Lem's Kitchen & Lounge — Restaurant in Houston

Definitely not what I was expecting. I live in Kingwood and I was sick and wanted pho. Only this and a place in Conroe was open. I chose this place because I figured Bellaire had to have good ass pho, open late on a Tuesday night? I always make the wrong choice. Anyway we are walking across the parking lot and hearing bass and thumping which is odd for a Tuesday night. We walk in expecting that noise was next door. Wrong. It was here. Haze, max volume, a bored DJ and an empty room that looks like a club and an eatery in one. The people who worked there were the only living people in the whole establishment. They were gracious. Never seen Asian women with BBLs but this whole experience was a first. I look over the menu, trying to not be overwhelmed by the loud party music blaring in this empty room for no reason and didn’t see pho, the only reason I drove 45 mins in the first place. No pho. Great. So we get bun thit nuong. It is okay. Noodles too soft for my liking. It’s my fiancé’s first time trying it. He doesn’t finish, so I assume he doesn’t like it. Hard not to like bun thit nuong. But this place managed it somehow. Anyway if it were a Saturday night, the loud music wouldn’t have been so out of place but that just really was bad. The staff were very kind and friendly and helpful and they get 5 stars for that. But the food and...

Update: went a month ago after couple years. Decor and inside is old and dingy already. Looks like they've changed to a karaoke place. Food quality has plummeted. Not awful but not good as before. My guess is change in ownership/management.

Original: recently opened. This unassuming little restaurant that could, nestled in a non descript strip away from the more popular plazas and malls in Asia Town. Inside are modern digs you would find in trendy places like Midtown. That's the problem. It's food doesn't match. It serves up very traditional, regional fare, including a couple that only a few other places serve. Among the dozens upon dozens of other Viet noodle, rice and spring rolls, this place will not stand out. Come here for the Bun Cha Hanoi, Bun Mam Nem, and Bun Dau Mam Tom. Service is very slow because they are understaffed, but the veggies were fresh and the dishes were unique localized Viet fare. I hope it will stick around long enough to develop a following for those dishes. Likely to be back to try...

We just happened to stop by Lem's Kitchen for a weekday lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the food and service.

Service was 10/10! The server and possibly the owner herself made sure that we were taken care of the entire time 😊

We decided to try three items on the lunch menu.

Bun Bo Hue - fresh, flavorful, and well seasoned. Portion size was generous, the restaurant wasn't stingy with the meats.

Bun Bo Cay - they weren't kidding about the spice factor. Very spicy but delicious! Make sure to have some water handy.

Goi Cuon Lo Tai Heo Mam Nem - a quick appetizer consisting of pig ear spring rolls with fish sauce. Basic but we'll executed.

Atmosphere was quite loud. While this wasn't our preferred choice during a quick lunch, it makes sense as the restaurant promotes itself as night lounge / karaoke bar.

Would definitely recommend this restaurant just for the food and service alone. They have a very extensive menu and we can't wait to come back and try the...