Welcome to BABALU - Knoxville
Welcome to BABALU - Knoxville, where vibrant Latin-inspired cuisine meets a lively atmosphere. Located in downtown Knoxville, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. With a diverse tapas menu including mouth-watering options like Calamari, Mushroom Ceviche, and their celebrated Babalu Burger, every bite tells a story. Guests rave about the generous portions and the inviting decor, often enhanced by live jazz on Mondays. The staff brings a level of attentiveness that elevates your dining experience. Discover why BABALU is the heart of Knoxville's culinary scene—come for the food, stay for the fun!
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412 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States Hotline: +1 865-951-0361
Discover the Vibrant Flavors of BABALU - Knoxville
Nestled in the heart of downtown Knoxville at 412 S Gay St, BABALU - Knoxville serves as a culinary haven for those seeking a delightful escape into the world of upscale Latin cuisine. With a reputation for combining exquisite flavors, live music, and an inviting atmosphere, this restaurant has quickly become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
The menu at BABALU boasts a tantalizing selection that highlights the richness of Latin flavors. From the zesty salsa ($6.00) to the creamy guacamole ($12.00), the housemade dips set the stage for an exciting meal. The tapaco section is particularly impressive, featuring standouts like the refreshing Tropical Ceviche ($15.00) and the savory Spanish Charcuterie Board ($28.00) that promises a festive experience perfect for sharing.
- Signature Dishes:
- Cod Fritters - A must-try at just $8.00, these golden treats never fail to impress.
- Flautas and Empanadas, both priced at $10.00, deliver crispy, flavorful bites that leave you wanting more.
- Camarones ($12.00) perfectly balances spice and freshness.
- Hearty Sandwiches:
- Don’t miss the Argentinian Choripan ($16.00), delivering layers of juicy flavors.
- The Peruvian Chicken Sandwich ($14.00) is adored by diners for its succulent chicken and unique seasoning.
Customers rave about the lively and quirky atmosphere, especially on Monday nights where patrons can enjoy live jazz alongside 5 margarita specials. Eleanor Tyner describes it as "super fun," and Evan H adds that it's the best way to kick off the week. This is certainly a place where you can immerse yourself in both delightful melodies and delectable food.
As you savor your meal, the delightful decor and attentive staff create an ambiance that is both upscale and welcoming. Lauren Welch enthuses about the excellent portion sizes that cater to all guests, including those with dietary restrictions.
Also noteworthy is the creative drink menu, particularly the famous blood orange margarita that’s been declared a must-try. “Great food, great music, and a fabulous atmosphere,” says Harvey Long, summarizing the essence of BABALU perfectly.
Whether you're opting for a casual lunch, a lively dinner with friends, or a special occasion, BABALU - Knoxville promises an unforgettable dining experience that caters to all tastes. If you're in the area, don’t forget to make a reservation, especially for their delightful outdoor seating during the warmer months. With its combination of flavors, vibes, and excellent service, BABALU is poised to become one of your favorite culinary spots in Knoxville.
Mondays- 5 margaritas and live jazz. Super fun, great atmosphere
I feel lucky we found this great restaurant open on a chilly Monday evening in downtown Knoxville. The decor is beautiful. Frog & Toad's Dixie Quartet was playing and they were great. Recommend the mushroom ceviche , cod tacos and guacamole. Waitstaff was friendly.
If you’re looking for the best tacos in downtown Knoxville, you have to come here. Compared to Chivo and soccer taco, this is the best. We really love the fish tacos, dip trio and the Cuban. Portion sizes are really good. Our vegetarian friends love the black bean burger. I even have gluten-free friends that can enjoy a meal here. Their margaritas are the best downtown. I highly recommend the blood orange margarita. The atmosphere is quirky and fun, which matches their neon sign, paying homage to the name. It’s always lively, and there are some days you can catch live music. Prices are fair and good for what you’re getting. Portion size is filling. Since they’ve come under new ownership a few years ago, it has greatly improved. Previously, I would not go here. But now it’s become one of my favorites. I have even brought out of town clients here for dinner who have enjoyed it. It is a laid-back atmosphere. The service has always been excellent, and the staff has always been attentive. You can tell that people enjoy it there. I do recommend getting a reservation here if you are looking for outdoor seating or having a large party 6, especially during their busy time at dinner. The patio feels quickly in the warmer months, so if you want that space get a reservation. Their back door leads to Marble Alley’s upstairs bar, which is a great place to go after you’ve had your fill for games, or to enjoy the bowling alley.
A friend told me the best place for Monday night Jazz in downtown Knoxville was at Babalu. She was definitely right. The place was packed, so I was glad I had made a reservation ahead of time. The venue was pretty chic, and most people there were dressed up for our Scruffy city. The food and service were excellent. The food here is upscale Latin at very reasonable prices. There was a decent wine selection, and this particular Monday they had 5 margarita specials. I opted for the house gin and tonic, which was quite tasty. Overall, it was a wonderful evening of good food, good music and fun. At one point, the band even played music so everyone could do a train in the restaurant. I would highly recommend stopping in on Monday to start your week off right.
My family of 4 really enjoyed our meal. We loved the generous portion of chips and fresh salsa. The ropa vieja was fantastic. My kids really enjoyed the children's cheeseburgers, and they were only 6. Alyssa, our server, was very attentive and friendly. We highly recommend Babalu.
Went for Valentine's Day and enjoyed a great evening great music playing food was delicious had several different drinks and liked them all atmosphere is very nice and friendly service was pleasant. Will go back again soon
I love stopping in for lunch and grabbing a bite at the bar. The bartender is so friendly and the service is excellent. Love the Cuban sandwich and yesterday I had the BEST chopped salad with grilled shrimp!! I'm making this a regular thing on Fridays!
Great food, hostess and staff. Atmosphere is spectacular. I had the chips and salsa with the shrimp tacos! Thank you Autumn