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Portland › Portland › Friendship Vietnamese Kitchen
Friendship Vietnamese KitchenBWorth Trying
2333 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97232
· Vietnamese restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (547 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Vietnamese comfort with standout vegan options and lively patio; great flavors and big portions, but expect waits at peak times and a mostly outdoor, counter-service setup.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Friendship Vietnamese Kitchen delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional food quality—particularly its celebrated vegan pho and creative proteins—paired with genuinely friendly service. However, inconsistent execution and notable kitchen delays during peak hours prevent a higher grade. The vibrant courtyard setting and generous portions appeal to casual diners and families, but operational reliability falls short of grade A standards.
Restaurant Summary
A lively corner of Kerns where bowls of steaming pho meet a courtyard hum, this spot feels warm and bustling. Staff come across as genuinely friendly, and the patio, with heaters and fire pits, is a draw even in drizzle. One diner summed it up: "Big portions, cozy patio, and the team makes you feel looked after." The cooking leans Vietnamese comfort with creative vegan-forward twists: Impossible egg rolls, a richly savory vegan pho, and shaken tofu with crisp edges. Traditionalists will still find familiar anchors like beef pho and bún bò Huế, but the vibe is contemporary rather than old-school. It suits diners who enjoy and do not mind counter service and a wait when it is busy. For families, this is an easy win: fried rice, chicken wings, pho, and banh mi offer recognizable options, while adventurous kids can nibble garden rolls. Seating is mostly outdoors, so plan layers in cooler weather; portions are generous, so sharing works well.
At a Glance
- Deeply loved vegan options and clearly labeled dietary choices
- Big portions with many diners reporting leftovers
- Kitchen delays for dine-in and delivery during peak hours
- Mostly outdoor seating can be cold if heaters are not on
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- vegan_central_vietnamese_specialties
- covered_patio_with_heaters
- creative_twists_on_classics
What People Love
- Comforting broths that feel restorative
- Crispy, satisfying vegan starters
- Welcoming, upbeat staff energy
- Covered patio that works in rainy weather
- Portions that become tomorrow's lunch
Points of Concern
- Wait times can stretch to 30–50 minutes at peak or for to-go orders
- Pricing higher than classic pho shops, especially for starters
- Mostly outdoor seating; comfort depends on weather and heaters
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; CONCERN: Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$34-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Lean into pho and shaken mains for best value
- Pair a shared appetizer with a noodle bowl to keep costs moderate
- Vegan diners: start with Impossible Egg Rolls or Dream Roll, then Vegan Pho
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight noodle cravings
- Vegan and gluten-free friendly group meals
- Sunny-day patio dining with friends
- Solo pho slurp on the go
Location Insights
Area: Eclectic inner eastside block with indie eateries and bars, draws neighbors and destination diners.
Safety: Generally safe, active foot traffic; typical urban awareness at night.
Nearby: Near other restaurants and shared courtyard seating; mostly street parking and residential side streets.
CullyCully is a multicultural neighborhood with a strong sense of community and an emerging food culture that features authentic ethnic eateries and casual dining spots. The area is known for its affordability and accessibility, attracting a mix of longtime residents and newcomers seeking a neighborhood with character and local flavor.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:30
Tuesday11:00–20:30
Wednesday11:00–20:30
Thursday11:00–20:30
Friday11:00–20:30
Saturday11:00–20:30
Sunday11:00–20:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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