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Welcome to Bar Bao

At Bar Bao, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian fusion cuisine, nestled in the heart of Arlington. Our story unfolds through our signature bao buns, each a delightful encapsulation of flavor, from crispy fried chicken to tender pork belly. Casual yet trendy, our vibrant atmosphere welcomes everyone—from families to late-night diners seeking a memorable bite paired with drinks at our full bar. We take pride in offering exceptional service and an inviting outdoor space, making it an ideal spot for groups. Join us for brunch or happy hour, and experience an irresistible journey through taste and community.

Bar Bao: Reviews & Ratings

Michael M.
Michael M.

Awesome. Naeem prolly messed his name up and Manish were awesome. Wasn't sure what I what and they walk me through the menu. I was being extra and they made something better than drunken noodles. Awesome experience. Can't wait to go back again. 5 stars in my book. Might be a regular soon

Kendal K.
Kendal K.

Ordered the chicken basil stir fry on door dash and it didn't disappoint. So so good. Loved the flavor of this dish. Will def order from here again and try their other items.

Quenton B.
Quenton B.

Actual review ~3.7. The staff is friendly and the kitchen is open late night. Although the kitchen closes around midnight, the bar stays open much later even on weeknights. Tips 1) the Boas are good even late night 2) try the bar around back first late night. 3) tell them to hold the kimchi

Patrick M.
Patrick M.

Overall, the food was decent, and the drinks paired well. The ambiance had a young vibe, making it more suitable for hanging out with buddies rather than a family-friendly spot. The service was decent as well.

Benjamin T.
Benjamin T.

Food was expensive, dined here about 2-3 years ago for brunch and the baos that they named themselves after weren't impressive or mind blowing. Decent, I would give it another shot at some point, but this place definitely could use some work. Granted this review isn't complete because I was on the patio and never went inside to do the full experience. I do believe they need to do outside maintenance/clean up their area outside a bit. Regardless if you're a bar you do need to show you care about your location - self respect is important.

Neha P.
Neha P.

This is a great spot in Clarendon if you're looking to get some small plates for a good price. The JFC bao bun was a 10/10. They also had great sushi, but when they say something is spicy, they do mean it. I recommend going during the happy hour and getting some deals on these small plates as well!

Angel P.
Angel P.

We came here for happy hour (M-F 4-8pm) and they have decent happy hour specials with food from $4-7, and drinks from $5-10. I got the margarita, a rail drink, crunchy salmon roll, and crab rangoon, and everything was good for the price. Overall, great place for happy hour! Our server was good and attentive. They have indoor and outdoor seating.

Riley G.
Riley G.

I got the tuna nachos and they were really good! Went for a late night snack (around 10 pm) and they were still serving. The sushi looked really good as well and def want to go back and try it. Fun environment with some arcade machines and a dj. The staff were friendly. Seems like the spot to be when the weather becomes nicer since they have a outside bar.

Ashlee A.
Ashlee A.

A place I'm always passing by; I'm glad I was able to visit this time! Decided with a friend for a late brunch and only one side of the restaurant was open as we came at an odd time around 230/3pm. We were free to sit anywhere and our waiter/bartender was patience has we couldn't decided begin the all you could eat or a la carte. Honestly, the only thing stopping us were our appetite! There were so many good options and could've easily had our monies worth + more including the 1.99 (I think) mimosas. It took a few for our food to first come out and then we went to order more but brunch was done, no heads up. We ordered a couple appetizers as the options to order were limited but we made do. The shrimp bao bun was good but the chicken dumplings were delicious! Also got the crab Rangoon but they were a hard pass -- didn't taste like a lick of crab in them. Would definitely visit again for a full on brunch moment plus they have hookah, though I'm not sure if it's only available in certain spaces like outside.

Klara C.
Klara C.

There's some street parking around, we didn't end up making a reservation but it didn't really matter so it was quiet which surprised me. We opted for the bottomless brunch and the carafe of mimosas which was totally worth it. Our server, James, was awesome. The brunch was $36.99/person and the carafe of mimosas (~8 glasses was only $13.99). We ordered the Calamari, Honey Shrimp, Chicken & Waffles, Bulgogi Hash, Braised Pork Bao, Breakfast Tots, Salmon Benedict, Pork Dumplings, Home Fries, JFC Bao, Shrimp Tempura Bun, Short Rib Bao, Steak Frites and Nutella French Toast. Notables and recommendations: Honey Shrimp, Chicken & Waffles, Bulgogi Hash, JFC Bao, Short Rib and Nutella French Toast were amazing. The other ones were ok and not bad but too salty or the sauce was too overpowering for my taste. Overall, genuinely surprised about how great everything was! Definitely recommend! Total before taxes ~ $88

Location

  • Bar Bao
    3100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201 Hotline: (703) 600-0500

Welcome to Bar Bao, an exquisite Asian fusion restaurant nestled in the heart of Arlington, VA. Located at 3100 Clarendon Blvd, Bar Bao offers a delightful culinary experience that marries bold flavors with a casual yet trendy atmosphere. The restaurant is perfect for gatherings, whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch, a festive dinner, or just popping in for their reliable Happy Hour specials.

Highlights of Bar Bao:

  • Innovative Menu: The star of the show, of course, are the bao buns that the restaurant is named after. With enticing selections like the JFC Bao Bun (fried chicken drizzled with Japanese chili glaze) and the Bulgogi Cheesesteak Bao Bun, each bite promises a flavorful punch.
  • Brunch Bowls: Don’t miss out on their brunch offerings! Dishes like the Bulgogi Bowl and Orange Chicken Bowl are perfect for a comforting start to your day. Don't forget to top it off with a perfectly fried egg for that gourmet twist!
  • Flexible Options: With vegetarian choices available and gluten-free options, Bar Bao caters well to various dietary preferences.
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: The decor strikes a balance between classy and casual, making it an ideal spot for both families and groups of friends. Outdoor seating further enhances the dining experience, especially during pleasant weather.

What truly sets Bar Bao apart is its dedication to customer service. Patrons like Michael M. rave about the attentive staff members who guide you through the menu, ensuring you end up with something stunningly delicious. Meanwhile, Kendal K. emphasizes the sheer delight of ordering specialties like the chicken basil stir fry, now a must-try for takeaway.

While some customer reviews point towards room for improvement, particularly in terms of ambiance upkeep outside, the overall vibe remains youthful and engaging—a perfect backdrop for an enjoyable dining experience. As Quenton B. notes, the late-night kitchen hours are an added bonus, offering a tasty escape even after sunset.

In conclusion, Bar Bao invites you to indulge in a unique blend of Asian flavors with a modern twist. Whether dining in or ordering takeout, this culinary gem is poised to delight your taste buds and become a regular spot in your dining repertoire. Make your reservation or call (703) 600-0500 today, and dive into the delicious world of Bar Bao!