We Tried It: Bao Tennyson Just Wants To Be Part of the Community

The Curio Cabinet team is constantly opening themselves and their community up to new narratives and experiences. We Tried It is an ongoing series of testing and vetting products, events and destinations by local businesses.

The beloved Bao Brewhouse menu items and dumplings have extended to a new Denver location. In late August, Bao Tennyson, a multi-concept eatery known for creative Asian fare, opened in the Berkeley neighborhood on Tennyson Street. 

This expansion to the flourishing Tennyson Street brings a quick and casual feel, serving up Asian street-food inspired eats alongside a full-service craft cocktail bar program. The original location in Larimer Square opened in 2020 and quickly won the hearts of locals from all around Denver. Between its atmospheric two-story design and the charm of its upstairs tea room, this venue has cemented itself as the city’s spot to eat, drink and dance the night away with curated live DJ sets.

As Bao Tennyson entered the scene, it invited one lingering thought – how will this experience redefine or add on to the first? Here at The Curio Cabinet, we pride ourselves on staying curious and experiencing new spaces in Denver and beyond. As frequent guests of the Bao Brewhouse Larimer location, we couldn’t wait to dive into this new expansion and the creativity behind its menu.

WE TRIED IT:

Situated between luxury stores and local boutiques, the Tennyson location welcomes guests with red paper lanterns lining the entryway ceiling, a striking nod to the signature installation at the Larimer Square location. The setting was quick and casual as we immediately noticed that all orders were taken at the front.

We were greeted by the location’s General Manager, Wolf, who provided us with multiple recommendations and must-have items on the menu. Here’s what we ordered:

Signature Cocktails: 

• Silk Slippers
• Enter The Dragon

Dim Sum: 

• Cheese Rangoons (topped with colossal crab meat)
• Kobe Beef Dumplings

Baos & Roujiamo:

• Fried Chicken Roujiamo

Noodles & Rice

• Garlic Fried Rice

To say the least, we had a spread. While trying these menu items, we wanted an assortment of different meats, sides and appetizers to get the full experience. The Bao team encouraged us to try the Kobe Beef Dumplings and the Fried Chicken Roujiamo. And boy, were we in for a treat.

Smooth and fragrant, the Silk Slippers cocktail strikes a balance between refreshing and indulgent. Its layered notes of gin, elderflower, cucumber and mint felt both playful and refined. Enter The Dragon lives up to its name, bold, fiery and memorable. Reminiscent of a traditional margarita, its Tajin rim added just the right amount of heat paired with its citrusy brightness. Both drinks lingered in the best way, pairing beautifully with the richness of the dishes that followed.

As our first food item, we received the Garlic Fried Rice. The garlic fried rice was flavorful and fragrant, with perfectly cooked grains, Chinese sausage, egg, edamame and more flavorful additions. While just a touch on the salty side, the portion size is ideal for sharing and makes a great companion dish to the richer entrées.

The Fried Chicken Roujiamo might be the sleeper hit of the menu, and it did not disappoint. The fried chicken is crisp yet juicy, tucked into fluffy bread that soaks up every drop of sauce. It’s equal parts satisfying street food and elevated bar bite. The order is for one, and we were left wanting more. Now we know to double it next time.

Next, a playful take on a crowd favorite, these cheese rangoons are elevated with a generous topping of crab meat. Crispy, creamy and briny all at once, they disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived! The rangoons were served with a sweet and sour pineapple sauce that struck the perfect balance between the sweet and savory flavors.

As our final dish, we received the Kobe Beef Dumplings, which are a fan favorite at the Larimer location; however, they can only be ordered in the upper tea room on special occasions. At the Tennyson location, these beloved pockets of flavor are available on the menu at all times. We were in awe as the Kobe beef dumplings arrived steaming hot, and their delicate exterior looked glossy and ready to eat. Giving way to an interior of impossibly tender, marbled beef, each bite was rich yet balanced, with the savory depth of meat and sauce.

The service and the environment stood out to us as well. All of our dishes came out quickly, and the team was incredibly welcoming, helpful and dedicated to sharing more about the location and the impact they want to make on the neighborhood.

We are focused on being part of the neighborhood. We want to be the fabric of this neighborhood and create interpersonal relationships as we get to know more of the community,” said Wolf, General Manager of Bao Tennyson.

After testing multiple menu items, getting to know the team and falling even more in love with Tennyson Street, Bao Tennyson proves to be the ideal spot to pop in and fuel up on good eats while shopping, or to settle in for a casual night out with friends. The space balances familiarity with fresh energy, offering dishes that feel comforting yet exciting enough to keep you coming back. With thoughtful service, perfectly portioned plates and a menu that invites both sharing and indulging, Bao Tennyson has quickly carved out its place as a neighborhood favorite and a welcome extension of the beloved Larimer location.

Visit Bao Tennyson at 3973 Tennyson Street, Denver, CO 80212, follow them on social, and peek at their menu items online before you go.