B3 Steakhouse - Nguyen Hue Branch, Level 3 — Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

B3 Steakhouse, once a hidden gem tucked away through and behind a travel agency on the bustling walking street, Nguyen Hue, has made a bold move to a new location. While the original spot had a speakeasy charm that added to its allure, the new venue leaves much to be desired, trading in its quirky entrance for a walkthrough motorcycle parking area—a change that has certainly impacted the establishment’s overall ambiance.

The front and entrance is no longer on Nguyen Hue and are you met with a scene that is less than welcoming, hawkers peddling questionable massage services loiter outside. The chaos doesn’t end there; I witnessed a shocking incident where a motorcycle parking attendant ran over a local blind lady as he tried to jam another motorcycle into the entrance. Despite being addressed Nguyen Hue it overlooks but is not Nguyen Hue.

Inside, the restaurant has attempted to recreate the magic of the old location, transplanting its furniture and decor holus-bolus into the new space. While this effort to preserve the original vibe is commendable, it feels a bit like a missed opportunity to elevate the dining experience to match the new surroundings.

The menu remains largely unchanged, boasting a selection of craft beers and various steak options. The beer is good, but you can get that in many places. Unfortunately, my experience with the food was underwhelming. I ordered the Platter Number 2, featuring an assortment of cuts including tenderloin, sirloin, and ribeye. While the price was reasonable, the execution was inconsistent; the meat ranged from rare to well-done, failing to hit the medium mark I had requested.

The sides and sauces accompanying the meal were adequate but lacked the depth of flavor one might expect from a steakhouse. The peppercorn sauce had an overpowering red wine taste, while the blue cheese sauce was runny and resembled wet paste more than a rich, creamy condiment. On a brighter note, the asparagus served as a side was decent. The staff, while attentive, seemed disinterested and lacked the warmth and enthusiasm that can transform a dining experience from mediocre to memorable. A bit of cheerfulness and genuine engagement would go a long way in improving the atmosphere.

B3 Steakhouse’s relocation has stripped away much of its unique charm, and the dining experience, from ambiance to food quality, now sits squarely in the realm of average. While it may offer a more budget-friendly steak option compared to pricier establishments in the area, it falls short of meeting western steakhouse standards. For those seeking a top-notch steak experience, there are better options available, albeit at a higher...

Warning to travelers. This restaurant has one of these entry ways District 1 of Saigon is kind of famous for. What I mean by that is, you'll have to walk through a garage full of motorbikes, down a dusty a$$ hall, up some stairs, and around a corner before you get to the door. While I can assure you you'll be safe, it's disconcerting if you've never been to a place like this.

After that fantastic entrance, I was excited to find out, the Steakhouse was actually really good. My expectations were pretty low, and while it's not at the level of El Gaucho, B3 Steakhouse has its own unique charm and some really good food.

The absolute highlight was the creme brulee for desert. I know that's not the most uncommon dish, but if it's something you like, you'll know it's hard to find someone that does it just right. If the creme is overheated it looks like scrambled eggs and its nasty. If it's not torched right, it tastes like raw butter. The chef here nailed it.

I had a steak, my wife had some salmon. The steak was... ok. The cut was good, and the actual meat was quality. But they really seared the outside. I asked for medium rare, which it was on the inside, but god ** they burnt the outside. Maybe turn your burner down just a smidge. It left the steak dry. Which is a travesty. My wife said her salmon was good, but she likes all her meat well done, so... I can't verify the quality of the salmon past that.

My only real complaint is that the service is a little disorganized. It doesn't seem like servers are assigned areas. They just kind of go where ever and leave individual tables to have to get their attention if they need something.

This is also kind of a pub atmosphere, so if you're looking for a quiet upscale Steakhouse, this probably isn't it. But if you want to drink and talk loud and eat some steak, it's...

A steakhouse with character

B3 Steakhouse sits on Nguyễn Huệ, an address that should set expectations. You are not here for a quick meal; you are here for a proper cut of meat, cooked to your liking, in a setting that balances casual ease with a touch of refinement.

The interior is simple, warm, and unpretentious. A space that does not try too hard—because it doesn’t need to. The terrace is a strong asset, offering a view of the walking street, where Saigon never really stops moving.

The steak? Very well executed. The ribeye came as ordered—medium rare—with a crust firm enough to contrast its juicy core. No unnecessary frills, just a quality piece of meat, properly handled. Side dishes are included, they are plenty and large.

Drinks deserve a mention. Craft beers for those who seek them, wines for those who understand that a steak demands the right pairing. The selection is broad enough to satisfy both. I stayed on beer this time. No regrets.

Service was efficient and to the point. No over-explaining, no pretense, just people who know their menu and ensure your evening flows well. Professional and friendly, which makes a difference.

B3 does not reinvent anything, nor does it try to. It delivers what a steakhouse should: quality meat, a solid drink list, and an atmosphere where you can take your time. I will be back

PS : I have been told about the value for money beforehand, but still was impressed. 1M for such a great dinner seems...