You know that feeling when you walk into a place and just know the food is going to be legit because it smells like toasted rice and high-grade fish sauce? That’s the vibe at Ha’s Snack Bar NYC. It’s tucked away in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air compared to the over-polished, minimalist spots taking over the city lately.
This isn't just another Vietnamese joint. It’s a love letter to drinking food.
The spot comes from the mind of Chef Justin Lee. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the same guy behind Fat Choy. But where Fat Choy leaned into "kind of Chinese" vegan vibes, Ha’s Snack Bar NYC is a dive into his Vietnamese heritage, specifically inspired by his mother, Ha. It’s personal. You can taste that. The menu is tight, the neon is bright, and the energy is exactly what you want on a Tuesday night when you're tired of cooking but want something that feels like a warm hug.
The Vibe and Why People Keep Coming Back
Walking into 402 Rogers Ave, you aren't greeted by a white tablecloth. Thank god. Instead, you get a space that feels like a neighborhood hangout—because it is. The decor is a mix of kitschy and cool, with plenty of nods to the "snack bar" culture you’d find in Southeast Asia, but filtered through a Brooklyn lens. It's small. It's loud when it's busy. It feels alive.
The neighborhood has been waiting for something like this. While Brooklyn has no shortage of Banh Mi shops, a dedicated Vietnamese snack bar that focuses on "Moi"—that specific category of food meant to be eaten while drinking—is rarer than you’d think.
People come here for the casualness. You can grab a seat at the bar, order a cold Tsingtao or a funky natural wine, and just graze. It’s not a three-course-meal type of place, though you could easily make it one if you're hungry enough.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
Let’s get into the specifics because that’s why you’re here. The menu at Ha’s Snack Bar NYC isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It doesn't have 50 different types of Pho. In fact, it’s remarkably curated.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
The Shaking Beef (Bo Luc Lac) is a standout. Most places overcook the meat until it’s rubbery, but here, it’s tender, deeply seared, and served with that essential lime-pepper dipping sauce that makes your tongue tingle. Then there’s the Fried Chicken Wings. Don't skip these. They’re glazed in a fish sauce caramel that’s sticky, funky, and sweet all at once. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re in public and start licking your fingers.
Vegetarians aren't left out either. Given Lee’s history with Fat Choy, he knows how to treat a vegetable. The Salt and Pepper Mushrooms are a masterclass in texture. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned with enough intensity to stand up to a stiff drink.
One thing that surprises people? The Banh Mi.
Usually, Banh Mi is a lunchtime staple, something you grab from a cart. At Ha’s, they treat it with a bit more reverence. The bread has that shatter-crisp crust and airy interior that’s non-negotiable. Whether you go for the classic pork pate or the lemongrass chicken, the pickles are always sharp enough to cut through the richness.
The Justin Lee Factor: More Than Just a Name
Justin Lee isn't just some consultant chef. He’s there. He’s invested.
His approach to Ha’s Snack Bar NYC is interesting because he’s balancing traditional Vietnamese flavors with the reality of being a chef in New York in 2026. He’s not interested in "fusion" in the way we used to think about it in the 90s. It’s more about authenticity of flavor rather than strict adherence to every single traditional technique if a modern one works better.
🔗 Read more: Why the Blue Jordan 13 Retro Still Dominates the Streets
He’s mentioned in interviews that the restaurant is named after his mother, Ha. That’s a lot of pressure. If you name a place after your mom, the food better be good. Luckily, the recipes feel lived-in. They don’t feel like they were developed in a corporate test kitchen; they feel like they were tweaked over decades at a family dinner table.
The Beverage Program: Not Your Average Soda Fridge
A snack bar is only as good as its drinks.
Ha’s has a surprisingly thoughtful beverage list. You’ve got the standard beers, sure, but the wine list is what catches people off guard. They lean into skin-contact wines and high-acid whites that pair perfectly with the salty, spicy, and sour notes of Vietnamese cuisine. If wine isn't your thing, their cocktails often incorporate Southeast Asian ingredients like pandan, lychee, or Thai chili, keeping the theme consistent from plate to glass.
Why This Corner of Brooklyn?
Prospect Lefferts Gardens (PLG) is a fascinating neighborhood. It’s got deep roots and a very specific community feel. For a long time, if you wanted high-end or "trendy" Vietnamese food, you had to trek to Williamsburg or Bushwick.
Ha’s Snack Bar NYC opening on Rogers Ave was a bit of a gamble that paid off. It serves the locals who want a reliable weeknight spot, but it’s also become a "destination" restaurant for foodies from other boroughs.
The beauty of the location is that it’s right near Prospect Park. It’s become a common ritual for people to spend the afternoon in the park and then walk over to Ha’s for wings and a beer as the sun goes down.
💡 You might also like: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
Things to Know Before You Go
Honestly, don’t show up with a group of ten people without a plan. It’s a "snack bar" for a reason—the space is intimate.
- Timing: Weekends get slammed. If you’re trying to hit it up on a Friday night, get there early or be prepared to wait at a nearby bar.
- The Vibe: It’s loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic spot to whisper sweet nothings, this might not be it. But if you want a spot to laugh with friends and eat messy food, it’s perfect.
- Price Point: It’s affordable for NYC standards, but it’s not "cheap eats" in the way a Chinatown hole-in-the-wall is. You’re paying for the quality of ingredients and the chef’s expertise.
People often ask if it’s "authentic." That’s a loaded word. Is it exactly like a stall in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City? No. It’s a Vietnamese-American snack bar in Brooklyn. It’s authentic to Justin Lee’s experience, and that’s what makes it interesting. It’s a specific perspective on Vietnamese food that values boldness over subtlety.
The Evolution of the Snack Bar
The concept of the "snack bar" is actually a clever business move in today’s economy. With rising food costs and labor shortages, smaller, more focused menus allow kitchens to maintain high quality without the waste associated with massive 10-page menus.
Ha’s Snack Bar NYC succeeds because it knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be a fine-dining establishment. It’s not trying to be a fast-food joint. It’s occupying that sweet spot in the middle where you get high-level culinary skill in a completely unpretentious setting.
The "Moi" culture—drinking food—is universal, but the Vietnamese version is particularly good at balancing heavy fried elements with fresh herbs and bright acids. This balance is what keeps your palate from getting fatigued. You can eat a lot here without feeling like you need a nap immediately afterward.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Ha's Snack Bar NYC soon, here is how to do it right:
- Order for the Table: This is not the place for everyone to get their own entree and sit in silence. Order 4-5 small plates and share everything. The textures and temperatures vary widely, and you want to experience that contrast.
- Ask About the Specials: Chef Lee often experiments with seasonal produce. If there’s a vegetable special on the board, get it. His ability to make plants taste as meaty and satisfying as protein is a carryover from his Fat Choy days.
- Don't Fear the Fish Sauce: If a dish mentions fish sauce, embrace it. The kitchen uses high-quality stuff that adds umami and depth rather than just "fishiness."
- Pairing is Key: Ask the staff for a wine recommendation. They know the menu well and can point you toward a bottle that will cut through the heat of the chili oil.
Ha's Snack Bar NYC represents a shift in the New York dining scene—away from the "seen and be seen" glitz of Manhattan and toward soul-satisfying, chef-driven concepts in the neighborhoods where people actually live. It’s a testament to the fact that if you make food with a story and a lot of heart, people will find you, even on a quiet corner in Brooklyn.
Next time you're craving something that hits all the flavor profiles—sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy—skip the usual takeout and head over to Rogers Ave. Just make sure you're hungry.