Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen
A bustling counter-serve spot in a stylish setting, serving creative Vietnamese fusion fare, pho, banh mi, and cocktails.
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Must-see attractions
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Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling counter-serve spot in a stylish setting, serving creative Vietnamese fusion fare, pho, banh mi, and cocktails.
"This place has such a great vibe—the ambience and decor really make it feel special and welcoming."
Know before you go
The line can get long, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait, but it moves fast!
Dietary Needs
Don't hesitate to ask staff about modifications for allergies or specific dietary preferences when ordering.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Vietnamese
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Vietnamese Flavors
Experience delicious Vietnamese fusion dishes like the shrimp rice bowl and Train Pho, crafted from family recipes.
Vibrant & Stylish Atmosphere
Enjoy a lively dining experience with colorful wall art, suspended umbrellas, and well-curated music.
Creative Cocktails & Happy Hour
Indulge in a fantastic bar program with creative cocktails and a generous happy hour featuring discounted small plates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Know before you go
The line can get long, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait, but it moves fast!
Dietary Needs
Don't hesitate to ask staff about modifications for allergies or specific dietary preferences when ordering.
Order with Confidence
To make ordering smoother, familiarize yourself with the menu beforehand, especially during busy periods.
Traditional Flavors
For a truly authentic taste, try the signature Luc Lac dish or other recommendations like peanut chicken.
Tips
from all over the internet
Know before you go
The line can get long, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait, but it moves fast!
Dietary Needs
Don't hesitate to ask staff about modifications for allergies or specific dietary preferences when ordering.
Order with Confidence
To make ordering smoother, familiarize yourself with the menu beforehand, especially during busy periods.
Traditional Flavors
For a truly authentic taste, try the signature Luc Lac dish or other recommendations like peanut chicken.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen is lauded for its vibrant atmosphere and creative Vietnamese fusion dishes, particularly its flavorful pho and banh mi. While many praise the delicious food and lively ambiance, some diners have noted issues with drain flies and inconsistent service during busy periods.
"Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen has such a great vibe — the ambience and decor really make it feel special and welcoming. The food is an elevated take on Vietnamese dishes, with flavors that are wonderful and still feel authentic. We tried the pork fried roll, the chicken peanut curry stir fry, and the pork banh mi — everything was delicious! Good collection of alcoholic beverages and cocktails too. Definitely a spot worth checking out."
Debarun Das
"Driving through Portland heading over to the coast we decided to have lunch. Luc Lac came up in the search so we gave it a try. We were not disappointed.
The dishes were flavorful, presentation was clean, dining room decor was festive and well done.
The only negative is the servings were huge, and being on a road trip so we were faced with the need to leave food behind.
I would not hesitate to recommend."
__
"Well, had high expectations going in. Were you able to walk right in and order immediately and get a table during lunch hour which was nice. If you've never been there I need to look at the menu you're out of luck because the line quickly builds up behind you with regulars and if you don't know what you want or have questions about the menu you're lucky if anybody is at the front counter because it's a self-serve deal. The atmosphere is wonderful with a lot of stimulation and decoration and music. Really clean on the surface and food came out quickly and most folks we interacted with we're friendly.
The only issue I have is that I felt rushed to order and the drain flies or what most people call gnats we're everywhere. They were pretty relentless flying around your face crawling on food and do not get intimidated when you try to switch them away.
Kind of creates an unappetizing feel.
Did not have any drinks but the bar looks great.
I will come back in the fall or winter when maybe things have changed with the insect problem."
Tony Gonzalez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular dishes include the Pho, Banh Mi, and various appetizers like Chicken Wings and Crab Rangoon.
The restaurant boasts a vibrant and stylish atmosphere with colorful decor, neon lights, and energetic music.
Yes, Luc Lac offers a generous happy hour with discounted small plates and cocktails.
The lively atmosphere makes it great for groups, but it can get loud. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for easier conversation.
Luc Lac is typically open daily from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and again from 4 PM to 11 PM. It's recommended to check their website for current hours.
Some diners have mentioned issues with drain flies, particularly in warmer months. Service can also be perceived as rushed during busy times.
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DowntownSure it’s one of our favorite places to head after a night at the bar, but Luc Lac has so much more going for it ( like their pho). What really sets this place apart from most noodle houses is their fantastic bar program.What you’re getting: The vermicelli bowl of your choice and a couple cocktails.
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VIETNAMESE TAPAS It isn't uncommon to see a line of eager customers waiting outside of Luc Lac's tiny downtown storefront at 5 minutes to 4 on weekend afternoons. Staffed by impeccably hip 20-somethings and decorated with parasols hanging from the ceiling, this counter-service Vietnamese eatery has one of downtown's most generous non-burger-themed happy hours. The menu is stocked with more than a dozen $2 plates, tasty snacks from pork- and shrimp-stuffed salad rolls to cream cheese wontons and backed up with a small selection of $3 salads.
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Check out the buzzy patio vibes at Cheryl’s on 12th, The Civic Taproom and Bottle Shop and Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen. On the east side, there are covered fire pits at Interurban, a friendly neighborhood feel at Stormbreaker Brewing and famous brunches at Tin Shed Garden Cafe, which is now reservation-only — great news to those who didn’t like to stand in line. Food-cart pods nearly always offer some covered seating, like the tented area at CORE PDX and the large indoor dining space at Beaverton’s BG Food Cartel.
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Looking for a dinner destination that’s more on the hip and trendy end of the spectrum?. Head downtown to Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen for a vibrant menu of creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes in an atmosphere that’s bustling, but not too loud or distracting for quality table talk. Loosen up with a tasty cocktail like the Asian Vacation and get to know each other better over pho, rice plates and elevated banh mi.
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Services: Dine-in, takeout, delivery, happy hourAddress: 835 SW 2nd AvePhone: +1 503-222-0047Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 4 PM – 11 PM Website. Since Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen opened in November 2011, co-owners Adam and Alan Ho have created a fun vibe that’s really caught on. The counter-ordering system adds a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or leisurely dinner.
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Aesthetically, Luc Lac could be considered the Vegas of Portland pho shops for its unapologetically flashy ambience. Neon reds and blues illuminate the dining room, which sits under a canopy of suspended paper umbrellas. A durian horchata pairs well with the beef pho, the owners’ grandmother’s recipe heavy with five spice, a blend from southern China with sweeter spices like cinnamon and cloves.
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Whether you need a lunch-time warm-up or a late-night soup and booze combo, the pho at Luc Lac will set you right. This bustling downtown Vietnamese restaurant is always busy and worth the wait. Made from a family recipe, their rich spiced pho comes with your choice of meat (like brisket, round steak or tripe) and is served with a pile of fresh veggies and garnishes.
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Two blocks from the office, Luc Lac is my go-to Portland restaurant when I’m in the mood for delicious Vietnamese street food. The unfussy restaurant has an awesome ambiance and exudes an easy-going vibe, no easy feat considering the kitchen is always so busy. The food is borderline addictive, making it hard to stay away for longer than a week.
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Luc Lac is an outstanding Vietnamese restaurant in downtown Portland. The only thing more outrageous than their low prices is how delicious the food is. The chicken curry is jammed pack with veggies, the honey chicken is a large portion with rice and spring roll, and their secret family recipe pho comes in heaping portions.
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Hipsters and pho-experts alike converge upon Luc Lac, the fun, colorful 2nd Ave shop that churns out bowls of all the old favorites - think brisket, tendon, meatballs, etc. In particular, we find the broth here to be some of the most complex and favorable we've tried anywhere (and we've tried 'em all.)
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A photo posted by Rudy Sugito (@rudysugito) on Oct 15, 2016 at 11:09am PDT. Luc Lac could easily fit into any college town with its cheap, but satisfying Vietnamese meals. While the Banh Mi and Vermicelli Noodle Bowls are a hit at any time of the day, happy hour is the best time to chow at Luc Lac.
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This downtown hot spot—a large open room with inverted white umbrellas covering the ceiling—is loud and fun. You line up to place your order, you’re given a numbered marker, and then you wait to be called to a table. Drinks will be brought to you but you’re responsible for bringing…
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (545 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Quick Bites, Asian- Price: $- Address: 835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204-3005- Read more on Tripadvisor
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A Downtown Portland restaurant with some of the best pho I’ve ever tasted. 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (503) 222-0047 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 2:30 pm & 4 pm – 11 pm daily. It’s no secret that Portland has an amazing food scene.
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I started my day with a big bowl of Vietnamese Pho soup at Luc Lac. This is a favorite of locals and the line can be up to half an hour on weekday lunches. You order first, and then are seated when your food is almost ready.
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Pho is this downtown eatery’s “pride and joy.” Luc Lac’s noodle soup features a five-spice beef broth topped with cilantro and red and green onions. The restaurant offers shrimp, tofu, chicken, and beef as protein options.
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Luc Lac is a Vietnamese restaurant located in downtown Portland. One of my favorite restaurants in downtown Portland, for sure. One thing I absolutely love about Luc Lac is that they’re open pretty much all day.
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835 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204Phone: 503-222-0047 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Luc Lac (@luclackitchen)
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit