Bao Space is a specialist Chinese bao restaurant at 205 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, on the edge of downtown’s Kerrytown district. Run by a family with three generations of bao-making experience, it brings a 2,000-year Chinese steamed-bun tradition to Ann Arbor with handmade dough, freshly steamed fillings, dumplings, salads, soup and bubble tea.
What to Expect at Bao Space
The focus is the bao: soft wheat-flour buns made by hand and steamed rather than baked or fried. The menu gives the traditional format a precise, ingredient-led approach, using premium Berkshire pork, organic Michigan-grown mushrooms and wild-caught shrimp. Start with the Premium Berkshire Pork Bun, filled with ground pork and spring onion, or the Pickled Cabbage & Pork Bun, whose marinated pork filling has a brighter, more savory edge. The Shrimp Triple Delight Bun combines shrimp, pork, mushroom and Chinese chive.
There is more here than a quick bun-and-drink stop. Fried dumplings come in pork-and-cabbage or chicken-and-cabbage versions, while the menu’s chilled Dried Tofu Strips Salad folds shredded tofu sheets with black fungus and cucumber. Beef and Radish Soup brings Korean radish and cilantro to a clear, warming bowl. Soup dumplings, dim sum and bubble tea round out the offerings, making Bao Space especially useful for a casual downtown lunch, early dinner or takeout order after exploring Kerrytown.
- Premium Berkshire Pork Bun: A steamed bun with ground Berkshire pork and spring onion, built around the restaurant’s signature handmade dough.
- Shrimp Triple Delight Bun: Shrimp, pork, mushroom and Chinese chive create a fuller, seafood-forward filling.
- Pickled Cabbage & Pork Bun: Marinated ground pork and pickled cabbage provide a tangier alternative to the classic pork bun.
- Dried Tofu Strips Salad: Shredded tofu sheets, black fungus and cucumber offer a cool, meat-free counterpoint to the steamed items.
- Bubble Tea and Dim Sum: Pair buns with bubble tea, or add dumplings and soup dumplings for a more substantial meal.
Bao Space at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 205 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Ann Arbor, beside Kerrytown and the Main Street corridor |
| Operating Hours | Closed Monday; Tuesday–Thursday 11am–7:30pm; Friday–Saturday 11am–8:30pm; Sunday 11am–7:30pm |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; $$ casual dining. Menu items are ordered individually. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 60 minutes for a meal; allow extra time for an expanded dumpling-and-bao order. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | TheRide’s Blake Transit Center is about an 8-minute walk; Ann Ashley Parking Structure is a short walk west. |
| Official Website & Phone | baospacea2.com · (734) 436-8488 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 11am opening for the easiest lunch stop, particularly on Friday and Saturday when downtown foot traffic builds. Bao Space is well suited to ordering several fillings to share, with dumplings or salad alongside; use the restaurant’s official menu and ordering links for the current selection. Call ahead for larger groups, pickup timing or any ingredient questions, especially where dietary restrictions are involved.
From the Blake Transit Center at Fifth Avenue and William Street, walk north toward Huron Street and Main Street; the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority hub connects numerous city routes. Drivers can use the nearby Ann Ashley Parking Structure, while the Fourth & Washington structure is another downtown option. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is about two blocks south, Kerrytown Market & Shops and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market are roughly a 5- to 10-minute walk north, and Main Street’s independent shops and restaurants begin right outside. Published information does not detail step-free entry, restroom layout or seating clearances, so guests using wheelchairs or strollers should call before arrival for current access arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bao Space’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Bao Space is closed Monday and opens at 11am Tuesday through Sunday. It closes at 7:30pm Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and at 8:30pm Friday and Saturday; arriving at opening is a smart choice for a quieter meal.
How much does Bao Space cost, and do I need a reservation?
There is no admission fee; expect a $$ casual-dining spend based on individually ordered buns, dumplings, soups, salads and drinks. Check the official menu or call for current item pricing and ordering arrangements; the website also provides an online order option.
How much time should I plan for Bao Space?
Plan 45 to 60 minutes for a relaxed meal of bao and bubble tea. Allow around an hour if adding fried dumplings, soup dumplings, salad or soup, or if visiting during a busy Friday or Saturday service.
Is Bao Space suitable for vegetarians, families and guests with access needs?
Families can easily share the small-format buns and dumplings, while the Dried Tofu Strips Salad and Seaweed Salad provide meat-free choices. Confirm current vegetarian, vegan, allergen and accessibility accommodations directly with the restaurant before visiting, as preparation and available items can change.
When planning your Ann Arbor travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Ann Arbor, pair this stop with standout local spots including The West End Grill, Homewood Suites by Hilton Ann Arbor, Sava's, and Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown (nearby).
