Seemor
BánhB+Worth Trying
942 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
· Vietnamese restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (608 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy Vietnamese with standout pho and creative bánh mì, busy waits, and occasionally uneven service; excellent overall if you can handle the queue and crave bold flavors.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Bánh delivers exceptional food quality with deeply flavored pho broths and character-driven bánh mì that draw diners across the city, supported by strong destination appeal and generous portions at fair prices. However, inconsistent execution between dine-in and takeout and uneven service during rush periods prevent a higher grade. This is a neighborhood gem worth seeking out, though expect occasional friction during peak hours.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and bustling, with a quick-moving waitlist and that telltale waft of broth and toasted baguettes. Diners talk about bowls that are "delicate yet complex" and bánh mì with smoky, satisfying fillings. Peak times can mean a line and tighter quarters, but most say the kitchen moves with intent. Cooking here leans classic Vietnamese with regional range: rich beef pho, bún bò Hué, crab-tomato broth, and uncommon small plates like bánh cuốn and bánh đập. Flavors skew bold and layered rather than muted comfort, which thrills many and confuses a few who expected simpler profiles. If you like exploring, the brisket bánh mì and bún choices deliver character and craft. Families do fine thanks to accessible staples like chicken pho, spring rolls, and rice plates. There is a vegan pho and a vegan bánh mì for plant-forward eaters. Portions are generous, but kids sensitive to spice or funkier elements may prefer the milder soups or simpler sandwiches.
At a Glance
- Deep, flavorful pho broth praised repeatedly
- Rare regional dishes beyond the usual NYC lineup
- Good value for portions at this quality level
- Service slows and gets uneven during rush
- Takeout quality and portioning less consistent than dine-in
What Sets It Apart
- rare_regional_vietnamese_dishes
- strong_pho_broth_depth
- creative_bánh_mì_fillings
What People Love
- Comforting, complex broths
- Creative bánh mì fillings like brisket with marrow sauce
- Hard-to-find regional snacks done well
- Friendly vibe when not slammed
Points of Concern
- Takeout can be less generous than dine-in for sandwiches
- Peak-hour waits and slower drink/service pacing
- A few isolated food safety complaints amid many positives
- Pricing at the higher end for Vietnamese casual in NYC
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$48 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with chả giò or bánh cuốn, share a pho and a bánh mì, add a dessert cassava cake to finish; veg diners consider pho chay khô and bánh mì chay.
Perfect For
- Craving a rich, satisfying pho night
- Friends exploring regional Vietnamese small plates
- A quick solo bánh mì before a park walk
- Casual date that values great food over space
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper West Side stretch with Columbia spillover; casual student and neighborhood crowd.
Safety: Generally safe, busy corridors, typical NYC urban foot traffic.
Nearby: Near Columbia University, Riverside Park, small shops and cafes; strong takeout demand.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side features a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a mix of locals and visitors. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on community and cultural engagement.
Morningside HeightsMorningside Heights is known for its academic institutions like Columbia University, creating a youthful and intellectual vibe. Dining options here include affordable cafes, ethnic eateries, and spots popular with students and faculty alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday18:00–22:00
Wednesday18:00–22:00
Thursday18:00–22:00
Friday12:00–16:00, 18:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–16:00, 18:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–16:00, 18:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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