B-
BABALU - East Memphis
Fresh flavors, vibrant vibes—where authentic Mexican meets Memphis hospitality.
4.2(5 reviews)
$$
mexican
mexican
bars
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.
Fresh flavors, vibrant vibes—where authentic Mexican meets Memphis hospitality.
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BABALU - East Memphis is a lively Mexican restaurant and bar offering a modern twist on traditional favorites in a bright, inviting atmosphere. Known for signature tableside guacamole, crispy birria tacos, and creative small plates, we serve up fresh, flavorful dishes made with quality ingredients. Whether you're here for brunch, dinner, or cocktails, our attentive staff and comfortable setting provide a memorable dining experience perfect for groups, dates, or casual outings. Join us for authentic flavors and a fun, polished vibe in East Memphis.
Accommodations for parties and events with attentive service, making it ideal for family gatherings or celebrations in a polished environment.
Starting off me and my family were greeted greatly! We had a great attentive server. The dining area was great and everyone was having a great time. Our food however wasn’t too well. My mother in laws crab cakes had cartilage like pieces in it. She asked how they were made and our server asked , she ended up taking it off the tab because she couldn’t eat them. I got the sirloin small plate with potatoes and corn . Street corn was great. The potatoes was breakfast potatoes to say the least. No flavor or anything and I got 3 single steak bites ! Just 3 ! $16 plate. My fiancé got 3 tacos and one wasn’t what he ordered he asked for fish it was shrimp. The other was steak that was tough. Anyways we really didn’t eat much and probably won’t be back 🥲
I had the pleasure of dining here recently and was very impressed with both the food and overall experience. From the moment I walked in, the restaurant felt inviting, bright, clean, and well kept, which immediately set the tone for a great meal. The service was quick and attentive without being overbearing. My order came out faster than expected, and the staff made sure everything was taken care of. I ordered the three birria tacos, and they were outstanding. The tortillas were perfectly crisp and golden, packed with tender, flavorful meat and just the right amount of melted cheese. Dipping them into the rich consommé elevated every bite. These tacos alone are worth coming back for. I also tried the fresh guacamole, and it was equally impressive. You could tell it was made fresh to order. The avocado was creamy, well seasoned, and topped with fresh vegetables for a nice crunch. Paired with chips, it made for the perfect starter. Overall, this restaurant hits all the right notes. Delicious food, fast and friendly service, and a spotless, comfortable environment. I will definitely be back soon and would recommend it to anyone looking for authentic flavors and a great dining experience.
Babalu is sooooo good! It’s a nice vibe, definitely can match any vibe with the food. Me and my cousin love to go here for the table side guacamole! It’s sooo good! I thought I didn’t eat sun-dried tomatoes and green onions but when it comes to that guacamole I surely do! We always add bacon and jalapeños. I would’ve never thought to do that but I am so glad I did! The birria quesadilla is new to the menu but it is definitely good! We also love the lamb sliders!
I’ve been to the Babalu in Overton Square before, but this was my first time at this newer location—and honestly, it’s a step up. The ambiance feels more polished, and parking is way less of a headache, which is always a win. We came as a group and kicked things off with their signature tableside guacamole. It’s always a fun touch to watch it being made fresh right at the table. We skipped the bacon this time (some of us don’t eat it), but I can totally imagine how adding that would take it to another level. The guac itself was fresh, creamy, and comfortingly classic—my personal favorite kind. That said, the experience varied a bit. The first batch was kind of meh—maybe the server wasn’t too enthusiastic—but the second round, prepared by someone else, was noticeably better. Small details like that make a difference. Next came the shrimp appetizer, and wow. Easily the highlight of the evening. Perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce—it was seriously addictive. For mains, a few friends went with the salmon and red snapper dishes, and they were pretty pleased—generous portions with roasted veggies, nicely plated. Others went for quesadillas and gave them a solid thumbs-up. I, however, went with the crab cake Benedict from the brunch menu, and it was… underwhelming. The flavor was decent, but the portion was tiny—like, kid’s-menu tiny. Two small benedicts and a scoop of breakfast potatoes didn’t really justify the price tag. Definitely felt like a miss. We skipped dessert, partly because we were full, partly because the service just didn’t wow us. It was slow and not very attentive—we had to flag the staff down several times for basic things. Overall, the vibe was laid-back and pleasant, but the experience was mixed. Some real hits (hello, shrimp!) and a few definite misses. Would I go back? Maybe— just to give them another chance.
Some of the best brussel sprouts I have ever eaten! The drinks and food were good and reasonably priced. Did I mention the brussel sprouts? I had 2 orders. The waitress was so sweet! My bill was around $40 including tip. Flight sangria, (2) orders of brussel sprouts, grilled fish taco and al pastor taco
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