I ordered four tacos for brunch - short rib, shrimp, spice seared tuna, and chorizo. Out of the four, I enjoyed the shrimp the best. The tuna taco was ok. I've had better elsewhere. The pico on the chorizo was too watery so it soaked into the chorizo. Pretty much took the flavor away from the meat and made it soggy while the pico water was also pouring out of my taco. The short rib was super dry. I don't recommend the short rib at all. The tacos are also fairly pricey for what it is. They are priced at one taco. read more

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Just no. This places food isn't anything special. The service is ordinary, but you're going to be charged for the tip no matter how you feel about the service The ambiance is a ton of hipsters who like overpaying for everything. Save your money and go somewhere else. read more

I spent my birthday here and we got brunch, it was very yummy! The service was phenomenal. Food was great. Drinks were affordable and a good brunch time. Overall, I would go back! It was a fun environment and everyone in the restaurant seemed very happy to be there. read more

Babalu - Chocolate caramel pancakes - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

If you want something chill, go here. If you want fresh guacamole, made right in front you you, definitely GO HERE! Late night and our server was amazing! read more

The best thing was the spooky margarita for sure. I ordered the lamb skewers and crispy Brussels. I think the description mentions that the skewers are ground meat but I assumed that meant meatballs? I didn't think it would be a long stick of meat. It was good though just surprised me a bit. The Brussels were a little too crispy for my liking. read more

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The first time ordering lunch for work from here I just got chips & guac and a side of yellow rice & beans. I was not disappointed except smelling all my coworkers tacos made me regret not indulging more. The next time we ordered I made much better decisions - their roast chicken tacos (and the guac again, of course). I don't know what the sauce is they put on the them is but it's amazing. The third time we ordered I just got tacos and regretted nothing! read more

This place was delicious. First time visit her and I'll start by saying their table side guacamole is totally worth it. I wish I had pictures of this meal, but I was enjoying it way too much. They summer sangria was amazing and their tacos were really good. These tacos were not the most authentic, but they did have good flavor. I like that you get to choose the type of tortilla for your taco. Their rice and beans were really good, their street corn was okay. The corn was missing flavor and a bit dry for your typical street corn. read more

I had an awesome experience here. I hadn't been and I was determined to go on Fall Break and I am glad I did! The food, vibe, and drink was so good. They had specials and reasonable prices for top quality menu items. You can tell they take pride in their product. My waiter was the friendliest and coolest dude ever. I was alone and he made sure to make me feel welcomed and even invited me back to try out the other specials (I have to get there for Taco Tuesdays soon) they have throughout the week. I will for sure be back. I can't get over how well blended my cheese grits were and how on point the drink was. read more

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I had a great dinner at Babalu. I hadn't been in a really long time -- certainly not since I've gained the money (and the age haha) to be able to buy drinks, but I'm glad I made my way back. I had the Blackened Salmon and Tequila Makes You Absinthe Minded (and a Coors light, don't @ me). The salmon was AMAZING --amazing enough that I started asking around about how to make it since sadly there's no Babalu in Philly where I normally live. It had a sweet Chile glaze that had me scraping the plate afterwards. My friend and I both got the same drink, and both had the same reaction -- happy that we went for the drink with Absinthe in the title. Would recommend. Our waiter was also super nice and super helpful. I wish I had asked for his name to shout him out here. There is also a fair amount of outdoor seating available. Now that I'm vaxxied, I'm so happy to be back on my restaurant game but also sad to see what I've been missing. Would definitely recommend Babalu, and I'll definitely be back whenever I'm back in town! read more

Babalu - Blackened Salmon (magical) - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Part of the patio area. Always cleaner than poplar location. Midtown Babalu has never failed me, service and food always on point. Great place to catch up with old friends and family. read more

Babalu - Part of the patio area. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Came in for happy hour. It was very chilly at the booth we were at. Service started off very slow, but for much better. Brussel sprouts don't look so good in the picture, but they were delicious. Had the white sangria and it was NOT good. read more

Babalu - Salmon - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Drinks were good but the food had really gone downhill. Been to Babalu's many times before and always enjoyed the food but not this time. Steak was burnt to a char and Short Rib was so tough had to saw it knife. read more

Amazing service and the food was so good! Our waitress Kendall was amazing and so kind throughout our meal! This was my first time trying here but I will definitely be back ! read more

We had arrangements with a large party. They really screwed up our prior arrangements and ended up giving our group the patio instead of the private room that we had reserved. I've got to give them credit. The restaurant accepted responsibility for their mistake and comped our entire parties food order. The food itself was absolutely delicious. Hands down they know what they are doing. There is no way I can give a restaurant a bad review after accepting responsibility for their mistake. Good food, good service and accept responsibility! read more

Babalu - Lamb Sliders - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Put this on your list for definite stops in Midtown Memphis. I went right at happy hour (3-6pm ) and was easily seated. Our server Lucky was amazing. Very sweet, funny , and attentive. I ordered the Guacamole rolls....when I say DELICIOUS, that's an understatement. We also had table side guacamole, because they make it fresh. I don't eat meat and for once in my life it's was difficult to choose because it was so many great options. I decided to go with the street corn, rosti potatoes, and a veggie taco. It might sound like a random meal to you, but all I tasted was mmm...mmm...good. Everything was great. I had a lunarita to drink. No complaints there. My friends had no complaints about their food, so I'm giving 5 stars and I can't wait to go back and get more guacamole rolls!! read more

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It was good, they sat us outside and forgot about us for a while and the portions were pretty small but it was decent.

Was initially drawn to this restaurant by the name (I'm half cuban ). So impressed with this place! Came with a group of 5 without a reservation and was seated within 15 mins. The hostess was super sweet and accommodating. Our server was Clark. He was funny and had quick, efficient service. We started with the guacamole which they make table side. Was enough for all five of us to snack on and passed the California girl test (we know good guacamole). I had the mint2b julep Rita. Omg so good!!! Not too sweet, had a refreshing, tropical flavor. I tried my friend's drink "lift your spirits" also super tasty! This place has got some great, original cocktails. For food I ordered the lamb skewers. Definitely a 5/5. Tasted like kebabs. I also got a tuna taco. Some great crunchy pieces in there. 4/5 Tried some of my friends teriyaki steak skewers. Delicious! Also came with some unexpected cheesy potatoes, but surprisingly went well with the skewers. 5/5 Overall this place played some fun top 40 music, had a great vibe, tasty food and drinks. Highly recommend and look forward to trying some of their other food and drinks. read more

Babalu - Lamb skewers and tuna taco - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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I don't like the food and the portions are small. There are much better Mexican restaurants around like Los Camales.

Friend recommended to stop here. Very glad we did. Don't skip the appetizer and get the made- table-side guacamole. Two whole avacado and all the spices added at the table. So simple, yet such a better tasting guacamole. Oh, and the main entrees were great too. I got the Crispy Hot Honey Shrimp. Good heat that is nicely cut by the sweet honey. read more

I went there Friday night (8/18) with my family. The server was nice, and the short-rib egg rolls were tasty. I also liked my drink (Life is a Beach) however the pork-belly tacos were a major letdown. The pork had a pork loin feel and not so much the pork-belly texture that I was looking for. Pork belly is supposed to be fatty, not dry and tasteless. Along with the tasteless pork, the pickled onions weren't pickling. They tasted like they had been soaked in water, no vinegar, no sugar, no salt, just water. The flavor of the Brussel sprouts were good, but just a little salty. read more

Love this Babalu location! The calamari here is soooooo good and it's great eating inside or even outdoors.

I've been to Babalu a number of times - it's my favorite place in town for happy hour with a small group of friends. They have pretty good taco and drink deals and my friends and I always have a great time there. I really like their rose sangria and guac is always amazing (not to mention the unlimited tortilla chips that come with it). Food usually is great, but not lately. I would've given Babalu 4 stars, but I found that the menu changed a bit and the tacos aren't the same anymore - definitely not as good. They're a bit smaller and the fillings a bit "messier." They also took the ceviche off the menu - that was one of my faves. The service has also dwindled - we waited more than 30 minutes for our food to come. Is there enough wait staff here?? I'll come back occasionally for HH with friends when we have plenty of time to spare, but I hope they do something about the food, especially the tacos. Please make them how they used to be! read more

The food is top tier. Drinks... creative Appetizers... nice size. I followed both with a Flight of tacos...chicken, fish, seared tuna. But my FAVORITE taco was their DUCK taco!!! So good we ordered more!! I'll most definitely be eating here again when I'm in town read more

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@babalu Great night eating for any night of the week. I tried the Braised short rib and creamy cheese grits and spice sauce! With a glass of the house Sangria. I took an order of the street corn! ! It was most go to as well. My friend had the salmon and brussels' sprouts and glass of sparkling wine. read more

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I'm not a Mexican food fan but even I enjoy this place!! Love the tableside guacamole!! It's a must have when you're there! Drinks are amazing, too! Brisket tacos are awesome! Can't go wrong with this restaurant! read more

Food is always excellent here. I would definitely recommend the pork belly tacos and the table side guacamole. You can't go wrong with this place. read more

We love Babalu! The Margaritas are the best and the bartenders are always sweet even if they are super busy!

I asked a friend to surprise me during a lunch trip through Memphis and when we rolled up to Babalu, I knew it was going to be special. In fact, I would say that Babalu is probably my favorite restaurant in Memphis now. The restaurant itself is super hip and has a great atmosphere. We were greeted immediately, seated promptly, and our waiter came over super upbeat and positive. After a couple suggested dishes, we settled on the black eyed pea hummus, some tacos, and some street corn. Dear god - the flavor is amazing. I always try to get a vegetarian taco to see how much thought they put into their flavors and this is by far one of the best vegetarian tacos I've ever had. But honestly - everything was tasty. I will most definitely be back and probably frequent other locations that are a little closer to me. Well done, Babalu. read more

Babalu - Black eyed pea hummus - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The food and atmosphere were incredible. Brooks was the best server I have had in a while. I would highly recommend.

Called in an order for pick-up - apparently the the WRONG Location! It was a Saturday evening and the restaurant was PACKED. The bartender quickly took ownership. Instead of the typical "ooops, sorry", he said if I didn't mind waiting a few minutes, they could fix me up. He WALKED my order directly to the kitchen, offered a complimentary drink while I waited, and got it out to me within about 10 or 12 minutes. Bravo!! Oh - and the Parmesan blackened Salmon salad was excellent! read more

Loooooovvvveeeeeddddd it here! We decided to come in to grab some food and drinks and we weee not disappointed. Bella was our waitress, HEY GIRL! Bella was AMAZING! Such a sweetheart, really friendly, personable, and just overall really great at her job! She suggested items, answered questions, provided fast service, and made the experience really cool. She suggested the guac eggrolls, and chefs kiss! I'd come back over and over for those! The cinnamon bread pudding, WHEW, so good that we ordered another order to go. We did order drinks but I can't remember the names BUT they were good as well. If you've even remotely thought about stopping in, please do, you won't be disappointed. read more

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The food is awesome. The staff are 100% the real deal. The service went over the top. I thought that the ambiance of the staff and restaurant is awesome. Keep up the excellent job servicing your guests. read more

Fresh and delicious food, friendly and prompt service, fun and upbeat atmosphere and they always have great music playing.

A local told me to come here and I'm so glad I did. If you are staying downtown, it's defiantly a car or Uber/Lyft ride away (roughly $7-$9). Babalu is located outside of the craziness of Beale Street. Babalu is in Overton Square, which is a lovely area that I highly recommend checking out if you are visiting Memphis for a few days. This is a large restaurant with a lot of seating at the bar and in and outside. I came on a holiday around 1 pm and they were packed! There were so many appealing menu options, I didn't know what to choose. I finally decided on the chicken tacos and cheesy grits. Based off of how delicious those two dishes were, I don't think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. All ingredients were fresh, and both dishes were wildly full of flavor. Also, order the grits, honestly they are the best I've ever had. I love that the menu offers a lot of small plate options so you have the opportunity to try a lot of different things. I mean, the tacos are only $3.5 - $4 so how could you go wrong? I loved the look of this building and the decor inside. You feel like you are in a completely different space and time. It's clear a lot of care and thought went into every detail. Fun fact, this restaurant was named after Ricky Ricardo's signature song in my one my favorite all-time shows, "I Love Lucy." After hearing that, I had to visit. If I lived in the area, I'd be here all of the time. It's not overly fancy or expensive so it could easily be a regular place to eat. Why should you visit? If you haven't been convinced enough from my above review, I don't know what will change your mind. But, don't let location not being in downtown detour you and if you want the best grits ever, this is your place. read more

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So I've been seeing this place for the last few week riding down Popular and decided to stop in with my girl tonight and let me tell you..THIS PLACE IS 5 stars! My service was great,I mean everybody was friendly.The food was Delish as well or as my brother would say FIE,LOL.I had the Blackened Salmon with the Brussels Sprouts and my Girl had the Veggie tacos.We definitely will be going bac read more

Babalu - Blackened Salmon with Brussels Sprouts - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Updated as of Oct. 2021: they have done so much better when it comes to staffing. I'm glad because that was really my only problem with this location. Now, the staff are beyond friendly, helpful, and check on you frequently. The food is delicious as always, albeit a little pricey for the serving size. There is a slight fly problem in the summer but that can't really be helped since there is outdoor seating and that's how they get in. read more

Food excellent try the red fish creamy sauce or the roasted salmon and Brussel sprouts with a slight sweet taste. Good service. Ambiance Spanish parlor vibe read more

Food was ok, but I will not be eating there again. The predatory practice of charging a 20% gratuity on TO GO orders is unconscionable. I am always happy to tip on to-go orders, but to arbitrarily impose 20% for the privilege of finding a parking spot, walking in, and picking up my bag without receiving any table service is just beyond the pale and unacceptable in a free civilized society. What if every industry decided to offset its losses in this way? I did not receive a pay raise for surviving the pandemic, so what gives anyone the right to pick my pockets under the guise of recovering losses sustained in the pandemic (if that's your justification). It's a shame, because I would be a regular customer if you dealt fairly. read more

Table side guacamole is FIRE!!!! We also had the smoked pork belly tacos and the fried fish tacos. Amazing!

Service was outstanding. Lindsey is a great manager. My server was very prompt and helpful. The food is good.