Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Bao Buns and Cafes in New York

Steaming bao buns and a quiet cafe corner are all that matter when the afternoon slows down.

Based on 579 Opinions
+576
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Spring Cafe image 1
Spring Cafe image 2
Spring Cafe image 3
View all
Vegan restaurant

Small, narrow space with limited seating and counter-style tables creates a cozy, intimate vibe. Clean, modern design pairs with impressive wall art for a welcoming feel. Noise from the blender can disrupt the otherwise calm atmosphere.

Bao buns come in braised tofu skin and vegan BBQ pork flavors, both tasty and satisfying. Combos include fries or hot soup, making baos the main event rather than just sides.

Cozy and small inside, the cafe focuses on hearty vegan baos with combo options. It offers a great variety of healthy vegan dishes like burgers, noodles, and salads, served with speedy, impeccable service.

People are saying

"The vegan chicken and braised tofu skin noodle soup was amazing."

"These bao buns are unbelievably delicious and have great texture."

"The strawberry matcha latte at this cafe is a flavor bomb."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan, so there’s no need to probe into ingredients.

2

The restaurant is located right next to the Canal Street subway station.

3

Seating is limited, making takeout a better option during busy hours.

02
Bibble & Sip image 1

Small bakery with a modern hipster vibe featuring alpaca-themed decor and Asian-inspired pastries. Atmosphere feels cozy and cute but can get crowded and tight for seating. Desserts stand out as visually stunning and uniquely delicious.

Super cute cafe with an adorable and cozy interior. Full of the most adorable desserts that also taste good. Popular spot for young millennials to study and take Instagram pictures.

People are saying

"The cream puffs here are heavenly, with light, delicious cream."

"I loved their rich and perfectly balanced latte."

"The cafe's pastries and desserts are super cute."

Good to know

1

Expect a line of 10-15 minutes or so on weekends.

2

It is best to plan to take out or do a quick stop due to limited seating.

3

The bakery is currently closed for renovations until mid-May 2024.

03
Uncle Lou 快樂人 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Spacious dining area with Asian decor featuring lanterns and a lion head on the wall creates a modern Chinatown vibe. The atmosphere is loud and lively due to popularity, making conversation challenging. Lazy Susan tables facilitate sharing dishes, enhancing the communal dining experience.

Braised pork falls apart between the soft buns. Bao bread is spectacular, fluffy, and delicious.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is excellent, especially the Peking duck and dim sum."

"The dinner spots here serve authentic, delicious Cantonese food."

"The bao buns here are fluffy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Prepare for a long wait during dinner time.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Cash payments warrant a 9% discount.

04
Land to Sea image 1

Cafe offers a homey ambiance with unique Hong Kong-inspired decor and a social, soulful vibe. Back room features neon lights and board games, creating a distinct community space. Music is lively, sometimes loud, and the place welcomes dogs and local art events.

Mini bolo baos come out fluffy and soft with a crispy Ham and Cheese option also available. Pastries and baos pair well with an orange blossom cortado.

Asian inspired cafe offers fantastic SEY blend coffee and features local art. Staff show genuine kindness and warmth, with fast WiFi and comfortable seating for remote work.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee, especially the mandarin latte."

"It's a great spot to work, with plenty of seating available."

"The cafe's coffee and pastries are delicious and creative."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7 PM with $12 glasses of wine.

2

Land to Sea hosts community events like art exhibitions and workshops regularly.

3

Expect the shop to be crowded on weekends, making seating limited.

05
Golden Manna Bakery image 1
Chinese bakery

Cramped space fills with lively energy and warmth, offering cash or Venmo payments only. Local workers frequent for freshly baked bread at dawn and Chinese sweet and savory pastries like the best egg tart in Chinatown. Seating is limited, encouraging quick visits or takeout.

Cha siu bao and lai you bao stand out with soft, flavorful fillings. The bo lor bao has a crusted top but tends to be hard and dry.

People are saying

"The mango mochi here is super soft and chewy."

"I love their sweet, soft, and fluffy bread."

"The roast pork bao buns are the best in NYC."

Good to know

1

Come here at 6:30 am for fresh baked bread.

2

The coffee, tea, egg tart, and raisin walnut bread cost $8.50.

3

Food for two costs less than $10.

06
The Monroe image 1

Victorian-styled bar and cafe with a newly renovated performance space offers a spacious, beautifully curated interior featuring a pool table and board games. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy, welcoming a diverse crowd who come to work, relax, or socialize without crowds or chaos.

A cozy cafe that welcomes laptop work without judgment. It combines a coffee shop, bar, and kitchen in one space that feels lived-in and comfortable.

People are saying

"It's a remarkably calm spot to truly enjoy yourself."

"The bar here is inviting with well-made drinks and an atmosphere easy to settle into."

"This cafe has such a chill, quiet vibe for relaxing or working."

Good to know

1

The pre-Grand Opening event is on February 20th from 6:00-8:00 PM.

2

The venue is near local subway stations on East Broadway.

07
Van Cafe image 1
Bakery

Hole-in-the-wall bakery with an authentic Chinatown vibe and crowded, lively atmosphere. Offers freshly steamed dim sum and inexpensive pastries with no table service, where customers order and pick up food at a large counter. The interior feels worn-in and nostalgic, reflecting a local, unpretentious setting.

Soft and tasty baos come fresh from the warmer. The roast pork and combination baos stand out, with the combo being the most notable. Baos bought in bulk from the fridge can develop a chemical-like smell the next day.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is fantastic, freshly made, and inexpensive."

"I got a tasty coffee for only $1.50."

"The bread here is fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Get there early in the morning to enjoy the enormous variety at bargain prices.

2

The bakery is cash only, so bring cash for your purchases.

3

Expect excellent discounts on remaining food items after dim sum and baking services end.

08
Cafe Joah image 1

Small space with minimalist interiors and a hidden speakeasy behind a bookshelf creates a unique dual atmosphere. Calm and laid-back vibe during the day shifts to a lively, humming energy at night with a DJ. Limited seating and outdoor tables encourage intimate gatherings and people watching.

Small, clean minimalist interiors create a calming vibe. Staff are friendly and helpful, guiding drink choices. Drinks include expertly brewed coffee and earthy, creamy matcha with balanced flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"You'll find zero alcohol cocktails that give off a great bar vibe."

"The cafe staff are super friendly and helpful."

Good to know

1

They don't take American Express; check other payment options.

2

Cafe Joah often closes early, usually by 2 PM.

3

The cafe has very limited seating with only 2 window seats.

09
Hi Tea Bakery & Restaurant image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Small space with about 4-5 tables offers a cozy atmosphere for quick bites. Busy environment attracts loyal customers who appreciate classic Hong Kong dishes and affordable prices. Cash and Zelle are the only payment methods accepted.

Quaint space serves Hong Kong style cafe food with quality at affordable prices. It operates as a cash only spot, reflecting traditional practices.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Hong Kong style food, especially the dim sum."

"The Hong Kong style milk tea here is delicious."

"This Hong Kong style cafe has delicious, affordable food."

Good to know

1

This is a CASH ONLY restaurant.

2

There is a bonus free parking lot behind the restaurant.

3

Sometimes you have to wait a while because they are too busy.

Discover more

New York, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...