Ba Le (CLOSED)

The first spin-off of Argyle's massively popular banh mi shop replicates the look of the original, but if this smaller Chinatown sibling is going to satisfy Ba Le vets, it needs a broader menu. Packaged pork rolls in all shapes and sizes are up for grabs in the front cooler, but favorite noodle salads, papaya salads, spring rolls and other snacks are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, sad and stiff egg rolls languish under a heat lamp. Nevertheless, the signature sandwiches are satisfying and cheap, the smoothies are flavorful and a colorful case of macarons hits the sweet spot when the area's egg-washed buns won't do the trick.