Have you ever found yourself torn between craving the zest of tacos and the delicate flavors of dim sum? At Vandals Street Kitchen, this delicious dilemma simply vanishes. This innovative eatery in West Mobile expertly blends Latin and Asian cuisines, serving up vibrant small plates that draw inspiration from global street food traditions. Forget choosing – here, you can savor the best of both worlds, and more.
Vibrant street art and graffiti covering the walls of Vandals Street Kitchen restaurant, creating a unique dining atmosphere.
“The core concept was to fuse the energy of street food with the dynamism of street art, all while reimagining cherished family recipes for today’s palate,” explains co-owner Leslie McCleskey. The menu is a testament to this vision, born from the collaboration of chefs Ilyzar Flores and Jessica Puckett, who have masterfully combined generations-old recipes with modern culinary creativity. The result? A menu bursting with flavor and originality, perfectly mirroring the restaurant’s visually striking ambiance.
Stepping into Vandals Street Kitchen is an experience in itself. The walls are alive with handcrafted spray paint art by Jason Pittman, an artist hailing from Hurley, Mississippi. Pittman’s designs are diverse and captivating, ranging from bold graffiti-style pieces to intricate portraits, and even a symbolic “family tree” adorned with cherry blossoms and employee initials. The dining area is bathed in bright, colorful lights and features inviting seating arrangements around tables each set with a bau cua tôm cá game. “This classic Chinese / Vietnamese game is a Lunar New Year staple, deeply nostalgic for many Asian kids,” McCleskey shares. She notes that the engaging game often captivates customers throughout their entire dining experience, adding a playful touch to the meal. While the atmosphere is immediately welcoming, it’s the menu that truly encourages you to settle in and explore.
Vandals Street Kitchen offers a tempting array of craft cocktails alongside its street food-inspired menu. The concept is simple yet brilliant: small plates designed for sharing and savoring, encouraging you to order dish after dish. Dive into Latin staples like authentic al pastor tacos and creamy guacamole, or explore Asian delights such as savory pot stickers and delicate soup dumplings. The true magic, however, lies in the harmonious fusion dishes. Don’t miss the Korean fajitas, featuring succulent bulgogi beef sizzling with flavor, or the fajita bahn mi, a delightful combination served with crispy chicharrones. For a truly unique experience, try the birria pho – a comforting bowl of pho accompanied by flavorful birria tacos, perfect for dipping. Pair your culinary adventure with a Latin-inspired or Asian-inspired cocktail to complete an unforgettable meal experience, unlike anything else in the Bay area’s dining scene.
Explore the Menu Highlights at Vandals Street Kitchen
Birria Pho: Experience the best of both worlds with this fusion dish. A comforting bowl of Vietnamese pho is elevated with the rich, savory flavors of birria, served alongside birria tacos perfect for dipping and enjoying every last drop.
Shrimp Bao Buns: Indulge in the delightful texture combination of these bao buns. Crispy fried shrimp, tossed in a spicy mayo, is nestled in soft, pillowy bao buns, delivering a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful bite.
Smoke Show Cocktail: Awaken your palate with the Smoke Show Cocktail. This signature drink blends smoky mezcal with the tangy sweetness of chamoy and a hint of spice from tajin, creating a truly unique and memorable cocktail.
Tia’s Al Pastor: Savor the authentic flavors of Tia’s Al Pastor. Spit-roasted al pastor, cooked to perfection, is served in a handmade tortilla and topped with fresh pineapple and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
OG Bahn Mi: Embark on a taste journey to Saigon with the OG Bahn Mi. This classic Vietnamese sandwich is filled with flavorful char siu pork and all the traditional accoutrements, delivering an authentic and satisfying experience.
Vandals Street Kitchen is located at 6601 Airport Blvd, Suite C, and you can contact them at 725-1788. They are open from 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM to 12 AM on Friday, 11 AM to 11 PM on Saturday, and 11 AM to 9 PM on Sunday. Discover the exciting fusion flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Vandals Street Kitchen and redefine your dining expectations in West Mobile.
