Ribeye had a LOT of fat for a $42 steak, vegetables overcooked . waiter couldn't be found when needed. Drinks left empty after first ordered. Staff, bussers? gossiping,making fun about us and other customers complaints. We speak Spanish as well. Unfortunately a one time visit for local residents.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
timmer92211
Best fried chicken sandwich ever. Steak fries were perfect. Totally unique atmosphere. Completely recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Priscilla Arballo
Great place on a Friday night, live music, yummy food, and great service. They serve Cuban/ Peruvian food- we had the lechon, the cubano sandwich, and ropa vieja- all were great but the cubano Sammy was my favorite! I enjoyed their key lime pie and the cookies came with Dulce de leche for dipping. They also made an excellent faux-jito for y'all doing nonalcoholic.Parking: Easy parkingWheelchair accessibility: They have ramps
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: El Cubano Sandwich
Laura Walker
Rick was an amazing server. Asked for food suggestions, !and it did not disappoint. Will definitely be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot, Aji De Gallina, El Cubano Sandwich, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Betty Johnson
Fabulous meals & great cocktails. Dancing to a great band! An exceptional experience Marco was charming and us 4 Canadian ladies had a great time!!
Sarah Monje
This was my first time trying alligator, and their battered alligator appetizer was ? with that creamy, spicy, sauce. The chicken lollipop was amazing, with the crispy sauce and the deliciously fried skin. The stuffed mushrooms were delicious, and small for the price. The Babaloo salad really rounded out the meal, and the tostones were tasty. The staff were friendly, and had respect for my service dog. The decor is beautiful, and elcectic. The live music was a nice touch.Vegetarian options: Babaloo salad, Tostones, Stuffed Mushrooms…Parking: Close to the door on a Monday night.Kid-friendliness: Chill place with accommodating staff.
The menu is extensive. There are some Cuban items, some Peruvian, some Cajun. Our table of six ordered a variety of items. Everyone was pleased with their appetizers and meal. I ordered a Tuna Poke Bowl. The tuna was fresh and the sauce, which was perfectly-applied, had a nice balanced soy-ginger-wasabi flavor. In my opinion, perhaps the menu is too extensive or at least it lacks focus. The service staff was very friendly and helpful. They were quite apologetic about the 35-45 wait for the delivery of our main courses. The delay was odd because the restaurant was not that busy. Several at our table opted for the curly fries, which were actually more like potato straws prepared in a mesh basket and presented like a big potato timbale. The potatoes were nicely crisp and beautifully presented. The one person who ordered steak-fries was jealous! If I had suggestions for improvement, I would say this: (a) figure out what you want to be. One of the owners said he was from Barcelona---so why not do amazing Spanish tapas, patatas bravas, bombas? and (b) please add more salad offerings. Two salads are not enough. And, please don't serve Caesar salad with vinegar-based, bottled dressing, when doing a house-made version is so easy and so much better. We will definitely go back. The location is great and the parking abundant. The patio (which we virtually had to ourselves) is surrounded by lush greenery and was peaceful. You really couldn't hear 111 or El Paseo traffic or noise. The music started about 15 minutes before we left so we didn't get the full music experience, but what we heard was great.
Jesse Gep
I went here for the nightlife and was not disappointed. How many places still have a piano bar? The piano player, Eric was great! He played everything from the '40s to the present and did some in his own style. Then at 7 pm, the band starts. I went Friday and Saturday and both bands played excellent dance music from the '60s through '80s. Happy hour at the bar was wonderful, with $5 drinks and food from $4 and up. I had a pork slider and a chicken slider and both were fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Adam Rodriguez
I love this place. My wife and I have gone 2 years in a row for our anniversary. When we arrived they said I needed a reservation. I was a little bummed and let them know it's OK, I'll go somewhere else. It's our anniversary. The hostess told us that she would see if she could do something for us. Found us a great table! The music was great, the food came out super fast and hot. I can highly recommend the lechon and the chicharrones. Their beans are some of the best I've had. The service was great! We got the same server 2 years in a row. He was great too! We will be back here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
RoninYYC
First time eating here. The place has a nice ambiance and looked inviting. I was somewhat surprised by the scarcity of patrons, especially during the tennis matches. Our server was great.......recommended a few dishes which I chose from. Dishes were simple but tasty and were good value. My issue with Babaloo is how (in my opinion) absolutely terrible their house band is! Sounded like a high school band who had practiced for a week before playing the high school talent show......which they would have lost!!! The band is the ONLY reason why I won't return or recommend to friends. A shame because the restaurant deserves better!
Really enjoy this place for unique tapas and flavors. Great bar, wide range of choices to go with the music and food. Had a really fun band on this Friday night with tunes from late-60's and fun 70's rock. Local oldies dancing to their favs. Excellent service and solid follow-up to make sure everything was perfect. Set in an old Elephant Bar, there is lots of room and comfortable booths to go round. We go back regularly.
Robert Knox
Spent Super Bowl there last Sunday. Not too busy but a great place for viewing a sporting event. Gus was great as usual. Tried out his special Chili. Amazing !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fernanda F.
Went here for dinner last night. They had a band playing which was nice and not too loud. Things started a little slow since there was no one to seat us but when I asked at the bar she immediately apologized and came to seat us. Our server was very friendly and the man I believe is an owner came over and let my husband try some very spicy sauces. If you think you like it hot I challenge you to ask for their super spicy sauce. I had the Picadillo. It wasn't the way I make it at home but had plenty of flavor. Even though all the ratings aren't great on Yelp, I'd give this place a try or two.
WileyPalm Springs C.
Unique ....in a excellent way. Not only can one find unique Cuban cuisine, one experiences the food with the authentic recipes AND the attention to the detail of the building, the interior the essence of Havana to compare this restaurant in California as to not only Cuban and Peruvian foods one can not find these one of a kind dishes. This is not what every other restaurant does with a steak, chicken, pork and potato......Entertainment I guess every night, standout service and friendliness to bartenders Christian and Ashley that convincingly have me wanting to come back and try other items. Not only did I enjoy eating the Cuban style food, I enjoyed the place. The only place I can think of somewhat similar to Babaloos is Tropicale in Palm Springs. I think anyone going here will also appreciate Babbaloo.
rafanbill
Party of six at 4 pm on a Monday. No one else dining so we had the place to ourselves. Appetizers were delicious and the food was spot on. Just what we were looking for. Highly recommended.
Ribeye had a LOT of fat for a $42 steak, vegetables overcooked . waiter couldn't be found when needed. Drinks left empty after first ordered. Staff, bussers? gossiping,making fun about us and other customers complaints. We speak Spanish as well. Unfortunately a one time visit for local residents.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 2
Best fried chicken sandwich ever. Steak fries were perfect. Totally unique atmosphere. Completely recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great place on a Friday night, live music, yummy food, and great service. They serve Cuban/ Peruvian food- we had the lechon, the cubano sandwich, and ropa vieja- all were great but the cubano Sammy was my favorite! I enjoyed their key lime pie and the cookies came with Dulce de leche for dipping. They also made an excellent faux-jito for y'all doing nonalcoholic.Parking: Easy parkingWheelchair accessibility: They have ramps
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: El Cubano Sandwich
Rick was an amazing server. Asked for food suggestions, !and it did not disappoint. Will definitely be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Escargot, Aji De Gallina, El Cubano Sandwich, Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl
Fabulous meals & great cocktails. Dancing to a great band! An exceptional experience Marco was charming and us 4 Canadian ladies had a great time!!
This was my first time trying alligator, and their battered alligator appetizer was ? with that creamy, spicy, sauce. The chicken lollipop was amazing, with the crispy sauce and the deliciously fried skin. The stuffed mushrooms were delicious, and small for the price. The Babaloo salad really rounded out the meal, and the tostones were tasty. The staff were friendly, and had respect for my service dog. The decor is beautiful, and elcectic. The live music was a nice touch.Vegetarian options: Babaloo salad, Tostones, Stuffed Mushrooms…Parking: Close to the door on a Monday night.Kid-friendliness: Chill place with accommodating staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Mushrooms, ADG Tostones
The menu is extensive. There are some Cuban items, some Peruvian, some Cajun. Our table of six ordered a variety of items. Everyone was pleased with their appetizers and meal. I ordered a Tuna Poke Bowl. The tuna was fresh and the sauce, which was perfectly-applied, had a nice balanced soy-ginger-wasabi flavor. In my opinion, perhaps the menu is too extensive or at least it lacks focus. The service staff was very friendly and helpful. They were quite apologetic about the 35-45 wait for the delivery of our main courses. The delay was odd because the restaurant was not that busy. Several at our table opted for the curly fries, which were actually more like potato straws prepared in a mesh basket and presented like a big potato timbale. The potatoes were nicely crisp and beautifully presented. The one person who ordered steak-fries was jealous! If I had suggestions for improvement, I would say this: (a) figure out what you want to be. One of the owners said he was from Barcelona---so why not do amazing Spanish tapas, patatas bravas, bombas? and (b) please add more salad offerings. Two salads are not enough. And, please don't serve Caesar salad with vinegar-based, bottled dressing, when doing a house-made version is so easy and so much better. We will definitely go back. The location is great and the parking abundant. The patio (which we virtually had to ourselves) is surrounded by lush greenery and was peaceful. You really couldn't hear 111 or El Paseo traffic or noise. The music started about 15 minutes before we left so we didn't get the full music experience, but what we heard was great.
I went here for the nightlife and was not disappointed. How many places still have a piano bar? The piano player, Eric was great! He played everything from the '40s to the present and did some in his own style. Then at 7 pm, the band starts. I went Friday and Saturday and both bands played excellent dance music from the '60s through '80s. Happy hour at the bar was wonderful, with $5 drinks and food from $4 and up. I had a pork slider and a chicken slider and both were fine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
I love this place. My wife and I have gone 2 years in a row for our anniversary. When we arrived they said I needed a reservation. I was a little bummed and let them know it's OK, I'll go somewhere else. It's our anniversary. The hostess told us that she would see if she could do something for us. Found us a great table! The music was great, the food came out super fast and hot. I can highly recommend the lechon and the chicharrones. Their beans are some of the best I've had. The service was great! We got the same server 2 years in a row. He was great too! We will be back here again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time eating here. The place has a nice ambiance and looked inviting. I was somewhat surprised by the scarcity of patrons, especially during the tennis matches. Our server was great.......recommended a few dishes which I chose from. Dishes were simple but tasty and were good value. My issue with Babaloo is how (in my opinion) absolutely terrible their house band is! Sounded like a high school band who had practiced for a week before playing the high school talent show......which they would have lost!!! The band is the ONLY reason why I won't return or recommend to friends. A shame because the restaurant deserves better!
Restaurantji Recommends
Really enjoy this place for unique tapas and flavors. Great bar, wide range of choices to go with the music and food. Had a really fun band on this Friday night with tunes from late-60's and fun 70's rock. Local oldies dancing to their favs. Excellent service and solid follow-up to make sure everything was perfect. Set in an old Elephant Bar, there is lots of room and comfortable booths to go round. We go back regularly.
Spent Super Bowl there last Sunday. Not too busy but a great place for viewing a sporting event. Gus was great as usual. Tried out his special Chili. Amazing !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here for dinner last night. They had a band playing which was nice and not too loud. Things started a little slow since there was no one to seat us but when I asked at the bar she immediately apologized and came to seat us. Our server was very friendly and the man I believe is an owner came over and let my husband try some very spicy sauces. If you think you like it hot I challenge you to ask for their super spicy sauce. I had the Picadillo. It wasn't the way I make it at home but had plenty of flavor. Even though all the ratings aren't great on Yelp, I'd give this place a try or two.
Unique ....in a excellent way. Not only can one find unique Cuban cuisine, one experiences the food with the authentic recipes AND the attention to the detail of the building, the interior the essence of Havana to compare this restaurant in California as to not only Cuban and Peruvian foods one can not find these one of a kind dishes. This is not what every other restaurant does with a steak, chicken, pork and potato......Entertainment I guess every night, standout service and friendliness to bartenders Christian and Ashley that convincingly have me wanting to come back and try other items. Not only did I enjoy eating the Cuban style food, I enjoyed the place. The only place I can think of somewhat similar to Babaloos is Tropicale in Palm Springs. I think anyone going here will also appreciate Babbaloo.
Party of six at 4 pm on a Monday. No one else dining so we had the place to ourselves. Appetizers were delicious and the food was spot on. Just what we were looking for. Highly recommended.