Been talking about trying this restaurant for a few years, finally did tonight and wow, we are impressed! Arrived late afternoon Saturday during "Social Hour" which happens to be 3 PM to 6 PM every day. Fantastic menu with small bites that really aren't that small and are very well priced! We settled upon the duck fat fries, stuffed bell pepper, double smash burger (which is an individual double slider) and calamari fries. All were amazing! Social hour draft beers $6 and wines $8. Well cocktails on special as well. Fantastic pianist playing the dinner set, too.... All was beyond expectation! Oh, and lots of TVs with World Cup soccer and Padres vs Dodgers! Stayed for the fun 7pm band for a bit as well. Wife and I had a very enjoyable evening....thank you BaBaLoo!!! read more

We had a horrific experience at Babaloo tonight. We were seated at a booth and within 10 minutes, both my partner and I commented that we were being bitten by bugs under the table. We moved to the bar area to get away from the infestation and explained the situation to the hostess and asked to speak to the manager. No manager came, but the "head bartender" came over and we explained the situation to him. He said that they were doing their own investigation of what was going on under the table where we had been sitting. We watched, incredulously, as the staff immediately reset the table with fresh napkins and glassware. They were going to seat another party where we had just been bitten by a flurry of bugs! Instead of taking our word for it, that we had been bitten by bugs over the span of 15 minutes, the bartender challenged us. He ended up raising his voice at us and offered no help and instead made us feel like we had done something wrong. Shame on this restaurant. Shame on their customer service, and most definitely, shame on their lack of basic sanitary measures! The bartender then said that we can either pay for the two drinks that we had partially consumed, or not. As things were escalating in a very negative way, we simply stood up from the bar and left. We will never return. read more

I was really looking forward to celebrating my birthday at BaBaLoo, but unfortunately it turned out to be one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. From the moment we walked in, there was no host to greet or seat us. We eventually sat ourselves, and right away the atmosphere felt confusing. For a restaurant promoting Peruvian and Cuban cuisine, the ambiance didn't reflect either culture. Instead of Latin music, American rock was playing throughout the restaurant, which took away from the experience. We ordered an appetizer, but no one brought us plates or silverware to enjoy it. I also asked our server if they had chicha morada, a very well-known Peruvian drink. He had no idea what I was referring to, said he would go ask, and never came back with an answer. When our entrées arrived, everyone at the table received their food except me. I waited another 10 minutes, hoping my meal would come out, but it never did. At that point, I told the server to forget it because everyone else had already finished eating. He apologized and offered me a lemonade, saying he wouldn't charge me for it. The problems didn't end there. When the bill arrived, we had been charged for two fettuccine Alfredo dishes totaling $60 items we never ordered. We were also charged for the lemonade that was supposed to be complimentary. To make matters worse, it was my birthday, and the server brought me a small sample of ice cream, saying it was for my birthday to taste. The ice cream was clearly freezer burned, and then we discovered it had been added to the bill as well. Throughout the evening, it felt like the staff had very little direction or training. Before we left, an older woman,who I assume may have been the owner, came over to take a picture of our family, which felt a bit odd considering no one had addressed the many issues we experienced during the meal. This was supposed to be a special birthday celebration, but it ended up being incredibly disappointing. Between the poor service, incorrect bill, lack of attention to detail, and the disconnect between the restaurant's advertised concept and the actual experience, I can't recommend BaBaLoo. I truly hope they make significant improvements because no guest should leave feeling the way we did. read more

Beautiful restaurant, great food, and excellent service. And the live music had my young daughters dancing! read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - From SD to the BaBaLoo! - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California

For whatever reason, the front doors were locked at about 6 pm. We were about to walk away but peered inside & could see people eating. So we went around to the side entrance. Things were awkward at first. Restaurant was warm. They said they were having issues with their AC. Mojitos were good. Maduros & calamari were good. My Pollo Saltado was delicious & my husband enjoyed his with steak. We also tried the Havana Splash. It was okay. The mojito was a better choice. It was our first time here. The interior needs some attention & they definitely need to figure out what's going on with the AC before summer hits hard. I'd return again. Overall good experience. Oh...the lady on piano was excellent. And then a band started playing at 7 pm. They were good too. read more

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Very unique experience. We were literally the only people in this whole restaurant on a Sunday (early) evening. We came based on a recommendation, and were shocked to see it so quiet! Our service was very nice and the food was all excellent. We got quite the array of bites: burger, duck fat fries, wedge salad, lamb lollipops, escargot, and jalapeño tuna! Truly such a big and good menu. The atmosphere was really unique, I have never been to a restaurant quite like this, I'm not even sure how to explain it without showing photos. We had a really nice time, and it was a great place to have nice conversation over dinner! read more

This is the first time we have been here. It was a pleasant experience. It's nice they kept some of the old Elephant Bar items. Very nice decoration. Booths were comfortable. The salad and the dinner was excellent. We also shared a key lime pie. The service was attentive and nice. Nice restaurant in the desert. read more

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Not our usual night out, but a friend was playing in the band. Fun place, with people dancing and singing and enjoying themselves. Not our thing, but if you want a fun night out, this is for you. What was perfect for us was the food. Beans, tostones, yucca...all the things that we had forgotten that we loved about Cuban food. The Lechon Asado was perfectly done. An unexpected five star night! read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - Draft IPA - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Babaloo was fantastic! The Cuban and Peruvian cuisine was full of flavor and exceeded my expectations. A huge shoutout to Arturo, our server and bartender. He was incredibly charismatic, attentive, and made the experience even more enjoyable. His recommendations were spot on, and his service was outstanding. If you visit Babaloo, definitely ask for Arturo. The Ropa Vieja was excellent, but the real star of the meal was the black beans. They were absolutely phenomenal--rich, flavorful, and easily some of the best beans I've ever had. I could have made a meal out of those alone. I also ordered the Ají de Gallina, my favorite Peruvian dish, and it was outstanding. The creamy ají amarillo sauce was packed with flavor, and the dish was prepared perfectly. Great food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Babaloo is definitely a place I'll be coming back to, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Cuban and Peruvian cuisine. read more

So we got a gift card from my brother-in-law and little sister and we finally had a chance to go out and try this restaurant now the first issue we had was the front door was locked for whatever reason, but we saw people eating inside so we went around to the patio area and entered the restaurant through there. We were greeted by the staff, which were friendly and directed to check in with the host after being seated, our waiter came over to offer drinks and was open about the AC issue they were having because it was a little warm inside the restaurant. We ordered the Manny's Mojito which was really good. We also ordered the plantains which were delicious & for the main course I ordered the Saltado with the steak which was really good and my wife had the chicken version of the dish, which was really tasty also!. we also had the calamari which was really good. The horse radish dip was really good, but careful not to dip and get too much of it because it will open up your nostrils for sure!. we skipped on dessert, but decided to order the Havana splash drink, which was good but overall we preferred the Manny's Mojito. Overall, the service was good & the ambience was nice. read more

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Okay- I admit it! I didn't want to try it: it looked unappealing from the outside and the Yelp reviews were under 4. Plenty of other places to go in the desert.... But we came out for a quick weekend and figured we would give it a "happy hour" go. I am SO GLAD we did! First, it's much nicer than it looks from the outside! Next, a REAL happy hour menu and fabulous live music (piano with Judy tonight- she doesn't miss a note!). We sat it the bar area. The service was fast, food is EXCELLENT, and six TV's which pleased my husband. Sports + music = happy couple. We had smash burger, duck fat fries, calamari and bell pepper on the HH menu. That was plenty for two people to share, and literally phenomenal. $6 draft beers and $8 house wines- my pinot Grigio was fantastic. If you haven't tried it because of the same reasons I haven't - I am here to say- you will not be disappointed! We will be back! read more

Not my kind of food! Restaurant is very nice, but , the food had no flavor, server was polite but she didn't know much about menu or the wine list, and the music ?....singers (him and her) they should be thankful they got this gig here cuz u have to make an effort to recognize the song (that's how good they are)! read more

A happy hour that finally makes us happy! Great cuban food and we experienced outstanding service and old school prices! Thank you Artty! read more

I have been coming to Babaloo since it opened and have come here for New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day. I have tried many dishes but mostly this review is about a person.Mary Lou. She goes above and beyond. I'm assured of good seating and good service. She oversees the evening and makes it special. If she is there that evening make sure you say hi. read more

10 out 10 Gold Stars to BaBaloo! After living in Palm Desert for four years I admire the consistency, quality, variety of entertainment and ambiance. But what would it be without Mary Lou! It was never more evident recently for Motown Night! Her welcoming attitude and design of the space assured everyone got a great seat. Mary Lou makes you feel well taken care of with every want attended to. She keeps the staff on their toes and that each drink and dish alights at your table perfectly! read more

An absolute disappointment from beginning to end. And it ended quickly. Not only did I make a reservation on OpenTable for Valentine's Day, where I had traveled to the Desert for a special trip with my husband, but I had also spoken to Eddie on the phone and he told me that we would be by the music I was guaranteed an inside table. The hostess ignored us, sat two other parties that came in after we did, ignored that we were told to sit down and then finally came to me and told me she had a "special table for me outside by the Koi pond"...um, no. And this might not bother other people, but someone who works at the restaurant was wearing a huge diamond Trump crown that was massive and very obvious as we walked into the restaurant. That's our first impression of a restaurant where the public is supposed to come and have dinner. Also, there was a sign denoting that they play Real "American" music and the word American was in quotation marks like any other kind of music is not American. It was absolutely offensive from the minute. we walked in the restaurant to the minute - I stormed out and it ruined my holiday and I hope no one else makes the same mistake. Save your money! read more

My friends and I went on Thursday night. They had djs playing RnB music. The service was fast and all appetizers were 1/2 off. I ordered Chicharrones and rib. Drinks were also good. Definitely will be coming back Thursday night for the music. read more

Great happy hour! Fun place to meet up. The food and service is quite good. Gus and his son Monkey are great hosts. We always have a good time here read more

Had gone by the establishment many times and the outside appearance is fabulous. Very tropical, colorful and clean. Friends came to town and invited me for Happy Hour...as soon as you entered the premises you got the feel of old Cuba fabulous leaf fans to give you lovely warm tropical breezes. Arturo was our bartender and waiter and what a friendly knowledgeable and happy gentleman he is. The happy hour menu is superb with more to offer than most establishments. I chose a mango concoction and was delighted with the presentation and the taste. All of the servers appeared happy and content in their work and overall as you see... I gave it five stars! I definitely will go back and invite you to enjoy the pleasures and atmosphere. I'm going back time to the happiness of Cuba! read more

Being Caribbean we were excited to find a Cuban restaurant that offered Rabo Encendido as shown on Yelp. To our disappointment they DON'T offer the dish even though it's menu on Yelp has it. Instead I ordered Lechon Asado which was marginal at best, and very dry. My wife ordered a grill chicken sandwich which was marginal too. Additionally the prices on Yelp are false advertisement since the prices are higher. We should have known better and not ignored that when we walked in around 1:30 pm and the restaurant was completely empty. read more

Had a group happy hour tonight and it was excellent. There were around 40 people and they were so accommodating with us. Artie was a great bartender, super fast with orders, and the group really enjoyed him. We appreciated everything about our visit. Environment, food, and drinks were top notch. read more

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I encourage you to never go to this establishment ever. This is my second event that I've done there and they f***** it up again. I tried to give them a second chance and they f***** it up. Do not go to this establishment. The owner and his son are rude. They insulted my guests. I had over 50 people there and they f***** us badly. I cannot express strongly enough a disgusted I am with this establishment and the ownership. The lowest rating I could give them was one star but if I could I'd give them a negative 10 Stars. They suck. They suck. They suck. read more

It's like I stepped back in time - (more the 80s for me) at a old glamorous hotel from the Desi & Lucy era and this was their lobby lounge with a live band -(however, not Ricky's obviously) but good band playing old school music popular with middle aged, but also favored with younger people. Well it's a restaurant and bar, with a separate area where the band is and it's large all around. That said, this was a pleasant surprise for us, having a few drinks and listening to the band. Bartenders were welcoming and accommodating - made me a drink I requested not normally served, it was good. Sat at the bar till I finally persuaded the husband to sit by the band. There was a couple of friends dancing and enjoying the music, they flagged me over to join them and it turned out it was someone's birthday, it was fun! Come for the drinks & ambience, stay for the band and any impromptu/spontaneous happenings After they left, I made my husband dance with me and for people our age it wasn't too embarrassing:) Didn't get to try the food but will have to next time we stay out here. This definitely boosted my spirits as I had an uneasy, insulting experience a few days ago at the RetroRoom lounge from their bartender. read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - Loved that you can request a drink off the menu and it was just right. - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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We love BaBaLoo!! My boyfriend has been coming here for years, and now it's a favorite hangout for me too. We love the food, the atmosphere, the ambience, and especially the piano player, Judy. If you want the best food, the best wine and the very best bartender, Arturo, look no further than BaBaLoo!! read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - Chicken Sando, Lamb Lollipops, Yucca Fries, mashed potatoes, spinach - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California

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Fabulous food! The service was wonderful and the ambience gives you a cool vibe. The band was playing and we really enjoyed ourselves. I'm definitely going back! read more

My husband and I celebrated our anniversary at Babaloo, and everything was incredible. The drinks were delicious (especially the Moscow Mule and Havana Splash), and dinner was amazing. A special thank you to Megan, the lovely hostess, who went out of her way to make sure we had the perfect table and a truly special evening. read more

Arrived for late lunch. We were greeted and sat by Ian in a beautiful booth. Mom and I were looking forward to some cuban cuisine... Ian was gracious, and guided us through the menu options. Mom had the prawns chimi... very yummy smoky seasoning...loved the maduro plantains, rice and black beans....mom finished her meal with Flan and coffee... I was happy with my Bistec dish rice and black beans maduro plantains,....loved the decor, touch of tropics, congas promises for a fun time when they have live music. We were encouraged to return for happy hour...great service, excelent food...I'll be back.... read more

We had so much fun. The mango habanero margarita was amazing. We came for the live music. Saw Rob Stewart tribute singer. We had dessert. Key lime pie and peanut butter chocolate cake were to die for. read more

my wife and I went to for lunch today and we enjoyed it so much. The atmosphere the service was incredible and we enjoyed it so much that we took our children it for dinner tonight and they were amazed by the wonderful service this is definitely a five star. It's a great place more people need to come here. It's amazing. I one of our new favorite restaurants in Coachella Valley. read more

Ambiance was interesting colorful and musical. The food on the other hand was expensive and small portions. Very friendly gal was surveying our area and asked how the sound of the music was for us. We spent $90'inc tax for two entrees one appetizer , water Sadly the fried rice dish with chicken was more like a child's portion. A friend told us to come and we do but won't go back read more

Bad service, mid food, overpriced, weird maga crown. Skip this and go somewhere else!

As a long time patron of BaBaLoo Lounge, we've continuously received professional and attentive service from the staff and the owner, Gus. As a team, they do the utmost to accommodate their patrons. Especially MaryLou. She always makes sure the customers are receiving the best possible service. Her attention focuses on making it a pleasurable experience. MaryLou goes the extra mile to ensure the customer is comfortable and enjoying ever aspect of the restaurant and the live entertainment. She is an asset to be appreciated by all. BaBaLoo's offers an enjoyable, lively atmosphere with a varied menu and exceptional entertainment not easily found in many desert establishments. Definitely worth giving BaBaLoo's a try!! read more

Greeted first thing when I walked in, and the food is good!. Island vibe. No dress code. read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Bababloo lounge deserves 5 stars based on the cubano sandwich alone!! I have come back to BaBaLoo for this sandwich every time and it is always delicious I've never had a sandwich like it! This trip I also decided to order the jalapeño poppers. I do think that they weren't as tasty but again, the cubano and the fries make up for it. I also loved this margarita it was really refreshing and yummy the service is always great and timely! I think the babaloo lounge is a great place to have brunch, maybe a birthday meal or just a casual lunch read more

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we had a wonderful time at your restaurant! the staff was wonderful, accommodating and respectful. The band was a lot of fun! The food was delicious. we want to especially thank EMI for her excellent service!!! she went above and beyond, always with a smile and kind word! we will be back again!!! highly recommend this place!! Wendy from Arizona read more

This is a beautiful restaurant and lounge. The hostess was extremely helpful and friendly. I ordered a western burger, which was very tasty and cooked exactly the way I like it and requested it. The weight staff walking around was helpful and friendly although the waiter seemed to be missing an action as one of the waiters didn't show up and there was a big group listening to the live music that they have occasionally. If you don't like the music, there's a room in the other side that you can sit and if you do, they can put you up closer to the music. It was a very nice evening. I would recommend a stop here as they have a wide menu in a friendly atmosphere. read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - My western burger and steak fries very tasty - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California

Celebrated my 50th birthday at Babaloo and had an amazing party! They accommodated our party of 15 with excellent service!! Arturo, Brendon and Lisa went above and beyond to make the evening one I will never forget!!! We enjoyed the food, drinks, live music and dancing! Definitely felt like family and will be back. Thank you Babaloo staff read more

Everything about BaBaLoo was wonderful! I had the Branzino, and my wife had a Peruvian Stir Fry (I'm writing this on the go and don't want to take the time to look up the name, but the beef was so tender it almost cried). The wait staff was incredible also, and the atmosphere was remarkable also. We finished by sharing a piece of key lime pie, and I had a coffee. The coffee was a bit pricey at $9, but that's a minor quibble for a special night out. read more

Had dinner last night at Babalous. The restaurant was clean and the employees were in top of things and great. A big 5 for Emily our waitress was very helpful and on top of things. The food was not that great. I ordered the lechon plate but it had no flavor. I kept adding salt. I am Cuban born and the Sazon we grew up with was not there. The pork was dry I had to ask for mojo and lemon to bring out the flavors. The mojitos was good one of them was super strong Emily assisted me with this Now regarding the music it was bad. The band was the one we see at the local bars. I was expecting a Salsa. Ight with a good salsa band. Why call it Babalou? Desie Arnaz must be turning in his grave. Do you know how many Latinos are in Rancho Mirage, Coachella, or even Indio or the surrounding areas of Rancho Mirage with good marketing? I'm pretty sure we could fill this restaurant up with Latinos dancing the night away there's Colombians, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, we seen them at the Grupo Niche concert. This place was packed.! Dear restaurant owners. Let's shine this restaurant and bring someone to do good marketing and bring in the Latinos so we can dance the night away. I'm sure you'll be making a lot of money if you do so. Put those congas around the restaurant to come Alive! read more

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Came in for the great happy hour with Artie behind the bar crafting delicious cocktails. Check out the Mamatini. Refreshing for a hot summer afternoon. read more

BaBaLoo Lounge - The Mamatini by Artie. - Cuban Near Me - Palm Desert, California