When I heard that I Luv Ur Buns was closing for good after only a couple of years, it only made sense for me to plan a quick excursion around the area and stop by to bid them adieu. It was a nice addition to the mini food court in Long Beach, but unfortunately, times got tough for them to the point where they had to pull the plug on their operations. I Luv Ur Buns was one of seven vendors at Steelcraft Long Beach on the southeast corner of Long Beach and Bixby. They had taken over the spot that used to be Waffle Love, and it was such a quick turnaround that on my first visit to Steelcraft Long Beach since the Waffle Love closure, I almost thought they seamlessly rebranded from waffles to bao buns lol. Signage was posted around the shipping container assigned to I Luv Ur Buns and even a signicade closer to Steelhead Coffee; the signs informed customers that they were closing and that the Sunday preceding Martin Luther King Jr Day would be their last day of business, which also happened to be the same day the LA Rams were playing in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs, so I almost thought Steelcraft would be jam-packed. Actually, no it wasn't even that busy, and there were several parking spots available just around Steelcraft. I definitely wanted to try a bao bun, but not a full dinner, so that left me with the two Global Flavors sections of the menu. One section was titled "Global Flavors on Bao Buns" where you basically get two bao buns. Don't think these bao buns are large by any means; I tried a couple at Sosogu sometime last year, and they're not that big either. They would have been the perfect size for a snack, but I was also curious about the other Global Flavors section, titled "Global Flavors with Rice or Fries". That section only has two line items: Mini Bowls and Loaded Fries. I didn't want fries, but when I asked about a Mini Bowl, I was informed that it was a deconstructed version of a bao bun with a small mound of rice. Wanting a little more variety, I went with the Bao Mi Mini Bowl. The menu did get a little confusing for me because I had noticed the (V), which usually stands for either vegan or vegetarian. However, they had several non-vegetarian items with (V), and that had me confused at first; like how is a bao bun with grilled pork belly vegetarian?? That's when the cashier, sporting a black nose ring, let me know that it can be ordered with a plant-based option, namely tofu. However, the cashier also mentioned the use of a shared fryer between their plant-based options and their regular options, so if you were strictly vegan, I'd think twice first. I asked how long the wait would be, and they estimated 10 minutes, which was pretty much spot on. I was given a pager that buzzed when my order was ready, and since there was plenty of space for me to eat, I was given a red tray with an "I Luv Ur Buns" sticker in the middle. The mini bowl was presented on a small tray, like one you'd use when you're giving out samples at a special event. I was also given a fork, which was another reason why I ordered a Mini Bowl over two bao buns as I wanted to keep my hands clean. Besides the grilled pork belly, the Bao Mi also comes with hoisin sauce, cucumber, jalapeno, onion, and cilantro. All of what I just mentioned tasted pretty good, though not necessarily as good as what I had at Sosogu last year. Then again, the Bao Mi is Vietnamese-style whereas Sosogu is Japanese, but between the two, which are the two cheapest options at $10, the Bao Mi was the most popular alongside their Korean-style, called Seoul on Fire. I'm pretty sure I would have liked Seoul on Fire better as it comes with Bulgogi beef, but the grilled pork belly was pretty good too. Just not as fatty as I would have liked. However, I didn't like their use of a wrapping paper between the tray and the food. That's because several grains of rice got stuck on the wrapping paper, and it was hard to pluck them off with my fork. As a result, it got kind of messy eating the mini bowl, and I almost thought I'd drop a piece of pork belly in the process! Luckily, I didn't, but I don't think that would be a problem with the bao buns since the bao bun from my mini bowl didn't stick to the wrapping paper at all. One thing I observed that I thought was kind of cool was witnessing the cashier hand deliver a tray of bao buns to an employee from Elio's Wood Fire Pizza, directly across from I Luv Ur Buns. I wouldn't say I love I Luv Ur Buns, but it made for a nice quick snack albeit a little pricey for a small bowl. I'm glad I gave them a try before they closed for good, and I made sure to bid them a proper adieu by returning the tray to them. They also had a small tray of I Luv Ur Buns stickers by their order window, so I made sure to pick up a couple as souvenirs. Thank you I Luv Ur Buns for serving the LBC for the past couple years, and sorry to see you go! Best wishes to Sonya, Mandy, and the rest of the team on their future endeavors. read more

See all

I Luv Ur Buns, I super miss you! Really glad we got to stop in one last time before the swan song. Your Satay with Me will stay with me forever. Though very much a forever fan of the Orange U Yummy and your Triple Buns Mix 7 match deal. Hot Honey Bun (V) style was a so so good. Global Flavors on Bao Buns for all the yum and then some not to mention those vegetable spring rolls, fries and load fries as well as bowls. Service on the last weekend was a perfect 10/10. The vibes and decor at SteelCraft where ILUB called home is still nothing but great, live music/djs, tvs with sports or local events and an open air covered food and hangout hub. Easy parking in on of their 2 lots, see signs. This sign will absolutely be missed. read more

See all

GREAT FLAVORS I love the textures and variety of flavors. They truly taste like their names. I try to sample new flavors each time. I'm with it because these are really tasty and authentic. I understand it may be expensive for a spot at steel-craft. It is what it is. These are appetizers. Maybe I eat too much!?!? These don't really get me full, for $18 dollars you a can get a trio. Or if you are balling you can try all the flavors. I think I can probably do 10 of these if I were willing to spend it all. Then fill up on beer. it's worth a try. read more

See all

I've been coming here since they first started at Daisy's Diner! That alone can show you it's a must try. This is located at SteelCraft in Long Beach. Parking can be a little iffy. I liked that they simply decorated fall vibes. You order at the window. And there's many options! The buns come in 2 pieces which is cool! I got the bao mi. Think of a pho bowl but in a bun instead! Omg so effin good. You've got the grilled pork belly, the hoisin sauce, cucumber and jalepenos and onions. They also do limited time (usually monthly) specials. One month they had a Cuban bun and this time they had a pizza bun! You can really tell that the owners love what they do. You can taste it! read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Bao Mi (Vietnamese) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

Multiple visit customer. I love this place. Price wise, it's middle tier - a but expensive if you're looking for value baos, but at the same time, they're so well put together that I can't really complain. My go-to is the Orange Chicken bun. It's so fragrant and light. I recommend asking for the sauce on the side so the chicken can stay a bit more crispy. Love the service too, they're super cool about me asking questions and applying any discounts I have. The best part is that they have many options, so I'll definitely be back again and again. I'd say this is a top option when looking for something to eat in this little plaza. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

I came here on national Bao Day and they had a 10% off deal. I got the pork belly bao. In my opinion, the pork belly could have been cooked a little more. It was chewy and fatty. The bao was fresh and soft. The service was five star. Since it's a steel craft venue everything is outside. There's lots of seating. It was clean and well maintained. I would like to come back and try one of the dessert offerings. read more

See all

Sad to see them go! I hope they do pop-ups or something bc now idk where I'll be getting my buns from! The service and food were always so delicious! read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Sad they are closing tomorrow. Had to go back o e last time! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

Located at Steelcraft on Bixby Knolls. Shared parking lot for a variety of establishments offering food & drink. I Luv Ur Buns caught our eye. A nice variety of buns to select from but we settled on the Battambong Bao, April Bun of the Month, Sat & Sun Only A collaboration of Cambodian Heritage Month. Battambang BBQ brisket, ILUB's pickled veggies, mayo dressing & cilantro Limited quantities We made it a bundle with two baos and fries, which have seasoned salt, and a drink or bottle of water. Delicious!!! The bao is soft and fluffy. There is outdoor seating around Steelcraft with loose covering. Unfortunately one silly rain cloud decided to break open on Steelcraft and poured rain for about 5 minutes. I actually had to use the foot tray as an umbrella as I returned the trays to them. I will definitely return and try something else on the menu. Ok, bye. read more

See all

Unique flavors & all were 10/10 well made. It did take a little bit to get my order but that's fine. I got the 3 - mix and match / bao me, khymer day & bao chicka wao. I didn't know what to expect but each was crafted deliciously & unique in their own way. Makes me want to go back and try their other flavors! read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Triple Buns, Mix & Match - Bao Mi, Chicka Bao Wow, U Make Khmer Day - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

Stopped by SteelCraft and grabbed some baos--so good! Loved the Asian fusion twist on all of them; the flavors were on point. The service was super fast and friendly, which made the experience even better. Definitely a fun spot to hang out and enjoy great food! read more

See all

I definitely love me some buns! So many options and all so delicious, packed with protein and so much goodness! The staff is friendly and the location is lively and fun, be warned it gets super crowded during peak hours and weekends so be prepared. We'll be back to try more! read more

See all

I Luv Ur Buns is located within SteelCraft Long Beach. It's center stage within the location, which every place is like a food truck. Order at every window, with a beeper to call you when your order is ready. I asked the owner what options she would recommend. I went with their three buns deal and a slightly more savory two taco option for the wife's selections. I also ordered a large fry, which was perfectly fried, with a perfect seasoning level. The buns were delicious and made me want to make the steamed buns at home. Overall the pricing was decent, the food was great and the beer from SteelCraft was delicious. The ambiance was louder, due to the open air seating with multiple locations, as well as the DJ who was playing music during our time there. Location could've been a little cleaner but everything else about this place was nice. Definitely recommend. read more

See all

Yooo this place is so delicious. We tried all the buns. First the name is so creative, makes me want to try everything. The service was quick and the vibes in the space are chill and friending. Every single bun I tired so so delicious. I will definitely be coming back here. I order one of each flavor to see what I liked and I loved all of them. If you are looking to try different flavors and taste different cultures this is the place. Each bun infuses the flavors of Latinx, Asian and American culture. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

Horrible service - the cashier was rushing and of no help to offer suggestions on which bun to get. We ended up with the family pack for $79 and it was 8 buns, gyoza and fries. Everything was cold, the meat and the fries and the gyoza was particularly salty. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - 8 cold buns Family Bun-dle - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

I was both excited and bummed to see this place here. I had really enjoyed the food place that was before this one but was glad to see something interesting and new. My rating is based on the food I got and not the service. Service itself was great, she knew her product and was ready to give out recommendations. If there was any critique, it would have to be for the wait time. But, considering we got two orders of the 3 mix and match, it's not surprising. So, as I said before we got the mix-in-match. I love a deal. I can't remember the names of everything we got off the top of my head, but just know that each one was based on a different style. There was a Korea, southern based, Chinese and so on. I think out of everything, my partner and I liked maybe two out of the 6. The fried chicken and the Thai we thought were the best. The problem with some of the others were some of the following: WAY too much hoisin sauce, very thin pieces of pork belly, the bottom splitting down the middle making a mess and just not liking some of the flavor combinations. A lot of them were just, ok. Ultimately, the size of the menu is more of a hinderance than anything. I think they could benefit pairing down the menu and specializing in a few things and really making those things shine. I love Asian fusion, but this wasn't it. I think for someone who hasn't had bao before, this is a good way to introduce them. I'm glad we tried it, but I do not plan to come back. read more

It is a charming outdoor food court, with a lively locale that boasts a delightful array of options, including tacos, refreshing beers, pizzas, burgers, and coffee. The ample seating enhances the inviting atmosphere, making it a picturesque spot for a meal. **Service:** However, my experience with the service left much to be desired. Just two minutes shy of 11 AM, our attempts to place an order were met with reluctance, despite being informed that the cooking time would extend an additional ten minutes due to them switching out meats. We originally waited roughly 20 minutes because they serve breakfast until 11 AM. We ordered at 11:00AM and received our order at 11:20AM which wasn't bad. I expected worse. In my opinion, breakfast should have ended at 10:30 AM like in other places. As we were from out of town, this inconsistency was perplexing. To compound our disappointment, we were looking forward to enjoy their mango black iced tea, only to discover that the machine was out of order for the day. **Food:** On a brighter note, we ordered the Bao Mi, Seoul on Fire, and Chicka Bao Wow, with each selection featuring two baos. The chicka bao was ok, kinda disappointed. The flavor was there, however it tasted on the cooler side. I think it would have been better if it was hot. The bao mi was good with the hoisin sauce giving it a slight kick but again on the cooler side. I mainly taste the hoisin sauce. With how pricy the baos are I would think they'd give us more meat or at-least more veggies to fill up the bun. The Seoul on fire was good. The bulgolgi had good flavoring. **Parking:** It's on a busy street, so expect it to be a little challenging. **Overall Recommendation:** We love bao buns in general and we try to taste bao buns in different areas that we travel to. With the positive reviews, we were excited to give this place a chance. While the food was good, it would have tasted better hot or warm. The service challenges certainly detracted from the overall experience. I think you should give it a try to experience it for yourself. It might be a better experience for you. Personally I wouldn't come back. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Looks a little underwhelming for price - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

Don't want none unless you got buns, hun! Came here on grand opening day. I've had I Luv Ur Buns on my radar for a while but never made the effort to visit them at their Daisy Diner ghost kitchen operation. So I was excited to hear that they relocated to Steelcraft. I luv that the menu marks what is vegan or can be made vegan. Tempted to order one of everything, I got to taste the following: - Bao Mi https://bit.ly/3A0PpQ3 - Orange U Yummy https://bit.ly/4dCxgH1 - Chicka Bao Wow with Spicy BBQ https://bit.ly/3zSVLkn I personally would have love to have more tofu in the filling but I'm not a bao expert and don't know what's an appropriate filling to bun ratio. I do appreciate the fluffy buns and creativity of fillings. Each one had its own distinct flavor profile. I really enjoyed the Bao Mi and Spicy BBQ Chicka Bao. Friendliest staff! Every person we encountered was amazing! In fact, the service here is a big reason why I'm rating this place 5-stars! Also, the food came out exactly at the time staff estimated. I'm talking on the dot! That's skills :) This place also has a stamp card so that you can earn free buns after 10 stamps. I'd like to come back for that Porto-Bao-Lao and Bavocado breakfast bun. read more

See all

I love I Luv Ur Buns! It's a great addition to Steel Craft and adds some good variety to the place. So many different buns, but my favorite so far is the bao mi. I'll be back to try more! read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

The woman who helped me was super nice and she made sure i understood the pork belly was a bit fattier but i personally did not find that to be the case. The buns were very soft and the pork was crispy and deliciously seasoned. I love a crinkle fry too!! They have dessert baos too but i havent tried them yet I wanted to try the orange chicken one and another one so i will definitely be back. Im glad this place is here at steelcraft! read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Pork belly - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've been wanting to try I Luv Ur Buns ever since they were at their ghost kitchen location on Daisy, but now they have their own kitchen and in one of our go-to spots Steelcraft. Nice open space area tobjust hang out. I saw the face behind the IG, and she took my order too! I wanted to try a variety of things, but I ended ordering the "U Make Khmer Day Bao buns" and the "Satay with Me loaded fries." Now, I'll be honest, it did take 20-25 minutes to get my order, but she did give me full warning that it would possibly take that long, so I appreciated the heads up and was okay with it. Besides, I've been wanting to try the food, so I needed to be willing to wait, right?! I must say, both orders were flavorful! The bao was soft and the filling was well seasoned. I'm looking forward to trying their other global flavor baos, along with their breakfast baos and baognets. Don't forget to pick up their stamp cards, too! Until next time... read more

See all

I love the traditional soft, fluffy bao stuffed with duck and accompaniments, so this fusion concept sounded like a great idea!  This is a casual, takeout spot that works out of a ghost kitchen. We found parking in a rough, narrow alley and ordered off a kiosk. 20 minutes later, we grabbed our food from the window ready to chow down!  U Make Khmer Day tasted overly salty, Seoul on Fire tasted underseasoned, and the Bao Mi was decent. The food didn't seem freshly made as they felt cold to lukewarm.  Maybe we came on an off day? read more

I Luv Ur Buns - U Make Khmer Day (Cambodian lemongrass beef.) Seoul on Fire (Korean bulgogi beef.) Bao Mi (Vietnamese pork belly.) - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

Small but tasty buns lol. Came here on a Friday and steel craft had some live music going on . This place id say can be either a nice appetizer or can get comfortably full on atleast 4. I got the korean, taco and Vietnamese ones they were pretty good. I'd say most favorite was the korean one with the kimchi. Ther other ones were just as good tho. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Korean, taco, Vietnamese - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

I stopped by after grabbing a coffee and was so blown away by the service and flavors! I love their idea of global influence on bao. It's a great choice if you're in the area. I tried for the first time and actually said "wow!" and had to stop for a picture. I got the monthly special Bao Marley and it really slapped. Totally recommend read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Bao Marley - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

This cute little spot took the place of Waffle Luv. I was so sad. But I have to say they are pretty darn good and just as friendly. We ordered the 3 bao and loaded fries. The customer service here is a 10/10. So friendly and helpful. The prices are reasonable. The food is served fresh and hot. The bao buns are delicious. The beef is amazing. The ingredients are SO FRESH!!!The fries were loaded!!! So much goodness. Give them a try if around LongBeach. read more

See all

Service is friendly and fast, ambiance is nice too. It's an outdoor food court setting so it's a bit loud but that's okay. I had the bulgogi bun, khmer bun, and the banana one. I really like the khmer one, the meat and the pickles/veggies work well. It balanced each other. The bulgogi one was a bit meh to me, the meat was too 'one note' for me and the kimchi didn't blend well with the meat? so yeah. I liked the banana one because what could go wrong with nutella! BUT maybe if it's not fried(?) bun, it'd be better? Because i only liked some parts of the bun as opposed to the savory buns where i liked every part of the bun haha. read more

See all

Went last night for the bun of the month, the smash bao-ger and it was to die for! Wish they had it year round. Also my first time trying the PBJ and I really enjoyed that as well. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Back: Buta Bao and berry obsessed Front: smash bao-ger and pb&j with strawberry. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

Early Weds am party of 2 Breakfast menu So festive and peaceful! Attentive service Tasty baos/baognets Hot Bird - Chicken bao was a little scorched We did the deal and got $1 off for a bao + baognet combo Limited time seasonal baognets, appreciate the creativity He had the Lump of Coal baognet I had the Tart Berry - lemon blueberry baognet bc that is exactly the difference in our dessert palates. I would order the 6 pack next time so I can try more baognets. read more

See all

Gyoza is always my go to when I order from here. The services is always friendly. Steelcraft is always welcoming and fun!

I love bao!!!!! Creative take on something simple yet so delicious. Plenty of options to choose from. Girl at the counter was helpful since we couldn't make a choice. Plenty of outdoor seating. I can't wait to come back!!!!!! read more

See all

Cool little lunch spot in Bixby knolls. The bao buns were yummy served hot and super soft buns. The worker was very knowledgeable and gave me a few recommendations to order. Sonya - I would have given it 5 stars, but the 3 different bao buns tasted all the same with a sweet soy sauce flavor I barely noticed a difference except the meat type and the buns also fell apart because it was doused with a lot of sauce. read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

I've been wanting to try this place for awhile but hold off on it due to their old location being in a ghost kitchen in a industrial neighborhood. When I heard they're moving over to Steelcraft, I was excited and rushed there to try it out. I ordered the triple mix and match and chose the Korean, Japanese, and Cambodian buns. The wait did take awhile even though there weren't that much people ordering. I tried the Korean bun first and I didn't like it. The meat tasted pretty bland and it seems it wasn't marinated long enough. But I did like my other two baos. I especially thought the Cambodian bun was delicious, the lemongrass beef in it was very flavorful and the pickled veggies balanced it out. I did thought they were pricey though, three buns coming out to $21 but I would come back. read more

We were at Steelcraft to eat at Hangry Belly, and only had dessert at I luv ur buns, but what a dessert! The buns were delightfully light and crispy. I can't wait to try a baon mi tofu or orange crispy tofu sandwich, so we'll be back soon. What a great and novel idea! Loved it! read more

Fusion Asian finger food! I love baos and had to try these. My friends and I tried the Cambodian inspired Make Khmer Day and Korean inspired Seoul on Fire. Make Khmer Day had all the typical aromatics and flavorings of a Khmer dish; tasted bright and was sweet and savory. Seoul on Fire had a bulgogi meat with some kimchi on top. Meat was good, but kimchi was on the light side in terms of flavor. Overall still a good bite to have. Overall food was good and I definitely want to come back to try these as fries. All options they have can also be used for loaded fries. Also for clarification, each bao order comes with two (not listed on the menu, but that's the standard). read more

I Luv Ur Buns - U Make Khmer Day - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

This weekend was our first time trying this spot (wifey and me ) and let me tell ya, it did NOT disappoint! Everything from their customer service to their delicious dessert was amazing! We hiiighly recommend their freshly made "berry obsessed " pastry! We definitely LOOOVED your buns (heehee!) read more

See all

Everything is fire, from the hosts with the most, to the bao (sometimes toast..ed)! You don't know what cuisine you want? No problem! Get a selection from viet to Thai, Khmer, Latin... even orange chicken! Get them as loaded fries, or super soft bao! Love these ladies, love the food, support local! Support lgbt! DO IT! read more

Thus place is such a hidden gem in Long Beach. Small shop at steel craft making something unique that I had not tried. The sweet and savory combination is so good. But the person that helped out was so nice and giving us great advice about what to get. The food came out pretty quick and picture perfect. This place was great for a quick breakfast in the morning to get going! read more

I Luv Ur Buns - Savory and sweet buns! - Asian Fusion Near Me - Long Beach, California

The bao's are pretty good! The Bao Mi is pretty fatty, but my preferred bao was the Satay With Me. It had enough protein and sauce. I do wish the bao's were a little softer and more steamed but all in all, this place is great! I wanted to try the Thai iced tea here but sadly they had run out. Next time! I would suggest doing one of the bundles as the bao's alone are a little on the pricier side considering how much food you're getting. It took a little time to get our food but I think that was just opening day hiccups. The owner was really sweet and welcoming and I'd definitely come back again to try some more. read more

See all

They have a lot of great vegan options! Very creative and delicious. They also allow for customization, which is a nice touch. There's something for everyone, even kids. read more

This has officially become my grab and go bun spot! They have plenty of vegan options (thank goodness). A flavor for almost anybody! From the Bao-Mi (their version of a bahn mi which was mouth watering) to the carne asada-like portobello mushroom bao, there's really something for everybody. If you're ordering to go be mindful that any sauces will make your bao soggy! Ask for sauces on the side if you can. The carne asada looking one was very soggy since their portobello is marinated so beware! The texture can be off putting. Also be mindful of combining flavors. I had these 2 and was disappointed at myself since the bao mi was slightly sweet from the hoisin sauce then got smacked in the face by the lime and asada flavor not recommended. Average price for the area. You get 2 per order. 2 of them is ok for most people. If you're an athlete or someone with a big appetite 2 orders is perfect for you. It's located in one of those trendy container eateries so it can be a little noisy, don't expect a sit down experience. Great for an afternoon meal with the family however be mindful it gets pretty packed. Overall, as a lover of baos, I will be back pretty often! read more

Very friendly service! excellent buns tried Seoul on fire, portabello bun, banh mi and the special katsu buns. All were terrific but the favorites were katsu and Seoul on fire. Will definitely be back! Great location at steelecraft! read more