Babalu

I was very disappointed by my experience at Babalu. A coworker had made reservations for a group of 14 of us. We waited at the bar and were shushed away because there was a group trying to give a PowerPoint presentation (in a bar!). We weren't rowdy; just having a conversation. It was happy hour and were being shushed like we were in a library. I hung around the bar for 10-15 minutes to close my tab while others sat down. It then took 40 minutes to get a waiter's attention after sitting down to get a menu. By the time I could order 3/4ths of my group had been served. I hadn't finished eating before some of them were ready to leave. The service was horrible. The waiter was no were to be seen or serving dinners and then ducking into the kitchen. If I hadn't waived my arms at him, he would never have served me. This is not at all what I expected from this restaurant. more

We were actually on our way to a nearby sandwich shop when we decided to give Babalu a try. We weren't aware that they had a lunch, much less a lunch buffet. As it was nearing 2pm, they were getting ready to tear the buffet down (understandably so!), but the executive chef offered to make some more of the dishes on the buffet that were gone. Pros: Flavorful food, chef interaction, atmosphere more

I was just there recently for the first time. I liked the ambience. Pros: Live music Cons: Paid too much for alright food. more

Went to Babalu with a date not really knowing what to expect. I'd heard a lot of good things about the ambience, service and food and was looking forward to a romantic night out. Pros: good service, ambience Cons: a little greasy more

Last night I went to Babalu to the ""second sip and sample"". I have to say that this people made me feel like I did not wanted to leave the place. The first Sip and Sample"" event was at R Normans and it was a walk in, eat, drink and leave event. The place was cold, the staff was cold and the food was cold. Outside it was cold as well so... I spent there about an hour and went home! At Babalu I stayed until 9:30, even though the Sip and Sample event went until 7:30. I loved it! and everybody around me did too!! Pros: ambiance, service, authentic, cozy, fun more

This establishment will be no more within the next couple years. A couple friends and I popped in to a nearly empty Babalu on a Friday night (if that tells you anything...) to meet one of my friends sister and husband who were eating there. We sat down at their table with them - one would think the place would be happy to get a few more patrons ready to spend some money on drinks and possibly some appetizers. After the waiter FINALLY came over to take only two of the three of our drink orders, our table was approached by the manager. After I had just ordered a $9 drink, he said that if we wanted to stay there, we would have to order at least $10 in food. Also, he rudely told us that the restaurant would be filling up and when it did, the friend that pulled an empty chair up to our table from the rows of unoccupied tables was to give her chair up immediately. He mentioned that she ""should have asked if she could take a chair from one of the other tables."" So she stood up right away and said she'd just stand right away. Obviously we were completely mystified at the unprofessional and unexplainable behavior of this awkward man. When we questioned him as to why we were being treated this way and explained to him that what he was doing was completely disrespectful and unjustified, he offered us with the explanation that people were sneaking through to get past the $10 cover for salsa dancing and he ""had to make up the money somewhere."" Ahhh, the $10 in food minimum is starting to add up. Pros: ZERO. Cons: Management, wait staff, everything. more

Babulu was once in my top five places to impress a date. last night it tasted like one of my top five meals that came from a box. im not sure if they changed the menu or what is going on but i was embarrassed that i once used words like impecable. more

Pros: once inside- great space and feel Cons: sterile neighborhood more

I was in Babalu last saturday with some friends and I was thoroughly impressed. Not only was our server HOT (the flowers in her hair added to the ambiance), but her knowledge about the menu was well appreciated. We ended up ordering her recommendations and she was right on spot. I had the stuffed sole and it was amazing! The fish was stuffed with crab, shrimp, brie cheese and finished with a white wine butter sauce. The selection of tapas and apps were great! Especially the jumbo sea scallops, stuffed plantains with shrimp and the ceviche. Service was awesome, the place was ambiant, and the food was amazing. I highly reccommend this restaurant and will undoubtably be back soon! more

Enjoyed the tropical atmosphere in frigid Minnesota. Used the lot across the street. Very good cocktails with exotic selections. Interesting menu was out of the ordinary, ask your server for help and they are more than willing to assist you. Enjoy music at certain times during the evening. Nice spot for a date. more

Do not leave your car to their valet! more

Is no longer the original babalu. the live music is not good, the dj plays cheap bad quality loud music, the food is more mexican than caribean and how do they dare call it spanish? come on! they owners have terrible manners and even though the manager that night tried to do his best to make us confortable it didnt work. if you are looking for a club scene go there, if you want to have a nice dinner out with your partner or friends spend your money somewher else.. Cons: loud, meet markett, expensive more

I was looking forward to dining at Babalu as I had heard about the great food and live music. At first I enjoyed my meal--the food was good, however there was no live music. Unfortunately around 10PM on this particular Saturday night, a really, really bad DJ started playing VERY, VERY loud, thumping, club-style music right in the restaurant while people were eating. I found this extremely unpleasant and in fact had to cover my ears. This wasn't even Latin/Carribean music, but rather typical American garbage. If they're going to be a club, they should advertise as such. You could feel the thumping in your skin. It was horrible. I would not go to Babalu again unless I was sure they had changed this practice. While the food was good, it was not worth the high price, especially considering my horrible experience and the lack of live music. Pros: good food Cons: expensive, loud music, closes early more

This was the perfect Valentine's Day dinner... great service, excellent food (ahi tuna was to die for!), live music added to the atmosphere (not too loud either).... will most definitely be back in the near future! Pros: Food, Live Music more

I have dined here a few times and must say that they never dissapoint. I took my mother here when she was in town and she was amazed at how much like good home cooking this was. I feel bad for those who still haven't realized that ketchup is not a spice but this is true authentic Caribbean Cuisine. My girlfriend and I recently dined with friends tonight and the only complaint they had was they ate too much. If you want an authentic meal that is well priced then Babalu is the place to go.Take it from a first generation Cuban from New York who's been to a place or two in the Caribean p.s. Mexican is not Caribbean Pros: Ambience, Portion, Prices Cons: TOO MUCH FOOD more

I was apprehensive about going to Babalu because of the $$$$ rating on this website. What I found were entrees that ranged from $20 - $34 a plate. We really enjoyed the flavor of the tenderloin (although it was surprisingly chewy) and ahi tuna. In my experience I've found few higher priced restaurants that keep up in flavor and portion size with the prices they charge. Babalu did a great job. Our salad with beets and avocados were okay but pretty bland. Our bill for these items and three drinks & coffee came to about $85 before tax & tip. We'll keep Babalu's in mind for upcoming special occasions. Pros: great flavors, nice decor Cons: loud near stage more

I invited 20 of my closest friends for a big birthday celebration. I was told that Babalu could accommodate the party. The staff split us up into two tables, which was uncomfortable. The food was nothing remarkable for the cost, and the staff was rude and unprofessional. $2500 dollars later, my party was told that we needed to leave because another large party was coming in and they needed the tables. When I booked the reservation, I was never informed of this. My birthday was clearly one I would not forget, but not for happy sentimental reasons. I am sure that neither myself nor any other person in my party will return. more

Been there twice now. Food is awesome. ALMEJAS a la MARINERA (clams), and CAZUELA DE MARISCOS (seafood casserole) fantastic. Live music from all over the world. Ambeince is nice. Our service was good both times. The guy that looks like Chris Kattan from SNL with a shaved head is cool. Prices are up there but worth it. You can park on the street at the meters for free after 6:00 Pros: Food, Live Music, Atmosphere more

What a terrific suprise! The food was great. Service was quick. Music was a delight. more

My first time here and it was wonderful. The food and service was great, and the music was lively. I when I am in town again I will come back to this restaurant. more