Extensive menu Excellent bánh hõi chąo tôm with lots of accompanying herbs and vegetables
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Paul Wu
If you’re an Austin “O.G.” Yes, this is the same namesake as Sunflower off of Ohlen Austin—however, now, without, the original couple at the helm. The new space is much larger than the previous location, and previous favorites still appear on the menu. As far as taste, Sunflower’s food is remnant of the restaurants former days (sort of like how McDonald’s French fries used to taste yummier in the 80’s). The price point of Sunflower’s menu is in-line with what you would expect for a restaurant in Austin. Unfortunately, the pros of the food are overshadowed by the restaurant’s overwhelmingly below average service ---from wait staff, lengthy wait times for food, and sticky table tops (icky).
In our journey to Sunflower, we ordered an order a round of Crab Rangoon and three bowls of plain white rice, for three kids; two bowls of Pho soup; one bowl of vermicelli, and their Sunflower Crepe as an appetizer.
After an 1.5 hours, food had still not arrived (and the kids started vocalizing their hunger, yikes!). Even more peculiar, the restaurant was not filled, and the server didn’t make any mention of the long food times (not even when he brought the table water 30 min later). When I flagged down the server, I asked if he could check on the appetizer. The server didn’t return to give us a status update. However, he DID return to the table next to us and started eating his dinner. In the restaurants that I’ve worked in, staff normally sit somewhere incognito from customers if they are eating (just something about seeing your server slurp food and then walk directly up to the food expo and bring bowls of food to customers just doesn’t seem right or sanitary).
Just short of hitting Hour-2, the first bowl of soup came (Hooray! But no silverware) I asked the server if he got any update on the crepe and he said that it was in queue. The kids started getting antsy because it had been almost 2 hours – so I asked if the server could get the some plain rice out. He said he would check. The server came back with a second bowl of soup (Hooray! But no silverware part II), and said that the cooks were working on the rice. The crab rangoons came out and the kids engulfed them in on the inhale (so I’m assuming they were good). After my brother and wife finished their soup, and the kids finished the crab rangoons. I asked about my vermicelli, the crepe appetizer, and the rice, and the server said that it was in queue. I asked that he go ahead and cancel the order because my party was finished with the food that did come out. My brother came from out of town so he insisted to pay for the meal. When I was fighting him for the check, I saw that the server had inputted automatic-gratuity charge because of our party size (even though no rice, no crepe, and no main course for me). Classy. My brother handed the young man at the register his card and I felt terrible that he paid for the meal and gave an additional tip to our server. I called the restaurant after we got home to ask to speak to the manager, and the server that served our table was the one who answered the phone and said that he would have the owner call me back. It never happened. =( .
In my recommendation – if you are craving Vietnamese food in Austin, there are so many options! And if you’re craving Vietnamese food in Austin, those options are 7-10 minutes away from Sunflower that will satisfy your Pho noodle cravings.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Julie Lopez
The atmosphere is what really stood out , tons of natural light, beautiful indoor plants, and a vibe that feels bright and welcoming (definitely not one of those dark, gloomy spots) perfect for lunches, brunches etc Service + food + atmosphere = 10/10. Can’t wait to come back with my family next time 👌🏾👌🏾
Scott Osborn
Great food and great service, in a relaxed Austin-esque atmosphere. Try the clay pot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel Union
This place is great! Food, service, price is right. I have had a lot on the menu and it’s always good. Clay pot, Bun Xeo, Curry, everything. My kids love it too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Collisson
I came here for the vegan pho and can't wait to come back and try the other vegan options! The food was so very yummy and reasonably priced!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Chen
My mom asked the server if they had the pho special, which most Vietnamese restaurants have. Instead of pointing out that they only had a beef pho (which turned out to basically be the same thing as the special at every other restaurant), he just glared and said no, look at the menu. Then when they brought the pho, they didn't bring us the hoisin sauce/hot sauce (every other table that ordered pho had it), and ignored us when we tried to wave him down to ask for the sauce.
Now for the food. We ordered spring rolls, a beef pho, and a bo luc lac (shaking beef). The spring rolls were forgettable. The pho was the worst pho I've ever had at a Vietnamese restaurant. I've had better pho at a Thai restaurant. The broth was thin, the noodles were soggy, the meat was worse than a well done steak. Credit where it's due, the shaking beef dish was decent enough that we would consider giving their other non-pho dishes a second shot if the service hadn't been so crap.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Stacey Trask
The food wasn't quite as good as it has been in the past. The spring rolls and peanut sauce were bland and flavorless.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bo Luc Lac - Shaken Beef
Shanna-Lee Lussier
I love the beef vermicelli bowl so much. I already know i want that to be my birthday lunch next year. Its so damn delicious. The ambiance is fantastic. I love all the pothos plants in there. I do wish they sold some clippings. I also get the spring roll with shrimp only and it was so so good. This is my favorite spot. I have ordered from doordash before and the quality is still fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah
everything is so fresh and flavorful. i appreciate all the clearly labeled vegan options. i’ve tried about half of them and they’re all delicious with big portions
We tried the hot and sour soup and sunflower crispy fish. Both dishes are delicious! My friend also recommended Ana's noodle and Vietnamese crepes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Audrey Bennatt
Excellent vegan options
A P
great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Rempel
Delicious food! I especially love the bahn xeo, shaken beef, and fried prawns with garlic noodles!
Food: 5
Sonya Evans
I have been dining here for years and it is a great experience every single time! Kai is the Manager and does an incredible job keeping Sunflower harmonious in every aspect. His staff is very knowledgeable about vegan options, sauces and recommendations too!
Extensive menu
Excellent bánh hõi chąo tôm with lots of accompanying herbs and vegetables
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
If you’re an Austin “O.G.” Yes, this is the same namesake as Sunflower off of Ohlen Austin—however, now, without, the original couple at the helm. The new space is much larger than the previous location, and previous favorites still appear on the menu. As far as taste, Sunflower’s food is remnant of the restaurants former days (sort of like how McDonald’s French fries used to taste yummier in the 80’s). The price point of Sunflower’s menu is in-line with what you would expect for a restaurant in Austin. Unfortunately, the pros of the food are overshadowed by the restaurant’s overwhelmingly below average service ---from wait staff, lengthy wait times for food, and sticky table tops (icky).
In our journey to Sunflower, we ordered an order a round of Crab Rangoon and three bowls of plain white rice, for three kids; two bowls of Pho soup; one bowl of vermicelli, and their Sunflower Crepe as an appetizer.
After an 1.5 hours, food had still not arrived (and the kids started vocalizing their hunger, yikes!). Even more peculiar, the restaurant was not filled, and the server didn’t make any mention of the long food times (not even when he brought the table water 30 min later). When I flagged down the server, I asked if he could check on the appetizer. The server didn’t return to give us a status update. However, he DID return to the table next to us and started eating his dinner. In the restaurants that I’ve worked in, staff normally sit somewhere incognito from customers if they are eating (just something about seeing your server slurp food and then walk directly up to the food expo and bring bowls of food to customers just doesn’t seem right or sanitary).
Just short of hitting Hour-2, the first bowl of soup came (Hooray! But no silverware) I asked the server if he got any update on the crepe and he said that it was in queue. The kids started getting antsy because it had been almost 2 hours – so I asked if the server could get the some plain rice out. He said he would check. The server came back with a second bowl of soup (Hooray! But no silverware part II), and said that the cooks were working on the rice. The crab rangoons came out and the kids engulfed them in on the inhale (so I’m assuming they were good). After my brother and wife finished their soup, and the kids finished the crab rangoons. I asked about my vermicelli, the crepe appetizer, and the rice, and the server said that it was in queue. I asked that he go ahead and cancel the order because my party was finished with the food that did come out. My brother came from out of town so he insisted to pay for the meal. When I was fighting him for the check, I saw that the server had inputted automatic-gratuity charge because of our party size (even though no rice, no crepe, and no main course for me). Classy. My brother handed the young man at the register his card and I felt terrible that he paid for the meal and gave an additional tip to our server. I called the restaurant after we got home to ask to speak to the manager, and the server that served our table was the one who answered the phone and said that he would have the owner call me back. It never happened. =( .
In my recommendation – if you are craving Vietnamese food in Austin, there are so many options! And if you’re craving Vietnamese food in Austin, those options are 7-10 minutes away from Sunflower that will satisfy your Pho noodle cravings.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
The atmosphere is what really stood out , tons of natural light, beautiful indoor plants, and a vibe that feels bright and welcoming (definitely not one of those dark, gloomy spots) perfect for lunches, brunches etc
Service + food + atmosphere = 10/10. Can’t wait to come back with my family next time 👌🏾👌🏾
Great food and great service, in a relaxed Austin-esque atmosphere. Try the clay pot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is great! Food, service, price is right. I have had a lot on the menu and it’s always good. Clay pot, Bun Xeo, Curry, everything. My kids love it too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I came here for the vegan pho and can't wait to come back and try the other vegan options! The food was so very yummy and reasonably priced!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My mom asked the server if they had the pho special, which most Vietnamese restaurants have. Instead of pointing out that they only had a beef pho (which turned out to basically be the same thing as the special at every other restaurant), he just glared and said no, look at the menu. Then when they brought the pho, they didn't bring us the hoisin sauce/hot sauce (every other table that ordered pho had it), and ignored us when we tried to wave him down to ask for the sauce.
Now for the food. We ordered spring rolls, a beef pho, and a bo luc lac (shaking beef). The spring rolls were forgettable. The pho was the worst pho I've ever had at a Vietnamese restaurant. I've had better pho at a Thai restaurant. The broth was thin, the noodles were soggy, the meat was worse than a well done steak. Credit where it's due, the shaking beef dish was decent enough that we would consider giving their other non-pho dishes a second shot if the service hadn't been so crap.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
The food wasn't quite as good as it has been in the past. The spring rolls and peanut sauce were bland and flavorless.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bo Luc Lac - Shaken Beef
I love the beef vermicelli bowl so much. I already know i want that to be my birthday lunch next year. Its so damn delicious. The ambiance is fantastic. I love all the pothos plants in there. I do wish they sold some clippings. I also get the spring roll with shrimp only and it was so so good. This is my favorite spot. I have ordered from doordash before and the quality is still fantastic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
everything is so fresh and flavorful. i appreciate all the clearly labeled vegan options. i’ve tried about half of them and they’re all delicious with big portions
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
We tried the hot and sour soup and sunflower crispy fish. Both dishes are delicious! My friend also recommended Ana's noodle and Vietnamese crepes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent vegan options
great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious food! I especially love the bahn xeo, shaken beef, and fried prawns with garlic noodles!
Food: 5
I have been dining here for years and it is a great experience every single time! Kai is the Manager and does an incredible job keeping Sunflower harmonious in every aspect. His staff is very knowledgeable about vegan options, sauces and recommendations too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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