Philadelphia Weekly

FOOD > GUIDE

Vietnam Restaurant

(two locations now - add the second's address in U. City/W. Philly) In the battle of the dueling Vietnam restaurants located directly across the street from each other, Benny Lai's Vietnam takes first place and not just because the bar serves ridiculous tropical drinks like the Suffering Bastard or the Flaming Volcano. The irresistible Vietnamese fare--some of which you can sample on the killer barbecue platter-- and the elegant tri-level interior offer ample bang-for-your-buck in oftentimes atmosphere-devoid Chinatown; a new West Philly location brings the same flavors across the river, but not the cocktails - it's a BYOB.