DMZ Bar & Restaurant is one of the most oldest eating and drinking in Hue City for tourists. It serves both Vietnamese and European cuisine while soaking in its lively, distinctive atmosphere. From the cool, green outdoor space to the military-style, personality-filled bar inside, DMZ leaves a lasting impression from the very first moment.
1. Location:
- Address: 60 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 7:00 am – 12:00 am
- Phone: +84 234 3823 414
- Website: https://dmz.com.vn
2. Its Story:
DMZ Bar began in 1994 as a small bar on Le Loi Street, with space for only about 40 guests. At the time, it was a familiar gathering spot for bomb disposal experts in Quang Tri, a few foreign businessmen, and curious tourists eager to see Vietnam after the war. With just 5 – 7 employees and a limited selection of cocktails and cold beers, DMZ gradually became a witness to the emergence of Hue’s “Western Quarter.”
More than 30 years later, DMZ has grown beyond its original identity as a bar to become a recognized tourism brand, featured in numerous international guidebooks. The name “DMZ,” short for demilitarized zone, symbolizes connection, representing a peaceful and welcoming Vietnam to visitors from around the world.
3. First Impression When Entering DMZ Bar & Restaurant
From the very front, DMZ makes a strikingly unique impression, thanks to its façade draped in green trees that hang like a natural curtain. The lush foliage gently softens the building’s architecture, making visitors feel as if they are stepping into a “cool oasis” amid the bustling energy of Le Loi Street and Pham Ngu Lao Street. Up close, you can see how each vine embraces the multi-story balcony, providing shade and creating a harmonious blend of the dusty street and the refreshing greenery.
The restaurant’s name, “DMZ,” along with the words “DRINK – NIGHTLIFE” prominently displayed on the façade, signals that this is more than just a restaurant, it’s a long-standing gathering place for travelers. Positioned on the busiest street in Hue’s Western Quarter, DMZ is easy to spot: the hanging green trees and the lively crowd on the sidewalk immediately confirm you’ve arrived at the right place.
Stepping closer, the open-air atmosphere of DMZ leaves a strong impression. Rustic wooden tables and chairs set near the sidewalk offer an intimate, authentic Vietnamese street experience. Interspersed with colorful, eclectic barrel chairs, the space exudes a youthful, free-spirited vibe. Even a small corner of the sidewalk is perfect for visitors to pause and snap photos.
DMZ is always bustling. Many foreign visitors choose to sit outside, sipping coffee or beer while watching the steady flow of people passing by. The open, interactive environment – people chatting while others scrolling on their phones – creates a welcoming and relaxed feeling from the first step inside. Natural light filtering through the trees, along with the slightly damp tiles after a light rain, adds a touch of romance and nostalgia to the space.
Beyond its exterior charm, DMZ impresses with its range of services. The large sign reading “Restaurant – Coffee – Breakfast – Nightlife” makes it clear that this is a venue for all-day enjoyment: drop by in the morning for breakfast, in the afternoon for a leisurely coffee, or at night to experience the lively bar scene of the tourist quarter in Hue City.
Within just the first few minutes, DMZ feels distinctly unique, a place where multi-story architecture enveloped in greenery meets the familiar rhythm of sidewalk life, where international visitors sit together and chat, and where the outdoor green space opens up to an energetic interior world. At DMZ, the first impression is not just a beautiful scene, it’s the feeling of stepping into a vibrant community right in the heart of Hue.
4. Outstanding Dishes in Menu at DMZ Bar & Restaurant
DMZ Bar & Restaurant is not only renowned for its lively bar atmosphere but also delights visitors with a diverse menu, a harmonious blend of easy-to-enjoy Western dishes and authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The following standout dishes give visitors a true sense of the culinary experience at DMZ.
4.1. Breakfast Combo for Tourists (Price: 65,000 – 85,000 VND)
The breakfast combo includes a main dish paired with a drink, offering convenience for those who want to start the day quickly while still enjoying a nutritious meal. Typical options include black coffee, iced tea, and freshly baked bread, sometimes substituted with bánh cuốn or other light Vietnamese dishes. The presentation is tidy and straightforward, making it easy to choose, and it appeals to both international visitors and locals seeking a simple yet complete breakfast.
4.2. Traditional Vietnamese Dishes – Rich in Flavor, Clear in Style
DMZ dedicates a section of its menu to carefully prepared Vietnamese dishes, allowing visitors to explore local cuisine right in the heart of Hue’s Western Quarter.
4.2.1. Phá Lấu – Served Hot on a Mini Stove
This dish comes in a clay pot placed on a small gas stove. The broth is a deep orange-yellow, with sliced intestines, green pepper, and fresh chili adding color and flavor. DMZ presents phá lấu in street-style fashion but with a refined touch: the pot stays hot on the mini stove, and it is served with sliced bread for dipping into the rich, fragrant broth. The experience is both familiar for Vietnamese diners and exciting for international visitors, offering a “sidewalk specialty” in a cleaner, more appealing presentation.
4.2.2. Giò Già Cay – Bold Flavor, Perfect with Beer
This dish features pork leg, bamboo shoots, blood, and intestines cooked in a dark brown clay pot, topped with roasted peanuts, onions, and fresh herbs. The presentation is thoughtfully arranged, with fresh chili, lime or kumquat, and bread on the side. The thick, glossy sauce carries the earthy warmth of turmeric and galangal, signaling careful preparation. Giò Già Cay is an ideal choice for those seeking a rich Vietnamese dish that is both beautifully presented and hygienically prepared.
4.2.3. Eel Braised with Banana and Beans – A Refined Country Dish
This unique dish includes eel braised with green banana, tofu, and lolot (perilla) leaves in a dark brown, glossy broth, served with ginger and sliced green chili. Rarely found on tourist menus, its presence at DMZ is a standout. Served hot, the braised broth balances the nutty flavor of banana, the richness of beans, and the aromatic notes of lolot leaves. International visitors often love this dish for its distinctiveness and depth of flavor.
4.3. DMZ’s Culinary Message
DMZ doesn’t just serve familiar Western drinks and dishes (Pizza, Spagetti), the Vietnamese dishes featured in its photos reflect the restaurant’s commitment to introducing local cuisine. From affordable breakfasts starting at just 65,000 VND to hearty Vietnamese dishes cooked in clay pots, full of traditional flavors, DMZ caters to everything from light, quick meals to authentic Vietnamese culinary experiences.
This versatility makes DMZ a great choice for a wide range of customers: those who want a quick meal can enjoy breakfast combos; those craving Western dishes can choose pizza; and those eager to explore Vietnamese cuisine can try Phá Lấu, Giò Già Cay, or Luon Om Chuoi Dau. Each dish is carefully prepared, beautifully presented, and easy to appreciate in terms of flavor, making the dining experience satisfying and accessible for everyone.
5. Gallery
Below are some photos showcasing the highlight dishes and the interior space of DMZ Bar & Restaurant. These images were sourced from the restaurant’s official Facebook page. Thank you!
6. Highlights and Suggestions
6.1. Highlights
DMZ Bar & Restaurant always brings a bustling and cheerful atmosphere, typical of an international meeting place in Hue’s Western Quarter. The space is decorated in a military style with many interesting decorative details, creating an intimate and very “real” feeling. This is an ideal place to sip a few beers with friends, chat or simply immerse yourself in the crowded foreign tourists.
The restaurant serves a diverse menu from Vietnamese, European to Asian dishes, suitable for groups of friends who want to eat their fill or tourists who just stop by to enjoy a few snacks. DMZ is open until 24:00, so it is very convenient for those who are looking for a late-night snack or to end their journey of exploring Hue with a late dinner.
6.2. Suggestions
Due to its youthful and lively atmosphere, DMZ may not be the best choice for tourists seeking a quiet, tranquil setting. If you prefer a more elegant and serene dining experience, you may want to explore other fine dining options in Hue.
For larger groups of eight or more, it’s recommended to call ahead and reserve a table. DMZ tends to be quite busy, especially in the evenings, with many international visitors. Booking in advance will help ensure you have a spot during peak hours. Families traveling with elderly members or young children may also want to consider other family-friendly restaurants in Hue that offer a more spacious and comfortable environment.
DMZ Bar & Restaurant is more than just a place to eat and drink, it’s a space to socialize, relax, and experience the international lifestyle right in the heart of Hue. Whether you’re enjoying Vietnamese cuisine, sipping a cold beer, or meeting friends, DMZ exudes positive energy and is always worth a visit.