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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Illinois

Cool Bao Buns

Made for those who curate their dining experiences around bao buns that carry a certain undeniable edge.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Puttshack - Skokie image 1
Puttshack - Skokie image 2
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Electronic mini golf with digital scoring and smart golf balls creates an engaging and energetic atmosphere. The space combines colorful design and lively energy, welcoming groups and solo visitors alike. Multiple games and courses keep the experience dynamic and fun for all ages.

Bao buns come with Korean BBQ flavor that is tender and rich. The bao tacos offer a surprising twist, and the chicken bites and egg rolls pair well with the buns.

Scores and names pop up on the screen right after putting the ball down, adding a tech-savvy touch. The spot has a modern vibe that feels fresh and engaging.

People are saying

"The mini golf here is so much fun for the whole family."

"The mini golf here is unique and a lot of fun."

"The Bao Buns here are served with attentive and high-energy staff."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

2

Unlimited passes are available for $25, but check for course buyouts.

3

Expect long lines for some courses during busy times.

02
The GOAT image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small space with upstairs loft and patio seating offers a cozy atmosphere that feels casual and inviting. Music plays loudly, especially near the bar, but conversations remain easy at tables. Walls display famous athlete photos, adding a unique sporty touch to the decor.

Sticky bao stand out with their phenomenal texture and flavor. Buffalo Chicken Bao offers a solid appetizer option alongside other dishes like the Memphis sausage board and mozzarella sticks.

Light fixtures stand out as a cool design feature. The atmosphere feels casual and relaxed, matching the vibe of the excellent hamburgers served.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers were delicious and really good."

"The vibe inside is really cool and casual."

"The sticky Bao Buns here were phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Tuesday to Friday from 4-6 pm with half-off cocktails.

2

Fish tacos and a fish sandwich are the specials this month during happy hour.

3

Seating is available on the main level, upstairs, or outside.

03
Moonflower image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with dimly lit speakeasy vibe and dance floor featuring disco ball and neon lights creates a warm, lively atmosphere. Two distinct rooms separate music and dancing from intimate drink tables, while a downstairs bar offers a change in vibe. Frequent live music and outdoor seating add variety to the experience.

Bao buns come with a small slice of panko zucchini and are priced very cheaply. The flavor is mixed, with some finding them delicious while others do not recommend them.

A cool vibe fills the space, blending an upscale atmosphere with a cozy dance floor and disco ball. Funky cocktails add to the fun and vibey feel without needing to travel far.

People are saying

"The food here was always incredible."

"It's a cool place with a dark, moody speakeasy vibe."

"The bao buns here are delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with great drink deals.

2

Moonflower hosts live music events on weekends.

3

Brunch drinks are charged separately from food.

04
Kyuramen - Oak Park image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant offers private curtained booths that create an intimate and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of Japan. Call buttons at tables provide easy service without interruption. The setting feels authentic and inviting, making it suitable for quiet meals or dates.

Soft pork fills the bao buns, making them stand out. The buns pair well with dishes like ramen and popcorn chicken, creating a satisfying combo.

Private booths with curtains create a cool, authentic vibe. The overall atmosphere feels relaxed and unique.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was always great."

"The pork bao buns were so delicious and the pork was soft."

"I loved the cool private booths with curtains."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 10 PM.

2

Booths are first come, first serve and cannot be reserved.

3

Expect a 5-minute wait to be seated on Saturday nights.

05
9 Bar image 1
Bubble tea store

Bubble tea store offers a quiet atmosphere with K-pop music videos playing on large TVs, creating a clean and cozy vibe. The space feels authentic and fun, reminiscent of South Korean spots, making it suitable for casual visits or date nights.

Bao Flight offers a variety of sliders and sampler options. The bao buns come alongside dumplings and corndogs, creating a diverse selection.

Atmosphere stays nice and cool, making it a super cool boba spot. Great for hanging out with friends and enjoying the vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and out of this world."

"The bao buns here are amazing and a must-try."

"The boba drinks here are really good and super cool."

Good to know

1

Expect an 18% service charge for large parties, which is not disclosed upfront.

2

The restaurant offers a lunch special that the staff may suggest to customers.

3

Bubble tea is a specialty here, and it's the only place in the area that sells it.

06
TE'AMO Boba & Dessert - Algonquin image 1

Colorful, quirky decor creates a bright and unique atmosphere with pop-up art and photo op spots. Music adds to the pleasant, calm vibe in a clean, cozy space. Self-service kiosks and DIY art stations offer interactive experiences alongside bubble tea and artistic desserts.

Savory baos stand out with everything cheese and macha bao offering bold flavors. Both sweet and savory options deliver delicious tastes.

The spot offers a cool and unique interior that stands out from other shops. Drinks come in cool cans, and the overall ambiance feels refreshing and fancy.

People are saying

"I loved the creme brulee ube coffee latte and the dalgona."

"These mochi donuts are tender and less sweet than traditional ones."

"The bao buns here are delicious, both sweet and savory."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of free parking on-site, even during weekends.

2

The kiosk station is easy to use for ordering.

3

Self-service ordering is available for convenience.

07
Picnic Digital Food Court - Avondale image 1

Large space with a post-modern industrial design creates a calming, futuristic atmosphere. Food pickup uses fun lockers and a text link system for convenience. Offers a wide variety of options from about 50 restaurants, focusing on quick, efficient service without dine-in seating.

Fluffy, soft bao buns come with a crisp texture from cabbage and cucumbers. The crispy spicy Aioli chicken bao stands out, and vegetarian baos are incredible and rare elsewhere.

Concept of a digital food court stands out as very cool. Doghaus adds a unique and modern vibe to the spot.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and amazing."

"I found the Japanese food, especially the sushi, to be really good and fresh."

"I found the crispy spicy Aioli chicken bao to be super good."

Good to know

1

There are approximately 50 restaurants operating within this place.

2

The process of picking up food through a text link and locker combo is efficient.

3

Some restaurants post open hours despite not actually being open.

08
Kyuramen x TBaar - Vernon Hills image 1

Interior features honeycomb seating and Japanese-style call buttons at each table, creating a quaint, authentic ambiance. Atmosphere feels busy yet pleasant, with a vibe that encourages a timely dining experience. A Boba counter adds variety beyond ramen, complementing the overall design and service.

Steam pork bao buns stand out with rich flavor and a tender texture. Chicken bao lacks the same quality, while pork bao pairs well with other dishes like steak.

Cool vibes come from the unique decorations and seating that create a fun atmosphere. The overall design adds to a really cool experience.

People are saying

"The ramen here is amazing, tasting like it's from Japan."

"The vibes and decorations here are really cool."

"You have to try the pork bao buns; they're delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to leave the room by 7 PM for another booking.

2

The restaurant does not allow substitutions for ramen dishes.

3

Expect a wait time of about 20 minutes even when busy.

09
TE'AMO Boba & Desserts - Navy Pier image 1

Bright, clean space with casual Go & Grab vibe and aesthetic appeal. Friendly atmosphere with fast kiosk ordering and occasional promotions. Known for fresh boba and flavorful mochi donuts alongside unique ube coconut desserts.

Bagel bao offers a delicious twist on traditional bao buns. Ube bao bun dumplings take about 15 minutes to serve and come with a dessert option that can earn a free tote with purchase.

Unique bottles and cans stand out with their design and variety. The drink selection offers a fresh, cool vibe that feels modern and inviting.

People are saying

"I loved their strawberry milk tea, it was amazing!"

"I thought the idea of the place was cool."

"I found the ube bao bun dumpling to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Expect a 10-minute wait for drinks during peak hours.

2

The ordering process is done entirely through a touchscreen tablet.

3

A promotion offers a free drink or donut after leaving a review.

10
TE'AMO Boba & Dessert. - Chinatown image 1

Small space combines ordering and seating, creating a cozy but sometimes crowded setting. Bright, cute decor with aesthetic design and unique drink packaging sets a welcoming vibe. Music mixes English, Spanish, and Kpop, adding lively energy to the atmosphere.

Cheesecake baos come warm with a creamy filling but sometimes lack enough filling. Variations like the Oreo cheesecake bao have a hint of Oreo flavor but can taste like custard buns, while the Ube cheesebao often has a thick, dry bao with little ube taste.

Unique atmosphere with cool looking cans and fun flavors stands out. Music adds a really cool vibe to the place.

People are saying

"You have to try the mochi donuts; they're amazing."

"I thought the cheesecake Bao Buns were pretty good."

"I found their milk boba tea to be very cool."

Good to know

1

The shop does not have a bathroom available for customers.

2

They offer a variety of vegan and dairy-free options for drinks.

3

Parking is limited; consider using public transport or rideshare.

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