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the Irritable Bao – Authentic Bao Buns & Asian Inspired Bowls in Auburn, AL

The Irritable Bao, located near Auburn’s Toomers Corner, is a standout eatery known for its vibrant, bold flavors and warm, attentive service. This local gem excels in crafting mouthwatering bao varieties—like the sweet & spicy chicken and crack chicken—as well as creative bowls such as the bang bang shrimp and cauliflower. The team’s passion shines through each dish, balancing spice and comfort with fresh, well-executed ingredients. Whether you’re craving spicy beef buns or flavorful fried rice, the Irritable Bao delivers consistently exceptional, soulful food that leaves diners eager to return. It’s more than a meal—it’s a memorable experience rooted in community and care.

the Irritable Bao at a glance

  • Address 127 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830, United States
  • Phone (334) 329-7009
  • Restaurant type Asian fusion restaurant , Chinese restaurant , Fusion restaurant .
  • Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .

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the Irritable Bao: Reviews & Ratings

Maria Williams
5

Tried the Sweet & Spicy chicken buns, crack chicken bao, spicy beef bao, and the bang bang cauliflower bowl. The food was really good. The sweet & spicy chicken was definitely our favorite. The cauliflower bowl was delicious over all and the fried rice was sooo good.

Richard Patino
5

Worth the Wait! Exceptional Food and Service I finally managed to dine here after multiple attempts, and it exceeded my expectations! The food was outstanding, and the service was top-notch. What truly impressed me was the owner's hands-on approach, ensuring every guest has a fantastic experience. It's rare to find such personal attention in a successful establishment. Highly recommended.

Helen Mcknight
4

A few doors down from Toomers Corner, this location is an easy walk from campus. There was only 1 bao entry on the menu as a daily special. Instead we got chicken skewers and chicken fried rice and a side salad.

D J
5

We had high expectations for The Irritable Bao given the multiple recs from locals, and those expectations were dramatically surpassed! Desiree, Whitley, and their team not only accommodated a pretty last-minute (and definitely frantic) order for 25 people, but they also held my hand in deciding what to choose AND managed to keep it under budget. And they gracefully navigated multiple timing changes/issues on our end. Our crew was a mix of ppl from NYC, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, and everyone raved about the food…we ordered the shrimp buns, chix skewers, spinach and artichoke spring rolls, and of course Bao (spicy beef and crack chix), all of which were amazing. Moreover, the patience, warmth, and enthusiasm we received from Desiree and Whitley really struck us…their character is at the heart of the fantastic product. They love what they do and are passionate about food, service, and community—and it shows! Above and beyond in every way

Hannah Kussin
5

This place is absolutely amazing! My favorite item is their bang bang shrimp bowl and I’m from FL so I know good shrimp. It is 12/10The staff is so kind too and never fails to put a smile on my face! I love this place and recommend to everyone who comes to Auburn!

Jenn Cunningham
5

If I could give this 10 stars I would. We were visiting Auburn and really wanted to eat somewhere we dont have back home and came across this place. The Baos they serve changed daily, and we had the Juicy Spicy Beef and the Cracked Chicken and my Lord were they delicious. We also had Guava green tea that was to die for. Love love love it.

B H
5

This may be our new favorite restaurant in Auburn! It’s so good I considered having my mail forwarded there. (yes, we’ve eaten there multiple days in a row). Our favorite is the buffalo chicken Bao. The crack chicken and spicy pork are also amazing. The chicken skewers are great. the shrimp and the cauliflower bowls are also great. Everything is great! menu changes daily so you’ll probably have to go several days in a row, too! You won’t be disappointed!

Location

  • the Irritable Bao
    the Irritable Bao
    127 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830, United States Hotline: (334) 329-7009

Nestled just a short walk from Auburn University’s lively Toomers Corner, the Irritable Bao is a culinary gem that elevates traditional Asian-inspired fare with a fresh, passionate twist. This cozy spot at 127 E Magnolia Ave has quickly become a local favorite, renowned for its standout bao buns and thoughtfully crafted bowls. Every dish here tells a story of dedication and flavor, brought to life by a team that genuinely cares about their craft and community.

The menu offers a vibrant palette of flavors, but it’s the Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bao that truly steals the show — a perfect balance of tender chicken glazed in a tangy, spicy sauce that leaves a memorable kick without overwhelming the palate. Equally impressive is the Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl, a dish that earned a glowing 12/10 from one discerning reviewer, showcasing fresh shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy dressing that blends savory and heat effortlessly. For plant-based enthusiasts, the Bang Bang Cauliflower Bowl impresses as well, combining crispy cauliflower with savory fried rice, delivering a satisfying crunch and rich depth in every bite.

What truly sets the Irritable Bao apart is not just the remarkable food but the warmth and attentive service led by Desiree and Whitley. Their hands-on approach and genuine enthusiasm create an inviting atmosphere where every guest feels valued. Whether accommodating last-minute catering orders for large groups or ensuring each bowl and bao reaches perfection, this team’s commitment shines through. The fusion of casual vibes, exceptional food, and heartfelt hospitality makes dining here more than just a meal — it’s a memorable experience that captures the spirit of Auburn’s vibrant food scene.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards