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La Vida Vegan: V is for Banh Mi

North Park brewpub offers more than pizza and beer

By Odette Cressler January 27, 2015

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES Know the Neighborhood Where to eat, where to drink, and what it's like to live there. EXPLORE THE GUIDES

The Dish
Tofu banh mi

The Spot
Tiger! Tiger! Tavern

I am pleasantly surprised at how many letter V’s I find on the chalkboard menu at Tiger! Tiger! tavern. This place has a handful of vegan and vegetarian options and although all of them seem appealing, I find comfort in ordering the tofu banh mi. You know that feeling of having a dish repeatedly and knowing every time exactly how it’s going to taste? This sandwich delivers, every time. It’s consistently delicious and worth every cent of its $10 price.

I sit outside; the guy who works the door makes conversation with me while I wait for my food. My three-month-old sits on my lap and instead of wondering why I’ve come to a bar with her, he asks me her name and makes my wait enjoyable. The place has a casual, amicable vibe. A true neighborhood gem.

My banh mi arrives and it’s impeccable. The vegetables are pickled to perfection. The chipotle aioli is spicy but not overbearing, and the marinade on the tofu is sweet enough to balance out all the flavors. Simple ingredients and textures come together to create one of the best vegan sandwiches in town.

TIP: I paired the banh mi with Port’s Ponto Session IPA. The bitterness of the hops goes very well with the spicy hints found in the sandwich.