I’ve been to Ba Le in Uptown a few times, and I’d say it’s a place with some highs and lows depending on what you’re looking for. The biggest draw here for many people is the banh mi, but honestly, that was the most disappointing part of my visits. The flavor just isn’t there compared to other Vietnamese bakeries in Chicago. The bread is decent, but the fillings lack the freshness and punch you’d expect. For a spot that’s so well-known for its sandwiches, I was really underwhelmed.
On the other hand, the snacks and ready-made foods they keep out on display are much better. Things like spring rolls, pastries, and various small bites actually hit the mark. They’re tasty, convenient, and fun to grab if you want something quick to eat without committing to a full meal. In some ways, I think these little side items showcase the strengths of Ba Le more than the banh mi itself.
The biggest drawback for me is definitely the pricing. For what you get, it’s just too expensive. There are other bakeries and restaurants in the city that not only serve better-quality banh mi, but do so at a lower price point. When you factor in the competition, Ba Le feels overpriced and not worth making a regular stop.
The store itself is clean and has a nice variety of items, so I can see why it appeals to people who want convenience. But if you’re coming here specifically for a banh mi, I’d suggest trying one of the many other spots in Chicago where the sandwiches are fresher, tastier, and more affordable.
Overall, Ba Le has some good snacks, but the banh mi and pricing leave a lot to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Estefhany Medina
Although this place is always busy, their service is fast and the quality to their food is great. I haven’t been able to find a better bánh mi place so far!!! This is the place I go to or order online from when I’m craving an authentic Chinese pork bánh mi and chạo tôm. Staff is really friendly and helpful as well :) i love how there are other fresh food options you in person, including desserts, that you can take home and try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Curtis Park
BaLe is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Tim is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing Bahn mi. Must come back. 10/10.
juliana ruiz
their banh mi sandwiches were sooo yummy!! probably the best i’ve had so far here! such a convenient spot right off the Argyle red line! their drinks are super good too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicolas Johnson
95/5...95% bread and veggies and 5% meat for their special banh mi. We are from MN and thought we could get better banh mi in Chicago. We were wrong 😮💨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Van Dai Nguyen Mau
Their soups were rich and flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Petros Voutsanesis
Stopped in for a quick sandwich got the tofu eggplant really excellent!!! Lots of flavor in a variety of different ingredients with a delicious sweet sauce. The crispy toasted roll made the whole thing delightful. Definitely going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lynn Tran
We ordered avocado smoothie, drove to our hotel and found out the drink was too sweet and tasted like milk and sugar, not a bit of avocado flavor. We ended up threw it in the trash. There’re bunch of boys making the drinks and I don’t think they know the process of making them. We made a complaint to the guy at the register and he didn’t even acknowledge for our lost. Such a bad service! Managers, you need to retrain your workers.
Very bad quality and pricey food and drink here. I ordered 2 Banh mi one roasted pork and meat ball which was small portion for its prices plus the fillings was poor and dry. The Vietnamese coffee was horrible which has no flavor of actual coffee. It has the horrible smell of old and oxidating coffee beans (smell like very strong cleaning solutions) and super bitter like some sort of chemical or medication. I had to spit it out and trash the whole cup after 1 sip. Horrible!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
wc madman
They baked their bread in-house. So it's fresh daily. They are known for the sandwiches. Place is a local staple. Been around long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Jenny Lopes
The price is too high and the sandwich is not that good like before. I’m so disappointed
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Pat Nelson
Really good sandwiches been going there for years I wish the bread was a little more hard crusty outside like it used to be in the old days
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Lara N-Barr
It’s used to be good. The food is all cold and bad quality now. Tim said the health department forced them to refrigerate all the recent cooked food. I find it’s very hard to believe. I’m a regular there, but it’s time to change. I’m sure you guys wouldn’t want cold food right? They could have offered to heat it up but they did not. I don’t suggest returning here. Take it from a local foodie
Every dish was presented beautifully.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve been to Ba Le in Uptown a few times, and I’d say it’s a place with some highs and lows depending on what you’re looking for. The biggest draw here for many people is the banh mi, but honestly, that was the most disappointing part of my visits. The flavor just isn’t there compared to other Vietnamese bakeries in Chicago. The bread is decent, but the fillings lack the freshness and punch you’d expect. For a spot that’s so well-known for its sandwiches, I was really underwhelmed.
On the other hand, the snacks and ready-made foods they keep out on display are much better. Things like spring rolls, pastries, and various small bites actually hit the mark. They’re tasty, convenient, and fun to grab if you want something quick to eat without committing to a full meal. In some ways, I think these little side items showcase the strengths of Ba Le more than the banh mi itself.
The biggest drawback for me is definitely the pricing. For what you get, it’s just too expensive. There are other bakeries and restaurants in the city that not only serve better-quality banh mi, but do so at a lower price point. When you factor in the competition, Ba Le feels overpriced and not worth making a regular stop.
The store itself is clean and has a nice variety of items, so I can see why it appeals to people who want convenience. But if you’re coming here specifically for a banh mi, I’d suggest trying one of the many other spots in Chicago where the sandwiches are fresher, tastier, and more affordable.
Overall, Ba Le has some good snacks, but the banh mi and pricing leave a lot to be desired.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Although this place is always busy, their service is fast and the quality to their food is great. I haven’t been able to find a better bánh mi place so far!!! This is the place I go to or order online from when I’m craving an authentic Chinese pork bánh mi and chạo tôm. Staff is really friendly and helpful as well :) i love how there are other fresh food options you in person, including desserts, that you can take home and try.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BaLe is amazing. I appreciate the staffs and managers kindness to me even though I have autism and their food is amazing and really good. Owner Tim is very nice. The restaurant is in good condition. Amazing Bahn mi. Must come back. 10/10.
their banh mi sandwiches were sooo yummy!! probably the best i’ve had so far here! such a convenient spot right off the Argyle red line! their drinks are super good too
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
95/5...95% bread and veggies and 5% meat for their special banh mi. We are from MN and thought we could get better banh mi in Chicago. We were wrong 😮💨
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Their soups were rich and flavorful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped in for a quick sandwich got the tofu eggplant really excellent!!! Lots of flavor in a variety of different ingredients with a delicious sweet sauce. The crispy toasted roll made the whole thing delightful. Definitely going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ordered avocado smoothie, drove to our hotel and found out the drink was too sweet and tasted like milk and sugar, not a bit of avocado flavor. We ended up threw it in the trash. There’re bunch of boys making the drinks and I don’t think they know the process of making them. We made a complaint to the guy at the register and he didn’t even acknowledge for our lost. Such a bad service!
Managers, you need to retrain your workers.
Service: 3
Get the combo sandwich
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Very bad quality and pricey food and drink here. I ordered 2 Banh mi one roasted pork and meat ball which was small portion for its prices plus the fillings was poor and dry. The Vietnamese coffee was horrible which has no flavor of actual coffee. It has the horrible smell of old and oxidating coffee beans (smell like very strong cleaning solutions) and super bitter like some sort of chemical or medication. I had to spit it out and trash the whole cup after 1 sip. Horrible!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
They baked their bread in-house. So it's fresh daily. They are known for the sandwiches. Place is a local staple. Been around long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The price is too high and the sandwich is not that good like before. I’m so disappointed
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Really good sandwiches been going there for years I wish the bread was a little more hard crusty outside like it used to be in the old days
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
It’s used to be good. The food is all cold and bad quality now. Tim said the health department forced them to refrigerate all the recent cooked food. I find it’s very hard to believe. I’m a regular there, but it’s time to change. I’m sure you guys wouldn’t want cold food right? They could have offered to heat it up but they did not. I don’t suggest returning here. Take it from a local foodie
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
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