When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Bao Space
Why Bao Space is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bao Space is a family-owned restaurant located in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in authentic handmade Asian bao buns. The family behind Bao Space has been perfecting the art of bao bun making for three generations, rooted deeply in Chinese culinary tradition. Since opening in December 2022, Bao Space has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a unique dining experience centered around fresh, hand-steamed bao buns with a variety of flavorful fillings, including pork, chicken, vegetables, and black sesame. The restaurant embraces tradition by using premium, natural ingredients such as Berkshire pork, organic Michigan-grown mushrooms, and wild-caught shrimp, ensuring not only delicious taste but also healthy options. Bao Space features an inviting open kitchen design and a modern atmosphere that celebrates seasonal ingredients and healthy eating. Aside from their famous bao buns, the menu also offers salads, soups, dumplings, dim sum, and bubble tea, making it a versatile spot for a casual meal or a friendly gathering. Its downtown location on Main Street adds to its accessibility and charm, making Bao Space an excellent place to meet up with friends and enjoy authentic Asian flavors with a contemporary twist.
Here's what people think of Bao Space
As of recent, Bao Space holds a 4.5-star rating based on 212 reviews.
Reviews from customers about Bao Space highlight a strong appreciation for the authenticity and quality of the food. Many reviewers praise the bao buns for their fresh, soft texture and generous, flavorful fillings, often noting the balance between traditional recipes and the use of local, fresh ingredients. Positive comments frequently mention the welcoming family atmosphere, attentive service, and the open kitchen concept, which allows guests to see the fresh hand-making process of the buns. The affordability of the dishes and the variety offered, including soups, dim sum, and bubble tea, also receive favorable mentions. On the other hand, some negative reviews have noted occasional wait times during peak hours and limited seating capacity, which can affect the dining experience. A few customers expressed the desire for extended opening hours and a broader menu selection. Overall, the general consensus is that Bao Space delivers a fresh and authentic taste of Chinese bao buns and has a warm community vibe that many find inviting, making it a must-visit spot in Ann Arbor for lovers of Asian cuisine.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Leiah Shirley
Was headed to the hands on museum and spotted Bao Space on the way there. I initially tried to use the self serve kiosk but had questions about the bubble tea (which a helpful employee was able to assist with and ring me up). I ordered cucumber salad, spring rolls, pork dumplings, and 1 bbq bao bun. Mostly everything was good not great. The dumplings with the spicy sauce were my favorite! Cucumber salad was nicely dressed and had a little spice. The pork was sadly very dry, even with the bit of fat, but favorable. Spring rolls were spring rolls. Not understuffed or mushy inside which I appreciate. Also ordered a passionfruit specialty drink with boba/tapioca and a strawberry lemonade drink. The passionfruit was better, but both were deliciously fruity.
Brian Thomas
If you are looking for a fast casual place with authentic food, this is definitely worth checking out. The bubble tea was good, but the limited options related to sweetness and ice made this feel like an add-on and not central to their menu. Food options were a little limited, but what they did offer they did well so I definitely recommend it.
Eli Ra
Tried every pork bun. Delish. We sat at the bar top to enjoy some good buns, bubble tea and people watching. I recommend this place, for sure
PD Wilks
Beef and radish soup was good. Hot sour was ok. Cucumber salad was fairly spicy if mixed up. Pork cabbage dumplings were very good. Beef onion and pork cabbage buns also excellent. Both pork and beef rice bowls were ok but nothing fancy. Counter ordering and table delivery were efficient. Lobby and Bathroom were clean. Overall a good place but some dishes were better than others.
D “Juanito” H
I grew up in Ann Arbor, and I still come back once in a while since I left more than 15 years ago. I like the joints back in the days because they offered good quality food, though old school. Now everything is just trendy and mediocre. This is a cramped little joint. Clean. It was Ann Arbor Air Fair weekend, the joint was at about 60% capacity. They ran out of the popular Pork Bao and the Hot and Sour soup, maybe those could've helped my rating but too bad. They ran out before noon, how is it possible? They make the Bao continuously in the open kitchen. I had the Beef and Onion Bao and the Shrimp Bao, the meat core was OK, you can taste the MSG, the dough had the right chew and density. But they are not $3.50 - $4.00 ea. good. They are slightly better than the frozen ones you can buy from the Chinese supermarket. I saw some people even compared this to Ding Tai Fung, I feel bad for people who are still suffering from taste lost post COVID. The most disappointing items are the miso soup and the rice bowls. Both the braised pork and the braised beef were just OK, nothing like what they should be. The flavors are too bland, the servings are small for the costs, but you do get a ton of semi-hard rice with it. The miso soup was absolutely revolting. It is just miso with some hot water, sea weed and tofu, absolutely no flavor and taste water down. I had instant miso soup from the convenient store better than that. Over all, these food items are cafeteria quality. No alcohol here, just some soft drinks. I simply cannot give it more than 3 stars.
How to reach Bao Space
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Why Bao Space may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bao Space with your friends? Bao Space offers an ideal setting for a fun and flavorful gathering with friends or family, combining a cozy yet lively ambiance with a unique culinary experience centered around fresh, handcrafted bao – the fluffy, steamed Chinese buns filled with a variety of delightful ingredients. The intimate size of the venue encourages a communal feel that makes socializing easy and enjoyable, while the friendly and efficient service ensures that your group’s needs are promptly met. Their menu boasts a great range of baos with fillings that cater to diverse tastes, from savory pork and chicken to seafood options like shrimp, making it perfect for groups with varied preferences. Additionally, ordering via tablets at the register adds a modern twist, streamlining the process and freeing up more time for interaction and fun. With a solid rating of 4.5 based on over 200 reviews, Bao Space has consistently impressed guests with its quality and flavor, making it a dependable choice for your next meetup where food, conversation, and atmosphere come together seamlessly.
What activities can a group enjoy at Bao Space? While primarily known for its delicious baos, Bao Space offers a unique culinary adventure that doubles as a social activity. The act of sharing multiple bao varieties encourages tasting, discussing, and comparing flavors among friends. This makes for an interactive dining experience far more engaging than traditional meals. The compact and casual setting promotes conversation and connection as groups share dishes and chat over their choices. Additionally, Bao Space’s central location on N Main St in Ann Arbor makes it convenient to combine your meal with a stroll or visit to nearby shops or landmarks, extending your outing beyond just dining. The ordering system via tablets invites a bit of playful exploration of the menu, allowing everyone to highlight their picks. In essence, Bao Space turns eating into a shared experience that engages all senses and offers a natural environment for bonding through food.
Why is Bao Space perfect for group meetups? Several factors make Bao Space a standout spot for groups seeking a memorable meal together. First, the menu’s variety allows everyone to find something they enjoy, including options like beef and onion, chicken and mushroom, Berkshire pork, and shrimp baos, as well as side dishes such as seaweed salad. This diversity supports groups where dietary preferences or adventurous eating habits vary. Second, the reasonable pricing, although baos aren't the cheapest at around $7-$8 for two, reflects the fresh quality and flavorful preparation that guests appreciate, providing great value for the experience. Third, the friendly and attentive service helps groups feel welcomed and catered to, enhancing the overall experience. Lastly, the intimate space fosters a sense of coziness without overwhelming noise, which is ideal for conversations and celebrations alike. These elements combine to make Bao Space a comfortable, tasty, and sociable location for gatherings.
What makes the food at Bao Space special and worth sharing? The key attraction at Bao Space is undoubtedly their baos – soft, pillowy buns bursting with savory, well-seasoned fillings prepared fresh to order. Guests frequently praise standouts like the Shrimp Triple Delight Bao and the Berkshire pork, highlighting how the combinations of textures and flavors create a satisfying bite every time. The baos excel not just in taste but in mouthfeel, making each offering pleasantly distinctive. Many diners also note accompanying items like seaweed salad that complement the main dishes, providing balance and variety. The food’s quality is consistently described as above average, and even though some have mentioned that certain dishes can taste slightly reheated, the overall palate experience remains delightful. Sharing a range of baos with friends enables a communal tasting adventure that suits casual chat and a relaxed pace, turning a meal into a memorable event.
How does ordering and service enhance the Bao Space group experience? Bao Space utilizes a modern ordering system where customers place their orders on tablets at the register, simplifying the process and minimizing wait times. This approach allows groups to efficiently select from the menu’s rich options without the pressure of traditional ordering methods, which can be cumbersome for larger parties. The staff is described as fast and friendly, fostering an inviting atmosphere that ensures groups feel cared for and comfortable. By streamlining the ordering and delivery of food, guests can focus on socializing and enjoying the meal rather than waiting or dealing with confusion. This efficient service model makes Bao Space especially suited for groups who want a hassle-free culinary outing that maximizes time spent together.
Can Bao Space accommodate different group sizes and preferences? Although Bao Space is a relatively small venue, its setup is well-suited for small to medium-sized groups who want an intimate dining experience. The seating may feel a bit snug during peak hours, adding to a lively, bustling vibe that some diners find energizing for group events. The variety on the menu ensures that dietary preferences ranging from seafood to pork, poultry, and vegetarian options can be mediated within one visit, catering to different tastes and needs simultaneously. While large formal parties may require advance arrangements, smaller meetups looking for a casual, flavorful hangout will find Bao Space very accommodating. The balance of quality food, convenient ordering, and warm service makes it possible for groups to tailor their visit to suit casual outings, celebrations, or even informal business lunches.
How is Bao Space rated by customers, and what do they say? With a solid 4.5-star rating based on 212 reviews, Bao Space enjoys a reputation for quality and consistency. Customers often highlight the exceptional taste and texture of the baos, particularly the pork and shrimp varieties, as reasons to return. The fast, friendly service is another commonly praised aspect, contributing to a positive dining environment. Some guests note the place is small and can feel crowded during busy times, but this is frequently viewed as part of its charm. A handful of reviews mention that some dishes might taste slightly reheated rather than freshly prepared, though such comments appear to be in the minority. Overall, diners express enthusiasm for the food’s flavor and the spot’s cozy, friendly vibe, making Bao Space a recommended destination for group meals and social gatherings.
What is the location and ambiance like at Bao Space? Bao Space is located on 205 N Main St in Ann Arbor, placing it within a lively part of town accessible to locals and visitors alike. The space itself is described as inviting, with a casual, friendly vibe that encourages relaxed dining. Though the restaurant is small and can feel a bit cramped during peak times, this contributes to an energetic atmosphere that many find appealing for friendly meetups. The interior décor is straightforward, focusing attention on the food and the social experience rather than extravagant embellishments. Its central location makes it easy to incorporate Bao Space into broader plans around downtown Ann Arbor, such as afternoon strolls, shopping, or visiting nearby cafes, making it an excellent anchor point for a day or evening out with friends or family.
What value does Bao Space provide for its price? While having baos priced at $7–$8 for two may seem slightly on the higher side compared to fast casual dining, customers frequently emphasize that the quality and flavor justify the cost. The handcrafted, fresh nature of the baos and the inventive fillings deliver a gourmet taste experience uncommon in similar eateries. The moderate pricing strikes a balance between affordability and sophistication, appealing to groups willing to pay a bit more for quality and variety without breaking the bank. Additionally, Bao Space’s ability to serve a range of preferences in one place adds value for group dynamics, as everyone can find something to enjoy. Therefore, the pricing aligns well with the overall experience of tasting exceptional baos in a welcoming atmosphere, making it a worthwhile meeting spot.
How can Bao Space fit into sustainable food trends? Bao Space participates in food waste reduction through partnerships with apps like Too Good To Go, offering surplus food at reduced prices in "Surprise Bags." This initiative helps minimize waste while providing customers an economical chance to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings. For environmentally conscious groups, this adds an appealing dimension to choosing Bao Space for their meetup, knowing that the business supports sustainability efforts. By encouraging guests to bring their own bags and packaging, Bao Space further promotes eco-friendly practices. This alignment with modern sustainability trends positions the restaurant as a thoughtful choice for socially responsible diners, adding extra meaning to your group gathering.
In summary, Bao Space stands out as an excellent venue for meeting up with friends or family, blending high-quality, flavorful food with an intimate and lively atmosphere. Its varied menu, efficient service, and commitment to sustainability create a memorable and enjoyable experience well worth the visit. Whether you’re craving traditional pork baos, seafood delights, or vegetarian picks, Bao Space’s inviting environment encourages sharing, tasting, and lasting connections over outstanding food.