I've been hearing about how great the bánh mì's are here and this past weekend, I finally made time to try. We went on Sunday morning around 10am, and there was a short line. After ordering, it took maybe 10 minutes - not bad, since there were quite a few people waiting for their food. My partner and I ordered a beef bánh mì, and bánh mì xá xíu, both with a fried egg. Also got nước rau má and bánh giầy. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. We got to the car, and devoured the sandwiches in 5 minutes. Every thing was fantastic. Felt like I was reliving my childhood snacks. Will definitely be back!
Allyson E.
Food was delicious. The area is pretty sketchy, but the food is worth it. Service is pretty quick and there's no line when you go in the morning right when it opens.
Hanh T.
I have been coming here as a child ! Since before it relocated here. The people are still kind and work fast. The quality is still delish . I'm obsessed with the baguette and the mayo. The prices are just so damn hard to beat as well! I wish it was opened more than those three days but I will take what I can get we came on a Saturday an hour before closing and the wait wasn't bad at all!
Kim K.
Legit banh mi!!! I can't find anywhere else better!!!!!!! Best banh mi! Wish they open more days!
Ryan G.
Really great spot to pick up banh mi sandwiches. The staff are friendly and helpful with the ordering process. Not a ton of space inside, but the food comes out quick and you aren't waiting around for too long. The #20 grilled pork with lemongrass is a consistent hit and I'd come back just to get another one if I'm in the area. Decent amount of parking nearby, and they also have a lot in the back as well. I'd recommend coming in early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Zee M.
Nothing crazy, out of the ordinary. A little less salt on the meat would be great. It does the job.
Jen W.
I've had this banh mi spot bookmarked for years! I always forget about it until it's too late and they're already closed. Haha. Well, this weekend, I thought about Banh Mi Ba Le early and made it a point to check it out. The line had about 8 people in front of us but went rather quick. Lots of peeps ordering 10+ banh mi. We got 2 combos and 1 meatball. Street parking and lot parking available. For around $5, you're getting the best overall banh mi in the Bay. The bread was crunchy but soft. The meat, pate, and veggies were spot on. I was hoping for more desserts but I prob went here a little too late in the day. Sketchy area? Yes...but absolutely worth a trip. Oh, and my fave was definitely the combo!
Kathleen S.
BEST banh mi in Oakland! Perfectly crunchy bread overloaded with filling. Our favorites are bbq pork and combo, always with extra egg and pate! Egg rolls are bomb and so is the iced coffee. Take-out only spot. Expect a line when you come, but it generally goes by quick.
Dhoris P.
We ordered for take out and it was ready when we got there. Everything was delicious. We ordered the fresh spring rolls, the crazy mushroom and crispy tofu bahn mi. The tofu was crispy and tasty, the mushroom, full of flavors and the bread was perfect. Loved the spring roll w/ the peanut sauce. Would recommend this place if you're in San Rafael. You can't miss it, there's a big "Bahn Mi" sign in the corner of the intersection.
Keith Hunter
Truly excellent option to go queue up, make an efficient order from a broad set of selections, and enjoy the tastiest banh mi sandwich at the best price I've seem anywhere in the Bay Area. Sometimes the line is long and sometimes it isn't, but the staff work quickly and the sandwiches are really great. Pick some up for a picnic or just grab some to take home and you won't regret it. I like that there's good parking out back too so I can just get in and get out without extra hassles.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: House Special Pork Combo, Meatball with Egg, Special Combo Sandwich
Don't judge a book by it's cover, this place has great food for a great price
Tacy Prins Woodlief
checks every single box for an incredible hole in the wall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda Q.
I love to get banh mi from Bale. They always have so much meat and thin layers of bread. I have to eat one and share the other half with my husband because it's so good and made you want more. Every time when they closed for vacation, I went to other deli and always got disappointed because they didn't give enough meats.
Dan L.
Great tasting banh mi, an Oakland staple! Always order the #2 #9 and #13. They're only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Kerzon W.
THE BEST place to get bahn mi! The bread is super fresh. Service is extremely efficient.
I've been hearing about how great the bánh mì's are here and this past weekend, I finally made time to try. We went on Sunday morning around 10am, and there was a short line. After ordering, it took maybe 10 minutes - not bad, since there were quite a few people waiting for their food. My partner and I ordered a beef bánh mì, and bánh mì xá xíu, both with a fried egg. Also got nước rau má and bánh giầy. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. We got to the car, and devoured the sandwiches in 5 minutes. Every thing was fantastic. Felt like I was reliving my childhood snacks. Will definitely be back!
Food was delicious. The area is pretty sketchy, but the food is worth it. Service is pretty quick and there's no line when you go in the morning right when it opens.
I have been coming here as a child ! Since before it relocated here. The people are still kind and work fast. The quality is still delish . I'm obsessed with the baguette and the mayo. The prices are just so damn hard to beat as well! I wish it was opened more than those three days but I will take what I can get we came on a Saturday an hour before closing and the wait wasn't bad at all!
Legit banh mi!!! I can't find anywhere else better!!!!!!! Best banh mi! Wish they open more days!
Really great spot to pick up banh mi sandwiches. The staff are friendly and helpful with the ordering process. Not a ton of space inside, but the food comes out quick and you aren't waiting around for too long. The #20 grilled pork with lemongrass is a consistent hit and I'd come back just to get another one if I'm in the area. Decent amount of parking nearby, and they also have a lot in the back as well. I'd recommend coming in early in the day to avoid the crowds.
Nothing crazy, out of the ordinary. A little less salt on the meat would be great. It does the job.
I've had this banh mi spot bookmarked for years! I always forget about it until it's too late and they're already closed. Haha. Well, this weekend, I thought about Banh Mi Ba Le early and made it a point to check it out. The line had about 8 people in front of us but went rather quick. Lots of peeps ordering 10+ banh mi. We got 2 combos and 1 meatball. Street parking and lot parking available. For around $5, you're getting the best overall banh mi in the Bay. The bread was crunchy but soft. The meat, pate, and veggies were spot on. I was hoping for more desserts but I prob went here a little too late in the day. Sketchy area? Yes...but absolutely worth a trip. Oh, and my fave was definitely the combo!
BEST banh mi in Oakland! Perfectly crunchy bread overloaded with filling. Our favorites are bbq pork and combo, always with extra egg and pate! Egg rolls are bomb and so is the iced coffee. Take-out only spot. Expect a line when you come, but it generally goes by quick.
We ordered for take out and it was ready when we got there. Everything was delicious. We ordered the fresh spring rolls, the crazy mushroom and crispy tofu bahn mi. The tofu was crispy and tasty, the mushroom, full of flavors and the bread was perfect. Loved the spring roll w/ the peanut sauce. Would recommend this place if you're in San Rafael. You can't miss it, there's a big "Bahn Mi" sign in the corner of the intersection.
Truly excellent option to go queue up, make an efficient order from a broad set of selections, and enjoy the tastiest banh mi sandwich at the best price I've seem anywhere in the Bay Area. Sometimes the line is long and sometimes it isn't, but the staff work quickly and the sandwiches are really great. Pick some up for a picnic or just grab some to take home and you won't regret it. I like that there's good parking out back too so I can just get in and get out without extra hassles.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: House Special Pork Combo, Meatball with Egg, Special Combo Sandwich
Restaurantji Recommends
Don't judge a book by it's cover, this place has great food for a great price
checks every single box for an incredible hole in the wall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love to get banh mi from Bale. They always have so much meat and thin layers of bread. I have to eat one and share the other half with my husband because it's so good and made you want more. Every time when they closed for vacation, I went to other deli and always got disappointed because they didn't give enough meats.
Great tasting banh mi, an Oakland staple! Always order the #2 #9 and #13. They're only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
THE BEST place to get bahn mi! The bread is super fresh. Service is extremely efficient.