Lee's Sandwiches • 1983

When Chieu Le's parents borrowed his catering truck on weekends in 1983 to sell bánh mì near San Jose State University, their sandwiches became so popular that neighboring restaurants complained—prompting the family to open their first permanent shop on Santa Clara Street. The Vietnamese refugee family's fresh-baked baguettes and Vietnamese iced coffee sparked an empire that now spans over 60 locations, but this downtown San Jose storefront remains where it all began. Order the #1 Lee's Combination bánh mì, layered with pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts, and pickled vegetables on a crackling baguette.