Lee’s Bakery in Atlanta: A Local Favorite for Vietnamese Sandwiches, Noodles, and More

Lee’s Bakery is one of those Atlanta spots that people talk about for years after their first visit. Tucked along Buford Highway, it’s best known for Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, noodle soups, and a wide range of international-style baked goods that fit perfectly into the city’s diverse food scene.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want to understand what Lee’s Bakery offers—and how it fits into the larger international cuisine options in the city—this guide walks you through what to expect, what to order, and how to plan your visit.

Where Lee’s Bakery Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta has grown into a major hub for international cuisine, and Buford Highway is at the center of that. This long commercial corridor runs through parts of Atlanta, Brookhaven, and Doraville and is packed with restaurants serving food from across Asia, Latin America, and beyond.

Within that landscape, Lee’s Bakery stands out as:

• A casual, counter-service Vietnamese bakery and café
• A go-to for banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches on crispy baguettes)
• A spot for pho, noodle dishes, and Asian-style baked goods
• An affordable option for everyday meals, quick lunches, and takeout

For many Atlanta residents, Lee’s is a gateway to Vietnamese flavors and a comfortable entry point into Buford Highway’s broader international offerings.

Location, Parking, and Practical Details

Lee’s Bakery is located along one of the most restaurant-dense stretches of Buford Highway, making it easy to pair with other errands or food stops.

Typical details to expect when visiting this area include:

• Area: Buford Highway corridor, northeast of central Atlanta
• Setting: Strip-mall style plaza with multiple small businesses
• Parking: Generally surface-lot parking right in front of the shops; lots can get busy during peak meal times
• Transit: Many residents reach Buford Highway by car; rideshare is common, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area’s traffic patterns
• Accessibility: Entrances are typically at ground level, but accessibility details can vary by specific storefront

If you’re planning a visit from Midtown, Downtown, or Decatur, expect a drive of roughly 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Locals often plan their trip outside of peak rush-hour to make things smoother.

What Lee’s Bakery Is Known For

Although it carries “Bakery” in the name, Lee’s functions more like a full-service Vietnamese café. You’ll find:

• Banh mi sandwiches with various fillings
• Pho (beef noodle soup) and other hot soups
• Vermicelli bowls (bun) and rice plates
• Specialty breads and pastries with an Asian influence
• Vietnamese iced coffee and other drinks

It falls squarely into the International Cuisine category by serving food that reflects Vietnamese culinary traditions while being adapted, in portions and style, to what many Atlantans enjoy for quick meals.

Ordering at Lee’s Bakery: How It Works

If you haven’t been to a Vietnamese bakery or café on Buford Highway before, the process is straightforward:

1. Review the menu

   • Menus are often posted overhead or at the counter.
   • Expect sections for banh mi, pho, other noodle dishes, rice plates, and drinks.

2. Order and pay at the counter

   • You usually order first, pay, and receive a ticket or receipt.
   • Staff may ask for your name or number for dine-in orders.

3. Grab a seat or wait for takeout

   • For dine-in, find a table and listen for your order to be called.
   • For takeout, wait near the counter or designated pickup area.

4. Condiments and sides

   • You’ll often see containers of sauces (like sriracha, hoisin, and fish sauce) and sometimes fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, or jalapeños for customizing your meal.

This style of service is common among international restaurants in Atlanta—fast, informal, and focused on getting food out efficiently.

Popular Menu Items to Try

While menus can change over time, certain categories tend to be staples at Lee’s Bakery and similar Vietnamese bakeries on Buford Highway.

1. Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwiches)

Banh mi is the dish most people associate with Lee’s. It’s typically built on a light, crisp baguette and filled with a mix of savory meats and pickled vegetables.

Common variations you may see include:

• Grilled pork banh mi – often marinated, slightly sweet, and smoky
• Cold cuts / combination banh mi – a mix of Vietnamese deli meats and pâté
• Chicken banh mi – sometimes grilled or roasted
• Tofu or vegetarian options – for those who prefer plant-based choices

A typical banh mi at an Atlanta Vietnamese bakery includes:

• Pickled carrots and daikon
• Fresh cilantro
• Cucumber slices
• Jalapeños (optional or adjustable)
• Mayonnaise or butter spread

These sandwiches are known for being budget-friendly and filling, which is part of why they’re so popular with students, workers, and families across the city.

2. Pho and Other Noodle Soups

Lee’s Bakery is also associated with pho, a Vietnamese soup featuring broth, rice noodles, and various cuts of meat.

Common versions you might encounter:

• Pho tai – with thinly sliced rare beef
• Pho tai nam – rare beef plus well-done brisket or flank
• Pho ga – chicken-based pho
• Occasionally, options with meatballs or tendon

Pho typically comes with a side plate of:

• Bean sprouts
• Thai basil
• Lime wedges
• Jalapeños

Locals often customize pho with hoisin and chili sauce to taste. It’s especially popular in Atlanta during cooler weather or as a comforting meal year-round.

3. Vermicelli Bowls and Rice Plates

Many Buford Highway Vietnamese cafes, including Lee’s, serve:

• Vermicelli bowls (bun) – rice noodles topped with grilled meats, herbs, vegetables, and fish sauce dressing
• Rice plates – steamed rice served with a grilled or braised protein, often accompanied by vegetables and pickles

These dishes are useful if you want something lighter than a full bowl of soup but still substantial enough for lunch or dinner.

4. Baked Goods and Sweets

The “Bakery” element usually shows up in:

• French-style baguettes baked for sandwiches
• Sweet buns (sometimes filled with custard, red bean, or savory meats)
• Pastries and cookies with Asian or European influences

Selection can vary day to day, but many Atlantans stop in just for coffee and a pastry or to pick up baguettes to take home.

5. Vietnamese Coffee and Drinks

Many guests pair their meal with:

• Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) – strong coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk over ice
• Hot Vietnamese coffee – similar flavor profile, served warm
• Occasionally, tea or specialty drinks that may rotate or differ by season

Vietnamese coffee is known for being bold and sweet, and it’s a popular takeaway item for people who work or study nearby.

Example Snapshot: What a Visit Might Look Like

This kind of flexibility is part of Lee’s appeal for Atlanta residents: you can spend a little or a lot, linger with friends, or dash in for a quick bite.

Tips for Atlantans Visiting Lee’s Bakery

If you’re planning a trip, a few local-style tips can make your experience smoother:

1. Consider Timing

• Peak hours: Lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) and weekend meal times can be busy.
• If you want to avoid crowds, try:
  • Late morning or mid-afternoon
  • Early dinner on weekdays

Buford Highway traffic can be heavier during evening rush, so planning around that helps if you’re coming from inside the Perimeter or from areas like Midtown or Decatur.

2. Bring Cash and Card

Many Buford Highway restaurants accept both cash and cards, but experiences vary over time. To be safe:

• Have a debit/credit card plus some cash on hand.
• If you’re in a larger group, some people order and pay together to speed up the process.

3. Be Ready to Customize

Staff are often accustomed to making small adjustments, especially for:

• Spice level (less jalapeño or chili, or none at all)
• Cilantro and pickles (some people prefer more or less of each)
• Options for pork, beef, chicken, or tofu, depending on what’s available

If you have serious food allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to ask directly at the counter which dishes are more suitable for your needs.

4. Exploring Buford Highway Before or After

One of the advantages of visiting Lee’s Bakery is its location on Buford Highway, which is filled with:

• Other Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Latin American restaurants
• International markets for groceries and specialty ingredients
• Bakeries, tea shops, and dessert spots

Many Atlanta residents turn it into an outing: lunch at Lee’s, then groceries or dessert nearby. This can be especially fun for visitors trying to get a feel for the city’s international dining corridor in a single trip.

How Lee’s Bakery Compares to Other International Options in Atlanta

Without ranking or endorsing, it helps to understand Lee’s Bakery in context:

• Casual and quick: It’s more informal than many sit-down restaurants in Midtown or Inman Park.
• Focused on Vietnamese flavors: While some dishes can feel broadly Asian-inspired, banh mi, pho, and vermicelli bowls are distinctly Vietnamese.
• Affordable: Many Atlantans view it as a value-focused choice, especially compared to pricier eateries closer to Downtown.
• Family- and group-friendly: The layout and service model usually work well for groups who don’t need table service.

If you’re exploring international cuisine in Atlanta, you might pair Lee’s with:

• Korean BBQ or tofu soup in Doraville
• Chinese dumplings, hot pot, or noodles elsewhere on Buford Highway
• Latin American bakeries for comparison with the Vietnamese-style baked goods

This gives you a broader sense of how Atlanta’s different international communities express their culinary traditions.

Making the Most of Your Visit as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

Whether you live nearby or are just in town for a few days, Lee’s Bakery can fit nicely into your Atlanta plans:

• For locals: It works as a go-to spot when you need a fast, flavorful meal that stretches your budget.
• For visitors: It offers a clear taste of Buford Highway—a side of Atlanta that many tourist guides only briefly mention, but locals deeply value.
• For families: The menu often includes familiar elements (bread, grilled meats, noodles) that are easier for kids or picky eaters to try.

If you want a single stop that showcases Vietnamese and international-style bakery fare in a straightforward, accessible way, Lee’s Bakery is one of the places Atlantans routinely point to along Buford Highway.