88 Street Food RVA — Restaurant in Lakeside

Note; ordered online in advance and picked it up 15 minutes later than intended. Experience may vary due to this.

I came by and bought the special and beef bulgogi banh mi, chicken gyoza, spring rolls, and avocado smoothie.

I really liked the beef they have! I tried it in the banh mi and also in a small steamed bun from a friend; really flavourful and juicy. My top meat option recommendation. Nothing outstanding or bad about the special, but I regret removing mayo from it because it made it drier than the beef.

Gyoza was lacking in flavour, it was still crispy but I expected it to be pan fried instead of deep fried. Soy sauce that was included could have more aromatics like chilies, ginger, scallions, etc. Felt kind of drab with the meat filling having less salt.

Spring rolls were a solid A with flavour and filling. A bit on the smaller side (rice paper got a little thick to chew through) but 2 for $4 is a sufficient price. Personally, I like a thicker peanut sauce so it doesn't run off the roll, get it if you don't mind the lack of viscosity; it tasted good nonetheless.

Avocado smoothie was great, I loved the subtle sweet flavour of it. Tastes nostalgic that way, also they make it fresh. Only downside is that they don't blend it as silky as I'd like it, and there were lots of hard+unripe bits that made it weird to drink....

I’ve recently come across this place with consistently high reviews. However, when my friends went for the first time, it was almost empty, which was surprising considering how nice it was inside. Inside is an ample open space with many seats, booths, and tables. The restroom is also clean!

Service - 10/10 The nice man(Paul) at the is always out front taking orders and provides excellent hospitality! He is friendly and continuously checks in to ensure you have a good experience! There are also some entertaining board games next to the water station, like apples to apples or chess if you come in with some friends.

Food - 10/10 The food comes out very quickly regardless of what you order. The menu consists of main dishes of Banh Mi(a Viet sub sandwich) with lots of meat choices(or tofu) and delicious rice or noodle bowls, which always fill me with leftovers to spare. There are also side dishes like spring rolls, bulgogi(beef) fries, dumplings/pot stickers, popcorn chicken, yummy boba!

I highly recommend getting a rice bowl/noodle bowl when you go to 88...

Chilled and laid back, this little gem of a restaurant. Is amazing!!! 😍 Me and my husband and I enjoyed our normal Sunday. Food review by having a delicious pork belly, Bah MI, garlic wings, bulgogi loaded wings, and bulgogi bowl. Couldn't leave without having two of the most delicious crispy rolls I have ever had. The food was cooked to perfection. And full of flavor, incorporated in every bite. The staff was inviting and warm and had smiles on their faces. Which just makes the experience even better.. 😄😄😄 While we were there, we also had the pleasure of having a couple of drinks. Definitely recommend the coffee boba with the coffee jelly. The green Macha boba. The cookies and cream boba.. Where's my first time ever having cookies in cream Boba and I will be returning for another one..🥳🥳🥳😋

Phone off we give this restaurant a big...