Welcome to BABALU - Overton Square
Nestled in the vibrant Overton Square at 2115 Madison Ave, BABALU offers a delightful fusion of Southern and Mexican cuisine. With a menu that dazzles, diners rave about standout dishes like the duck quesadilla, al pastor tacos, and the mouthwatering short rib rolls. The welcoming atmosphere is complemented by attentive service from seasoned bartenders, enhancing the dining experience with crafted cocktails, including the beloved “Mississippi Queen.” While the buzz can be lively and the music sometimes loud, it only adds to the energetic vibe. Whether you're indulging in their in-house made chips or the enticing cinnamon bread pudding, BABALU promises a journey of fresh flavors and memorable meals.
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2115 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States Hotline: +1 901-274-0100
Welcome to BABALU - Overton Square, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Memphis at 2115 Madison Ave. This modern eatery artfully blends Southern and Mexican flavors, creating an unforgettable dining experience that keeps locals and visitors alike returning for more. One visit here, and it’s easy to see why rave reviews have flooded in, with patrons delighted by the bold flavors and the inviting atmosphere.
At BABALU, the menu reads like a love letter to food. The moment you peruse it, your taste buds come alive with excitement. Customers like Yvette Michelle Elam couldn't resist the duck quesadilla and al pastor taco, remarking on the generous portions and the freshness of the flavors. Those in-house made chips paired perfectly with a splash of lime, though many believe a side of salsa would elevate the experience even further. A perfect example of how at BABALU, the unexpected deliciousness awaits around every corner.
Specialty drinks like the Mississippi Queen have been consistently praised for their unique flair, further enhancing the dining experience. As Julian B. noted, the Cuban sandwich and street tacos are standouts, and don’t miss out on the short rib rolls which have garnered a dedicated following. Meanwhile, the duck tacos, championed by Veronique, exemplify the restaurant’s knack for blending simplicity with innovation, all while their signature cinnamon bread pudding impressively steals the dessert spotlight.
Service here tends to match the high culinary standards, as noted by guests like Ugwu, who found the service to be prompt and inviting. Even during busy nights, the bar serves as a lively alternative for those looking to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. However, some diners like Leah Hon brought up minor service hiccups, a reminder that while BABALU thrives on providing an exceptional dining experience, there is always room for growth.
Returning to BABALU is not merely about the food; it’s about the experience. As Ashley Hanson put it, the atmosphere is buoyed by skilled bartenders who build a sense of connection with their guests—a true testament to the restaurant's inviting culture. Whether you're indulging in the mouthwatering guacamole or savoring the delightfully fresh Mexican street-style corn, each dish is crafted with care and creativity.
So, whether it’s for a casual lunch or a lively dinner out, you’ll leave SATISFIED. With each visit promising new culinary discoveries, BABALU - Overton Square remains a must-visit destination, where distinct flavors and memorable memories are made.
Thanks Britt for recommending this spot. My eyes popped out while reading the menu!! I wanted to try EVERYTHING. I ordered the duck quesadilla and an al pastor taco. LOTS of food - just one triangle of the quesadilla was heavy, full of meat and bigger than the whole taco. FLAVORS WERE AMAZINGLY FRESH! Dang this was good. Didn't expect these in-house made chips either! They were very good (especially with lime) but I think they should be served with salsa... or SOMETHING. Overall, I spent 24 before tipping. I would DEFINITELT go back.
Excellent food! Walked to it from the movie theater, had the speciality drink “Mississippi Queen”, which was fabulous! Cuban sandwich was delicious, as were the street tacos. Definitely recommend the short rib rolls as well!
Highly recommend coming here, suggest calling ahead for a table though because it was packed but worth the 20-30 minute wait. The other option is to sit at the bar. Either seem good. The duck tacos were simple and yet unique and still delicious. The Cinnamon Bread Pudding stole the show for me. Coming back here soon for more
Food and service were so great we went twice. Great place to catch a game or just dinner with drinks. Tried several cocktails and all tasted great. Favorite was the mini mule. Margaritas were strong. DJ and Chrisa gave us excellent service. The grits taste amazing. It's a bit of southern and Mexican fusion.
Food was phenomenal! Absolutely delicious. We will be back for the lamb sliders, guacamole and red fish! The drinks were great as well. A little pricey but worth it. The atmosphere was clean but music was so loud it was hard to visit. Also our waitress was not very attentive. Maybe sge had too many tables. She was nice but we were there almost three hours. I would recommend this place because it was really delicious. Just don't go if you are in a hurry. Thanks!
We came to this place for lunch on Saturday. Overton square area was not much crowded, maybe because it was a rainy day. The restaurant was decently packed and the service was swift. We did not try any appetiser or drink. In the main course the Cuban sandwich was a decent one, however I liked the Mexican street style corn as a side even more. I asked them to serve that without the cheese on top though. The portion size was fine. The corn was fresh, juicy, lemony and spicy. Overall it was filling and tasty. I would definitely go back at least to try their table side guacamole.
We really enjoy coming to this restaurant — the atmosphere is always great, and one of the reasons we keep coming back is because of the longtime bartenders. It says a lot about a place when employees stick around, and it shows in the service and vibe they create. That said, today felt a little off. The manager, Kyle, decided to test the bartenders’ pouring skills right in front of the entire bar, and it came across as micromanaging — especially when one of the bartenders had just finished his shift. It felt unnecessary and honestly a little uncomfortable to watch. Long-term employees should be celebrated and trusted, not publicly questioned. We still love this place, but hope that the management shows a little more appreciation and respect for the team that clearly helps make it so successful.
Great experience. The guacamole is amazing. The service and atmosphere are good. The sides are perfection, recommend all of them. The tacos aren't my favorite even though they all sound so good. Drinks are on point. Overall good every time I visit, recommend.