What should you expect when Babalu opens its Dilworth restaurant in late July?

An exact grand opening date hasn’t been announced but my guess is that it’ll be the last week in July.

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

Babalu has created a spacious patio that faces East Boulevard. 

The patio has cool garage doors to serve beverages.

The restaurant has a large open floor plan. As you walk in, there’ll be a large bar to the left with seating. There are also large communal style tables near the bar area.

Appetizer highlights

Guacomole (table side) – Hass avocado, sun-dried tomato, red & green onion, Kosher salt, cilantro, lime juice, house chips. $9.95

Queso Blanco Dip – Pico de gallo “shooter,” salsa roja, house chips. $7.50

Sandwich & salad highlights

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

*Agenda Pro Tip: We’ve heard the burger is fantastic and often regard as the best burger in Babalu cities.

Babalu Chop Salad –  Romaine, black beans, Anaheim peppers, red onions, tomatoes, grilled corn, toasted pumpkin seeds, cotija cheese, house lime vinaigrette. $11.95 / half $7.50

Tacos (3 per order)

Pollo – House smoked Joyce Farms chicken, mole sauce, smoked corn pico de gallo, cotija cheese, goat cheese crema. $8.50 or $3 each.

Camarones – Grilled or fried Gulf shrimp, cilantro slaw, radish, comeback. $9 or $3.50 each.

Tapas

Creole Shrimp & Grits – Gulf shrimp, garlic, herb creole sauce, mushrooms, cilantro, local grits, grilled country bread. $11.95

Seared Sesame-Crusted Tuna – Haas avocado, cucumber relish, Sriracha-lime vinaigrette, micro cilantro, seasoned jicama round. $12.95

Adult beverages – craft cocktails, margaritas, wine, beer, sangria, tequila

Baba-Rita – Patron Silver, Agave nectar, fresh-squeezed sour mix, POM, triple sec.

Maestro Mule – Cazadores gin, reposado, seasonal fruit puree, cucumber, agave nectar, fresh-squeezed sour mix, Fever Tree ginger beer.

Once the restaurant opens in late July, Babalu hours will be…

• Monday – Thursday 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
• Friday- Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday 11 a.m.- 9p.m.