It’s hard to believe that Bunker, the first Vietnamese restaurant in Ridgewood opened its doors just three months ago. Since then this little joint has received a lot of praise and fame. Let’s recall the glamorous NY Times review, or the very recent The Best New Cheap-Eats Joint award by NY Magazine (!!). Very rightfully so.
As a lover of Asian cuisine, I adore this restaurant, and without even knowing about their repertoire I rushed down Metropolitan Avenue to order a gigantic bowl of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup with beef and brisket) for $9. The Pho Bo’s broth named “Live Stock” broth is a reincarnation of Chef Jimmy’s broth. I also ordered Tamarind Chili Chicken Wings, Suon Nuong Xa (grilled lemongrass pork tenderloins with fried egg and rice) for $7, Summer Rolls (shrimp, pork, vermicelli) for $5, and Coconut Tapioca pudding for $3. It was heavenly!
Bunker’s tropical decor is fun and inviting, and will easily transport you from Queens to the tropics.
The restaurant chefs, Queens-born brothers Jimmy and Jacky Tu, clearly know what they’re doing! Jimmy is trained in American and French cuisine and previously worked at Eleven Madison Park and worked in San Francisco alongside Chef Daniel Patterson at Elizabeth Daniel. His younger brother Jacky was the CEO of Korean taco truck company Korilla BBQ. Both consulted with the opening of the Australian/South-East Asian restaurant, Sunburnt Calf BK in Prospect Heights.
Bunker is located on the desolated streets on Metropolitan Ave next to the massive Western Beef. It is easily accessible by bike, Q54, or the L to Jefferson St with a 15 minute walk.
You will be excited to hear that Bunker has excellent delivery service. Just reserve about 40 minutes because this place is getting seriously popular!
UPDATE: The prices have been adjusted since the author went to Bunker. The prices for the food are the following:
Summer Rolls: $6.50, Suon Nuong X: $12.50, Coconut Tapioca Pudding: $4.00, Pho: $10.00