For over a decade, Saigon Market at 93 University Place in New York City’s Greenwich Village was a beloved destination for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Located between 12th and 13th Streets, this large restaurant was famous for its bright flavors, huge portions, and homey feel. Even though it closed permanently on October 4, 2020, because of the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saigon Market’s reputation as a culinary and community destination lives on. Here’s its story, menu must-haves, cultural place, and what made it a local favorite, students’ favorite, and visitors’ go-to destination. We’ll also look at alternatives for Vietnamese dining in NYC in 2025 and how to recapture the Saigon Market experience.
The History of Saigon Market
Saigon Market opened its doors in the early 2010s, quickly becoming a staple in Greenwich Village. Previously located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side near Mannes Music School, it was a favorite among families and students for its affordable, high-quality Vietnamese dishes. The relocation to 93 University Place provided a more spacious, updated venue that preserved the character of a popular Vietnamese restaurant. With room to sit large parties and a menu offering traditional and Asian fusion tastes, it excelled in the middle of NYU grounds.
Its website, www.saigonmarketnyc.com, stated it served “excellent Vietnamese cooking in a gorgeous atmosphere,” a point with which both its 4.0 TripAdvisor rating and 873 Yelp reviews concurred. Being near Union Square and public transit stops such as the 14th Street station made it convenient, although parking was the noted difficulty. Saigon Market’s shutdown in 2020, posted on its website, was a loss to the community, with owners blaming pandemic woes. They thanked customers and referred fans to their Brooklyn-based sister restaurant, Saigon Grill & Bar.
What Made Saigon Market Special?
Saigon Market was unique in NYC’s crowded dining scene for a number of reasons, securing a devoted following and favorable reviews from foodies:
1. Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
The menu was a Vietnamese flavor fiesta, with classics such as pho, banh mi, and spring rolls sharing the table with Asian fusion cuisine. Standouts included:
- Pho Bo: A hearty beef noodle soup hailed as “one of the best in NYC,” filled with noodles, ox tail, and topped with Sriracha or hoisin sauce at customer request.
- Grilled Pork Chops: Large servings praised for their flavor and affordability, commonly listed on Foursquare as an absolute must-try.
- La Sa Tom Soup: Coconut milk-based shrimp soup with basil and bean sprouts, perfect for winter days.
- Steak Cubes: Soft, savory beef cubes that have been labeled by critics as “to die for.”
- Spring Rolls: Crispy shrimp and pork or veggie rolls served with nuoc cham sauce, dubbed “edible orgasms” for how fresh they are.
The restaurant also included vegan options, including veggie summer rolls and dishes with soy protein, for those with varying dietary needs.
2. Spacious and Modern Ambiance
In contrast to the cramped Upper West Side space, the University Place site was spacious, modern decor taking over from the classic “happy customers sitting together” atmosphere. TripAdvisor reviewers commented on its wheelchair accessibility and capacity to seat large groups, such as a group of 17, making it suitable for reunions or students attending a group session. The well-stocked bar, complete with large-screen televisions, served cocktails, sake, and wine, adding to the restaurant experience.
3. Affordable Prices
Saigon Market’s weekday lunch specials, at about $15 per person for groups of six or more, proved popular with NYU students, who also appreciated a 10% dine-in discount with student ID. Even some post-pandemic price hikes didn’t deter reviewers, who found it “reasonably priced” in NYC, with huge portions making the expense worthwhile.
Menu Highlights and Dining Experience
Saigon Market’s large menu, fueled by sites such as Grubhub, featured more than 200 options, ranging from appetizers to entrees. Some of the highlights were:
- Appetizers: Crispy calamari with spicy sauce, mango salad, and potstickers, which were commended for their great flavors.
- Entrees: Bun xao (stir-fried noodles), basil beef, curry chicken, and eggplant grills, which were known for fast service and generous portions.
- Beverages: Vietnamese coffee and desserts were on the menu, although details changed seasonally.
- Specials: Pho, pork chop sandwiches, and grilled prawns over sticky rice, all for under $15, were included in lunch specials.
The experience overall was good, with quick service and attentive servers, although Yelp reviews mentioned inconsistent friendliness or sanitarian issues, such as wiping noses with hands unwashed. Others mentioned small errors, like a broken glass of wine by a diner’s table, but these were the exception to the 4.0 TripAdvisor rating.
The Saigon Market Shutdown
NYC restaurants had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Saigon Market was no different. It closed on October 4, 2020, after ten years of business, according to EV Grieve. The message from the owners expressed appreciation for the patronage, indicating the financial impact of decreased capacity and safety protocols. Although some blamed closures on wider issues such as increased rents or NYU’s presence, the main reason was pandemic-caused financial difficulties. Saigon Grill & Bar (www.saigongrillandbar.com), located in Brooklyn, still represents the brand’s heritage, albeit a journey for Manhattanites.
Vietnamese Dining Alternatives in NYC in 2025
Though Saigon Market is gone, NYC’s Vietnamese food scene is alive and well. Here are best alternatives close to University Place:
- Saigon Shack (85 University Pl): Greenwich Village staple serving pho, banh mi, and spicy brisket, with Seamless and Grubhub delivery. Praised for its small, intimate atmosphere and authentic flavor.
- Saigon Social (172 Orchard St): Chef Helen Nguyen’s Lower East Side restaurant takes traditional Vietnamese dishes and gives them a modern spin, with high praise for its pho and spring rolls.
- Pho Bang (157 Mott St): A Chinatown institution for cheap, comforting pho and noodle bowls, perfect for cost-conscious eaters.
- Banh Mi Saigon (198 Grand St): Renowned for banh mi sandwiches, this Little Italy eatery dishes out speedy, tasty meals.
- Madame Vo (212 E 10th St): For a comparable airy atmosphere, head to this East Village spot famous for its party-friendly ambiance and velvety pho broth.
Tips for Finding Vietnamese Food in NYC
To regain Saigon Market’s magic, try these tips:
- Check Social Media: Keep up with @saigongrillandbar on Instagram for news on the Brooklyn location or possible pop-ups.
- Use Delivery Platforms: Seamless, Grubhub, and DoorDash feature vast Vietnamese menus from neighborhood restaurants.
- Explore Lunch Specials: Most restaurants within proximity to Union Square have inexpensive lunch specials, reflecting Saigon Market’s bargain fare.
- Visit Nearby Markets: The Union Square Greenmarket, just steps away, supports dining with fresh ingredients for home cooking.
- Group Book: Book at spots such as Saigon Social for groups, so it is similar to a Saigon Market experience.
The Lasting Legacy of Saigon Market
The closure of Saigon Market was a loss to Greenwich Village, but its presence remains. Its 97 reviews on TripAdvisor and 4.0 rating after a decade of pleasing eaters with strong flavors and friendly hospitality speak for itself. According to a food critic on Restaurant World, it was noted for its “authentic cuisine, good service, and welcoming atmosphere.” That the restaurant could serve NYU students, families, and tourists alike solidified its place as a community hub.
Conclusion
Saigon Market at 93 University Place was not just a restaurant—it was a cultural landmark of Vietnamese food in NYC. Its pho, pork chops, and lively ambiance left a lasting impression on Greenwich Village. Although closed, its spirit encourages eaters to find true flavors at restaurants like Saigon Shack or Saigon Social. Venture into NYC’s Vietnamese world in 2025, and let the memory of Saigon Market lead your dining experiences.