Lively Nolita spot for Vietnamese-fusion pho, banh mi, and tacos with quick service and fair prices; great wings and lemongrass dishes, but service consistency and occasional blandness divide opinions.
5ive Spice Tacos & Banh Mi delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in pho, wings, and fusion tacos, plus appealing Nolita setting with playful design touches. However, quality variation in broth and bread and uneven service attention prevent grade A-grade performance. Fair prices and generous portions make it a worthwhile stop for Vietnamese-fusion comfort food, though execution doesn't yet match the area's premier dining destinations.
A lively Nolita room with casual energy and playful touches like the hidden bookshelf bathroom sets the tone for quick, satisfying Vietnamese-fusion. Diners praise the generous pho and wings, while one noted, "Service was kind and the food came fast," yet others felt attention slipped during lulls. Overall it leans welcoming and upbeat with fair prices for the neighborhood. The cooking blends classic comfort with fusion ideas: pho bowls loaded with protein, lemongrass meats, and Vietnamese tacos. The culinary approach leans contemporary fusion: familiar Vietnamese bases with fun crossovers rather than avant-garde technique. Expect hits like shaking beef and wings; banh mi and broth depth can vary, so order to strengths and enjoy the generous portions. Families do fine here thanks to simple crowd-pleasers: spring rolls, fries, crispy chicken, and mild pho. The menu lists vegetarian and several gluten-free options, plus easy sides and ice creams. There is no explicit kids menu, but portions can be shared; conservative eaters should skip bolder items and stick to straightforward picks.
Area vibe: Trendy Nolita/SoHo corridor with fashion retail and casual dining; draws locals, students, and tourists.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked blocks; generally safe with standard urban caution at night.
What's nearby: Near Little Italy, boutiques, bars, and hotels; popular for casual lunches and pre-night-out meals.