Believe the hype. While I can't comfortably make claims about the authenticity of the food, in this case it matters very little. The food and service here are absolutely worth the effort of trying to find parking in Lawrenceville. For a Bahn Mi newbie, the Viet Special is the way to go. I typically add jalapeƱos and Siracha, but I'd go naked for your first try.
My favorite thing on the menu, odd though this may sound, is the cafe phin--coffee brought in from New Orleans with sweetened, condensed milk. I've come here several times just for the coffee.
The places is clean, though the indoor seating is unimpressive. If you can, grab a seat outside for some prime Lawrenceville hipster-watching.