The Irritable Bao: Auburn's Fusion Bao Hotspot
Auburn's Irritable Bao: Where Chinese street food meets Southern charm in a flavorful fusion, creating a heartwarming community experience.
Located in the heart of downtown Auburn, The Irritable Bao has become a culinary sensation, drawing long lines of eager customers [4, 6]. What began as a food truck named 'Dumps Like a Truck' in 2017 has evolved into a beloved brick-and-mortar store, celebrated for its unique fusion of Chinese bao with diverse flavors [6, 8, 10]. The restaurant's menu changes daily, featuring creative bao fillings inspired by both Chinese culinary traditions and American favorites [4, 5]. This approach has resulted in exciting collaborations and dishes like the brisket, egg & cheese scallion pancake BAOritto, and the crack chicken dip bao [5, 8]. Alongside the bao, you'll find flavorful staples such as Asian street Brussels sprouts and bang bang shrimp [8]. The Irritable Bao is more than just a place to grab a bite; it's a community hub [6, 8]. The walls are adorned with photos of happy customers and images of children in Asia who benefit from the restaurant's charitable work [6]. The owners are known for their friendly and engaging personalities, making every visitor feel welcome [6, 8]. The restaurant donates a portion of its proceeds to support kids in poverty overseas and local initiatives for single mothers [5, 6]. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be prepared for a potentially long line – a testament to the Irritable Bao's popularity [4, 6]. However, as the owner says, 'The longer the line is, the faster your service is!' [4, 6] With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to giving back, The Irritable Bao offers a dining experience that's both satisfying and meaningful [6, 8].
Local tips
- Check The Irritable Bao's Instagram or Facebook page for the daily menu, as it changes regularly [4, 6, 10].
- Be prepared for a line, especially during lunch hours, but know that the service is quick [4, 6].
- Don't miss the Asian street Brussels sprouts – a customer favorite [6, 8].
- Consider visiting on a Thursday or Friday evening to experience their dinner service [8].
A brief summary to THE IRRITABLE bao
- 127 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, Alabama, 36830, US
Getting There
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Walking
The Irritable Bao is located at 127 E Magnolia Ave in downtown Auburn, making it easily accessible on foot from most points in the downtown area. If you're near Toomer's Corner, simply walk east on Magnolia Avenue for about a block. The restaurant is on the left, next to Little Italy Pizzeria [3, 4, 7].
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Public Transport
Lee-Russell Public Transit (LRPT) offers on-demand service in Auburn [12, 14, 16]. You can schedule a ride by calling 334-749-9092 at least one business day in advance. The service is free of charge [12]. Auburn University's Tiger Transit also has several stops around campus; however, it is primarily for students, faculty, and staff [9, 14]. Check the Tiger Transit website or app for routes and schedules [9].
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Driving
If driving, navigate to 127 E Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830 [20]. Parking is available on the street and in nearby parking decks [7, 15, 19]. On-street parking is $1 per hour from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and free after 6 p.m. and on weekends [15, 19]. The Wright Street Parking Deck is located at 140 Wright St and costs $1 per hour, 24/7, with a maximum of $15 per day [15, 19]. The Burton St. Parking Deck, with entrances off Burton St. and E. Magnolia Ave, also charges $1 per hour (up to 6 hours) and $15 per day [15]. Consider using the ParkMobile or LAZ Parking app to pay for parking [15].
