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BABALU - East Memphis
BABALU - East Memphis: Tableside guacamole and bold Mexican flavors in a bright, welcoming space.
4.3
Mexican
$$
BABALU - East Memphis: Tableside guacamole and bold Mexican flavors in a bright, welcoming space.
BABALU - East Memphis offers a lively Mexican dining experience with tableside guacamole, birria tacos, and fresh, flavorful options. Guests note fast, friendly service and a bright, clean, polished space with easier parking at the newer location. Highlights from reviews include Brussels sprouts, a sangria flight, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites return visits.
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Freshly made guacamole prepared at your table with customizable ingredients like bacon and jalapeños for a fun, interactive starter.
Crispy, golden tacos and quesadillas filled with tender, flavorful birria meat and cheese, served with rich consommé for dipping.
A variety of shareable dishes including shrimp in spicy sauce, brussels sprouts, and crab cakes, perfect for sampling and group dining.
Weekend brunch offerings like crab cake Benedict and breakfast potatoes, paired with drinks like flight sangria for a relaxed morning meal.
Creative beverage options including flight sangria, margaritas, and other cocktails to complement your meal in a vibrant bar setting.
Accommodations for parties and events with attentive service, making it ideal for family gatherings or celebrations in a polished environment.
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Overall rating
Hurricane J
Very frustrated with Babalu. Used to come here a lot for several years after they opened. Since, it’s just gotten pricier for the same quality of food. Then tonight was the straw that broke the camel’s back. The only thing we really liked (read: thought was worth the expense) was the birria bowl with cheese grits. It was DELICIOUS. I ordered it online tonight only to discover upon pickup that they silently changed the grits for bland yellow rice. Same price. No indication in the name “Birria Bowl”. “Saffron rice” tucked neatly in the middle of the description. Picture looks the same as the bowl with grits. Anyone who was used to frequently ordering the Birria Bow with GRITS wouldn’t have investigated. I feel like you should’ve called out the rice part in the name of the item, “Birria Bow with RICE”. I understand menu changes but I feel really disappointed. Now I’m stuck with overpriced rice that I didn’t want. We probably won’t come back because there’s nothing else on the menu that really draws us in. The restaurant and the servers are all incredibly neat and nice.
Celia Cox
To Whom It May Concern, I just wanted to take a moment to share how much I love Babalu. Lindsay, the General Manager, is absolutely awesome—she is so kind and welcoming. Lauren is fantastic as well and always provides great service. Even though I truly miss Garrett—he was amazing—the current team continues to impress. Julie, Drake, Kaleb,and Noah are all wonderful and do an excellent job. Kudos to the entire staff at the Poplar location! The atmosphere and service keep me coming back. And I have to mention, the Carne Asada Bowl is absolutely delicious. Thank you for such a great experience every time!
James Cloyd
I tried the birria tacos for the first time during my first visit to this location, I usually go to the Midtown spot. My server, Josiah, was very friendly and made the experience even better. The guacamole was just as good as always, and I also tried a spirit-free drink, the cucumber crisp, which was really refreshing and delicious.
Dannie
Jay Caughman
Great food & atmosphere. Portions are small but it is tapas after all. Guacamole 🥑 100%
Marino Varesio
Seriously the steak quesadilla is overpriced and disappointing
