5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi

5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi

52 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States

+1 718-857-3483

Vietnamese restaurant, Pho restaurant, Restaurant, Taco restaurant
(1358)
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About This Place

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn at 52 5th Ave, 5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi is a culinary gem that expertly bridges the rich, fragrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with bold, inventive taco creations. This intimate and inviting restaurant offers an authentic taste adventure, satisfying both lovers of classic Vietnamese dishes and those craving innovative fusion bites.

The star of the menu here is undoubtedly the Beef Pho, available in several exquisite varieties. Whether you choose the 5 Spice Special Pho, with its tender slices of raw Angus eye round, brisket, and braised short rib, or the comforting Shredded Chicken Pho simmered to perfection, each bowl encapsulates a deep, savory broth that warms you from the inside out. The meticulous preparation ensures rich layers of aromatics and bold flavors that linger long after your last sip.

Fans of the sandwich scene will find the Banh Mi offerings simply irresistible. The Crispy Chicken Banh Mi features beer-battered chicken breast complemented by crisp pickled daikon, carrot, fresh cucumber, and a zesty mayo dressing, creating a symphony of textures and vibrant tastes. For a lighter, vegetarian option, the Veggie Banh Mi boasts seasoned soy protein that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it a popular choice among plant-based diners. The fusion concept shines brightly in their Viet Taco and Short Rib Tacos, combining the best of both worlds with tender, flavorful fillings embraced by perfectly crisp taco shells.

Beyond these highlights, the menu is dotted with delightful surprises like Shrimp Summer Rolls and freshly sautéed Brussels Sprouts tossed in their signature nuoc cham and cilantro. Side dishes such as the crispy French Fries, topped with ketchup or the unique Taro Crisp served alongside Sriracha aioli, creatively complement the core offerings and add an extra layer of indulgence.

The beverage selections provide refreshing pairings to the robust flavors on your plate — the Vietnamese Iced Coffee is decadently smooth with a perfect balance of intense coffee flavor and creamy sweetness, while the invigorating limeades and Thai iced teas offer a cool, satisfying contrast to the warm dishes.

5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi prides itself on its unpretentious, cozy atmosphere that invites diners to focus on what truly matters — the food. The space may be modest, but the energy is lively and welcoming, perfect for casual meals with friends or a quick yet memorable solo dining experience. Many reviews highlight the warmth of the staff and the efficient service which complements the meticulous care taken in the kitchen.

One word of advice: this cash-only eatery keeps things simple but authentic, so come prepared. Despite the small space and bustling crowd, the seamless flow of customers attests to the exceptional quality and flavor that 5ive Spice consistently delivers. Whether you are wandering Brooklyn’s busy avenues or seeking an unforgettable pho fix, this spot assures a deeply satisfying meal that will leave you craving your next visit.

"The corn here is absolutely great," raves Kyle Hui, praising the flavorful variety from fish balls to tofu alongside the excellent pho. Hong Yeung reflects the sentiments of many by declaring it as some of the best Vietnamese pho in NYC, calling it a remarkable find worth the crowd and cash-only policy. Joe Lavigne’s enthusiastic recommendation of the Beer Battered Fish Banh Mi speaks volumes about the quality and family-friendly charm found here.

In sum, 5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi offers more than a meal — it delivers an evocative sensory journey that celebrates Vietnamese culinary heritage with a creative twist. Prepare to leave feeling nourished, delighted, and eager to return.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Quick bite Small plates Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid street parking Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Kyle Hui
    1 month ago

    The corn here is absolutely great! The fish ball, spring rolls, tofu and chicken/beef all were flavorful. The pho is excellent, the sandwich banh mi is good as well. Thai ice tea is tasty too. I highly recommend it!

  • Hong Yeung
    2 month ago

    Accidentally in love? Don’t let the simple space fool you. I stumbled upon this spot while wandering around Brooklyn, craving pho, and let me tell you—I’m so glad I did. Where have you been all my life? I’ll say it now: this is some of the best Vietnamese pho in NYC. Easily top three. The only downside is that it’s cash only (which always gets on my nerves), but aside from that, the experience was fantastic. Service was quick, and the pho itself was unlike any I’ve had before. The broth had a subtle sweetness, rich flavor, and incredible depth that’s hard to put into words. And the spring rolls—wow. You wouldn’t think much about something so simple, but these were next-level: light, crispy, flavorful, and not the least bit greasy. It’s surprising how often restaurants get spring rolls wrong, but here they nailed it. My personal favorite was the five-spice pho. Spicy, aromatic, and packed with bold flavors—it had just the right kick. Honestly, I’m already planning my return visit, maybe as soon as next week. It’s that good.

  • Joe Lavigne
    2 month ago

    Fantastic all around. Had the Beer Battered Fish Banh Mi. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Wife had the Bubba Bun. It was great! And my kid had 2! Helpings of dumplings. Usually it’s a chore to get her to eat one. Also, if you can get the watermelon Limeade. Treat yo self. 10/10. This place rocks

  • Aimee
    2 month ago

    Cozy location but still plenty of seating! Delicious pho, so flavorful and the service is quick. The limeade is also tasty and refreshing. Please know this place is cash only!

  • Linda Franzen
    2 month ago

    I've eaten here multiple times and always love the food. It's a small space so keep in mind it's usually busy and they do a lot of take out business, especially during bad weather. I love their fish tacos ($12) and the shrimp chips, prices are fairly reasonable, but it's cash only so come prepared. If the weather is nice they have some tables outside.

  • vincent xue
    2 month ago

    I simply love this Viet spot. This place is innovative with their dishes, has respectable prices, and the food is flavorful. Seating can be cramped but there's a few tables outside. I sat both indoors & outdoors, dined for lunch & dinner, and service was attentive for each of my visits. I recommend getting their Rooster Wings, 5ive Special Pho, and the Viet & Braised Short Ribs Tacos. I honestly love their spicy options, which is uncommon for a Viet spot.

  • Sanaya Bharucha
    3 month ago

    We had a fabulous meal!! Small place with tables quite close together, but excellent food! The chef’s special shaking beef with jasmine rice, salad, and nuac Cham was incredible! The pho was delicious and so were the bahn mi’s! Have eaten here before it and it’s always absolutely delicious! Would highly recommend them for authentic and well priced Vietnamese!!

  • Wien Loo
    4 month ago

    Tip: **Cash only for dine in** There is a bathroom behind the sauce shelf, (near the entrance) cool design too. Food is good, fresh and nice presentation, simple menu with different carbs. portion is decent as well in an area like this. Short rib in the pho was amazing, flavorful and soft, would def order again. The fried fish, I think was slightly undercooked, we shared this plate as a group, my take on it is it needs another min or 2 to be fully cooked inside, bit rubbery. Services were the reason why I had to take away 1 Star. There were plenty of servers there that day, when the guy asked how many of us and informed that it would be cash only, he disappeared. We waited outside at the entrance, and multiple of them saw us, but they were sitting there chatting at the bar among each other, did not follow up with us about an approximate wait time, or suggested any friendly acknowledgment of our presence. We all felt awkward and abandoned. Thank god the guy finally came back after 7 mins and updated us that the table is ready. Overall, there was not much services besides food/drinks being delivered to the table. If they would work on providing more warm/welcoming and attentive services, I bet they can definitely prosper.

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