TBD The Breakfast Den

TBD The Breakfast Den, a cozy bohemian cafe at 15th and South, should really be called TVBD (The Vietnamese Breakfast Den). It’s not that the traditional American breakfast options are bad—the egg-and-cheese sammy and mini bacho cakes are actually pretty solid. But it’s the Vietnamese dishes that are the standouts.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

During the week, it’s easy to grab a seat among neighborhood regulars enjoying their matcha lattes. But on the weekends (especially if it’s nice out), be prepared for a wait: families and couples line up outside for crispy eggplant banh mi and breakfast rice bowls. The can’t-miss dish is the Thit Ko Hash—a mountain of tender pulled pork, jalapeño, melted cheddar, and two fried eggs—and it’s best enjoyed along with a hibiscus lemonade on the sunny back patio.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Food Rundown

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Thit Ko Hash

The pulled pork will melt in your mouth, and its mildly sweet flavor is counterbalanced by a kick from the jalapeño. It’s the best dish here, and great on a lazy Sunday.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

'Sang Som'mer Roll

This is like the lovechild of a BEC and a Vietnamese summer roll. Rice paper is filled with eggs, bacon, hash browns, and peppery, aromatic herbs. They’re light, refreshing, and great to share.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Banh Mi Op La

Their version of a breakfast banh mi combines sunny side up eggs and sausage with fresh herbs, crisp jalapeños and carrots. It’s hearty but not heavy.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Cheesesteak Banh Mi

Who knew a cheesesteak could be improved upon? TBD did. Their version combines thinly sliced ribeye and melty American cheese with house pickles, jalapeños, and tangy viet aioli. It’s a bright adaptation of the classic.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Crispy Tofu Banh Mi

Fried tofu is layered with fresh herbs, pickles, jalapeños, carrots, and viet aioli, all on a crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy on the inside baguette. It’s the best of the classic banh mi options here.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Mini Bacho Cakes

These pancakes are filled with bits of bacon and mini chocolate chips. Will they blow your mind? No. But they are a nice sweet compliment to the savory mains.