Seemor
5ive Spice Tacos & Banh MiB+Worth Trying
227 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
· Vietnamese restaurant, Pho restaurant, Taco restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (946 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
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.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
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.
Restaurant Summary
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.
At a Glance
- Generous pho portions with plenty of protein
- Fun Vietnamese-fusion tacos and standout wings
- Service attentiveness varies by shift and busyness
- Banh mi bread and broth depth are inconsistent
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Vietnamese tacos concept
- Hidden bookshelf bathroom door
- Generous protein portions in pho
What People Love
- Hearty pho with lots of meat
- Lemongrass flavors and shaking beef
- Rooster wings that many rave about
- Hidden bookshelf bathroom novelty
Points of Concern
- Service can be inattentive or brusque at times; experiences vary by staff and time
- Banh mi bread texture and sandwich flavor inconsistent across visits
- Broth sometimes described as flat; one short rib pho leaned curry-like
- Review patterns show isolated tip policy confusion and occasional long waits for items
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$35-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Order pho or rice bowls ($18-$20) for best value-to-portion ratio
- Pair an appetizer like spring rolls ($10.50-$11.50) with a mid-priced main for a satisfying $30-35 meal
Perfect For
- Casual date night with playful vibes
- Quick warm bowl before shopping in SoHo
- Group catch-ups where sharing apps works well
- Solo meal at an easygoing spot
Location Insights
Area: 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.
Nearby: Near Little Italy, boutiques, bars, and hotels; popular for casual lunches and pre-night-out meals.
NolitaNolita is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood with a strong emphasis on boutique shopping, artisanal eateries, and a lively dining scene. The area attracts a mix of creative types and food enthusiasts who enjoy its intimate, walkable streets and diverse culinary offerings ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Little ItalyLittle Italy is a historic enclave within Nolita known for its Italian-American heritage and iconic Italian restaurants. It offers a bustling, festive atmosphere especially during cultural events and is popular among visitors looking for authentic Italian cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →