Ben Thanh is Lang Van's ugly sister. Gritty on the outside, fast food-esque structure on the inside with interesting decor--I actually liked it better than Lang Van. I was a little concerned when I walked inside but I was taught not to judge a book by it's cover so I was willing to give it a go. They had eclectic music.....I'm talking "Girl From Ipanema" and "I Will Always Love You" but performed with a keyboard and wind chimes, the randomness of it all made me smile. Food was tasty, prices were cheaper than LV and jicama rolls were fresh. I forgot what combination I got but it involved bbq meatball which is served on a skewer and not in meatball form....funky.
This was my third venture with Vietnamese food and while it may not be my first, second or third choice in ethnic cuisine to turn to in the future, I enjoyed Ben Thanh. Give the ugly a shot!
PS-Speaking of random, they are closed on Wednesdays!