Banh Mi & Bottles Could Make its South Street Debut This Month

At the end of September, South Street will see its new Vietnamese street food restaurant and bottle shop, Banh Mi & Bottles, open at 712-14 South Street. Right now, owner Tuan Phung is putting on the finishing touches to the 2,000 sq. ft. space split into two rooms.

On the left side (712 South Street), you'll find an entire wall dedicated to its 300-deep bottle list, plus some communal seating and a semi-open kitchen decorated with corrugated sheet metal and industrial lighting. For the main dining area and bar, Phung commissioned local muralist CERA Street Art to spruce up the 714 South Street-side with a colorful mural of a typical Vietnam street scene.

Bar manager Phillip Search (previously of South and Palladino's), stocked B&B's full bar with a 12-tap system pouring a rotating selection of craft, local, and imported beers, plus one dedicated to draft lemongrass gin and tonics. Cocktails and wine will range from $6-$12, but B&B's happy hour will knock those prices down considerably.

As for the food, Phung's father, who, for many years, was head chef at the venerable Pho Ha on 6th Street and Washington Avenue, came up with a menu of "street bites", which include items like Vietnamese charcuterie boards, bánh tôm hồ tây or sweet potato and prawn fritters, and grilled pork belly skewers, as well as true-to-tradition banh mis, noodle soups, and vermicelli bowls.

Hours will go from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week, with the full menu available till 10 p.m., plus a limited food menu till 1 a.m., giving the Bella Vista/Queen Village neighborhood yet another late-night dining option after The Good King and Southwark paved the way.

Check back for pictures and the official menu.