Little Saigon

About ten years ago, The City officially designated a two-​block stretch of Larkin Street (from Eddy to O’Farrell) as its official «Little Saigon». The area is a bit bigger now, and it is home to a number of Vietnamese-​owned businesses and some TERRIFIC restaurants.
I’m crazy about Vietnamese food, so I come here often for Banh Mi, Phở, Banh Xeo, Vermicelli, Garlic Noodles and other delicious food. There are dozens of great spots — I can definitely recommend Phở 2000 for a good range of Vietnamese fare. Four Seasons has some wonderful dishes — they bill themselves as Vietnamese Fusion, but it’s not way outside the box, just really good. And of course, it’s hard to consider yourself in-​the-​know when it comes to Banh Mi in SF without a trip to Saigon Sandwich.
This is a great little neighborhood — I’m thrilled that it’s just down the street from home. My only two complaints (and words of warning) are this:
1. It IS the Tenderloin, and it’s a fairly «Loiny» part, at that. Lot’s of homeless folks around — and if you’re not ready for it (like, if you’re an out of town visitor from Minnesota… just saying) you might be taken aback. Personally, the scene doesn’t worry me, but I’m a big guy, so I’m not the first to get messed with.
2. If you’re a fan of night-​life, this isn’t much of a place to be. Almost all of the restaurants close by 8:30 or 9pm, even on Friday/​Saturday. I’d love to see these places stay open until about 10pm.