baolala

- 253 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Introduction / Overview

Located in the heart of Brooklyn's creative and industrial hub, Industry City, baolala stands out as a vibrant quick-service restaurant that delivers a contemporary and authentic twist on traditional Chinese and Asian cuisine. The concept behind baolala is simple yet profound: to spread joy and positivity through thoughtfully prepared food and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a must-visit destination for New Yorkers seeking an elevated yet casual dining experience, whether they are taking a quick break from work, meeting friends, or simply exploring the dynamic neighborhood.

baolala’s menu is a testament to culinary craftsmanship, featuring a wide range of signature dishes that showcase high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. They are particularly famous for their Xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, which come in a variety of fillings including classic ground pork, chicken, crab meat, and a spicy version. Beyond dumplings, the restaurant offers unique street food experiences like the Chinese-style burger and satisfying entrees like flavorful noodles and hearty Rice Bowls. The dining experience is perfectly complemented by their extensive beverage program, which includes globally sourced teas, innovative fruit teas, milk teas, and specialty coffees, ensuring that every guest finds a refreshing pairing for their meal.

While offering quick-bite and comfort food options, baolala maintains a focus on authentic Asian flavors that are often overlooked in mainstream menus. Patrons frequently highlight the quality of the chef’s special skewers, which are noted for being perfectly grilled and bursting with flavor—a true highlight for lovers of deep, savory Asian street-style grilling. This combination of authentic, high-quality food and a relaxed, cozy setting makes baolala a true gem in the Industry City dining landscape.

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Location and Accessibility

Baolala is conveniently situated within the vibrant Industry City complex in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, making it an excellent and easily accessible spot for professionals working in the complex and New Yorkers visiting the area.

The restaurant's address is: 253 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA.

It is located in Building 3 of Industry City. The location is known for its spacious and chill design, providing a comfortable space to relax and unwind. Being within Industry City, it is easily reachable via multiple transportation methods common for this part of Brooklyn, including local buses and nearby subway lines, which serve the 36th Street area. The restaurant’s strategic placement makes it a perfect stop for lunch, dinner, or a specialty beverage while exploring the numerous shops and creative businesses in the area.

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Services Offered

Baolala is designed to function as a highly efficient and convenient quick-service establishment, catering to the needs of the fast-paced New York lifestyle while also providing a relaxing space to sit down.

• Dine-in Service: Guests are invited to enjoy their meal and drinks in the spacious, cozy, and casual dining area, which is designed for a moment of solitude or catching up with friends.
• Takeout: Ideal for the busy New Yorker, the takeout option ensures quick and convenient service for grabbing food and specialty teas on the go.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant offers a full menu of food and drinks throughout the day, making it a reliable destination for both mid-day and evening meals.
• Beverage Service: Offering a wide variety of globally sourced teas, coffees, and specialty beverages, including cream foam teas, fruit teas, milk teas, and special coffees.
• Comfortable Atmosphere: The staff is consistently described as friendly and attentive, contributing to a warm, welcoming, and relaxed experience.
• Family-Friendly: The restaurant is known to be good for kids, making it a comfortable option for family outings in Industry City.

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Features / Highlights

Baolala offers a unique combination of innovative cuisine and an inviting atmosphere that makes it a standout choice for Asian food in Brooklyn.

• Famous Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Their signature dish, available in multiple fillings including Crab Meat, Ground Pork, Chicken, and Spicy, is a must-try for its authentic preparation and bursting flavor.
• Unique Chinese-Style Burgers: Offering a creative twist on street food with options like the Pork Thousand Burger ($8.5) and the Egg & Spam Burger ($6.5), which provide a novel and satisfying quick bite.
• Specialty Beverages Program: A highly regarded selection of unique and refreshing drinks, including the Uluhuluh Signature series like the Chestnut Boba Latte and innovative teas like Peach Oolong Cream Foam Tea ($6.50).
• Authentic Asian Entrees: The menu extends beyond small plates to include satisfying mains like Braised Beef Rice Bowl ($16), Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl ($15), and flavorful Soup Noodles.
• Culinary Range and Quality: Features small plates, comfort food, and quick bites that showcase a blend of traditional Chinese and Pan-Asian influences, often using high-quality ingredients as noted by satisfied customers who praised the expertly prepared skewers and attentive service.
• Relaxed, Spacious Vibe: Located in Industry City, the space is designed to be chill, clean, and spacious, offering a perfect respite from the city's hustle.
• Not a Typical Sushi Place: It’s highlighted that baolala offers a unique focus on an often-overlooked side of Asian cuisine, featuring items like sashimi and rice but intentionally excluding traditional sushi rolls, creating a more distinctive dining focus.

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Contact Information

For any inquiries, takeout orders, or more information about baolala, please contact the restaurant using the following details:

Address: 253 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA

Phone: (718) 923-1071

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What is Worth Choosing at baolala?

For New Yorkers exploring Industry City or simply craving high-quality, authentic Asian comfort food, baolala offers a dynamic menu with several must-try items that reflect its unique concept.

The Essential Experience: Start with what they do best: the soup dumplings. The Red Hot Soup Dumpling ($10.00) offers a flavorful kick, while the Chicken Soup Dumpling ($10.00) is a comforting classic. Pair this with a unique beverage from their renowned tea bar. The Chestnut Boba Latte from the Uluhuluh Signature series offers an innovative, creamy twist, or try a refreshing Peach Oolong Cream Foam Tea ($6.50).

For a Quick, Unique Meal: The Chinese Burger selection provides a quick and satisfying lunch. The savory Pork Thousand Burger ($8.5) with homemade braised pork and scallions on a Chinese bun is a flavorful alternative to a standard sandwich. For a heartier meal, choose a rice dish like the deeply satisfying Braised Beef Rice Bowl ($16) or the aromatic Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl ($15).

For Comfort Food Lovers: The restaurant is known for its skewers, which are highly praised for their quality and flavor. While prices may vary, ordering the chef’s special skewers is highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic, savory Asian grilling experience. Additionally, the hearty noodle dishes, such as the Garlic Chicken Soup Noodle ($15), offer deep, comforting flavors perfect for any time of the year.

For the Beverage Aficionado: Baolala’s drink menu is almost as famous as its food. Beyond the Uluhuluh series, the specialty coffee options are excellent, with the Matcha Espresso Latte ($7.50) providing a decadent blend of bitter and sweet. For a pure refresher, the fruit teas like Passion Fruit Lime Tea ($6.75) are perfectly balanced and invigorating.

Baolala’s commitment to excellent service, a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and a menu that delivers both authentic flavors and modern interpretations makes it an unmissable dining spot in Brooklyn's Industry City. Whether you stop by for a quick, excellent matcha latte or sit down for a full meal of savory dumplings and skewers, baolala guarantees a positive and memorable culinary experience.

baolala

253 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, USA