We met another couple here for a double date on a Friday night. They were busy and we had a bit of a wait, but that was to be expected.
Our waitress (Adriana?) was very friendly and personable. Since it was our first time she explained the concept behind Babalu and how the menu items worked. She made recommendations based on her personal experience as well as other customers.
The bar was pretty backed up and it took quite some time to get our drinks - all rounds. The food came out at a decent rate. However, the other people who brought our food out didn't seem to know what hey had. For example, they brought out two tacos and said "I think this is the chicken and shrimp." Not what we ordered but we figured it out.
The tacos were small but good. Order a few of them. The chorizo shrimp skillet was spicy & flavorful - probably my favorite item.
Table side guac is good! And it's always nice to have a little show at dinner.
Our other menu items weren't much to write home about. We also ordered tamales, shrimp and empanadas.