Babalu is opening in Charlotte today. Get the details and see the food

Myself included. Babalu (pronounced BAH-BUH-LOO, not BAB-BUH-LOO as I originally thought…) opens on East Boulevard at 11 a.m.. The first of its kind opened five and a half years ago in Jackson, Mississippi, and has expanded to Memphis, Birmingham, and Knoxville on its way to us.

General Manager Rebecca Vitale joined the Babalu team in Memphis and will now reside here in Charlotte.

“We’re excited to be here,” she said. “I think we’re gonna be a great addition.”

As you’ve heard, Babalu’s menu consists of tacos (on handmade blue corn tortillas) and Southern-style tapas with Latin fusion. Salads and sandwiches are also available, and everything is designed to be shared.

The highlight of the menu, according to Rebecca, is the guacamole. And with the looks of their guacamole station and tableside guac service, I think I already agree.

Craft cocktail and beer lovers will also find joy at Babalu

It has a delicious drink menu including a daily seasonal cocktail and 16 beers on draft (14 local.) Guests can sip on drinks on the fully enclosed patio overlooking East or at the indoor bar.

For the food fanatics, there’s a chef’s table that seats 6-8 people. Lucky patrons of this table will be served by the chef, who will also present off-menu options for ordering. Babalu’s produce will come from local farmer’s markets, and specials will be available every day (think enchilada of the day, soup of the day, etc.)

And let’s not forget about deals and dining perks.

Social hour ($2 tacos!) runs Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Valet is available during lunch Monday through Friday, and if you’re really in a crunch, you can call ahead for curbside service. (Side note: Babalu does not take reservations.) Two giant TV projectors will be running, and private dining space is available.

Hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bring on the tacos and tapas.