be more friendly (a hello would be nice), they were a little skimpy on the ingredients compared to Ba Le, and the amount of mayo they slathered on my sammich was shocking. Just a rule of thumb...but if I take a bite and mayo starts oozing out the other end, that's too much mayo.
Sorry glaciers, I'm driving to Uptown next time.
3.5 stars? This place is a find for Chicago. However, compared to the Bahn mi sandwiches from San Francisco, Saigon Sandwiches being the 5 star benchmark, Bon Bon was just ok. The bread was a little chewy and did not have the crunchy exterior that I'm accustomed to. I ordered a chicken sandwich and a chicken sandwich with pate. Both sandwiches had the usual cilantro and pickled daikon and carrots but the chicken was missing that extra bit of spice found in SF sandwiches. I also would have liked some jalepenos for that extra kick but Bon Bon doesn't seem to offer that option. Also, I asked for no mayo and got mayo on both. If it was packed, that would have been forgivable but I was the only one there and repeated no mayo several times.
The $4 price tag seems a bit much given the food cost and competitor bahn mi costs but when you consider the location it's not a bad deal. Service was a bit slow. I ordered 2 sandwiches and it took over 10 minutes. The little Saigon Sandwich lady can whip out 10 sandwiches in 5 minutes in a tenth of the space but she also has a line that's usually at least 20 people deep. The space seemed very cozy and welcoming. If I was a kid, I'd go crazy in there with their impressive selection of Asian cookies and candy - at least 5 types of Pocky, chocolate Koalas, jelly cups, those little honey balls that melt in your mouth when you eat them, etc.
As a neighborhood alternative, this place is a great find but I'd rather pick up a bahn mi on Argyle or make another pilgrimage to Saigon Sandwiches.
Went there to try the vietnamese sanwiches. The place was cool and hip and being asian myself, had all the asian sweets and goodies that I grew up with going to the Jasmin asian store when I was growing up. Well I took a bite out of the I think it was lemongrass chicken, and it was ok, it had alittle too much mayo on it, and it didn't taste as authentic as Bale's up in Argyle, Uptown area. I live right next to BonBon, and if I feel like having another vietnamese sandwich and don't want to drive all the way up north, I'll go here and maybe Ill tell them no mayo.
I needed a place to meet two friends for a slightly late lunch. Our previous rendezvous point was closing at our appointed time, so I scourer the yelp to see what place I might be missing. I stumble across this place. Hmmmm. High ratings. Talk of tasty Vietnamese sandwiches. Go on....
Decent to cheap prices. So far so good... Close and available parking for all three of us. Perfect!
We met up at 2pm last Saturday. I was starving at this point and needed some substance before I keeled over as my stomach ate itself and there for created an ever growing black hole. Not a pretty picture. I pulled up to the corner and lo and behold, parking.. and free! (OMG... there is still free parking in Chicago?!). As I waited for my friends I did a little snooping around. Vietnamese candies and snacks all around for purchase, friendly staff dishing out some tasty looking sandwiches, well stocked cooler of drinks, board games, casual and relaxed atmosphere. So far I am not seeing many downs to this place. When my friends arrived, we quickly walked to the front to order, quickly deciding who was ordering what. I felt beefy and nabbed the Lemongrass Beef, but also because the last minced pork was ordered before I could get there. Apparently a popular item and one I must try next time.
The sandwiches came out lickety split. In a matter of moments, we were feasting on our sammiches. Well, it wasn't bad, in fact mine was pretty good, especially when sriacha was added. I will say the flavor of the lemongrass and the beef get over taken a little with the veggies and the dressing on top, but all in all I was satisfied with my big ol' bottle of Pellegrino.
Roughly $4 for a tasty sammich, not a whole lot of selection or options, but darn they were tasty limited options. The staff was friendly, but this is a friendly place. The feeling of "come in, have some munchies and relax for a little while" certainly can be felt. I will say I don't know if I want to stay too long, I might be asking for another round of meat filled delights!
P.S. They do have veggie tofu options too!
So I created a Yelp account specifically to review this place. It's amazing!!!
I just went there and had the Lemongrass beef sandwich and the hot vietnamese coffee. Heaven!!! The coffee is super strong, but made with condensed milk so you don't get the bittnerness of what's effectively a quad shot espresso. Amazing! My only complaint was that it wasn't super hot, which is how I like my coffee... but it was really too delicious to notice.
The sandwich was also amazing. Crusty bread, tender beef, and lots of veggies. Yum!
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star review is that they don't take credit cards. If they did, I may never leave.
i was craving for bahn mi and decided to yelp it and drive to the closest location (from the office) that had decent reviews.
It was a bit hard to find as the sign was a bit small, but after circling the block 3 times, I finally saw it. (Maybe I just wasn't looking hard enough - my fault.) So, you walk in and it's a small convenient store with tables that sell bahn mi at the same time? There are snacks for sale on shelves as well as a couple of cafe tables to sit and enjoy your sandwich.
There are about 8 different sandwich choices on their menu. They have the "traditional," but everything else is a new experiment and combination of flavors. I was looking for the grilled bbq beef bahi mi, but no such luck. Since I was looking for something a bit more familiar rather than new creations, I went with the traditional and got a guava juice out of their fridge.
The sandwiches are reasonable at just under $4 a piece, but there isn't a whole lot of meat on there. The carrot and daikon slaw is quite good with a nice tang to it.
Overall, I think it's nice to have a place that offers bahn mi outside of Argyle, but it's nothing impressive. I would go back to try another favorite on their menu such as the ginger chicken, but it's going to be awhile before I make another trip back there...
Attention yous fans of the jicama-- Bon Bon now has a Jicama Mango Salad...ok go!
I didn't have that, but i did try the new Lemongrass Beef sandwich. Not as good as the minced pork (thus the 4 stars) but still tasty regardless. The texture was a little chewy for sandwich meat, but the flavor was great. The minced pork is still my first love, though; kinda like the first time i saw my first TV crush, Joey Potter, on DC.
Sometimes I get the sudden urge for a Vietnamese sub, in which i would trek to Uptown for satiety.… Read more »
Bahn mi is best! Out of all the things ever! And Bon Bon serves up a bahn mi that is damn near perfect. Tried the minced pork, which was so delicious I didn't think there could be anything better, until the lemongrass tofu BLEW MY MIND OUT MY HEAD!!!! It was most savory and flavorful, a delightful and satisfying fusion of flavors. Toppings and ingredients seem super-fresh.
They also have shelves and shelves of all kinds of Asian snacks. Like stuff that goes so far beyond Pocky that you're surprised to see it in Wicker Park.
I can't five-star it because, as befits its neighborhood, the interior decoration is a bit on the precious yuppy side. Not terrible, it's kinda cozy, but a bit obnoxious. Also they were out of the pork char siu, which I was really, really wanting to try. Oh well. I'll be back. Because what is best! Bahn mi is best of all!
I'm currently on a Vietnamese sandwich kick. This place is tops in my book. Although they have an EXTREMELY limited menu - just 5 sandwiches as of right now - this is really, really good.
I opted for the pork char siu and the sandwich came loaded with meat, cilantro, radish, carrot... all the fixins of a good banh mi. I loved it.
They need to add a few things to the menu, maybe a few sides, then this place will be perfect. It's great that it's located so near where I live because I feel like I'm going to end up a frequent visitor.
They also sell snacks like Pocky and mochi balls. I could get into this.
I love me a lemongrass tofu sandwich from Bon Bon. It's like a spring roll, but on bread. Iced coffee is great too. And the prices! Very affordable.
Tender ginger chicken, pickled carrot, cilantro, mayo, cucumber, jalapeno, delicious French bread... what's not to like? I often enjoy the smell too much and only make it a few blocks before I pull over and chow down the sandwich in my car.
I wasn't as big of a fan of the traditional sandwich as the ginger chicken, but that's only because I'm not huge on pate.
Bon Bon has awesome cheap sandwiches. I also, as another reviewer had said, wished they had some a la carte sides to go with them. But after one of the sandwiches, I'm pretty stuffed anyway.
Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. I got a classic, ginger chicken and iced coffee. Loved everything. The ginger chicken was tender, very flavorful and not too sweet. I was impressed at how large the pieces of chicken were and how you could taste the fresh ginger flavor. The coffee was so good, I almost finished it while waiting for my sandwiches to be made. It was a nice dark, rich coffee, not too sweet and there was a hint of some extra goodness that I just couldn't figure out.
Bon Bon definitely doesn't cut corners. They don't skimp on ingredients or freshness. The sandwiches were even good the next day. I popped them in the toaster oven and was in heaven all over again. I can't wait to go back to try all the other sandwiches. I really hope Bon Bon sticks around.
Apologies for wrecking a solid record...
I'll start with the "good" things. I commend opening a banh-mi shop in wicker park/bucktown, and the price, albeit still pricey for a banh mi (around $3 up in lawrence), is appropriate for the amount of rent they're paying in this neighborhood. I also feel they do a good job of tayloring the food to a crowd probably not completely familiar with banh mi.
The downers -- I tried the classic (headcheese + pate, may pork rolls?) which no one has reviewed, so perhaps i should try the ginger chicken or lemongrass beef. But there just wasn't enough inside the sandwich. The pickled daikon/carrots weren't tart enough, there was a soft hand when packing it with pate, and there was probably just 1 slice of each meat, which made the sandwich not only flavorless, but also empty. Lastly, the bread should be more toasted, it was more on the soft side for me.
I will try the other sandwiches if I go back. May make the trek out to Lawrence instead though.
I really wanted to like this place more. The location is great for me, its cute and cheap, and I had been looking for good bahn mi place since moving here from San Francisco. Unfortunately, the sandwiches were just OK. There are a few better places in the city, but I will go back when not in the mood to make a long trip for a cheap sandwich.
banh-mi? yes, please! that's right, this place makes me want to clap and make puns because
(1) bon bon is super fun inside. like a coffee shop with delicious sammiches, BUBBLE TEA, lots of cute little tables (luv the mismatched chairs), sofas, shelves full of asian treats,FREE WI-FI and games! grab a table and get down on some goodness.
(2) the owner was there on saturday evening. very friendly and helpful, he totally helped me order two very yummy things from the menu.
(3) the drinks are fun and delicious. an array of bubble tea flavors ($2.95) on the menu. we're talking coconut, red bean, papaya and many more. plus you can blend two together for the same price. i got matcha green tea + taro (root). it was fantastic and i'm not even that big of a bubble tea fan girl. not too sweet and a little earthy + cool, smooth with chewy tapioca. i almost finished it before walking out with my to-go order. if you don't like bubble tea, the cooler was full of canned and bottled choices (from the more exotic coconut water to good old coca cola).
(4) sandwiches are $3.95, BIG and TASTY. yes, you will get a punch of flavor from these. i had minced pork but also tasted the lemongrass beef and ginger chicken. all were well-seasoned and served on fresh, crusty bread with crisp veggies on top. (vegan and vegetarian options were also to be had).
(5) lots of chips, asian cookies and other carbohydrate-y treats line the shelves and make for a festive eating experience. (more sides coming soon to the cooler we were told.)
bon bon bon bon bon bon bon bon. yay!
Awesome sandwiches, have not come across one that wasn't delicious yet! (I have now had the minced pork, chicken, and veggie). Crazy affordable and a nice relaxed atmosphere to enjoy your food.
Bonus: lots of goodies
I like it. Nothing earth shattering here. You're going to get a $4 sandwich. The photos are a bit optimistic, as my sandwich didn't look nearly as full. Still, I walked away fat and happy.
I might have had too high expectations for Bon Bon, due to the rave reviews both on yelp and from friends. I ordered the traditional banh mi and the ginger chicken for my mom and I, who have always been die hard fans of Ba Le. We went around 1pm, and there were only a few people sitting down. I ordered my sandwiches, and after about 10 minutes, was sitting in the car with my mom debating on what was off about the traditional ham & pate. we decided that pate was not as flavorful as Ba Le, but still good. the pickled veggies were good and they did not skimp on the cilantro.
the ginger chicken sandwich was just okay; it was a little too sweet for my liking, but still decent. i would definitely choose the traditional over the ginger chicken. this might be a minor detail, but it was the sandwich's saving grace: the jalapenos were julienned, rather than just sliced. the longer slices of jalapeno ensured that the entire length of the sandwich was covered in spicy goodness. it's a small detail, but a nice one!
all in all, i think i'd rather make the trek up to Ba Le, but if i'm in the neighborhood and i just NEED a sandwich, Bon Bon would be a nice alternative.
oh bon bon how i love you.
i went last night with a girl friend. we brought a variety of beers from home, ordered up some sandwiches and copped a squat on the couch near the window on a comfy couch. we ate the delicious food and drank some beers and watched folks pass by. we ended up hanging out for 2 hours. had a great chat with the owner. all in all a top notch time! i will very happily be a future regular here.
Bon Bon.. I kinda love you...
Your cheap and delish.. your oh so close to my abode... and you have bubble tea.. The decor is cute and you have a variety of little Asian candies and cakes (I think most are Japanese and Korean.. but I'll let it slide)...
ok not kinda.. I do love you.. Your portabella Bahn Mi is freakin fantastic not traditional but the only option for me and it was super yummy! ... and your sour lychee bubble tea gives me goose bumps... THE BEST PART I don't have to take and hour train ride to get there... See you soon ok!
Huge bahn mi fan here, so when I heard that Bon Bon opened up in Bucktown down the street from my house, I was elated. So I picked a Saturday when I could fully engage my senses in the orgasmic experience that is the Vietnamese - French sandwich sent from the heavens.
When I first walked in I was a little worried. I mean, the place was empty and the ordering counter is tucked away in a dark space in the back of the restaurant. Their menu consists of a poster with 5 different sandwiches and after asking for the char su, I was told they were all out. I had just hit a new low. My dream of having a great bahn mi place in my back yard had vanished along with my hearty yelpified appetite.
So I opted for the minced pork instead and sat on the couch waiting for the imminent disaster to commence. When my sandwich arrived, being hungrier than a horse I took a tentative bite, and in utter disbelief my dismay was transformed into delight. The sandwich was so good, I gobbled it down and contemplated ordering a 2nd!
At $3.95 the sandwiches here are an absolute steal. I just wish a Bon Bon was next to my work in the loop because they would put Subway out of business for sure.
They really seem to have hit their stride- when I made my most recent visit, the baguette was airy and tender, piled high with delicious minced pork and pickled veggies. Absolutely on par with the excellent Ba Le, and a complete steal at less than 4 dollars. They have also expanded somewhat with a great enlarged seating area- I thumbed through a glossy korean cookbook in a comfy armchair while I waited for my sandwich.
Perfection- so glad they're doing well!
top notch meats and an amazing price- if you haven't tried it- please give em a shot, we are beyond… Read more »
Bon Bon was hella busy today. I feel like that affected my bahn mi...sigh. Everyone was ordering sandwiches for their entire office, it seemed...the employees were harried, but I don't mind waiting. I am unemployed, remember? I am content to sip on this AH-MAZING thai iced coffee in a bright orange comfy chair, browse the goodies, and wait it out. The place is pretty darned cute - a few little tables, and lots of single chairs to wait for your sandwich or dine in.
I went with the char siu pork bahn mi - the menu said it was marinated in hoisen, but really tasted like a mouthful of five spice, and kind of on the older side. Bummer. However, the baguette is really outstanding. I have experienced the captain crunch roof-of-mouth-ripping treatment from other bahn mi baguettes, but not at Bon Bon. Really, this bread is awesome. Crunchy, but so airy. Mmmm, and the veggies. Love em. On the sweeter side, though. Sadly my sandwich didn't come with jalapenos. Poop.
So, lesson learned. Don't go at 1pm today. Go some other time. Get the iced coffee and sandwich combo - but try the Classic this time and ask for jalapenos. Ham and pate? Yes, please!
I look forward to providing a 4-5 star update:)
The coffee was really good! I ordered the Lemongrass Beef and the Ginger Chicken and ate both of them right there like the little piglet I am. Nice prices and good flavors. I will be coming back and getting the Lemongrass Beef and coffee again for sure.
I didn't know I needed a place like Bon Bon until I first walked in while it was still changing over from the previous Gourmet Kitchen storefront. Delicious Bahn Mi sandwiches (I go Classic but I've had the Portabello and Ground Pork versions too.) Also a plus: the coffee. Its amazing flavor is only beset by its potency. Be prepared to stay awake.
The updated interior is fantastic. Plenty of seating, wi-fi, some books/periodicals to keep you entertained. And the owners are beyond friendly. Bon Bon is a great addition to Wicker Park's restaurant scene.
Bahn Mi = Vietnamese Style Crack
I have a penchant for Vietnamese subs since discovering them on an afternoon stroll in Toronto Chinatown after classes were done at U of T.
In the last 4 weeks, I have eaten 6 bahn mi - today was #7 - Thank you Bon Bon for not making me drive all the way to Argyle to get my fix!!
I love the choice of bread here! It's crusty on the outside but softer and "airy" on the inside. It doesn't hurt to inside top of my mouth when I take my first bite!
The sandwiches here are much different from those at Ba Le. Ba Le uses a very very crusty bread that has a slightly denser center. In addition, Ba Le uses a sweeter selection of pickles.
I think that Bon Bon still has a little room for improvement on their pickles, but everything else is excellent! If you're looking for authentic, definitely go for the "Classic" - head cheese is YUMMY and delicious!
They've only been around for 4 wks! Go get your bahn mi fix NOW! I can't wait to see how this business will grow in the months to come!
Great chatting with you today Tim & Jenny!
CASH ONLY.
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