220C Banh Mi & Coffee — Restaurant in Charlotte

Honestly, it really makes me sad to have to make this review.

My entire family are frequent visitors to 220c, we never had issues for the last couple years but a month or 2 ago we went as a family around 11am and we had the worst experience ever. The entire place was dirty, food we ordered took over 25 minutes. After ordering, 10 minutes after they came and told us they didn't have the food (sandwich), 5 minutes after that they brought our coffees out 2 ice teas, 2 hot coffee and the hot coffee was cold. When I asked the young 2 men at the front they said "that's how we make it" even though I seen the coffee with my own eyes sit for over 5 minutes behind the counter. When I asked again, they got upset and said best we can do is microwave it, I'm serious. was told manager or owner was not here but on a trip or something. We spent over $120 for this experience for 4 people. most of my friends and family began going elsewhere for similar food and have had better experience there.

Now a month or 2 later I was getting work done on my vehicle next door and decided to give it another try, maybe it was just a one time terrible experience. Upon entering, everything was clean and I was pleased until I ordered a sandwich and a hair was in it half was while I was eating. I threw my sandwich away and left, I won't be returning sadly. Friends and family mentioned having worse experiences recently as well, so unfortunately it seems 220C Banh Mi has lost its charm, quality of service, and...

Zen Lesson Failed: A Matcha Saga

So, here I am—very pregnant, with a massive belly—deciding to treat myself to a lovely matcha and some pastries. I walk into a café and, miracle of miracles, there’s no line! I think, Wow, this is going to be quick.

I order three desserts and three matcha drinks. The barista nods, and I relax. But then… 25 minutes pass. Twenty-five minutes! Apparently, this man has taken it upon himself to train my patience in preparation for labor. I stand there, watching him like a hawk, silently willing him to hurry up.

At some point, I start wondering—did he send a group of celestial virgins to the matcha fields to hand-pick the freshest leaves just for me? Because I see no other reason for this delay.

Then, his friend walks in. And this guy, without a second thought, puts my order on hold to casually chit-chat, as if I don’t even exist! That’s when I officially lose my Zen. No more inner peace, no more joyful anticipation. Instead, I hiss through gritted teeth, “Long. VERY long.”

I am never coming back here. But I have to admit—the matcha was heavenly, and the pastries were absolute perfection. Probably infused with the fiery energy of all the burning asses of frustrated customers forced to wait 25 minutes for their tea.

Wishing you all peace and patience. Mine has officially run out. No one bothered to apologize for their attitude, even though the prices weren’t exactly cheap. I paid around $45...

banh mi is good, bit expensive, but the taste is good. i would not recommend the pork belly banh mi though, the texture is a bit gelatinous. grilled pork banh mi is good.

chocolatine was weirdly tough, but flavor was good. the frosting/drizzle on top was burnt though, potentially from reheating which i've never experienced with other shops, but it is easily scraped off.

coffee is like any other decent cafe's

FOH has no idea how to handle any kind of rush. i had to proactively go up and ask the cashier if my food was ready after waiting for about 20 minutes for 3 sandwiches and a coffee. when they gave me my order, i saw that it was one that had been ready for a few minutes (the bag was behind the counter so i couldn't be sure). maybe they thought my order was placed online and so they didn't call it out but if so this needs to be fixed.

also, the whole time i was waiting for my order, the pastry display case doors were open (both of them!). with people coming and going through the front door which is only 10 or so feet from the display case, that's pretty nasty since bugs can easily fly in.

overall, it's not like i would never come back again, but i'm definitely not going out of my way to come here or recommending...