the BAO

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!