LAReview
Nong La
Included In
Sunset, Melrose, Hollywood, Rodeo, and Santa Monica. This city hardly lacks in famous streets. With a public transportation system still figuring its way out of 1962, our boulevards are legitimate physical and cultural arteries. Some are just more important than others.
La Brea has long struggled to find its identity, seen by most people as a boundary line between Central LA yuppiness and East LA grunge. Or simply the fastest way to get to the 10 Freeway. But before this review dissolves into an unneeded sketch of The Californians, we’ll say this: La Brea was in need of a makeover and it’s getting one.
By way of Sawtelle’s buzzing Japantown, Nong La threw its hat into the La Brea revitalization ring and opened up in an old furniture showcase room, bringing legitimate Vietnamese food to an area utterly devoid of it. People flock to Nong La for its braised pork belly banh mi, but it’s also built a reputation on having a wildly affordable menu in a modern, welcoming atmosphere.
On top of that, there’s the quality of service. The attentive wait staff is happy to give you insider tips to best maximize your order and that’s the telltale sign of servers who love the food they serve. The space is flexible, allowing you to ease up to the bar for a quick solo lunch or sit down for a casual date on their leafy front patio. Our only true lament about Nong La is that they are closed on Sundays. The one night of the week built solely for eating pho from inside your blanket tent on the couch. PLEASE FIX NOW.
But above all that, we’re just happy you’re here Nong La and we know La Brea thanks you too.