Ba Le Sandwiches — Uptown, Chicago

Ba Le Sandwiches on North Broadway is one of Chicago’s specialist bánh mì stops, serving an unusually broad menu of traditional fillings, newer combinations and fully vegan sandwiches close to the Argyle Street Vietnamese food district.

Why Ba Le belongs on a Chicago bánh mì shortlist

The range is the main reason to know this shop. Ba Le’s official menu moves from a Saigon-style combination to grilled pork, char siu, roasted pork belly, pork sausage and meatball, then continues into vegetarian and vegan versions built around tofu, bean curd, mushrooms and plant-based protein. That breadth makes it useful for mixed groups while keeping bánh mì at the centre of the business.

The format is casual and well suited to takeaway. Alongside sandwiches, the menu includes noodle salads, soups, Vietnamese iced coffee, fruit smoothies and several Vietnamese-style dessert drinks.

What to order

The Special is the clearest traditional starting point. Ba Le describes it as a combination of pâté, ham, head cheese and pork roll. Pickled vegetables, herbs and chilli provide the sharp, fresh contrast expected from the style.

For a meat-free order, the vegan lemongrass mushroom uses king oyster mushroom, while the vegan xá xíu uses bean curd with a char siu-style sauce. Ingredients and preparation practices can change, so anyone with allergies or strict dietary requirements should confirm sauces and cross-contact directly.

Planning a visit

Ba Le is at 5014 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, near the Argyle dining area in Uptown. The official site currently describes the Chicago shop as open seven days a week and provides online ordering. Check the current ordering page before making a special journey because hours and menu availability can change.

Good to know

• Neighbourhood: Uptown / Argyle
• Best first order: Special bánh mì
• Meat-free choice: Vegan lemongrass mushroom
• Service: Counter ordering, takeaway and online ordering
• Other drinks: Vietnamese iced coffee, Thai tea and fruit smoothies

Sources and verification

Address, menu descriptions and service information were checked on 20 September 2026 using the official Ba Le website and its current menu, with the address cross-checked against current Chicago restaurant information. This is an independent researched listing rather than a claim of a personal visit.

Explore more bánh mì shops in Chicago or browse the full directory.

More shops nearby

Nhu Lan Bakery — Lawrence Avenue, Chicago · CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches & Phở — Chicago