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Chiu Quon Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chiu Quon Bakery
7.8
A classic Chinatown-to-Argyle style bakery stop where the pastry case and steamed buns are the draw, not table service. The move is to go early, grab a mixed box, and prioritize the items that travel well—buns, egg tarts, and a couple of sweet breads.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ pork buns (char siu bao), Portuguese egg tarts, Pineapple bun
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Old-school Chinese bakery buns and tarts in a grab-and-go format.
Who should go: Pastry-box buyers and bun snackers
When to visit: Mornings for the freshest selection
What to order: Char siu bao, Portuguese egg tarts, pineapple bun
Insider tip: Build a mixed box—two savory buns, two tarts, one sweet bread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Argyle can be tight, especially weekends; allow extra time or plan to walk from a side street.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are. This is a grab-and-go bakery.
Noise level: Low to moderate—brief ordering interactions, not a sit-down environment.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—expect a short line (5–10 minutes) during peak afternoon hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a quick line under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several sweet buns, egg tarts, and some vegetable-filled items.
Vegan options: Limited—some plain or red bean buns may qualify, but labeling is minimal; ask before buying.
Gluten-free options: No—traditional wheat-based buns and pastries dominate the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date, but great as a casual stop—grabbing pastries together and walking Argyle works well.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There is no table service—this is strictly takeout with quick in-and-out ordering.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—sweet buns and egg tarts are easy wins for kids, though space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive bakery boxes and classic Chinese buns that travel well.
Skip if: You want coffee service, seating, or modern patisserie-style desserts—look elsewhere for a linger-friendly café.
Chiu Quon Bakery
7.9
A classic Argyle Street Chinese bakery where the case is the menu: buns, tarts, and sponge cakes that prioritize freshness and value over polish. The best move is to buy a small mixed box—one savory bun, one egg tart, one sweet bread—so you get range without overload.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ pork bun, Portuguese egg tart, Sponge cake
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Old-school Chinese bakery case with strong value and repeatable staples.
Who should go: Bun-and-tart fans on a budget
When to visit: Late morning for freshest restocks
What to order: BBQ pork bun, Portuguese egg tart, sponge cake
Insider tip: Build a 3-item box: one savory bun + one tart + one sweet bread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Argyle St; can be tight during peak hours and weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Very casual — everyday clothes, errands-friendly.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly quick in-and-out bakery traffic.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — daytime bakery; short line possible midday.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief line of 5 minutes or less.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several buns and breads without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — some sweet breads may qualify, but labeling is minimal.
Gluten-free options: No — wheat-based bakery with no gluten-free options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date, but great as a casual walk-and-snack stop if you want something low-pressure and inexpensive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There is no table service — order at the counter and take everything to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids love the buns and egg tarts, but space is tight and stroller maneuvering can be tricky.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive Chinese bakery staples with strong freshness-to-price value.
Skip if: You want seating, polished pastries, or clearly labeled dietary options.