Discovering The Delightful Flavors Of Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen In Portland

This restaurant, which opened its doors in November 2011, came about after Pho PDX changed its name and moved to a new spot. It's been a popular choice ever since, and people often talk about its unique vibe. It’s a very lively place, and the atmosphere attracts a lot of folks who are looking for a great meal out. You'll find it at 835 SW 2nd Ave, which is a pretty easy location to get to in the city.

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen has built quite a name for itself over the years. On TripAdvisor, for instance, it has a very good rating of 4.3 out of 5, based on 569 honest reviews. That's a lot of happy diners, and it helps to rank it quite high, actually, at #34 out of 2,364 restaurants in Portland. This kind of recognition shows that many people really appreciate what this place brings to the table, both in terms of food and the overall experience.

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Table of Contents

• Welcome to Luc Lac: A Portland Favorite
• The Luc Lac Experience: What to Expect
• A Taste of the Menu: Classic Dishes with a Twist
• Ordering Your Luc Lac Favorites
• What Makes Luc Lac Special: Beyond the Food
• Frequently Asked Questions About Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen
• Why Luc Lac is a Must-Visit in Portland

Welcome to Luc Lac: A Portland Favorite

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen has truly made its mark in Portland. It's located at 835 SW 2nd Ave, which is a very central spot, making it convenient for many. This restaurant, which opened in November of 2011, really transformed the dining scene after Pho PDX rebranded and moved. It’s been a consistent draw for people looking for authentic, yet somewhat modern, Vietnamese flavors.

The place has garnered quite a lot of positive attention, you know, with those high ratings on sites like TripAdvisor. Getting a 4.3 out of 5 from over 500 reviews is pretty impressive, and it puts them in a really good position among all the restaurants in Portland. That kind of feedback, honestly, speaks volumes about the quality and the dining enjoyment people find here. It's a spot that many locals and visitors alike seem to really appreciate.

When you think about the food scene in Portland, it's pretty diverse, and Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen fits right in, but it also manages to stand out. It’s known for offering a contemporary spin on traditional Vietnamese cooking. This means you get to enjoy familiar dishes, but with a fresh, sometimes unexpected, approach. It's a place that tends to bring people together, and it has certainly become a beloved part of the city's food landscape.

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The Luc Lac Experience: What to Expect

Stepping into Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen, you’ll find that it has a pretty distinctive atmosphere. It's described as having an eclectic vibe, and it’s certainly a stylish setting. The restaurant feels lively, and that lively ambiance, in a way, draws in a rather hip crowd. It’s a place where people go not just for the food, but for the whole experience of being there, too.

One very important thing to know about Luc Lac, and this is something they are quite clear about, is that they do not accept any reservations. This policy is in place because their space is very limited, and it fills up fast. So, if you plan to visit, especially during busy times, you should be prepared for a potential wait. It’s just how they manage to serve everyone fairly, you know.

Another key policy to keep in mind, out of fairness to everyone already waiting in line and those on their seating list, is that they can only take your order once your entire party has arrived in their building. This means if you're meeting friends, everyone should be there before you get seated or place your order. It helps them keep things moving smoothly, which is pretty important when a place is as popular as this one.

A Taste of the Menu: Classic Dishes with a Twist

The menu at Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen is truly diverse, offering a wide array of options that cater to different tastes. You can find everything from small plates to larger meals, and it's all about creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes. Diners often talk about the variety, and it’s pretty clear that there’s something for almost everyone to enjoy.

For starters, or what they call small plates, you might find options like crispy rolls. These are usually a favorite, offering that satisfying crunch and flavorful filling. Then there are mussels, which can be a delightful choice for those who enjoy seafood. These small bites are a good way to begin your meal, or perhaps share with others at your table, you know, just to get a feel for the flavors.

When it comes to main courses, pho is, of course, a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, and Luc Lac offers it. It’s a comforting and flavorful noodle soup that many people really love. Beyond pho, their menu includes other interesting items like steak rolls, which sound quite unique, and sugarcane shrimp. Sugarcane shrimp is a classic, often served on a stick of sugarcane, giving it a subtle sweetness.

The restaurant also offers a selection of vermicelli and rice dishes. These are often served with various proteins and fresh vegetables, making for a complete and satisfying meal. You can order online from Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen, and their menu includes these options, so you can easily browse and pick what sounds good to you, even before you arrive.

A particular dish that diners often rave about is the shrimp rice. It seems to be a real standout, so if you're looking for something popular, that might be a good choice. Additionally, the menu features banh mi, which are those delicious Vietnamese sandwiches, and various rice plates. These options provide a good range for different appetites and preferences, honestly.

And it's not just about the food; Luc Lac also has a cocktail program. They serve tasty cocktails, like the Asian Vacation, which sounds like a fun and refreshing drink to pair with your meal. This adds another layer to the dining experience, making it more than just about the food, but also about the drinks and the overall enjoyment of the atmosphere, too.

Ordering Your Luc Lac Favorites

Getting your hands on Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen’s delicious food is pretty easy, even if you can't dine in. You can order online directly from their website. This is often the best way to go, as they say you get the best prices and service by ordering direct. It’s a convenient way to enjoy their offerings from the comfort of your own home, you know, whenever you like.

For those who prefer delivery, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen offers several options in Portland. You can order delivery or pickup through services like Grubhub. This platform allows you to view their July 2025 deals and menus, so you can see what’s current and available. It’s a good way to support local restaurants, and Grubhub helps facilitate that connection, which is pretty nice.

Beyond Grubhub, you can also use your Uber account to order delivery from Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen. This platform lets you browse the menu, see popular items, and even track your order, which is a convenient feature for many people. It means you can keep an eye on when your food will arrive, which is something a lot of folks appreciate.

Yes, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen also offers delivery in Portland via Postmates. You just need to enter your delivery address to see if you are within their delivery radius, and then you can place your order. So, if you’re craving their food but can’t make it to the restaurant, there are quite a few ways to get it delivered right to your door, which is very helpful.

The online menu and prices are always up to date, including options for small plates, salads, vermicelli/rice, and more. This makes it easy to find your favorite food and enjoy your meal, whether you're planning for breakfast, dinner, or even a kid's meal. It’s all about making their food accessible to as many people as possible, which is a good thing, really.

What Makes Luc Lac Special: Beyond the Food

Beyond the delicious food, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen has a distinct character that sets it apart. The people who work there describe themselves as "just one big, pho sling’n, fish sauce cookin', cocktail pourin', Portland lovin' family." This really gives you a sense of the warm and welcoming atmosphere they aim to create. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a place with a lot of heart, you know.

The stylish setting and lively ambiance contribute a lot to the overall dining experience. It's designed to be a place where people can relax and enjoy themselves, which is pretty important for a night out. The restaurant has become a spot that attracts a hip crowd, and this mix of people and energy adds to the extraordinary dining experience. It’s a place where you can feel the buzz.

The restaurant has a strong presence online, too. Their Facebook page, for example, shows a lot of engagement, with over 5,273 likes and 37,548 check-ins. This level of interaction suggests that many people have visited and enjoyed their time there. It’s a good indicator of how popular and well-loved the place is within the community, honestly.

Luc Lac is more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary destination in Portland. It represents the city's diverse and thriving food scene, bringing a contemporary twist to traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The way they blend the old with the new, and create such a welcoming environment, is what makes them a standout. It’s a spot that many people recommend, and for good reason.

The consistent positive feedback, like the 508 customer reviews mentioning it as one of the best restaurant businesses, really speaks to their dedication. People often highlight not just the food but the entire experience, from the moment they walk in until they leave. It’s clear that they put a lot of effort into making every visit memorable, which is something you can really feel when you’re there.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen

Many people have questions before visiting or ordering from a popular spot like Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen. Here are some common inquiries that might help you plan your visit.

Does Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen take reservations?

No, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen does not accept any reservations. Their space is quite limited and fills up very quickly. It's best to plan for a potential wait, especially during peak dining hours, you know, just to be prepared.

What is their policy regarding seating a party?

Out of fairness to everyone already waiting in line and currently on their seating list, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen can only take your order once your entire party has arrived in their building. So, make sure everyone in your group is there before you expect to be seated.

Can I get delivery from Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen?

Yes, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen offers delivery in Portland through several services. You can order via Grubhub, Uber, and Postmates. Just enter your delivery address on those platforms to see if you are within their delivery radius, and then you can place your order, which is pretty convenient.

Why Luc Lac is a Must-Visit in Portland

Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen truly offers an extraordinary dining experience in Portland. Its blend of creative takes on traditional Vietnamese dishes, like their celebrated pho, banh mi, and those tasty cocktails such as the Asian Vacation, really makes it stand out. The menu is quite varied, offering everything from small plates to full meals, so there's a lot to explore, you know.

The lively ambiance and stylish setting attract a pretty hip crowd, creating a very energetic and enjoyable atmosphere. It’s a place where you can feel the positive vibes, and it adds a lot to the overall enjoyment of your meal. The fact that it’s consistently highly rated, like being ranked #34 out of over 2,300 restaurants in Portland on TripAdvisor, really speaks to its quality and popularity.

Even with their no-reservation policy and the need for your whole party to be present before ordering, the experience is clearly worth it for many. This approach helps them manage their limited, fast-filling space efficiently, ensuring fairness for all diners. It’s a system that, in a way, helps them maintain the high level of service they’re known for.

Whether you choose to visit their downtown Portland location at 835 SW 2nd Ave, or decide to order online for delivery or pickup, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen promises a memorable meal. You can check out their up-to-date menu and prices, including their July 2025 deals, directly through their online ordering system or via services like Grubhub, Uber, and Postmates. It’s all about making it easy for you to enjoy their food.

So, if you’re in Portland and craving some authentic Vietnamese flavors with a contemporary twist, Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen should definitely be on your list. It’s a place that embodies the spirit of Portland’s diverse culinary scene, and it’s very likely you’ll find something to love there. To learn more about our site, you can explore our various guides, and check out this page for more local restaurant reviews. For more general information about Portland's food scene, you might find Travel Portland's dining guide helpful.