What is it? An immigrant-owned Vietnamese restaurant off the main drag (Baltimore Avenue) of Cedar Park.
Why we love it: This is one of *those* West Philly staples that consistently feels cozy and unpretentious yet special. You can always score a table (despite it always being busy), and the service is equal parts speedy and warm. There are tons of shareable appetizers to split with friends or a date, like crispy pork spring rolls with a zingy chili vinegar dip and grilled meatball rolls with hoisin peanut sauce. For mains, I recommend the grilled pork vermicelli noodles with pickled daikon and cucumbers, the five spice-marinated crispy duck leg with chili pineapple sauce, or the truly revelatory beef lemongrass soup, starring a tangy, spicy broth that you’ll long for in the cold months. There are also plenty of seafood- and tofu-based dishes for pescatarians and vegetarians. Just as essential are the cocktails, which include a range of fruity, notoriously potent Polynesian libations in fun glassware. If mocktails are more your style, I suggest the supremely refreshing Vietnamese limeade, made with fresh citrus juice, sugar, and club soda.
Time Out tip: The Flaming Volcano cocktail is not to be missed—but it is to be shared. Called “the fantastic drink for passion lovers” on the menu, the concoction of four spirits, grenadine, and fruit juice is crowned with a shot of Bacardi 151 that’s set ablaze just before it’s brought to the table.
Address: 816 South 47th Street.
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–8pm.
Expect to pay: $15 to $20 for an entrée.