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New Yorkers 1st Choice

Top 10 spots for bao buns AND cafe vibes to Enjoy in New York City

Based on 653 Reviews
+650
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Updated
01
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Cafe
🥟 Bao Buns
🌱 Vegan Friendly
🥛 Dairy Free
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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.

People are saying

"The bao buns taste great but can be oily and pricey."

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

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

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
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🥟 Bao Buns
Cafe
🌱 Vegan Friendly
🍔 Burgers
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Cozy cafe with a calming speakeasy mood plays quiet blues and jazz. Vegan bao buns like vegan pork belly shine alongside mushroom impossible burgers. Small space offers extensive vegan menu and warm, genuine vibes.

People are saying

"The vegetarian and vegan dishes taste fresh and amazing."

"The place feels cozy and the food is always enjoyable."

"I found the BBQ chicken bao buns surprisingly flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The all-day brunch special is available on Thursdays.

2

The restaurant has many vegan options and items for non-vegetarians.

3

Pancakes are available all day.

03
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Cafe
🥟 Bao Buns
🏷️ Affordable
🍽️ Lunch Spot
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Spacious setup with glass dividers creates a peaceful vibe. Pork belly bao shines with perfect size and texture, while vegan options stand out. Cozy cafe offers Chinese comfort food and affordable lunch near offices, all served with great service.

People are saying

"I love the bao buns and spicy noodles here."

"The cafe has a cozy vibe that feels great."

"The food at this Cafe is authentic, flavorful, and reminds me of home."

Good to know

1

The total cost for two people, including two drinks, is under $30.

2

The price for the noodles is $10.

3

Expect a quick service during lunch hours.

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🥟 Bao Buns
Cafe
🍽️ Lunch Spot
🏷️ Affordable
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Small, clean space creates an intimate eating environment with picnic-style tables and extra seating in the back. Atmosphere stays calm and cozy with relaxed, elegant vibes suitable for casual meals or dates. Music and free snacks add to the comfortable ambiance.

People are saying

"The food is always delicious and worth it."

"The popcorn chicken and ramen are crispy and tasty."

"The cafe's pork belly is tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

You can get a set meal with sides and bubble tea for under $15.

2

The restaurant only offers take out after 7:40 PM.

3

There is limited seating, so it is better to take out.

05
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🥟 Bao Buns
Cafe
🧭 Food Tours
🏘️ Local Spot
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Food tours wind through vibrant, diverse neighborhoods with stops at classic New York eateries offering pizza, falafel, and cupcakes. The atmosphere stays relaxed and fun, like walking with a knowledgeable friend. Tours highlight authentic local flavors and a colorful urban vibe.

Good to know

1

Tours typically last around 3 hours and include multiple food stops.

2

Reservations are recommended for groups larger than six people.

3

Expect to walk about 1-2 miles during the tour.

06
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Cafe
🥟 Bao Buns
🥘 Food
🌮 Shrimp Tacos
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Taco restaurant with warm stylish decor and luminescent Mexican-style paintings creates a modern, friendly atmosphere. Excellent music plays, enhancing the vibe for a young crowd. Known for best birria tacos and a family-friendly environment.

People are saying

"The vibe is great and the tacos are awesome."

"It's clean and has a friendly atmosphere."

"The food is fresh, tasty, and the portions fit."

Good to know

1

The taco deal on Tuesdays ends at 10 PM.

2

The taco place is halal, catering specifically to Muslims in uptown.

3

Fresh food is ready in not more than 5-10 minutes.

07
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🥟 Bao Buns
Cafe
🤙 Casual
🎯 Authentic
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Hong Kong style fast food restaurant offers a spotlessly clean dining area with self-serve sauce and cutlery stations and a cool air-conditioned environment. The space feels authentic and spacious, designed for quick movement and casual dining. Noise levels can vary, sometimes interrupted by loud maintenance sounds near seating.

People are saying

"I love the tasty dim sum and flavorful dishes here."

"The place is clean and the food tastes great."

"The dim sum here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait 30-40+ minutes to receive your food.

2

You should order ahead because the lines are already out the door.

3

There is no service for dine-in; orders are placed and picked up at the counter.

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Cafe
🥟 Bao Buns
🥟 Gyoza
💎 Hidden Gems
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Underground space with phenomenal entrance and beautifully designed decor creates an upscale yet cozy atmosphere. Dance music plays throughout, adding lively energy to the spacious dining area featuring sushi and sake bars. Privacy and a unique vibe make it suitable for gatherings like birthday parties.

People are saying

"The sushi and ramen tasted fresh and delicious."

"It's spacious, clean, and I want to come back."

"The food hit the spot and left me satisfied."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are usually accommodated.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions, making it a good value for the price.

3

Lunch specials are available, providing great deals during midday hours.

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Cafe
🥟 Bao Buns
🦐 Shrimp Tempura
🫘 Edamame
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Ramen restaurant with Japandi interior featuring wooden walls, flowers, and bonsai creates a cozy yet stylish atmosphere. Music ranges from pop to K-pop, making the vibe lively and energetic, though sometimes loud for conversation. Seating includes bar options and an upstairs area for parties, supporting a versatile dining experience.

People are saying

"The food is flavorful and offers great variety."

"The atmosphere is cozy and the prices are fair."

"The pork bao buns were so delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

The lunch special offers a main, side, and dessert for $25.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Rolls are priced between $6 and $8, making it budget-friendly.

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🥟 Bao Buns
Cafe
🍽️ Dinner Spots
🥘 Food
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Low-lit space with colorful lanterns and lively greenery creates a fun, elegant vibe. Bar offers mixologist-crafted cocktails and comfy seating, adding energy. Cafe next door blends with main area, serving coffee and food, making it a great spot for bao buns like the flavorful duck bao.

People are saying

"I love the authentic food and lively vibe here."

"I was seated in the coffee shop next door, which felt a little strange."

"Sitting in the next-door cafe felt a bit odd."

Good to know

1

A reservation is necessary on Thursday evenings due to high demand.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special on weekdays.

3

Make a reservation on weekends to avoid long wait times.