Bao Brewhouse - Denver, Colorado

Karla G.

Was visiting Denver and came across this place on a whim. We were trying to find a restaurant that was open late on a weekday & got here just an hour before they closed. The staff were nice & we got seated right away on the first floor/tap room. Ordering on your phone was easy through the QR code. Food was brought out timely and everything we ordered was so delicious! Especially enjoyed the cocktails! Loved the ambiance of the restaurant, it gave very modern vibes with the decor, paintings, and lights.
Definitely recommend checking this place out if you're in the area!

Eric Y.

Solid 4/5 - I liked this place way more than I thought I would. Loved the vibe and they have different areas in the building for different atmospheres - all the way from a more formal sit down place to a takeout place.

The food is hit or miss for the menu overall, but they have some absolute bangers. Dumplings and in-n-Bao will definitely keep me coming back. I had a plethora of other Bao that was just okay.

Regardless the food is priced insane. Subjectively I’ll come back for my favorite items, but the Michelin bib MAKFam Chinese restaurant has a more solid menu AND is cheaper by a fair margin.

Fun spot though - the vibe really makes the place

Christine Y.

When they were seating us, they told us we could only have the table for 90 min.. really sets the mood for a rushed meal. Then we were actually out of there in under an hour. The thing that took the longest was getting the table to stop wobbling. The waitress made up for it by being very knowledgeable and attentive, but I would have expected a bit more pacing of the food.

Since it was Valentine’s Day they had some table topics, which were a nice touch and my partner and I enjoyed them.

The Kobe beef dumplings were the best of the dishes we got. The tuna tartare was over smashed avocado and there was something off on the flavor profile of the avocado for me. The braised short rib bao buns were a little fatty for my taste too. The DIY egg rolls were the best next to the Kobe beef dumplings.

Adam J. H.

Bao Brewhouse in Denver is a hidden gem that masterfully blends bold Asian flavors with an impressive drink selection in a sleek, modern setting. Located in the heart of downtown, this two-story spot offers an elevated yet welcoming experience, making it an excellent choice for a casual night out, date night, or even a solo meal at the bar.

The star of the show here is, of course, the bao buns. Soft, pillowy, and perfectly balanced with flavorful fillings, these buns are a must-try. The menu offers a variety of options, ranging from traditional to more innovative takes, all executed with precision. Whether you go for the classic pork belly bao, with its melt-in-your-mouth meat and sweet-savory hoisin glaze, or a more unique option like the crispy tofu bao, there’s something to satisfy every craving. The buns are consistently fresh, light, and just the right size—substantial enough to be satisfying but not too heavy, making it easy to try multiple flavors in one sitting.

Beyond the bao, the menu at Bao Brewhouse is excellent across the board. It’s well-curated, offering a mix of small plates, noodles, dumplings, and shareable dishes that highlight rich, authentic flavors with a modern twist. The dumplings are another standout, with delicate wrappers encasing juicy, well-seasoned fillings. The balance of textures and flavors in every dish is impressive, showing the kitchen’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.

If you’re a fan of noodles, don’t skip out on their offerings, which are equally well-executed. The broths are deeply flavorful, and the noodle dishes have just the right level of spice, umami, and freshness.

Of course, the drink program at Bao Brewhouse is just as strong as the food. The beer selection is solid, featuring both local brews and options that pair well with the bold flavors of the dishes. The cocktail menu is also worth exploring, offering creative takes that incorporate Asian ingredients and house-made syrups. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing, strong, or slightly sweet, there’s a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.

The ambiance at Bao Brewhouse is another reason to visit. The space is stylish and thoughtfully designed, with a relaxed yet vibrant energy. The downstairs area has a cozy, intimate feel, while the upstairs bar brings a livelier vibe, making it a great spot to grab drinks with friends. The lighting, decor, and overall layout contribute to an inviting experience that feels trendy without being pretentious.

Service is friendly and efficient, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. Even when it gets busy, the team does a great job of keeping things running smoothly while maintaining a welcoming attitude.

Bao Brewhouse is a must-visit for anyone in Denver looking for delicious, well-crafted food in a great setting. The bao buns alone are worth the trip, but the full menu is so well-executed that you’ll find yourself wanting to come back to try more. Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking for a unique dining experience, this spot delivers on all fronts.

Kristin B.

We had a fantastic time at Bao. We sat on the first floor in the brewhouse and the service from Matthew and the team was incredible. We sat in a little corner decorated with WuTang posters and ordered dim sum. The cheese wontons with pineapple sweet & sour was my favorite, and my boyfriend loved the ‘Big on the Pig’ gyoza. The miso chicken skewers were grilled to perfection and the bao buns were fluffy and steaming when we pulled them apart. When we inquired about merch, Matthew got us basically one of everything from upstairs and made us a little showroom at the table while we ate. Hr was so attentive and helpful!

As I was leaving, I overheard another patron in the bathroom on the phone having a tough conversation, and we shared a really nice hug- honestly it helped me probably as much as it helped her. The ability of this establishment to cultivate an environment like this is truly remarkable. I will be telling everyone I know who visits Denver to stop here!

Taylor M.

Someone recommended this place to us, as we’re just passing through Denver. We loved our experience! We made happy hour so the menu was pretty affordable. We listened to our server Cici’s recommendations and got the Brussel&shishito dish, pork xaio long bao, the bao brew salad, and the drunken empress noodles. Brussels were CRISPY (which we love); the pork xaio long bowl were little soup dumplings with a ginger oil dipping sauce; and the drunken empress noodles had a serious spice kick (in the best way). The beers were great and had a fun atmosphere with high top tables and a very cute aesthetic.

Laurel D.

Fantastic food and cocktails are stellar. Funky slick vibe with great music in the background. Jenni (our server) steered us in all the right directions! Get the cheesecake to end the night!

Scott C.

The food is tasty with small portions and vastly overpriced. The space is gorgeous, but the music is so loud you need to shout to have a conversation. Also: what is going on with the message at the bottom of the tip where the restaurant adds an additional 4% tip…and then suggests that we take it up the the government to complain?