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The Bao Spot - Orlando
Photo from The Bao Spot
The Bao Spot at a glance
Orlando Central Business District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#61 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#17 Restaurant out of 32 in Orlando
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
608
Reviews
76.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Unique Decor
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Parking Issues
- Food Inconsistency
The restaurant The Bao Spot in Orlando’s Central Business District offers a vibrant dining experience. You can catch the latest games while enjoying delicious food in a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this spot provides a welcoming environment for all. It is a perfect place to unwind and savor unique flavors.
Overview: Introducting The Bao Spot
The Bao Spot offers a distinctive dining experience, often celebrated for its flavorful food and captivating atmosphere. Many guests rave about the quality of the `bao` and the overall `vibe`, finding it a fun and unique place to enjoy a meal.
The `staff` are frequently noted for their friendly and attentive approach, contributing to a pleasant visit. However, some experiences at The Bao Spot are tempered by challenges.
Customers occasionally encounter `slow service` and considerable `waiting times`, particularly during busy periods. Finding `parking` can also be a point of frustration for visitors, and there are isolated comments regarding `inconsistent food quality`.
Good
7.6
out of 10
608
Reviews
76.2%
Satisfaction
118
negative
27
neutral
463
positive
The Bao Spot garners a solid `7.6` overall score, indicating a generally positive reception. This is supported by a `76.2%` customer satisfaction rate, which falls into the ‘good’ category, suggesting most diners leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 608 customer comments, with 463 positive remarks outweighing 118 negative ones. Looking closer, the `Ambience` (8.3) truly shines, often highlighted as a strong point, followed closely by the `Food` (7.8), which many find delicious.
`Service` (6.9) is rated as good, though some experiences vary, while `Value` (6.0) sits squarely in the average range. The overall sentiment suggests a place with clear strengths that resonate well with its patrons.
What people like
- Delicious Bao & Food
- Unique Ambiance & Decor
- Friendly & Attentive Staff
What people don't like
- Long Wait Times
- Difficult Parking
- Inconsistent Food Quality
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a memorable atmosphere and generally well-regarded food, The Bao Spot is certainly worth considering. Its `7.7` recommendation score suggests a positive experience for many, especially if you appreciate unique decor and flavorful bao.
Just be prepared for potential service delays and parking challenges. For those prioritizing quick service or a guaranteed seamless experience, it might be wise to visit during off-peak hours.
While the food and ambiance are often praised, occasional inconsistencies mean it’s a place that can delight, but also has areas for improvement.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Bao Spot
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests are generally raving! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at 78.1%, it's clear the kitchen is doing something right. Many of the 253 positive remarks highlight delicious items like the gyoza, bao, and flavorful food, often described as fresh and flavorful and perfectly cooked.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Out of 54 negative comments, some found the ramen or burger disappointing, with mentions of cold food or a bland taste. A few experiences noted issues like hair in food or dry chicken, suggesting there might be occasional inconsistencies to watch out for.
Food
324
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
54
negative
17
neutral
253
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, fresh baos
- Flavorful, well-cooked food
- Great variety
What people don't like
- Occasional cold food
- Some bland dishes
- Inconsistent burgers
Often praised
- foodIt's also adorable, which is a nice bonus. While I wish they had more gluten-free options so I could bring my daughter, who has celiac, I didn't deduct any points because everything is so incredibly delicious. I'm obsessed with the food from The Bao Spot.
- baoI opted for the lunch special, which was an amazing deal: two baos, fries, and a soda. The bao were absolutely delicious—fresh, fluffy, and made with high-quality ingredients. The speed of service was impressive, making it an ideal spot for a workday lunch.
- baosIf you’re a fan of baos, I totally recommend
- FoodThe reviewer rated Food, Service, and Atmosphere a perfect 5 out of 5.
- bobaI enjoyed the awesome boas, appetizers, and desserts. The boba was also great. The atmosphere is very chill and original, with a sci-fi theme.
- bao bunsWe enjoyed 4 bao buns, a chicken UFO sandwich, and a fried shrimp bowl, all paired with Thai tea boba. All of the food was delicious. When the shrimp entree was too spicy for my friend, the cook kindly made a no-spice version and explained the different spice options.
- BaoI don't often leave reviews, but my experience here about 90 minutes before an Orlando City game was flawless. Each Bao is meticulously handcrafted, and the meats have a tremendous amount of flavor. They serve beer, and it's all reasonably priced.
- churrosgrab some churros
- flavorThe baos are absolutely mouthwatering. Each one is packed with flavor and perfectly steamed. You can tell they truly care about what they do.
- fried chickenThe panko tofu, fried chicken, and the Big Bang were our choices - all so delicious!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe chicken had absolutely no seasoning. I guess they count on the sauce, but the food should still have flavor. My order was made correctly though.
- baoThe bao was not complex at all. Just tasted like meat and bread
- bao bunscold bao buns straight out of the freezer bag
- burgerBurger tasted like a wet sock
- drinks40 min just to have our drinks finally get to us
- dumplingsDumplings were cooked little too long not crunchy as I would like because it was a little hard.
- ramenramen came out so raunchy that I lost my appetite
- Boba teaThe vibes and decor were great as well and service was quick. They were out of Boba tea because of the event before concert so would like to try it next time!
- Cake Popsthey gave me only one. Total scam.
- Crystal Bobamy Thai Tea came with Crystal Boba which I had requested not to have
Overall, the food here is a definite highlight, with many delicious and fresh options that leave a great impression. While a few dishes might miss the mark, the high satisfaction suggests you'll likely have a fantastic culinary experience.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a respectable 6.9. While customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.8%, many guests, accounting for 99 positive remarks out of 146 total comments, rave about the friendly and quick service. Shout-outs often go to attentive staff and amazing employees who make the experience enjoyable.
However, it's not always smooth sailing. About 46 negative comments highlight significant issues with waiting times and slow service, with some experiences described as incredibly slow or unorganized. There are also mentions of rude staff and a concerning lack of urgency, suggesting some areas definitely need improvement.
Service
146
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
46
negative
1
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Accommodating employees
What people don't like
- Excessive wait times
- Rude staff interactions
- Lack of urgency
Often praised
- serviceThe Brussel Sprouts and crispy pork bao buns were amazing! The vibes and decor were great as well and service was quick. They were out of Boba tea because of the event before concert so would like to try it next time!
- staffThe flavor was truly incredible, a harmonious blend of spices that made every bite a joy. The experience was further enhanced by the friendly and welcoming staff. I highly recommend trying the chicken bao for a tasty and satisfying meal; it's a delightful treat you won't want to miss!
- ServiceThe spacecantina theming created a fun atmosphere. Service was excellent, and the owner even came to chat, offering menu recommendations. We left with full and happy tummies and will definitely be back.
- ownerI play music right outside Bao once a month and I always look forward to stopping in and grabbing a bite. The atmosphere is fantastic and the owner has become a good friend. It's absolutely worth your time to stop in!
- DDDD who was such a great guy! Super friendly
- customer serviceThe food was very delicious, thanks to Chef Devonte who made my bowl fresh and in a timely manner. I also experienced great customer service. The bowl was very affordable 🙂.
- employeesA place having employees like this
- orderI guess they count on the sauce, but the food should still have flavor. My order was made correctly though.
- Chef Danny and his colleagueChef Danny and his colleague were very friendly and accommodating
- Chef Devontethanks to the chef Devonte, who made my bowl fresh
Frequently criticized
- waiting timeAs a Door Dash and Uber Eats delivery driver, my customer's order was not ready until 20 minutes after the expected pick up time. I spent 15 minutes at the restaurant waiting, while other people who arrived after me were served before me. The parking situation was also difficult, with parking unavailable and hard to find.
- serviceservice was incredibly slow
- orderI was lied to multiple times by the staff who kept saying “just a few more minutes. ” After an hour of waiting, when we finally threatened to leave, we discovered our order hadn’t even been started yet. I would not recommend coming here unless you enjoy having your time wasted.
- staffthe staff is rude and lacks any sense of urgency
- business hoursalways closed during their business hours
- callingtried calling, but got no answer
- couldn’t get refundcouldn’t get refund or discount
- customer servicenot worried about the customer service
- delivery timeit took about an hour
- dismissive attitudeAsked me “have I not had hair in food before”
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly and quick attention, but be prepared for potential long waits or disorganized moments during busier times. It might be worth a try if youre not in a rush, but temper your expectations.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The atmosphere here is definitely a highlight, scoring a solid 8.3 and boasting a fantastic 87% customer satisfaction! With 100 positive remarks out of 115 total, guests consistently rave about the unique vibe and space themed atmosphere. Many love the fun decor and appreciate the live music and game night events that add to the lively energy.
However, a few of the 115 comments did point out some areas for improvement. Some found parking to be a challenge, while others mentioned the place could feel overcrowded and cramped at times. There were also a couple of remarks about the bathroom needing attention, suggesting minor upkeep issues.
Ambience
115
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
100
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique themed vibe
- Engaging decor
- Lively events
What people don't like
- Parking challenges
- Can feel cramped
- Unkempt bathrooms
Often praised
- atmosphereI discovered it around 1 am after a bouncer's suggestion, which was perfect as many other places were closed. The restaurant truly hit all the right spots. It was nice, clean, and the food was super tasty and affordable.
- AtmosphereThe reviewer rated Food, Service, and Atmosphere a perfect 5 out of 5.
- decorThe food was delicious and easy to customize using the ordering kiosks. I loved the super neat decor and the 80's music, which created a really enjoyable atmosphere. It's a perfect date spot and conveniently located within a short walk of the Kia Center.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a fun and kitsch place with sweet and attentive staff. They offer a wide variety of food choices, and the steampunk artistic decor is truly unique.
- musicHarry Potter music was playing
- vibeMy experience at the restaurant was delicious! I really loved the music and vibe. It wasn't too busy when we visited after an event at the Kia Center.
- cleanlinessThe Gyozas and the MOJO were my favorites. It's a small, cozy place that is very clean.
- insidethe inside is super cute and intimate
- locationaround the corner from the best venues in downtown Orlando? YES PLEASE!
- 3am on the weekendseat up til 3am on the weekends!
Frequently criticized
- bathroomthe bathroom was quite messy
- parkingreally hard to find parking
- cook discussing giveawaysThe restaurant's space dragon theme is visually appealing, though the music could use more variety. One downside was hearing a cook loudly discussing free food giveaways, which was somewhat distracting. Overall, The Bao Spot shows a lot of effort in its menu and ambiance.
- emotional damageI left with emotional damage and no faith in humanity
- overcrowded and crampedthe place was overcrowded and cramped
- parking optionsParking is unavailable
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If you're looking for a place with a truly unique and engaging atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and perhaps visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a less crowded experience.
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6 (average) and customer satisfaction sitting at 47.8% (mixed). Many diners found the food to be quite affordable and fairly priced, especially praising the lunch special as an amazing deal. Some even felt that spending a bit more for a damn good bao was entirely justified, based on 11 positive sentiments.
However, not everyone agreed, with 9 negative sentiments suggesting that the place can be quite expensive or pricy for what you actually get. Several felt certain items were overpriced and simply not worth the money, leading to disappointment over the final bill. It seems some items dont quite hit the mark on perceived value.
Value
23
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable lunch specials
- Fairly priced food
- Good bao value
What people don't like
- Some items overpriced
- Poor perceived value
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- pricesimplistic yet worth the price
- Bao lunch specialWe did the Bao lunch special 2 Bao, fries and a soda which was a deal like $13.
- affordableThe food was delicious affordable, and well portioned.
- bowlbowl was very affordable
- damn good baoId rather spend $6.50 on a damn good bao than anything else
- fairly pricedThe atmosphere was great, and the bao buns were absolutely delicious. It was also fairly priced. I was pleased to find that our vegetarian and vegan friends were able to eat here easily as well.
- lunch specialThe lunch special was an amazing deal
- price pointThe price point is below average
- pricesPrices are truly reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceToo pricey for food with no flavor
- $4they charged me $4 for this.
- billbill that totaled $92, something should have been compensated
- bowlThis bowl isn’t exactly cheap
- material and laborit only cost the store a mere 10 cents to make one of these in material and labor.
- pricesthis place is kind of expensive for what you get
- time or moneyDefinitely not worth the time or money
If you're looking for a good deal, definitely check out their lunch specials or specific items like the bao, which many find worth the price. However, be mindful that some dishes might feel a bit expensive for their portion or perceived quality, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at The Bao Spot?
On average, you’ll spend around $23 per person – from 88 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at the price distribution, most diners spend between $11–$30, showing a clear focus on mid-range options rather than a mix of super cheap and high-end dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Orlando.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Orlando. It offers good value in the mid-range category.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Bao Spot
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
10
Consistently Great Food and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was consistently excellent. The food is always fresh, and the wait time is minimal. The atmosphere is dope, and Devante provided professional service, showing a clear appreciation for his work and customers.
I highly recommend the fried chicken bao and burgers – you won't be disappointed!
- food10
- wait time9
- atmosphere10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Food, Okay Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing, primarily due to the food. While the atmosphere was alright, the main issue was the food quality. I ordered a chicken Bao Bun, which was incredibly dry and tough.
It felt like it was breaking into shards with each bite, making it difficult and uncomfortable to swallow. The sauce was also not to my liking. Additionally, I found the prices to be a bit high for what was offered.
- atmosphere7
- food quality2
- chicken Bao Bun1
- sauce2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Enjoyable Experience with Great Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly enjoyable! The staff were pleasant and accommodating, making our large group feel like VIP guests. They handled our group with ease.
The food was delicious, affordable, and well-portioned. I highly recommend visiting if you're in the area; it's a unique, aesthetically appealing, and great location with live music.
- staff10
- food10
- affordable9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Awesome Staff and Delicious Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were awesome and the food was absolutely delicious. The server's suggestions were spot on.
I highly recommend this place for anyone seeking really decent and good food.
- staff10
- food10
- suggestions9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Bao Experience!
I was pleasantly surprised by how fantastic this place was, especially considering its current rating. I'm in town for work and decided to try something new with my colleagues from the clinic. It's a bit tucked away but not difficult to find.
I usually stick to familiar food choices, but I opted for the pork belly bao Combo with a drink and fries. I was concerned about the pork belly being too fatty, but it was incredibly flavorful and not at all greasy. The fries were also fantastic!
I'm almost afraid to try bao elsewhere now, fearing it won't live up to this experience. The interior has a unique sci-fi fantasy vibe, making it a fun and delicious dining spot.
- pork belly bao Combo10
- fries9
- sci-fi fantasy vibe8
What The Bao Spot offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and service options can you expect at The Bao Spot?
At The Bao Spot, you can enjoy a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere with various service options. Whether you prefer to dine-in, grab takeout, or opt for delivery and no-contact delivery, the choice is yours. Outdoor seating and curbside pickup are also available for your convenience, alongside counter service for quick orders.
Does The Bao Spot cater to different dietary preferences or dining times?
Yes, The Bao Spot offers a diverse menu to suit various needs. You will find healthy options and vegetarian options, ensuring there is something for everyone. For those late-night cravings, late-night food is available, along with small plates perfect for sharing. They also provide a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it good for families.
How do customers generally rate The Bao Spot?
The Bao Spot receives a `7.6` overall score, with `76.2%` customer satisfaction. Customers particularly appreciate the `Ambience` (8.3) and `Food` (7.8), while `Service` (6.9) and `Value` (6.0) are seen as more average.
What are the standout features of The Bao Spot's atmosphere?
Guests frequently praise the unique `decor`, `vibe`, and overall `atmosphere` at The Bao Spot, often describing it as fun, clean, and intimate, with interesting themes and music.
Are there any common issues customers experience at The Bao Spot?
Some customers have reported `slow service` and `long waiting times` for orders. Additionally, finding `parking` can sometimes be a challenge, and there are occasional comments about `inconsistent food quality`.