Bo’s Kitchen Opens in River Market

By Kevin Collison

Bo Lings has returned to the City Market, opening a smaller version called Bo’s Kitchen with an emphasis on takeout and offering limited seating.

The new operation at 108 E. Fifth St. is about one block east of the former location of its full-service restaurant at the Market which is now occupied by Enzo.

“Since Covid, the trend has been toward to-go food and good service and convenience,” said proprietor Richard Ng.

The new Bo’s Kitchen is intended to appeal to the younger demographic living in the hundreds of apartments that have been built in the River Market in recent years.

Bo’s Kitchen has seating for 16 people and an outdoor patio.

“The City Market is a very diverse place, a little younger and less families,” he said. “Their eating habits are different from our restaurants in the suburbs. Younger people are more prone to try different things.”

The menu features many of Bo Lings’ popular dishes including chicken dumplings, crispy chicken with dipping sauce, Jua Bao Bun, a sesame chicken bowl and Dan Dan Noodle Bowl with either chicken, tofu or pork belly.

“People come in and use a touch screen or order online,” Ng said. “We prepare our food fresh to order.”

In addition to indoor seating for 16 people, Bo’s Kitchen also has an outdoor patio. The restaurant employs seven people.

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bo’s Kitchen is closed Monday.

The new Bo’s Kitchen is located at 108 E. Fifth St., about one block east of the former Bo Lings.