Bar Bao
A hip Asian fusion spot with creative bao buns and a vibrant beach bar vibe, perfect for brunch and lively nights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Bar Bao
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip Asian fusion spot with creative bao buns and a vibrant beach bar vibe, perfect for brunch and lively nights.
"This place was so amazing and so under the radar."
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Reservations are recommended to avoid waits, especially during busy periods like weekends and happy hour.
Brunch Value
The bottomless brunch offers a great deal with tasty small plates and a carafe of mimosas for a budget-friendly experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Asian Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bottomless Brunch Bonanza
Indulge in an all-you-can-eat brunch with 25-cent mimosas for an incredible value and a lively start to your weekend.
Creative Bao Buns
Savor expertly crafted bao buns with unique fillings like Braised Pork Belly and Honey Shrimp, a true culinary adventure.
Vibrant Beach Bar Ambiance
Experience a hip, beach bar vibe in the back and a lively, industrial-mod atmosphere in the front, perfect for socializing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Reservations are recommended to avoid waits, especially during busy periods like weekends and happy hour.
Brunch Value
The bottomless brunch offers a great deal with tasty small plates and a carafe of mimosas for a budget-friendly experience.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visit during lunch or weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and a more relaxed dining experience.
Parking Alternatives
Street parking can be challenging; explore public transport or nearby options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Reservations are recommended to avoid waits, especially during busy periods like weekends and happy hour.
Brunch Value
The bottomless brunch offers a great deal with tasty small plates and a carafe of mimosas for a budget-friendly experience.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visit during lunch or weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and a more relaxed dining experience.
Parking Alternatives
Street parking can be challenging; explore public transport or nearby options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bar Bao is praised for its vibrant atmosphere and creative Asian fusion dishes, especially its signature bao buns. Diners rave about the value of the bottomless brunch and the friendly service, though some mention inconsistent kitchen timing and challenging parking. It's a hip spot for socializing and enjoying unique flavors.
"New to the area and thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Bao! The Clarendon scene was a bit much for me to take in moving to Virginia from a small town. The food was amazing I highly recommended the bao buns and the short rib nachos! The Bartenders were friendly and the music was great! I went on a Wednesday and I love Bachata. Will be coming back for sure! Thank you Balu for showing my friends and I what Clarendon Nightlife is all about!"
Andy Carter
"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."
Patrick Min
"This place was so amazing and so under the radar. The restaurant had a beach bar theme in the back with a quieter, yet still hip atmosphere in the front. The server and the hostess were both so attentive and helpful. The bao buns were incredible and small bites were great too. I highly recommend the bottomless brunch on the weekends for $35 all you can eat + 25 cent mimosas! The happy hour menu also has some interesting selections for reasonable prices too."
Camille Wu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The bao buns, especially the Braised Pork Belly Bao and Honey Shrimp, are highly recommended. The bottomless brunch small plates are also a hit.
Yes, many reviewers find the bottomless brunch an excellent value with tasty food options and 25-cent mimosas.
Bar Bao offers a vibrant and hip atmosphere, with a beach bar theme in the back and an industrial-mod setting in the front.
Reservations are recommended, especially for busy times like weekends and happy hour, to avoid potential waits.
Street parking can be difficult. It's advisable to explore nearby street parking options or consider public transportation.
While not explicitly listed, it's recommended to inquire with the staff about specific dietary needs.
Bar Bao may transition into a club setting later at night, impacting dining hours. It's best to confirm closing times.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Restaurants - Clarendon Alliance, Inc.
Relish schnitzel and pretzels at Lyon Hall, traditional Greek at Cava, Persian cuisine at Kabob Bazaar, Spanish tapas at Pamplona, and Asian fusion at Bar Bao. For families, some of our favorite kid friendly restaurants are Silver Diner, Cheesecake Factory, Fire Works Pizza, and Hot Stone Pizza. We are also home to some of the best BBQ in the area with Rockland's BBQ and Griling Company, Texas Jack's and the brand new Smokecraft Modern BBQ. There is truly something for everyone!
Best Brunches in Arlington, Virginia
East meets West at Bar Bao in Clarendon serving its take on traditional Asian fare. Their bottomless brunch small plates includes Braised Pork Belly Bao, chicken dumplings, and Shiitake Bacon Gravy Biscuits. "We came for the bottomless brunch and it was great! The 99 cent mimosas were strong and the food was tasty. Our waitress Sara was attentive and funny and gave great recommendations. We were not rushed at all, either, which is rare for Arlington/DC brunches." -Katherine F.
37 AFFORDABLE NORTHERN VIRGINIA WEDDING VENUES UNDER $5,000
Boasting an industrial mod design with exposed ceilings, wall-to-wall windows, and unique artwork, the gorgeous space will provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your special day. Bar Bao offers two excellent venue options for your wedding reception: its spacious back bar & patio or a full restaurant buyout. With a combined 5,000 square feet of event space, these two spaces can accommodate parties with up to 350 guests.
These Arlington Bars and Restaurants Have the Best Happy Hours in Town
At 7:57 p.m., the waitress is kind enough to place an order for an El Guapo agave IPA (discounted) and a Bao bun (not discounted, but a mere $2). The scene is neither bumping nor dead, with most seats at the smallish bar taken. The facade feels a bit thrown together, a mix of industrial warehouse, graffiti (see mural of what looks like screaming panthers) and picnic furniture.
Best Food, Bottomless Brunch & Rooftop View
Bar Bao in Arlington, VA is an Asian-inspired restaurant with a thrilling experience with its eclectic menu. Choose from dishes like braised pork belly bao and chicken dumplings for a truly unique culinary journey. For the perfect weekend brunch adventure, Bar Bao offers unlimited drinks specials for $36.99 each person, providing something extraordinary to enjoy!
Our Favorite Places to Eat in Clarendon, VA
Their bao buns are soft and deliciously flavored, and itโs generally really hushed during lunch hour too. My happy place remains Citizen Burger โ the servers are amiable, the burgers great, and the truffle fries heaven.
Best restaurants in Arlington
Discover the vibrant tastes of Asian fusion at Bar Bao in Arlington โ where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit