Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Kims Caf & Sandwiches in Albany

4.5 (143) 1309 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States

Categories

Vietnamese restaurant
Sandwich shop

Location on the map

Albany, Alameda County, California, US

Phone: +1 510-525-2538
Site: https://kimscafevietnamese.com/

Opening hours

Monday:Closed
Tuesday:10:30 AM–3 PM
Wednesday:10:30 AM–3 PM
Thursday:10:30 AM–3 PM
Friday:10:30 AM–3 PM
Saturday:10:30 AM–3 PM
Sunday:10:30 AM–6 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.5

143 Reviews for Kims Caf & Sandwiches 2024:

Review №1

2023-09-28 16:32:59

I ate here last Saturday and ordered the beef noodle soup. The soup was clean-taste and refreshing. I looked for a clearer instead of full of spices or denser soup, so it was the right choice for me! Tender beef with still some bite and a good amount of noodle to fill me up. The staff was friendly. A nice place to sit alone and enjoy a bowl of soup during a cool evening ☺️.

Review №2

2023-09-18 02:54:17

Kims is amazing fast service Vietnamese food. We always go for the bahn mi, which is delicious, and their spring rolls. But really, you cant go wrong. The staff is always wonderful, and even if the line is out the door there isnt much of a wait. You have to try this place.

Review №3

2023-02-11 01:18:35

We were on our way back home but decided to do a quick stop for some food. I also needed a quick caffeine fix so I searched for vietnamese coffee as we drove near Alameda.This is such a sweet surprise! The cafes exterior is pretty simple, no flashy logo so its easy to miss it. We got in and was happily met by the cashier.I ordered the sate beef bun and hubs got the sate beef banh mi and of course our coffee.I really enjoyed that new flavor. Im so used to grilled meat in bun so this really was such a good new experience.If youre looking for a quick bite, this is a great place to visit :)

Review №4

2023-09-15 19:56:00

This is one of my familys favorite places to eat or pick up to-go food. The lemongrass chicken salad is soooo good. Great sandwiches. When I get a headache, I get the chicken noodle soup. It helps. I highly recommend. Note - it can be busy during the Albany high lunch break.

Review №5

2017-09-23 20:20:13

Secret spot ( ha ha) I think this place is hidden and away from the main traffic which is a nice change. The place is modern looking on the inside. The menu is tradition with an influence of the current community. You order at the counter and then take a #. Its self seating, front, back, and the tiny court yard. The food is so Saigon. Lemon grass chicken vermicelli has chunky chicken well balanced with sprouts, herbs and lettuce. The shrimp roll is a mouth full and it actually has herbs inside. The dipping sauce is a tad sweet but its has a nice contrast with the rolls-savory

Review №6

2023-11-19 04:48:53

I went to Kims Cafe for the first time the other day. I’ve gone back serval times since! I get the Lemongrass Tofu Bahn Mi or the BBQ Tofu Bahn Mi. They’re always delicious! The service is great and the food affordable. I’d definitely recommend it.

Review №7

2023-05-27 19:52:30

We ordered green papaya salad and crispy shrimp rolls to go. Entering the space, you could literally smell the delicious flavors. The cashier was helpful and served us promptly. Both dishes were excellent. Glad we stopped by!

Review №8

2023-08-09 23:07:57

Love this place. Reasonable price and tasty! I got grilled pork spring roll and it was yummy, filling, and only $7.

Review №9

2023-09-29 18:37:19

So good! Sate beef sandwich is amazing- the lemon grass chicken rice dish was bomb as well. Go to Kim’s!

Review №10

2023-06-17 15:27:41

Really good banh mi style tofu sandwiches -- three choices! Vermicelli soup and garden rolls are also awesome. Parklet is lovely to sit in, and service is great.

Review №11

2023-06-20 18:02:58

Really good Vietnamese sandwiches and soups. I’m spoiled having been to Vietnam a few times eating the real stuff but this is really not bad. Nice people too.

Review №12

2020-06-22 07:43:16

Can’t tell you enough how much I love Kim’s Cafe and Sandwiches! Their food is so delicious with tasty banh mi, bun salads and spring & summer rolls that are so fresh and flavorful. The staff is also really nice and they package the food well for take out. Hands down the best sandwiches in town!

Review №13

2023-05-08 01:29:48

Delicious food, always enjoy it here. Great place to bust out that laptop and work and eat. Frequented by students. Delicious Banh mi

Review №14

2020-06-16 20:27:11

Excellent classic grilled pork Banh Mi. Only thing I missed was the Thai chilis - they only had jalapenos

Review №15

2023-07-07 19:43:51

The best banh mi!! sandwiches I love this place and nice staff too!!

Review №16

2022-01-15 22:38:34

Can’t go wrong with a Banh Mi from this place. They always nail them. Reasonably priced and good quality.

Review №17

2017-07-28 03:36:38

Good sandwich fillings but no crunchy bread or peanut sauce for our shrimp spring rolls

Review №18

2022-08-28 19:04:43

DO NOT ORDER ONLINE. The third party they use is horrible and the staff couldn’t care less. I ordered 4 banh online 35 minutes before pickup. I got there and they had no record of my order so I had to reorder everything. After reordering, the online order came in so literally 45 minutes after I got confirmation that it was “sent” to the restaurant. I had to wait another 15 minutes. AND each online sandwich was $1.50 more so I paid a $12 premium to wait for the order.

Review №19

2016-12-23 21:58:54

I have always loved the food and the atmosphere. I highly recommend trying the soups!

Review №20

2021-06-06 20:22:15

Delicious! I ordered the BBQ pork Banh mi and a mango mint iced tea. The bread was so tasty and the meat was soft! One of the best banh mi sandwiches Ive had! 💓 service was very friendly and the wait wasnt too bad. I am definitely returning!

Review №21

2020-01-06 01:28:21

Friendly staff, Low key dining room in back with an outside patio, sort of deli like tables in front. Great food! Had the BBQ pork sandwich, great flavor with good balance, the chicken noodle bowl, also great combination of flavors that combined well, and the pork noodle bowl, again great choice! The shrimp spring rolls are huge, mostly full of lettuce, a bit different than the ones in used to (with mint and carrots, more Thai style), the amount of Lettuce, noodles and rice wrapper was a little much in that there was not much inherent flavor, but paired with the yummy peanut sauce they were very tasty! Ill be back!

Review №22

2021-02-06 22:09:11

Delicious tofu banh mi sandwiches. The shrimp spring rolls were hefty. And the Vietnamese iced coffee was not too sweet.The sandwich French bread was so fresh and good I wouldve eaten it by itself. Well definitely go back.

Review №23

2021-06-05 22:06:55

Words can’t begin to describe how flipping delicious the food is here. The staff is friendly and quick. Not even kidding, I was fantasizing about the next time I can come back to eat while I was only half way done with my sandwich. I’m absolutely stoked to have a place where I can try everything on the menu knowing it won’t disappoint.P.S. I hardly ever write reviews, so hopefully that says something about how good this place is.

Review №24

2022-01-17 16:27:26

A lovely mom and pop local Vietnamese cafe with good fresh food. Menus is quite diverse and you are sure to find something that will appeal to your taste buds. Regrettably the curry chicken has been discontinued bit curry tofu is still up for grabs. Check our full review @frontseatfoods on IGTV Xo.

Review №25

2020-02-29 21:46:09

This place is good for any time meal. The food is cheap and good. The sandwiches dont have a lot of meat, just like all the meals there. But they are affordable, so dont expect a lot. The quality is good and the service is good. It can get very crowded during lunch time. But you can call in the order. Make sure you look at the hours before you drive there.

Review №26

2023-06-18 20:54:57

Fresh, flavorful, affordable - its one of our FAVORITE spots on Solano.

Review №27

2022-11-04 04:43:57

Delicious sandwiches at a great price. My go to is the lemongrass chicken Bahn mi but I also love the noodle bowl

Review №28

2021-08-23 17:09:51

Kims Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat on Solano Avenue. Ive tried most of the menu, but I particularly love Spring Rolls and order that at Kims often. When the first lockdown was about to start, I got myself an order of Kims Cafe Spring Rolls. Also, you can count on great service and a great set up for to-go orders.

Review №29

2021-04-11 20:53:52

Very nice! Not like your regular mom and pop banh mi shop which is what Im used to and prefer (ie, soft, sweet Vietnamese style baguette with mayo). This banh mi shop is more fancy - made with a nice authentic French baguette, crusty and rustic. Definitely catering to the Albany demographic. I personally prefer the old school baguettes but banh mi lovers should give this version a try. I got the bbq tofu, which was delicious. Definitely worth $7! (Does not come with dipping or peanut sauce.)

Review №30

2020-09-20 05:39:38

Best Tofu Bahn Mi in the bay! Great vegan options.Vermicelli is amazing.Spring Rolls are amazing.Everything is super affordable.My only regret is I didnt find it sooner!

Review №31

2022-04-23 18:53:27

Got lemongrass chicken salad roll and shrimp salad roll. The chicken is very dry. They gave us the sweet chilly sauce instead of the peanut sauce.

Review №32

2020-09-26 21:02:42

So fresh, great delivery option for all kinds of eaters (omnivores, vegan, vegetarian, low-carb, etc). They have THREE different kinds of tofu! Their banh mi is the best I have ever had - fresh crunchy bread, lovely veggies.

Review №33

2018-05-11 16:00:27

Generous portions, great flavors, reasonable prices, friendly service...and an easy walk home to enjoy as take-out. We had the special turmeric soup, curry chicken vermicelli, and spring rolls. Plentiful tables both in front and back portions of reaturant (indoor), as well as a nice outdoor patio for dining-in. Having a party? Kims has party trays filled with delicious fresh spring rolls and salad rolls. Check em out!!

Review №34

2017-06-10 23:05:04

Good coffee, good sandwich, good price. I had the BBQ pork sandwich in the larger variety, a real deal for only $6. The bread was not a squishy Chinatown bakery roll, and not a palette-shredding fancy baguette either. It was in between with a nice but not too big crust, just they way I hoped. The pork was cut thick, fatty and tender. Next time Ill go for the extra pâté option because I could hardly detect any.

Review №35

2021-12-16 18:07:44

The band Muse could use some jalapenos and more cilantro otherwise pretty good. The vermicelli dishes are also very good deal and very tasty again they could use more Thai Basil or Mint or cilantro or any combination of the above other than that pretty good

Review №36

2021-05-04 05:10:19

Best bahn mi take out. Whatever bread they’re using is amazing. Love the fresh flavors and they have tasty vegetarian choices too. Wish they had more drink choices.

Review №37

2017-07-18 02:18:30

Very accurate Vietnamese sandwiches and noodle dishes. Small inside eating area, larger one past the cash register, and outdoor seating past that. The entrance is tiny and really fools you into thinking it must be a to go place, but just keep walking to the back. The staff is very focused on getting the food right, and healthful.My wife is Cambodian, and any time we are even close, we stop tor spring rolls, or a sandwich, or a bowl with noodles and chicken.My mouth waters just remembering the flavor.

Review №38

2023-04-23 22:20:46

This healthy and delicious food made me very very happy. I finally found my favorite restaurant in Berkeley.

Review №39

2023-11-21 20:05:16

Fresh, flavorful and reasonable prices.

Review №40

2018-11-24 03:37:45

I love this place, the staff are so friendly and the food is absolutely delicious. Its always really fresh ingredients and at a totally affordable price. I always get the spring rolls which are awesome, and I love how they have plenty of vegetarian options.

Review №41

2018-08-02 06:54:14

A great addition to eateries on Solano Ave - casual Vietnamese food thats long overdue! Cozy space, friendly & efficient service, and super fresh ingredients. Spring rolls are loaded with crispy greens and perfect rice noodles (not chewy or mushy!), and your choice of shrimp, meats, or tofu. I love that every dish has a vegetarian option, be it rice plates, noodle bowls or sandwiches. If youre looking for authentic Vietnamese noodle soups and other dishes, this is not your place. If you want fresh rolls and loaded sandwiches on Acme baguettes, or switch up your palate with tumeric noodles and delicate lemongrass seasonings, and enjoy your lunch in a nice relaxed environment, you need to try Kims cafe. That you can get way full yet have money to spare on your lunch budget is a nice bonus! Its good, fresh, fast, and cheap - need I say more?

Review №42

2016-11-28 09:55:18

Really nice Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Super fresh, great ingredients. The dining room has some comfy chairs, and a wide variety of books to borrow and read while youre there, or enjoy eating outside on the patio.

Review №43

2015-01-18 22:32:53

I have been a regular customer for well over a year. My only conplaint is that it can take a while to get sandwiches. I often phone in my order. Today, we decided to eat here. Our sandwiches came quickly. The Banh Mi is the best I have had, bar none. In fact, everything is very good!

Review №44

2019-06-27 21:25:29

Pretty good, but its kinda small for a large sandwich.

Review №45

2022-08-21 21:31:17

If you come on a weekend, expect a 30+ minute wait after you order. Sandwiches are fine but kind of 🤷🏻‍♂️ flavor wise.

Review №46

2020-05-04 21:29:18

I love Kims for a delicious and inexpensive dinner or lunch! Banh mi for lunch, pho for dinner, salads or spring rolls for any occasion. With Covid-19 in our world, you can call in advance or order on line, and your meal will be waiting for you when you arrive. They are taking all the proper safety & health precautions, with Plexiglas between the cashier and the customer.Kims is owned by a local Albany family so Im more than happy to support them!

Review №47

2016-02-02 14:57:36

Portions are good, prices are very reasonable, and the staff are friendly. I really like the curry chicken, I think its the highest quality meat they have, but the others are tasty too. Dont really know what else to say, this place is legit.

Review №48

2017-07-16 21:26:06

Classic Vietnamese sandwich and Delicatessen Fair. Nice outdoor seating in the back, usually pretty quiet prompt service from the people. Tasty sandwiches! And the fresh rolls are killer.

Review №49

2018-01-07 07:39:38

Bahn mi was very tasty, portion could have been larger, but it was awesome nonetheless. Spring rolls were also great for the price, bigger portion in the spring rolls than the sandwich.

Review №50

2018-03-14 21:36:37

WARNING: if you are diabetic do NOT have the noodle soups! There is so much sugar in the broth that it is difficult to eat even the solid ingredients like the chicken, noodles, etc. without going into sugar shock. Forget any notion that you are going to enjoy a nice savory broth, my wife and I had to go directly home to brush our teeth to get the bad sugar taste out of our mouths.

Review №51

2022-08-16 19:25:09

The food is fine but every time I order it doesn’t go through and I end up waiting for 20mins only to be told my money just disappeared and it never showed up for them. Only happens when using website.

Review №52

2013-05-04 01:22:53

Kims is an amazing Vietnamese Cafe that carries sandwiches as well as other food. It is reasonable priced and delivers your food(for here or to go) in a quick amount of time. All in all Kims is a great place to eat/get work done or just meet a friend.

Review №53

2017-06-28 14:48:38

This is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Albany and North Berkeley. With the best Vietnamese sandwiches in the East Bay. They dont serve Pho, but a different style of noodle soup that is out of this world.

Review №54

2021-05-09 01:10:16

The bread they use is not the traditional banh mi roll but absolutely fabulous. Pork a little dry but good.

Review №55

2017-07-13 18:51:01

This is the best place in town to get a specialty sandwich. (The curry chicken sandwich is so delicious.) Its a great little joint to get great food at a reasonable price. Every time I visit Solono Ave. I always eat here!

Review №56

2023-05-08 21:34:08

Great food.Easy to get and quick service!

Review №57

2018-02-26 04:23:33

Great banh mi & appetizers. I havent tried their noodle dishes yet, but theres a variety on the menu. Service is fast & friendly.

Review №58

2019-07-31 21:17:58

Sandwiches here were really good but the noodle soups are kind of disappointing - broth was okay, kind of plain, and didnt have a lot of meat/tofu/vegetables.

Review №59

2020-02-10 05:54:49

Good food and a little outdoor space in the back. I would however, suggest they update their seating furniture outside as the chairs are very uncomfortable, but the greenery is great!

Review №60

2022-02-03 22:13:34

Kims is a great place to grab a bite! The man working the front recently is so good! He really knows how to handle the busy crowd...Woot woot

Review №61

2022-07-17 19:39:23

Good sandwich! Could have eaten more - ill try the tofu bowl next time!

Review №62

2020-01-16 02:48:42

Pretty quick service. Chicken noodle soup was great, the broth was light but flavorful and ingredients were good.

Review №63

2016-10-02 23:24:33

Great bahn mi at a great price! 3 different tofu bahn mi options as well. Definitely will come back to try the others.

Review №64

2016-07-07 15:41:50

Great little hidden gem. Great BanMi and Noodle bowls. Hallway entrance, but keep going, plenty of seating in back, even an outside area.

Review №65

2019-02-17 20:16:48

Food here is delicious. So flavorful, the drinks are great, gender neatruel restrooms and great staff. 5/5 would recommend!

Review №66

2022-02-24 23:19:15

I love places like this. Well priced and well portioned! Very tasty meats

Review №67

2021-09-22 00:06:28

BBQ tofu salad out of this world. Amazing bahn mi. Very fast and friendly.

Review №68

2018-01-03 23:23:30

Yum. Amazing soup for a winter day or for nursing a a cold (Noodle Soup with Tofu). I have a strong feeling that Ill return over and over again.

Review №69

2023-04-09 00:08:35

Delicious, affordable food and friendly service.

Review №70

2020-12-30 21:48:38

Service is always great and the food is amazing! Highly recommend their lemongrass tofu banh mi.

Review №71

2015-12-23 03:49:23

The Curry tofu spring rolls are great. Good portion size and a great price.

Review №72

2021-10-14 23:27:14

I had the crab cake noodle soup. Such a comforting bowl of soup. The broth - wow.

Review №73

2019-06-15 14:58:30

Really good vegetarian options. It is bit pricey for a banh mi place. I guess that must be Solano Ave tax.

Review №74

2018-09-09 19:43:59

Very nice banh mi, especially the grilled pork. Though the other dishes are good too.

Review №75

2018-04-23 16:45:00

Lemon grass chicken bahn mi was delicious, bust a little on the small side for a large. Maybe get two.

Review №76

2021-08-19 01:53:25

Fresh food/salads. Very tasty ! A little pricey but enjoyable.

Review №77

2019-10-12 19:22:38

Our food was fresh and delicious. The spring rolls were huge.

Review №78

2023-01-05 00:43:38

Love the lemon grass chicken or tofu bon mi

Review №79

2017-11-09 06:06:21

I highly recommend this place. The food here will not disappoint you. Everything I had was fresh and delicious.

Review №80

2018-12-04 21:48:16

Very good sandwich and I like that its a family run place... Very friendly service

Review №81

2016-08-03 06:44:50

BEST Vietnamese sandwiches. No other place compares. BBQ pork is a classic.

Review №82

2018-03-07 18:23:17

Dont order any Non Sandwich .if you are looking for pho, their pho and bun are Nothing like viet food

Review №83

2020-02-12 16:46:49

Repeat customer here, the food is great, and they have a little back garden you can sit in on nice days.

Review №84

2022-01-27 21:03:25

Great tofu bun bowl and tofu rolls and tofu banh mi sandwiches.

Review №85

2018-08-04 02:12:12

One of the best banh mi that I ever had.Friendly service, great taste!

Review №86

2019-06-16 01:26:15

Every time I come back to the Bay area I stop at this place specifically. Great flavors and options.

Review №87

2016-12-14 19:38:01

I get my haircut next door and usually get a sandwich here after. Okay banhmi sandwich... Will try their pho next time.

Review №88

2018-07-06 20:57:00

The noodle soup is American style: too sweet! Not authentic at all

Review №89

2017-08-22 17:39:04

Food is ok but the guy at the register was very rude. Not kind very short mannered.

Review №90

2017-10-14 20:03:38

Ill be a regular from now on for banh mis -- will be trying more of the menu later this winter

Review №91

2023-01-27 20:48:47

Always excellent food with fresh vegetables and super nice owner.

Review №92

2015-08-10 19:01:33

Excellent food, good prices, but sometimes slow around lunchtime.

Review №93

2018-06-16 15:12:57

Many places to eat around there. Outside and inside. Also the food is really good!

Review №94

2022-05-26 20:18:55

The guy at the register is so rude. Definitely do not recommend this place

Review №95

2016-07-28 23:24:03

Funky viet cafe with some really bomb sandwiches. Really good service too!

Review №96

2018-04-20 14:21:03

Excellent service and food. I recommend the beef sate salad.

Review №97

2018-05-30 06:48:55

The best bahn mi in East Bay and very reasonably priced.

Review №98

2018-11-29 16:28:16

Hidden outdoor patio in the back! The best Bahn mi around 👍🏽

Review №99

2017-03-17 20:52:08

Great sandwiches! Tasty, and just right size.

Review №100

2016-02-13 20:40:32

Great sandwiches and the spring rolls with peanut sauce are to die for

Review №101

2021-09-15 22:54:44

Amazingly fresh ingredients, prompt, great vibe!

Review №102

2020-12-21 22:37:43

This was my first time there, my chicken curry sandwich was the Bomb 👍

Review №103

2018-01-22 00:47:42

After returning from a trip to Vietnam over the holidays it was refreshing to find this treasure in the hood.

Review №104

2020-01-25 16:19:12

Ive been here many times and wanted to like it...but its just ok.

Review №105

2017-11-22 00:41:24

Great spring roll, the dipping sauce was authentic

Review №106

2020-02-08 22:48:03

Great sandwiches...very comfortable and affordable

Review №107

2017-11-05 22:30:25

The bbq pork bahn mi is amazing!

Review №108

2017-11-18 19:38:30

Great service and equally great Vietnamese food.

Review №109

2021-01-12 18:28:44

Best bhan mi Ive had in years!

Review №110

2021-04-09 03:48:38

Tasty bahn mi sandwiches, and noodle soups!

Review №111

2018-09-14 05:53:28

Great bun and pho. Nice folks!

Review №112

2018-08-11 02:03:21

Fantastic every time i go. So refreshing

Review №113

2017-03-04 01:07:14

Pleasant quick snack sandwiches in the Vietnamese tradition.

Review №114

2017-12-16 21:12:29

Love this place. Best salads anywhere!!!!!

Review №115

2022-07-14 20:40:13

Curry tofu Bahn mI

Review №116

2019-11-11 02:12:24

Most relaxed and chill environment :)

Review №117

2019-02-04 06:27:16

Best place to get Vietnamese food in alb

Review №118

2022-05-27 05:42:52

Meat had a lot of gristle in it.

Review №119

2014-08-20 20:55:56

Vietnamese Food with amazingly fresh ingredients!

Review №120

2020-03-12 01:14:13

Very good but very busy at lunch

Review №121

2018-01-22 22:16:01

Great food! Ok service.

Review №122

2019-04-17 21:24:33

One of the best vietnamese restaurants

Review №123

2017-09-10 02:10:38

Low prices great food

Review №124

2017-06-20 13:04:33

Tasty binh mi, salads and rolls!

Review №125

2016-09-12 03:17:47

Great simple Vietnamese cafe.

Review №126

2021-08-08 23:48:09

Very good food!

Review №127

2017-01-25 16:41:55

My favorite spot for bahn mi

Review №128

2018-08-05 04:47:59

Good barbecue chicken sandwiches.

Review №129

2017-05-20 01:27:04

Amazing banh mi sandwiches!

Review №130

2017-04-11 22:19:51

Love the banh mi here

Review №131

2015-07-28 19:05:06

Best Vietnamese Sandwiches in California

Review №132

2022-05-21 08:03:36

Excellent place to go.

Review №133

2017-06-26 18:13:58

Good food

Review №134

2017-04-15 18:08:41

Inexpensive, good, and fast.

Review №135

2018-02-14 06:27:31

Sandwiches are expensive & small.

Review №136

2022-05-26 20:19:47

Never coming back!

Review №137

2017-06-18 23:37:41

Tasty.

Review №138

2020-02-16 07:28:14

Delicious bah mi!

Review №139

2017-04-15 17:36:57

Vietnamese salads and sandwiches

Review №140

2020-04-26 03:33:33

My favorite!

Review №141

2019-11-25 02:11:20

Awesome food

Review №142

2020-12-12 01:12:00

Best vegan Bahn-mi!

Review №143

2020-10-16 21:59:21

Great bah mih sandwiches.