Moving my reviews over from Yelp. This is a place I've returned to time and time again over the years. Originally published 6/24/18:
Go here now! Get some bao! That's really all you need to know!
More details? Sure.
We went here for the first time with the International Supper Club - an ad-hoc group of Yelpers who enjoy trying cuisines from other countries.
Bao are buns. We had a discussion at the table about what makes them unique but we never got to the bottom of it. I did a little research before sitting down to write this review and the answer is that it is a relatively standard dough that is steamed instead of baked. When the restaurant griddles them lightly they pick up an even more unique combination of flavors and textures.
I ordered a couple of appetizers: dumplings and wings. Both were quite good but the wings were the more unique of the two. Think of wings that are coated in a bunch of less common ingredients like lemongrass and rice powder and you're on the right track.
I chose the three little bao for dinner and they came out on a small wooden cutting board. The first one I grabbed turned out to be my favorite - it was stuffed with tempura-fried slices of tofu and yam then topped with a house-made sauce and a few leaves of cilantro. Next up was the pork belly, followed by the waygu beef. Odd as it seems, the first one remained my favorite by a long shot. I also snagged a bite of the kids' char siu bao and they were something I could see myself ordering on a future visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soft Shell Crab Bao, Hot Chicken
Anjeeta Malla
Went there for my birthday and it was an amazing experience, food was good and the service was great tooo and me and my friends loved the aesthetic 🎈❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Hart
Stopped for lunch with the husband, good atmosphere, very comfortable inside. We ordered a lot as we like to try bunches even if we have leftovers to take home. The server was really great, answered our questions and made us some delicious mocktails.
The food! The food was really good, I especially loved the popcorn tofu and the soft shell crab bao.
Definitely reccomend, also seems like it would be a great dinner date spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Courteney Shakia Parry
Went here recently with a group of friends, we had made a reservation. Once we received our food, our waiter only checked on us one time. Then our waiter messed up our bill and only realized it after charging someone for the wrong items.
And then only five minutes after receiving the bill the waiter told us that they needed us to move so they could give our table to someone else- we had only been there for an hour and five minutes at that point.
The food was decent, but would not go back due to the poor customer service. Very frustrating that they only gave us an hour to eat with a reservation
Claire Smith
SPICY BACON BAO WAS AMAZING. There was bbq pork floss that blew my mind. The Thai tea was fabulous. Not to sweet, but not to bitter. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Chang
Ordered Bao, fries, and udon for a late night dinner. I’d come back and try more baos. Here’s the breakdown.
Bao buns were perfect and yummy. The fries were amazing with the aioli.
Teriyaki Bacon bao - bacon was super thin and well cooked. Our least fav. pretty much tastes like bacon.
Kakuni - Our fav. Good kimchi and pork belly flavor with good texture.
Gangnam - Fried chicken was great with good flavors but almost overpowering.
Udon - The yuzu broth was the best part - light and summer like flavor. Katsu tofu was well cooked but the noodles were soggy. Udon noodles should have that chewy texture with good mouthfeel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kakuni Bao, Skinny Fries
Benjamin Mossinghoff
The food was solid, the service was fantastic on a busy Friday night, and the atmosphere was great. We had a terrific time tonight while we were at the restaurant. We mainly got food to share and 2 cocktails. We had: An order of the wagyu loaded fries, an aviator, a yuzu Yakuza, and the survivor combo with the sweet chili tofu bao, kukuna bao, and the softshell crab bao. The experience at the restaurant was really enjoyable with a very clear allergy menu. Shout out to the bar tender and team for the great hospitality and service tonight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Harleigh Hildebrand
This place has been a favorite date night spot for a couple years. We love it! Best fries ever! Great appetizers and bao. Buns are perfect. Only recently bummed because they changed their spring rolls…they have pork now and are completely different than the ones I used to love.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Faycel Ayari
It was really an amazing experience to eat in the BAO restaurant, the atmosphere was great and friendly, the food was delicious and the stuff was really helpful. I will be back to repeat this experience very soon and I recommend it for everyone who is interested in trying the Asian food. Thanks for your warm reception
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Impossible Bao, Soft Shell Crab Bao, Kakuni Bao, Nachos, Mala Hot Chicken, Crispy Shrimp Bao
Ryan Westendorf
Incredible food & drinks, great atmosphere, and very attentive and friendly staff.
I sat at the bar and the bartender was great. I sat down at 5:55pm and they made sure to ask for my appetizer and drink order before happy hour stopped at 6:00pm. Highly recommend the old fashioned and steamed gyoza.
I got the 3-bao special for my entree - Gangnam chicken, kimchi wagyu, and kakuni (pork belly).
I had never had bao before this and it certainly exceeded my already high expectations. Best meal I’ve had in a long time.
Incredible food, plus great service and atmosphere. Highly recommmend the grilled lobster bao bun!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Dana
BAO in Clayton is my top choice for Asian food in the area, maybe even in all of St. Louis! Whenever I want Asian food, I head straight to BAO. I've been here many times with friends and even for quick lunches alone. The food is always amazing, so I've challenged myself to try everything on the menu—I'm almost done!
My favorite dishes are the Mala Soup Udon with BBQ pork and Mala Popcorn. They taste incredible and keep me coming back for more. Surprisingly, they also have some of the best French fries I've had in Clayton!
In short, BAO is my favorite spot for tasty Asian food and a great time. I'll definitely keep returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Gyoza, Fried Chicken, Soup, Hot Chicken, Skinny Fries, Mala Hot Chicken
mike liberman
Very unique fusion of food, but very tasty. I enjoyed my dish and so did the others in my party. I found it difficult to choice items to eat. Part of the issue may have been the menu itself. There were many upcharges on the menu.
Everything tasted great. Well done and good presentation.
I recommend you give them a try.
As always, if you enjoyed this review, please hit the like button.
Thank you.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Impossible Bao
Jordan
The first time I went to Bao was with some friends and I was so impressed that I vowed to come back asap. This Labor Day weekend, I treated my family to Bao (for dinner) and they left full and satisfied! I had the shrimp Bao and it was delicious. If you’re looking for an Asian dinner spot, Bao is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. I will return with other friends and family!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Shrimp Bao
Rae G-Lifeguard
My friend Melanie and I had a leisurely lunch here on a lovely Monday afternoon and it was great! We both had three bao and split the tuna nachos, which were divine! The server was lovely and had great recommendations for the soft shell crab, and she was correct! I ordered the Thai iced coffee as well, and it was delicious! I highly recommend this place for lunch, because it was utterly lovely!
Moving my reviews over from Yelp. This is a place I've returned to time and time again over the years. Originally published 6/24/18:
Go here now! Get some bao! That's really all you need to know!
More details? Sure.
We went here for the first time with the International Supper Club - an ad-hoc group of Yelpers who enjoy trying cuisines from other countries.
Bao are buns. We had a discussion at the table about what makes them unique but we never got to the bottom of it. I did a little research before sitting down to write this review and the answer is that it is a relatively standard dough that is steamed instead of baked. When the restaurant griddles them lightly they pick up an even more unique combination of flavors and textures.
I ordered a couple of appetizers: dumplings and wings. Both were quite good but the wings were the more unique of the two. Think of wings that are coated in a bunch of less common ingredients like lemongrass and rice powder and you're on the right track.
I chose the three little bao for dinner and they came out on a small wooden cutting board. The first one I grabbed turned out to be my favorite - it was stuffed with tempura-fried slices of tofu and yam then topped with a house-made sauce and a few leaves of cilantro. Next up was the pork belly, followed by the waygu beef. Odd as it seems, the first one remained my favorite by a long shot. I also snagged a bite of the kids' char siu bao and they were something I could see myself ordering on a future visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soft Shell Crab Bao, Hot Chicken
Went there for my birthday and it was an amazing experience, food was good and the service was great tooo and me and my friends loved the aesthetic 🎈❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped for lunch with the husband, good atmosphere, very comfortable inside. We ordered a lot as we like to try bunches even if we have leftovers to take home. The server was really great, answered our questions and made us some delicious mocktails.
The food! The food was really good, I especially loved the popcorn tofu and the soft shell crab bao.
Definitely reccomend, also seems like it would be a great dinner date spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here recently with a group of friends, we had made a reservation. Once we received our food, our waiter only checked on us one time. Then our waiter messed up our bill and only realized it after charging someone for the wrong items. And then only five minutes after receiving the bill the waiter told us that they needed us to move so they could give our table to someone else- we had only been there for an hour and five minutes at that point. The food was decent, but would not go back due to the poor customer service. Very frustrating that they only gave us an hour to eat with a reservation
SPICY BACON BAO WAS AMAZING.
There was bbq pork floss that blew my mind. The Thai tea was fabulous. Not to sweet, but not to bitter. 10/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ordered Bao, fries, and udon for a late night dinner. I’d come back and try more baos. Here’s the breakdown.
Bao buns were perfect and yummy. The fries were amazing with the aioli.
Teriyaki Bacon bao - bacon was super thin and well cooked. Our least fav. pretty much tastes like bacon.
Kakuni - Our fav. Good kimchi and pork belly flavor with good texture.
Gangnam - Fried chicken was great with good flavors but almost overpowering.
Udon - The yuzu broth was the best part - light and summer like flavor. Katsu tofu was well cooked but the noodles were soggy. Udon noodles should have that chewy texture with good mouthfeel.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Kakuni Bao, Skinny Fries
The food was solid, the service was fantastic on a busy Friday night, and the atmosphere was great. We had a terrific time tonight while we were at the restaurant. We mainly got food to share and 2 cocktails. We had: An order of the wagyu loaded fries, an aviator, a yuzu Yakuza, and the survivor combo with the sweet chili tofu bao, kukuna bao, and the softshell crab bao. The experience at the restaurant was really enjoyable with a very clear allergy menu. Shout out to the bar tender and team for the great hospitality and service tonight.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
This place has been a favorite date night spot for a couple years. We love it! Best fries ever! Great appetizers and bao. Buns are perfect. Only recently bummed because they changed their spring rolls…they have pork now and are completely different than the ones I used to love.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
It was really an amazing experience to eat in the BAO restaurant, the atmosphere was great and friendly, the food was delicious and the stuff was really helpful.
I will be back to repeat this experience very soon and I recommend it for everyone who is interested in trying the Asian food.
Thanks for your warm reception
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Impossible Bao, Soft Shell Crab Bao, Kakuni Bao, Nachos, Mala Hot Chicken, Crispy Shrimp Bao
Incredible food & drinks, great atmosphere, and very attentive and friendly staff.
I sat at the bar and the bartender was great. I sat down at 5:55pm and they made sure to ask for my appetizer and drink order before happy hour stopped at 6:00pm. Highly recommend the old fashioned and steamed gyoza.
I got the 3-bao special for my entree - Gangnam chicken, kimchi wagyu, and kakuni (pork belly).
I had never had bao before this and it certainly exceeded my already high expectations. Best meal I’ve had in a long time.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Incredible food, plus great service and atmosphere. Highly recommmend the grilled lobster bao bun!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
BAO in Clayton is my top choice for Asian food in the area, maybe even in all of St. Louis! Whenever I want Asian food, I head straight to BAO. I've been here many times with friends and even for quick lunches alone. The food is always amazing, so I've challenged myself to try everything on the menu—I'm almost done!
My favorite dishes are the Mala Soup Udon with BBQ pork and Mala Popcorn. They taste incredible and keep me coming back for more. Surprisingly, they also have some of the best French fries I've had in Clayton!
In short, BAO is my favorite spot for tasty Asian food and a great time. I'll definitely keep returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Gyoza, Fried Chicken, Soup, Hot Chicken, Skinny Fries, Mala Hot Chicken
Very unique fusion of food, but very tasty.
I enjoyed my dish and so did the others in my party.
I found it difficult to choice items to eat. Part of the issue may have been the menu itself. There were many upcharges on the menu.
Everything tasted great. Well done and good presentation.
I recommend you give them a try.
As always, if you enjoyed this review, please hit the like button.
Thank you.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Impossible Bao
The first time I went to Bao was with some friends and I was so impressed that I vowed to come back asap. This Labor Day weekend, I treated my family to Bao (for dinner) and they left full and satisfied! I had the shrimp Bao and it was delicious. If you’re looking for an Asian dinner spot, Bao is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. I will return with other friends and family!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Shrimp Bao
My friend Melanie and I had a leisurely lunch here on a lovely Monday afternoon and it was great! We both had three bao and split the tuna nachos, which were divine! The server was lovely and had great recommendations for the soft shell crab, and she was correct! I ordered the Thai iced coffee as well, and it was delicious! I highly recommend this place for lunch, because it was utterly lovely!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Soft Shell Crab Bao
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