Welcome to Luc Lac
At Luc Lac, a vibrant cocktail bar in downtown Portland, the spirit of Vietnamese cuisine shines through a modern lens. Known for its bustling atmosphere and eclectic decor, Luc Lac invites diners to enjoy a delightful fusion of traditional dishes and contemporary flair. Each meal is a celebration of flavors, with standout offerings like aromatic pho, zesty banh mi, and fresh papaya salad. The casual setting welcomes everyone—families, groups, and late-night wanderers alike—while the extensive menu accommodates vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian preferences. With a focus on quality ingredients and a lively vibe, Luc Lac promises an unforgettable dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
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835 SW 2nd Ave Portland, OR 97204 United States Hotline: (503) 222-0047
Welcome to the vibrant world of Luc Lac, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon at 835 SW 2nd Ave. This lively cocktail bar and Vietnamese eatery invites food enthusiasts to embark on a flavorful journey through a thoughtfully curated menu that caters to a wide array of dietary preferences, including pescatarian, vegan, and numerous vegetarian options.
Upon entering Luc Lac, guests are greeted with a modern yet cozy atmosphere, characterized by vibrant decor and a lively ambiance perfect for casual get-togethers or late-night outings with friends. The place can get bustling, especially during peak times, but that’s a testament to its popularity as a local favorite.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Pho: A quintessential Vietnamese dish with generous portions and flavorful broth that keeps patrons coming back for more. Customers rave about the quality of the meat, making each bowl a satisfying experience.
- Banh Mi: These Vietnamese sandwiches are a hit, often praised for their fresh ingredients and robust flavors that dance on your palate.
- Papaya Salad: Ideal for those seeking something light and refreshing, this dish bursts with flavor and can be customized to suit your taste.
- Casual Dining Experience: Luc Lac prides itself on providing a casual and inviting space where everyone feels welcome. From families to groups of friends, there's something for everyone with options for outdoor seating and even dog-friendly accommodations.
- Service Style: The “turn and burn” approach ensures that efficiency meets quality. Guests order at the counter, receive a table number, and relax while their food is promptly delivered—a system that works seamlessly even when the restaurant is buzzing with diners.
The staff at Luc Lac is as vibrant as the atmosphere, frequently recognized for their friendliness and attentiveness. Whether you’re popping in for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the welcoming vibe encourages customers to linger and savor their meals, often accompanied by fun music and great vibes.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Luc Lac offers the perfect blend of delicious food, lively atmosphere, and memorable experiences. Prepare to delight your senses and indulge in dishes that reflect the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, all within an inviting setting that embraces casual dining culture. Don’t miss out on this culinary treasure—your taste buds will thank you!
For those looking to visit, Luc Lac is accessible, offering ADA-compliant entrances, and accepts various payment methods including credit cards and mobile payments. Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights such as Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, to ensure you snag a spot in this delightful dining establishment.
For inquiries, call (503) 222-0047 and prepare yourself for a memorable Vietnamese dining experience at Lu Lac!
Food was 8/10. Great vibes, fun music. Staff was very helpful and nice. Our group decided we would totally be back. A friend of mine that I was with ordered the coconut curry, one ordered wraps, other ordered noodles. Place gets pretty busy, we showed up right before the rush hour.
This place is so cool. I absolutely love the decorations. The lighting makes for good photos! There's not a ton of space at the entrance, so with the doors and the little hallway thing, it can be difficult to line up. Everything I've ordered is delicious and the portions are big. I especially like their bo tai chanh, la lot, and vermicelli bowls. Ah I'm drooling just thinking about it...
Quality pho in a trendy space, not a bad combination! The pho was good -- portions were massive, and the meat was high quality. The broth was fine, maybe not the richest I've had in terms of flavor, but certainly got the job done. The menu also has bahn mi and a few other Vietnamese classics. The setup feels very modern. Order up front and then find your assigned table and wait for the food to come to you. Lots of bright colors and loud lighting, with paintings on the walls. And don't forget to look up for some really cool decorations along the ceiling!
Short and sweet review.. The place is BUSY, and for good reason. The food was spot on! Now I had a few things & I'll make my recommendations: FOOD: Pho: I had the "Steak & Lean Brisket". My better half had the "3 Beef Cuts". Both had nice portions of meat; the 3 cuts had Tripe & Tendon which she loved. The broth was nice & light but with flavor. Appys: YES: Cream cheese wontons NO: Sugar cane shrimp (absolutely not worth the price!) INTERIOR: So this spot is a "turn and burn" format with controlled seating. You cue up in the entrance hallway to get to the register, but you can't place your order until the staff has identified seating for your party. The inside has a red overtone with a dynamic main wall with "Chinese" lion images . Looked cool. The seats/tables are basic. BONUS: full bar! SERVICE: Like I said, it's a "turn and burn" formula. You place your order and that's it. You get a table number, grab your utensils/ chopsticks/ cups of water, plop a squat, & wait for food to arrive. Note: order everything once cause you can't add once you sit. / didn't feel rushed despite the super long line, which was cool. SUMMARY: I'll 100% be back & try some other things, but not the Sugar Cane Shrimp.
I love the papaya salad. Can't believe I waited this long to try it. I was craving something light and fresh and this really hit the spot. Definitely will be ordering again. I'm glad I ordered with sauce on the side because it is a strong flavor and too much could be salty for me. The papaya soaks up the sauce so I'd recommend ordering with sauce on the side. For both dine in and takeout the quality is pretty consistent and portions are great. Dining in can get pretty loud but the lights are pretty to look at especially when you first walk in. Other items I've enjoyed are the banh mi - chicken, chicken skewers, and vermicelli. I'm not a fan of the crispy rolls because they're difficult for me to chew but my friend really likes it. To each their own.
There was a line out the door so it was a sign that Luc Lac has good food. Once we got inside - we ordered at the counter, paid, grab napkin / utensils and was seated. Our food came out super quick! The pho was fantastic! Really good broth and my kids thought so as well. Hit the spot on a cold / wet day. We also tried the Luc Lac . The beef wasn't as tender as I had hoped but it had good flavor and complimented the rice and greens really well. Spot in downtown that's nearby hotel district and shopping. Food was good and would definitely come back.