Babalu Grill

nice experience ! more

Great Cuban food...nice location. Good for a group dinner then for drinks later (turns into an upscale night club atmosphere.) more

Out of 50% of items on the menu on a Tuesday night at 6:30pm. Ropa vieja was not good. Dessert was not good. Service was poor. Certain things ordered were never delivered to the table. Prices were not too bad. Plantains were not good. I would not recommend the restaurant. more

Went for a friends b-day. there were a lot of us and getting seating was a little of a hassle. Loved the plaintain chips and the food overall was well prepared and good. Parking was kind of a pain and the area is too touristy for me, but I'd go again- just not regularly. more

I went to Babalu Grill after a few of my friends raved about how great it was, To be honest I was too keen on going to a Cuban/ Latin Fusion Restaurant being so far away from both. After much talk and hype from my friends I went last saturday night with my wife for a special night out. the moment i walked in I could see a packed bar and thought it was going to be loud and noisy. After being greeted by the manager Chris I was welcomed and brought in to the upper dining room were we were seated away from the hustle of the bar. Our server Adam was outstanding and the food was surprisinly great being so far away from Cuba. We enjoyed some delcious Mojitos that were made with fresh sugar cane juice and Mint, DEELICIOUS! The lobster with coconut rice was also fantastic. After dinner we went into the club were the crowd was nice and music great for everyone, We ended up dancing till 2 am and left ready to come back again. We were giving just the right touch by all the staff. Babalu we will be back real soon and thanks for a great time Pros: Great all around and Free valet Cons: Cant think of any more

I went to Babalu's Grill for a Birthday party March 3, 2007. We had a party of 20. The appetizers were great and tasteful but our main courses were not good at all! The lamb was tender but lacking flavor, the lobster was chewy, and the ribs were not all the waiter hyped them up to be. The shredded steak was good, reminded me of stew. The plantain and rice was cooked perfect. Our waiter was good in the beginning but fell off pretty badly when more patrons arrived. He gave the birthday girl her cheese cake but never considered anyone else wanting any dessert. I had the bread pudding and it was delicious! It had fruit chunks in it and was soft and moist. Our table was separated which caused a little distance but we didn't mind it. The ambiance was great, music made you feel like dancing. All in all I spent 334.00 for 10 people and the meals were not worth the price that was paid. I would have complained but we were celebrating my baby sisters birthday. If I ever go there again I would only get appetizers and dessert. Pros: Appetizers and Desserts Cons: Entrees more

Babalus seems to be evolving. ive been there before but the last month or so has seem a dramatic improvment in atmosphere. I agree with the other reviews that Bryon is indeed a charming and attentive server destined to go far but i have also enjoyed metting and being very well looked after by the valet staff, the door man on club nights, other servers including Ricky and the General Manager Himself, who is curtious, polite and a real gent! The food has always been good, the staff knowldgeable and service prompt. The club night and entertaiment seems to also be undergoing changes which is refreshing and welcome, Babalu really moves with the times. Thanks so much for the good times Pros: All of it Cons: Same music Friday and saturday nights - but Ive heard that things are getting shaken up soon!! more

Last saturday my wife and I wanted to go somewhere special to eat to celebrate our first night out since having our first baby. We decided on Babalu Grill because we wanted to eat something new. We arrived at about 7:30 only to find a huge line but luckily i had made very convienent reservations with the mgr. earlier that day. Our servers name was Bryan, his service was very prompt and thourough all the way down to the presentation of our wine which he suggested to compliment our whole crispy fish""Pargo"". It seemed as if we were his only table because he took care of our every need. the coconut creme brulee was excelent as well. If you are ever in the mood for great cuban food and great service I highly recomend Babalu Grill, as well as Bryan. more

Baltimore Magazine is right it IS ""the BEST Latin restaurant"" in Baltimore. The food was outstanding. It made you wonder were you in Cuba or in Baltimore. The atmosphere is awesome and makes you feel like Desi or Lucy are going to come to your table at any moment. As great as the food is the service makes the experience even more enjoyable. My server Heather was highly knowledgeable of the menu and on top of that alot of fun. My son and I had a great time and we will soon be back. Pros: Complimentary Valet, Upbeat more

My husband and I had such a great time on our first visit last month, we have been back 3 times since! The atmosphere, food and service is all incredible. The pricing is great considering how large the portions are- I always leave with food left over. The club is so much fun- great music and fun and lively place! I HIGHLY recommend Babalu- for any occasion! Pros: quality of food, portion size, atmospher Cons: none! more

Wow, I'm telling you the best just got better! Now I've been to Babalu Grill a number of times and I've never been disappointed. The food is great, I love the atmosphere, and the service is always great. It seemed like everytime that I ate there I had a server named Ray. He was always great, never had a problem with him. But this last experience was absolutely phenomenal!! We had a server named Bryan, a handsome gentleman, with a great smile. Now I dont usually do this, but I felt that Baltimore needed to know that Bryan's service was undeniably unmatched. He topped the cake with his charm and genuine personality. Now I know I sound tacky, but I was impressed, if service was this fantastic everywhere, I would never eat at home again! Thank You Babalu, for a wonderful dining experience. Thank you Bryan for an unforgettable evening. Pros: Service , Bryan, Food more

Yesterday my friend and I had one of the most wonderful dining experiences. The food and service was far beyond our expectations. We started our diner with the freshest ceviche with shrimp, scallops and fish marinated in the lime juice. For the main course, the Cuban crab cakes special was absolutely delectable, with mango and papaya adding a unique flavor. Top it all off with some chocolate éclairs and authentic mochitos and you'll get an experience that will be very hard to beat! The service was courteous, friendly and timely, and the Cuban music provided for just the perfect ambiance. Highly recommended! You won't be disappointed! more

Last weekend I dined at Babalu Grill, and I was taken aback by my overall experience. The ambience was great - very colorful and inviting. The food was SOOO delicious - very flavorful and visually appealing. I also tried their well-acclaimed mojitos which I found to be the best I've ever had. My friends and I enjoyed our service a great deal too. The server was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to all are needs. We had such a fun and enjoyable time! A definite return visit in the near future! Pros: Flavorful food, Fantastic service, Valet parking more

After reading rave reviews, I went to Babalu Saturday night. My boyfriend and I received what was probably the worst seating in the restaurant...right in front of the kitchen doors and next to the bus area where all we heard was the clanking of dirty plates and silverware. (The restaurant was fairly empty, so I was a bit surprised by the seating choice.) I couldn't bear to watch the kitchen door swing open and closed all night, so I sat next to my boyfriend in the booth. Service was prompt and friendly, but a bit too quick, if that is possible. We were seated at 730pm and walking out the door by 825pm! Not relaxing at all. The food was average - we ordered the paella for 2 - not at all flavorful as we were expecting. A very average experience....and disappointing as my hopes were set high. more

My experience at BaBaLu Grill was truly amazing. Everything from the service, to the food, to the atmosphere and music was very Cuban. The staff was warm like family, the food was flavorful and delicious and the bright colors and photographs of old Cuba make you forget that you're in the US. Not only was the dining experience great but the restaurant turns into a nightclub on Fri. and Sat. nights and I had a ball! I reccomend this place for any and everyone!! Pros: FREE Valet, GREAT Service, Delicious Food more

Wow! I went to Babalu for the first time last weekend, and was definitely impressed! It's much more classy and upscale than I thought it would be. All of the people there were beautiful. It was really just a fun place to be. I almost felt like I was in Miami. Definitely check out babalu for a fun time with good food and good drinks and great looking people! more

dined on a late Sat night, Food was outstanding, service was even better, and the bartenders know what they're doing. The atmosphere was fun and hip, Def one of baltimores must-go-to places. Stayed after dinner for dj and dancing. Music was great, The crowd was upscale and fun. Saw the better of what Baltimore had to offer. Must say, the only downside was the fact that they had to close that night and we flew out Sunday afternoon. When we return to Baltimore, we will def return Pros: service, food, music Cons: had to leave Balt!!! more

Great night! Food and service were fantastic. Then the restaurant turned into a dance club and we danced the night away. more

If you're from Miami or Cuba, you're going to feel right at home! If you're not, you're going to feel like you are for a night! Everything's great! From food, to ambience, to music! I recommend most anything on their menu. On weekends.... they're a must! I'm highly recommending Babalu's Grill! Pros: Great Music, Good Cuban food, Dancing after dinner Cons: , Reservations more