BAO

"Not overly impressed so I probably won’t go back. We had reservations and got held up at work so we lost our table and got squeezed back by the bar. I might have enjoyed my experience more had I had room to enjoy my food."

"As I ventured into BAO for the first time, I was immediately struck by its ambiance – a blend of formality and subtlety, with dim lighting that suggested a more refined dining experience. The presence or absence of music escaped my memory, a testament perhaps to its unobtrusiveness or absence altogether. Upon entry, I was promptly greeted by Biddy, a name I would only later associate with my receipt, who seamlessly took my order. Opting for the 2 BAO combo, accompanied by fries and a drink, priced around $20, I embarked on a culinary journey. The fries, while tasty, harbored a slight disappointment. They lacked the captivating warmth of freshly cooked fries, residing instead in a lukewarm state. Nevertheless, their flavor managed to rise above this minor setback. The truffle wagyu burger BAO was an exercise in contrasts. The patty was a marvel of culinary expertise, cooked flawlessly, and the sauce melded beautifully with the burger, though I personally could have done without the pickles. However, the dish's titular ingredient, the truffle, was conspicuously absent in taste. Had it been simply named "wagyu burger", it would have been a precise description. In stark contrast, the fried chicken BAO was a triumph. The crunch of the chicken juxtaposed against the BAO's softness created an exquisite textural harmony. The seasoning of the chicken was faultless, leaving no room for improvement. I left BAO with a resolve to return, enticed by the promise of exploring their shrimp and spicy lobster offerings. The service was exceptional, marked by thoughtful gestures like offering a cup of water while I waited. BAO, with its culinary highs and attentive service, secures a place on my list of establishments worthy of a revisit."

"Stopped by here for lunch, and was pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is cozy, but since we were there at 3 pm, we had a place to ourselves, so I can't really speak to the atmosphere. We ordered 2 baos lunch special, loaded fries, chicken salad, boba green tea, and a cocktail, and it was all grrrrreat! Their buns are soft and mois and they're using fresh ingredients. We will be back, but for the dinner time (to experience the atmosphere). I would recommend 100%."

"We tried the soft shell crab, truffle wagyu, fried chicken, lobster, and teriyaki bacon bao. All were so good! We also had the katsu curry and the kids liked it. We'll come back. Give it a try!"

"The Bao is a spot in Clayton offering an awesome lunch experience with its stylish ambiance and contemporary Asian-fusion cuisine. The lunch special, featuring a perfectly paired rice bowl and Bao bun sandwich, is a definite highlight. The presentation is impeccable, and service is always on point. The restaurant's door exudes a speakeasy charm, setting the tone for the majestic and dark yet inviting interior. The fusion of classic and inventive cocktails adds to the great vibe, making this spot a must-try for those seeking a unique culinary adventure in a chic setting."