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Best Asian Fusion Restaurant in Clayton

Steamed buns. Handcrafted cocktails. In the heart of Clayton.
Bao buns, rice bowls, udon

Bao buns, rice bowls, udon

At The BAO, a focused menu is built around bold Asian flavors, every dish designed to be shared and savored.
Order Your BAO Favorites Online

Order Your BAO Favorites Online

Bao buns, rice bowls, and udon, ready for your next craving. Explore The BAO's menu and order your favorites online. Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 11 AM–2 PM and 4–10 PM; Saturday, noon–10 PM; Sunday, 4–10 PM. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before each closing time: 1:30 PM for weekday lunch and 9:30 PM every evening. This applies to dine-in, pickup, and delivery.
Handcrafted cocktails

Handcrafted cocktails

The cocktail program was built to pair with the food. Each handcrafted drink has a dish it was made for.
Private events and catering

Private events and catering

Birthdays, corporate dinners, rehearsal parties — The BAO can host your group with full bar service and a menu built for sharing.

We came to Bao for our anniversary and had a great experience. Parking took a few minutes—we ended up a few blocks away—but the romantic, dim atmosphere inside made it worth it. Service was excellent (shoutout to the buff waiter with glasses), and the food was delicious. The soft shell crab bao and popcorn chicken were both really good, but the tuna nachos were the standout. Overall, great spot and definitely worth coming back.

Bon

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!

Rae G.

Great location with a dim lit atmosphere. Food was outstanding and the BAO is delicious and worth returning to this location to get. The Caviar fish BAO was light and flavorful, the soft shell crab was delicious and unique, and the Bangkok chicken was a remarkable recommendation and ended up being my favorite. The buns were light and filling at the same time, and their soups were hardy and loaded. Our service was awesome despite how busy the location was. Reservation is recommended!

David O.

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!

A H.

I'm surprised this place wasn't packed for lunch when I went. Comfy seating, excellent food/portion/price/service. I got the Trio Taco Bao with one of each and the salad. Absolutely perfect, crispy, tasty and I still have energy for the rest of the day.

Liz B.

The BAO Rewards

The BAO Rewards

Join our rewards program, earn points every time you order online and redeem your points for free food!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are you known for?
What meals do you serve?

We serve Lunch and Dinner

Do you offer delivery or takeout?

Yes, we offer Delivery and Takeout

Where are you located?

We are located in Clayton, MO at 14 N Central Ave

What areas do you serve?

We serve the following areas: St. Louis, Clayton, Ellendale, University City, Richmond Heights, Brentwood, Ladue, Hanley Hills, Olivette, Pagedale, Maplewood, Vinita Park, Wellston, Rock Hill, Overland, Greendale, Sycamore Hills, Charlack, Gratiot, and Hillsdale.

Our location

Map showing the location of The BAO on 14 N Central Ave in Clayton
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