Old Cantina 1511 spot in Dilworth is being transformed into a gorgeous tapas joint named BABALU

“I promise you will not recognize the interior or exterior when we finish our renovations,” co-founder Bill Latham told the Agenda.

Opens this summer. Construction has begun. Here’s what it’ll look like.

Vibe? Bill (co-founder): “I’d say industrial, but my designer doesn’t want me to use that term anymore.”

The owners look for locations in urban renewal areas with a sense of history – where the young folk live and play. It’s urban, minimalist, open-air, very casual and Southern. “Think soul with tacos and Tex-Mex,” explained Meghan Elliot, an Agenda follower and frequenter of the Birmingham location.

Expect locally sourced, farm-to-table, tapas-style fare.

Sure, they’ll have tacos and tableside guac, but the owners hate being labeled as a Mexican restaurant or Spanish style.

How much do you want to bite into this Baba Burger? 

Aspen Ridge Natural Angus Beef, roasted roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, white cheddar cheese, Haas avocado, applewood smoked bacon, chipotle aioli, sweet sourdough bun ($9.95).

Or this Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna?

Haas avocado, cucumber relish, Sriracha-lime vinaigrette, micro cilantro, seasoned jicama round ($12.95).

BABALU takes cocktails seriously. Every morning they squeeze fresh limes and lemons to make that day’s bar mixes.

Will they have seasonal margaritas? Of course. Will they have a Firefly sweet tea vodka cocktail with mint and fresh lemon? Duh.

Oh, you like patios? BABALU understands your needs.

Get ready for some type of patio like the one they built in Jackson, MS.

Images courtesy of Babalu