D’s Banh Mi is here, it’s official! The old Dave’s Popcorn stand at 38th Street and Longfellow Avenue is now serving deliciously herb-stuffed and pâté-smeared banh mi on the daily (well, minus Mondays). Owner Hilda Tov and family had a hell of a road to opening—beyond the typical construction and permitting delays that hamper any new restaurant, they had a major setback in January of this year when a car hit an electrical pole near the restaurant, sparking a fire and destroying the roof. But all that’s behind them now—D’s Banh Mi (named for Tov’s three sons, Dylan, Dyon, and Dustin) is rolling full-steam ahead. Here’s what to know about the new neighborhood spot.
Business Is Bumping
Folks are showing out! I showed up at the peak of the lunch rush—customers, many of whom seemed to have walked there, crowded the small patio and the picnic tables (which are mercifully sheltered with yellow umbrellas). If you’re hoping to pop in and out for a banh mi on the go, it’s best to arrive during the slower windows of the day, especially in these first few weeks after opening. But if you have time to be a little leisurely, order an ice-cold coconut water and grab a seat at on one of the picnic tables. I got a little sunburnt, but it was worth it.
Looking at you, gluten-free folks. D’s Banh Mi’s menu is friendly to vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free eaters—I personally recommend the curry tofu banh mi, but there are also marinated mock duck, vegan cold cut, lemongrass tofu, and even scrambled egg options (nearly as many vegetarian as meat options, a rare feat). For the baguette-intolerant, there are both rice and rice noodle bowls, served with fresh-cut veggies, herbs, and a little dish of tangy nuoc cham…