Saigon Babylon - Your Rooftop Escape In Cambridge
There is a spot in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that is quite the talk of the town, a place that feels like a bit of a secret, really. It sits up high, offering a different view of things, a place where good food and a nice atmosphere come together. This particular restaurant, you know, it's called Saigon Babylon, and it's found right there on the roof of 907 Main Street.
When you hear about this place, it's about a restaurant that serves up Vietnamese cooking, the kind that people often describe as tasting just right, very true to its origins. People often say the flavors here are something special, something that sticks with you in a good way. It's not just about the food, though; the whole setting, the feel of the place, it all adds up to something rather unique.
So, whether you're looking for a new place to try out, or perhaps you're just curious about what's cooking up on a rooftop in Cambridge, this spot seems to offer a little bit of everything. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy some interesting drinks, and, of course, try some really good food that many find quite memorable, actually.
Table of Contents
- What is Saigon Babylon?
- Where Can You Find Saigon Babylon?
- What's on the Menu at Saigon Babylon?
- What's the Vibe at Saigon Babylon?
- What Makes Saigon Babylon Special?
- Who is Behind Saigon Babylon?
- How Does Saigon Babylon Connect Locally?
- What Do People Say About Saigon Babylon?
What is Saigon Babylon?
Saigon Babylon is, in a way, a little discovery for many who come across it. It sits on a rooftop, giving it a somewhat exclusive feel, a spot that feels like it's tucked away just for you. This establishment has become known for serving up a style of food that is both delicious and very much in line with traditional Vietnamese cooking methods. People who try the food here often talk about how the tastes just seem to come alive, creating a really pleasant experience for anyone trying it, you know.
It's not just a place to eat, either; it's also a place where you can get some interesting drinks. The whole idea behind it seems to be about bringing together good food, good drinks, and a comfortable setting. The name itself, Saigon Babylon, hints at a blend of ideas and places, suggesting a unique mix of influences. It’s almost like a little piece of a different culture brought right into the heart of Cambridge, actually.
Where Can You Find Saigon Babylon?
Finding Saigon Babylon means heading to 907 Main Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It’s right there, on the roof, which makes it a bit of an elevated experience, literally. This particular spot is perched over what people call Ctrl Sq, a recognizable area in the city. So, if you are looking for it, just keep an eye out for that address, and then look up.
It turns out that Saigon Babylon is also part of a larger building, the Sonder 907 Main Hotel, which is pretty convenient if you happen to be staying there, or even if you are just in the neighborhood. This location means it's pretty accessible for folks in Cambridge, and it gives the place a kind of central feeling, despite being up high. It's really quite easy to get to, you know, once you know where to look.
What's on the Menu at Saigon Babylon?
When you look at what Saigon Babylon offers to eat, you'll find a focus on Vietnamese cooking, but with a slight modern twist, too. They have a collection of dishes that people often describe as tasting very good, and they also put a lot of thought into their drinks. For instance, they have what they call craft cocktails, which are drinks made with a lot of care and attention to detail, very much like a skilled artist would approach their work.
One dish that gets mentioned is the Viet Festival Salad. This salad, apparently, comes with shrimp, cashews, and thin strips of kohlrabi and carrot, all dressed in a nuoc cham sauce. People have said it’s crisp and full of flavor, and some even found it got even better with a little bit of their hot sauce. Beyond that, the menu, while not huge, has items like duck and beef that are often called delicious. There are only about 10 dishes listed, which some find makes it easy to pick something, and it's good for sharing among friends. They also have a drink that some say reminds them of a Vietnamese dessert, which sounds pretty interesting, doesn't it?
What's the Vibe at Saigon Babylon?
The feeling you get when you step into Saigon Babylon is often described as "cool," a place that has a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The people who work there, the staff, are often called friendly, which helps make everyone feel welcome. However, it's worth noting that the hours can sometimes change, and it can get a bit loud, which is something to keep in mind, you know.
Beyond that, the place itself has a chic look, a kind of alluring appeal, almost dreamy and sexy in its feel. The spaces inside are said to be quite generous and feel very real, with a wonderful sense of good looks in how everything is put together. This attention to how things appear, combined with the good food and drinks, really shapes the overall feeling of being there. It’s a place that seems to pay attention to all the little things that make an experience pleasant, basically.
What Makes Saigon Babylon Special?
What makes Saigon Babylon stand out, for one thing, is its location on a rooftop, complete with a bar up there. This bar, which is known as The Blue Owl, is where Saigon Babylon, run by Vinh Le and his wife Duong Huynh, has made its home. It gives the whole place a different kind of feel, being up above the street. It’s not every day you get to eat Vietnamese food with a view like that, you know.
The name "Saigon Babylon" itself tells a story. "Saigon" is a nod to Ho Chi Minh City, a lively place. "Babylon," on the other hand, is meant to represent a mix of different cultures and a celebration of many different influences coming together. This idea of blending cultures is something they bring into the dining experience, too. It’s a place that tries to bring together the best of both worlds – traditional Vietnamese food with a fresh, contemporary touch. And, in a way, it even offers a somewhat unique mix of Vietnamese and Middle Eastern tastes, which is pretty unusual, actually.
Who is Behind Saigon Babylon?
The people who are bringing Saigon Babylon to life are Vinh Le and his wife, Duong Huynh. They are also connected to another nearby place called Cicada, so they are not new to the restaurant scene. It's interesting to see how they are expanding their efforts, taking their experience to this new rooftop spot. They seem to have a knack for creating places with good looks and a nice feel, offering good food and drinks, too.
Their approach to Saigon Babylon, with its rooftop bar and a focus on elevated Vietnamese cooking and craft cocktails, shows they are really putting their own mark on things. It's their vision, their sense of what a good restaurant should be, that you experience when you visit. They are the ones who have put together this space that aims to be both trendy and appealing, offering a pretty dreamy and appealing atmosphere for guests, honestly.
How Does Saigon Babylon Connect Locally?
In terms of its local surroundings, Saigon Babylon is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a city known for its various institutions and places. For example, not too far away, about 5.7 miles from Saigon Babylon, there's a place called WCMS. This organization provides music education programs for people of all ages. While it's not directly connected to the restaurant, it gives you a sense of what else is in the area, a bit of the local flavor, so to speak.
The restaurant has also caught the eye of local writers. Tom Meek, who lives in Cambridge, has written about Saigon Babylon. His reviews and other writings have appeared in various local publications, like the WBUR Artery and the Boston Phoenix, among others. This shows that the place is part of the local conversation, drawing attention from those who write about what's happening in the city. It's a sign that it's becoming a recognized spot in the community, you know.
What Do People Say About Saigon Babylon?
When you look at what people are saying about Saigon Babylon, you find a range of thoughts. On a site like Tripadvisor, it has a rating of 3.3 out of 5, placing it at number 344 out of 383 restaurants in Cambridge. However, based on 29 other reviews, it has a rating of 3.9, which is a bit higher. So, opinions can vary, as they often do with any place, honestly.
Many people describe the food as delicious. The Viet Festival Salad, for instance, is called crisp and flavorful, with some finding it even better when a little hot sauce is added. The cocktails are also mentioned quite a bit; they are said to be prepared beautifully and come highly recommended. Some people really enjoy the duck and beef dishes, calling them standout items on the menu. Overall, there's a general sense that the food and drinks are a highlight, leaving a good impression on those who try them, really.
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