Banh Mi Express Poke Mi — Restaurant in Brentwood

Disappointing Dining Experience with Unfriendly Staff

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

I recently ordered a large poke bowl from this restaurant, expecting a satisfying meal. Unfortunately, my experience was far from pleasant. Firstly, they required me to fill out a detailed paper specifying my preferences, but failed to mention that the sauce would be tossed in with everything. The lack of clarity in their explanation was frustrating. Moreover, the workers exhibited unfriendly and unhelpful attitudes, solely concerned with taking orders without providing any useful information.

To make matters worse, the poke bowl itself was mediocre, and the portion size was notably small for the price of $17. Considering other specialized poke bowl places that offer a much larger bowl with ample veggies and rice at the same price, this was a terrible value. When I inquired about the sauce, the staff informed me that it was already included, and they wanted to charge an extra $2 for additional sauce on the side.

In addition to the disappointing poke bowl, I ordered a bahn-mi grilled pork sandwich, which turned out to be equally unsatisfactory. The bread was noticeably stale and hard, as if it had been sitting around for at least four days. Despite the tasty pork filling, the sandwich's small size and the bread's flakiness made it difficult to eat. A dining experience that should have been enjoyable turned into a messy and unpleasant ordeal.

Attached are pictures showcasing the quality and size issues of the food. Spending close to $30, I expected better value and a more generous portion, rather than being charged extra for sauce that was never clarified to be included. The staff's response, insisting that a manager would call me back, was unhelpful and just added to the frustration.

Based on this disappointing encounter with both the food quality and service, I have no intention of returning to this restaurant. I urge potential customers to take their business elsewhere as there are numerous establishments that offer better value, superior food quality, and friendlier...

Update. Recently, I have not seen the owner or the young man that used to work their often. Whenever I ordered the poke bowl, they would give heaping scoopfuls of protein. But the employees that work the front now, give small amounts of protein for each scoop. I feel like they are starting to skimp which I absolutely hate when emoloyees do that. I was also told I couldn't have extra massage, but the owner used to oblige me and put extra. They did that for other customers that asked. But not any more, which brings me to regretfully lower my rating. The sandwiches are still excellent, but they are starting to skimp on the poke bowls, the protein and toppings, even the large 4 protein bowl. Where as I used to have leftovers, I can finish now. The pho is still excellent as well as all their sandwiches. I was told the owner opened up another restaurant. I will check it out.

Excellent Banh Mi. Sandwich was nice and full of meat and vegetables. The way it's supposed to be. I had the grilled pork but will be back to try the other offerings as well as the poke. Not many choices, as there are only 4 choices of Banh Mi, and the poke bowl but sometimes...

We ate at Banh-mi for the first time today, after shopping at Trader Joe’s. We had planned on going to have a pizza. I am so happy that we decided to stop in. Thomas Tran, the owner, suggested that we give his food a try and he would have it ready after our grocery trip. We ordered the pork sandwich and a large bowl of Bun Bo Hue (a spicy, not hot, beef soup w vegetables). My wife and I shared this lunch and Thomas gave us an extra bowl for the soup dish. WOW! That was good!!! I can’t wait to return again. They even make their own bread for the sandwiches. The vegetables ❤️❤️❤️❤️

It is such a low key location. Even the interior doesn’t really give away the food experience about to happen in your mouth. If you like things spice, ask for their home made pepper sauce and put a little in the soup and sandwich. Your brain will go to heaven. I’m from an island off Asia, and this is the real deal here. Never settle for a burger and fries - ever!!! This is right here in our town. Thank you Thomas -I can’t believe your restaurant has been here so long and it took me this long to discover your food Bob and Genie...