Open List Home >> Minneapolis, MN >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Babalu Restaurant
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For two star American, try Babalu in Minneapolis. This restaurant is expensive. Know before you go: this place features dancing. Upon entering the restaurant, you'll find an elegant atmosphere. This place features catering and lunch. This place is handicap accessible and good for groups.
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...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/18/2008
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/26/2008
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I was just there recently for the first time. I liked the ambience. Service was great! However, the food was alright. I would never come back for the food. Maybe just not my taste. But their dessert was the...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/14/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Babalu is an Argentinean/Brazilian restaurant with live music and a high number of ethnic clientele. Great South American wine list and a refreshing drink menu (excellent capirhinas!). The dinner...
yelp.com - user review - 04/08/2008
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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. Overall everything went well....
citysearch.com - user review - 03/16/2008
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/12/2008
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/15/2007
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/21/2007
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HHuba is very close to home. The honeymoon soup with fresh seafood makes me want to cry. Spicy, refreshing and comes in a bowl with a medley of firm fresh things from the sea. If getting marriied was this...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/28/2007
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/24/2007
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/24/2006
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Do not leave your car to their valet! I went to babalu three times and each time I was pulling at least 10 people with me....music was very good, not too crowded, average food....probably premium only for the...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/01/2006
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/25/2006
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/14/2006
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/15/2006
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/28/2006
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/26/2006
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/07/2005
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If you are looking for taste and ambiance go to Babalu. It is a dark, seductive atmosphere with rich multi-colored walls, and palm ceiling fans. And check out the paintings; they rotate works by diffe...
judysbook.com - user review - 10/31/2005
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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...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/25/2005
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What a terrific suprise! The food was great. Service was quick. Music was a delight.
citysearch.com - user review - 07/17/2005
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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.
citysearch.com - user review - 07/14/2005
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Overall, we had a great experience. Great food, service and ambience. Our waiter was a riot! However, I do recommend requesting seating away from the kitchen. I was in the path to the kitchen and was...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/11/2005
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This was wonderful food and the ambience was fantastic. I highly recommend this restaurant. Please try the calamari
citysearch.com - user review - 06/08/2005
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If youre into paying high prices for mediocre food and poor service, then Babalu might just be the place for you. For a mandatory 18% gratuity, the host will even give away your table (without asking) and try...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/09/2005
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This was our first time to Babalu and we will definitely be back soon. Recommendations: the CHURRASCO ARGENTINO was espectacular :) and the Filletes Matazanes was a generous portion spiced to perfection. For...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/15/2005
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We were told by an extremely arrogant owner to move our coats. He felt we were taking up too much space, and wanted the space for "paying customers". This before we paid our overpriced bill! When we complaind...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/04/2005
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A very big surprise to find this gem in the Midwest. Food and ambience would rival that of some of the better NYC restaurants. If I were a MN resident, it would be a weekly event and pleasure to dine here. Try...
citysearch.com - user review - 01/21/2005
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After reading some of these reviews, I couldnt help but wonder-when did these people become experts on Latin food?!? If you truly want to try foreign cuisine-go with an open mind! The flavors are different! I...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/03/2004
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I've been to Babalu twice now, and I will continue to come back again and again. The decor is amazing and even though the lights are dim, this just adds to the intimacy. The drinks, even with the hefty price...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/14/2004
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The tapas were great. Our waiter was yummy and explained the menu well. His suggestions were right on target.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/04/2004
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We were seated promptly when we arrived (we had a reservation) and had drinks and an appetizer within 15 minutes. The lobster medallion appetizer was fabulous. I had the grilled lobster which was a tad...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/26/2004
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Atmosphere: cushy, womb-like bar/lounge well laid out, classy dining area. Appetizers: calamari, marvelous spicy dipping sauce/scallops glazed with rum, slightly oriental flavor. Salad: roasted beet and...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/08/2004
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I was very pleased with every aspect of my experience at Babalu on a recent Saturday night. This is one of the few trendy hotpots that can live up to its billing. They have nailed the little details from the...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/31/2003
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Went to have drinks/dessert--the waiter was informed of what we intended to do. Instead of telling us to move like a mature adult, he told the owner, who said these tables were not for just drinks and dessert...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/20/2003
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I have dined in some of the finest restaurants across the nation and I have never been treated so poorly. The service was awful!!! To quote the owner, 'This is my house, I'll treat you the way I want to'. A...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/21/2003
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So, we were seated promptly by the blonde hostess...and that's where it ended. After waiting a good 15-20 minutes (and yes, we were counting), for someone to greet us and take our beverage order, I decided to...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/19/2003
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We were there on a Tuesday night, and it was crowded for a week day. The food was great; service was excellent. We had a very large group for two birthdays, and our waitress (I forgot to get her name) was...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/20/2003
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Let's start with the the self-righteous hostess who glares at you as you walk up to her and then stares blankly while you give her your reservation. Couldn't be more rude or more stupid. Many of the appetizers...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/26/2003
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My boyfriend returned from Iraq to visit the Mpls/St Paul area. I heard Babalu's was a great place to go. He called to make reservations and the girl who answered was rude and not helpful at all. We went...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/24/2003
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I've read the readers reviews and I beg you-- don't listen to the negative. My husband and I were sent via the concierge at our hotel and was floored with our entire experience. Although we were not seated...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/13/2003
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The music was live and hot. The atmosphere was very chic and comfortable. We are latinos and still live most our days in South America. While the food was spicy (most latin foods are not), it was good. The...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/11/2003
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A word to the wise. Try adventuring to a new restaurant after a couple of months. It makes a world of difference. Just like all business, it takes awhile to work the kinks out. The food was delicious and the...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/10/2003
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Apparently you cannot wait for a table on Sat. nights during busy hours. When I had called to make reservations, I was told typically it is an hour or so wait leading me to believe we could wait for a table....
citysearch.com - user review - 06/18/2003
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I was very excited to try the food at this place my experience was mixed. Service was actually pretty good and our server really helpful with selections. The seabass my friend had was "melt-in-your-mouth"...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/10/2003
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This place is terrible. It is pricey, has bad service and uninspiring food. It is trying too hard to be a cool place. I guess it is alright for loud people with no taste.
citysearch.com - user review - 06/09/2003
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Arrived 8:30, enjoyed the drink, bartenders rude and slow. Reservations 9:30, seated 9:45, received drink after 20 minutes, appetizers after another hour, decided to skip dinner (didn't want to be there ALL...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/14/2003
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A pretty cool place...I've been there three times. Each time the food was OK but the service was terrible, in fact the the bar service was beyond terrible. Owners and staff need to understand that uttlerly...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/03/2003
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When the portions are that small, shouln't the staff wait just a few minutes to see if people are going to finish the 4th scallop before they try to clear the not-yet-empty plates? The hostess was unfriendly,...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/01/2003
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I wouldn't recommend Babalu to anyone!!! A little word to the owner: Minneapolis is not that big of a city so if you expect Babalu to be profitable and reputable, then I suggest that you and your staff treat...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/21/2003
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Two Cuban friends and I tried Babalu on Friday, April 11. What a mistake! Although the decor is beautiful and our server, Sara(h), was a gem, the restaurant was hot, stuffy and over-crowded. The drinks were...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/14/2003
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Excellent service, food, atmosphere and crowd. Not cheap but not overpriced. The only change I would make is to turn down the band a bit. While the music is entertaining and talented enough and adds to the...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/10/2003
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I didn't know how well to rate the food here because after waiting 3 HOURS for our table we simply got up and walked out. The service in this place was diabolical. After 2 and a half hours waiting i asked for...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/22/2003
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I really like this place. The atmosphere, food and service were all excellent. The music was really fun but was too loud. When I go there again, I will request a table as far away from the band as possible. I...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/20/2003
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Cool place, great music, very loud. Horrible service, and I mean bad...it was busy, but it still should not have taken 20 minutes to get a drink order filled (after waiting 15 for it to be taken in the first...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/12/2003
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We were a little suspicious of trendiness when we were first read about Babalu. Was it one of those restaurants more interested in decor than food? But since it's only a few blocks from home we tried it out....
citysearch.com - user review - 03/09/2003
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Although I'm in Minneapolis the atmosphere makes me feel the Caribbean breeze. The food (Red Snapper Veracruz Style) danced off my plate as the Latin Music played in the background. You will be impressed with...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/04/2003
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Either that, or be sure to request a table as far as possible from the band, who play much louder than reasonable. Our party of 4 wasn't forewarned and had to suffer through shouting and pantomiming in order...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/03/2003
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A Latin-Caribbean pleasure. Friendly service, good food, and atmosphere. It made me feel like the last time I went to the Caribbean. Care- free.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/25/2003
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Great food, great ambiance. Friendly service and great selection of cigars!
citysearch.com - user review - 02/25/2003
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The decor is warm and romantic. Bright colors abound. It make you feel the warm Caribbean breeze. Good food, good spirits, friendly service and servers. Try the Red Snapper or the Chillean Sea Bass, they are...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/25/2003
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I've been to Babalu a couple of times since it opened; once for dinner, the rest for drinks. The night we went for dinner things were hoppin' and it was hard to even get into the bar to have a cocktail while...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/25/2003
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Great food. It made me feel like I was in the Caribbean. The Chillean Sea Bass is great. Great place to meet people and have fun.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/24/2003
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We frequented Babalu for an early Saturday evening dinner. The establishment is actually done up quite well - and the location could prove to a bonus. The concept is quite inviting, but the vibes at the moment...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/23/2003
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I must say Babalu was the missing link in to real authentic Latin American/Spanish food. From the perfectly decorated and delicious Huachinango a la veracruzana "red Snapper" to the Champinones "mushrooms" in...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/19/2003
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Just wanted to say I felt like I was in New York not Minneapolis! This spot is Hot I loved the food,service and the Latin jazz was very cool.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/18/2003
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Great food- from tapas to entrees! Don't miss the key lime pie!, Great ambiance-check out the artwork on the walls. Great live music-mellow out with cool Latin jazz! Fun, energetic staff!
citysearch.com - user review - 02/18/2003
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I'ts about time a place that is so diverse opens up in the Twin Cities. When I went there food was incredible, ambiance superb, service different and very pleasant. I did not leave untill I was told that the...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/17/2003
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I'm impressed! Three managers greeting customers, directing staff, and attending to every detail. Attention to detail begins with the ambience (great decor, lighting, and jazzy visual art that coordinates with...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/17/2003
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Highly recommended elegant dining experience. The place where the beatuiful people now secretly meet to devide up the World. Or at least the part of the world where jetseters go to in winter.
citysearch.com - user review - 02/11/2003
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chilean sea bass in pumpkin seed sauce, mango and jcama, paella with chicken, mussels, clams, shrimp, scallops, squid and lobster, black river shrimp-stuffed cripes, acapulco-style key lime pie...
usrg.com - user review
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not the place to go for dancing. good music, but no dancefloor...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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one exotic spot that doesn't feel like home...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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