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Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop: A Fusion of French and Vietnamese Flavors in Oakland

Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop is a delightful fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, nestled in the heart of Oakland. Known for its exceptional bánh mì, especially the grilled pork and chicken options, this cozy eatery has garnered a loyal following. The fresh baguettes, combined with flavorful fillings, elevate each sandwich to new heights. Customers rave about their pho and unique lunch plates, which reflect authenticity and passion. With a casual vibe, outdoor seating, and accommodating staff, Ba-Lê feels like a warm embrace of home-cooked comfort. It’s an essential stop for food lovers seeking quality and tradition in every bite.

Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop at a glance

  • Address 812 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607
  • Phone (510) 465-3522
  • Restaurant type Vietnamese restaurant , Sandwich shop .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Good for solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop: Reviews & Ratings

Helena Rhim
5

Chicken pho and beef noodle soups were delicious and the fresh ginger on the side was a nice touch.

Nigel Le
5

This place is a home away from home. I grew up in a Vietnamese home where the food was made with honest live whole my mom talked on the phone with my "aunties" gossiping and chatting away. It's an Asian mom thing. Here, while you eat, the ladies in a single sentence will weave between Hokkien, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Listening to the banter and laughing put me back home in my mom or my grandma's presence. It helped me emotionally during the pandemic while traveling home was a bit more sensitive or harder. Now the food. One test I like to do with pho is I'd take home the soup and refrigerate it. If the soup turns to jello it's truly made from painstaking beef broth simmered for hours. If the soup is liquid, it's powder based beef stock. Needless to say this place does it the right way with real beef broth. Come taste it, you'll see what I mean. Cash only

Aarushi G
5

Good soup on a rainy day. Broth was flavorful, noodles bouncy, pork tender. Pho was also very good, good portion sizes. The banh mis are great! Good deal on buying four. Fish cake one was excellent and so was the pork. A bit too much mayo for my taste but made a great sandwich to take for a long car ride.

Duncan Crowley
5

Sandwich was fire, the space itself is definitely dated but would get banh mi here again.

Irene Chan
5

There is a reason they sell out early everyday! Really delicious grilled pork, chicken or combo bahn mi. The fresh baguette is my favorite part. There is something about it that makes the sandwich taste even better than other places. Great value. $6 per bahn mi. If you buy 4 sandwiches, you get a $2 discount. My favorite bahn mis!

Nora M
5

The first time I bought 1 grilled pork banh mi sandwich. The second time I bought 2 of those. The third time I may buy 4 to get $2 off. Each grilled pork sandwich is currently $6 out the door (cash only) and is heavenly tasty.

Ton T
4

Food here is not too bad and reasonably priced. A tasty bahn-mi sandwich will set you back $5-$6 in 2024. They also carry rice plates and noodles. The seating is not glamorous but does the job. The iced Vietnamese coffee is good.

M Victor
5

Old school restaurant. They don't accept credit cards, so be forewarned, but the food was very good. I had a beef and egg noodle soup and it was delicious.

Location

  • Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop
    Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop
    812 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94607 Hotline: (510) 465-3522

Discovering Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop: A Culinary Gem in Oakland

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Oakland, California, Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop offers an enticing blend of French and Vietnamese flavours that transports diners into a world of delicious possibilities. Located at 812 Franklin St, this charming establishment invites you to indulge in a unique culinary experience that beautifully marries two rich cultures. With a commendable array of offerings, from comforting bowls of pho to delectable banh mi sandwiches, Ba-Lê caters to every palate.

A Taste of Excellence

One of the standout features of Ba-Lê is its selection of sandwiches, particularly the banh mi. Many patrons rave about the "excellent!" flavours, making it a must-try for anyone who walks through the door. Customer reviews highlight the grilled pork and grilled chicken varieties as top picks, with the fresh baguette being a frequent point of praise that elevates these sandwiches above the rest.

  • Combination Special: For those unable to decide, this sandwich offers a delightful mix of flavours.
  • Grilled Pork: Tender and flavourful, it captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese cooking.
  • Grilled Chicken: A juicy, satisfying option perfect for lunch or a quick bite.

Beyond sandwiches, Ba-Lê excels in lunch plates that showcase the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. From shrimp salad rolls to vegetarian rolls, the menu invites exploration and discovery. Dishes like Com Tam Thit Nuong and Bun Thit Nuong not only offer robust flavours but also accessible dining options that are great for sharing with friends or family.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop is not just about the food; it's about the experience. The casual setting, complete with outdoor seating, is perfect for those warm Californian days. The restaurant is child-friendly and offers Wi-Fi for those who wish to work remotely while enjoying their meals. Plus, the venue accommodates large groups and provides catering services, making it a versatile choice for various gatherings.

Convenience and Accessibility

Understanding the needs of its clientele, Ba-Lê accepts various payment methods including credit cards, Android Pay, and even cryptocurrency. With options for takeout and delivery, there’s no reason to miss out on their incredible dishes, even on the busiest of days. The abundance of nearby street parking also makes visiting a breeze.

Customer Cherished Spot

It’s not just the food that draws loyal patrons; it’s the sense of community that Ba-Lê fosters. As one customer affectionately mentioned, Ba-Lê is a "home away from home," a feeling echoed by others who have grown up with similar flavours. The welcoming ambiance coupled with delicious food creates a comforting refuge for many.

In conclusion, whether you’re seeking a hearty meal or a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, Ba-Lê French Coffee Shop stands out as a remarkable choice. Come for the food, stay for the warmth!

For inquiries, reach out to them at (510) 465-3522. You won’t regret discovering this culinary gem!

Business Information

  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • Delivery