rev:text
| - Just checked this place out for lunch and definitely needs some work.
Parking: It is mandatory valet. We showed up to an empty lot and they made us valet, causing a line behind us while we unloaded our family of 6 from the car. On departure, the two valets were racing to park the line of cars arriving, so we had to wait a good 10min before one of them could take our car, even though it was parked right in front of us.
Food: Overall, the food was mediocre. We started off with the guacamole, made tableside. The chips are fantastic but the guacamole was kind of bland (compared to Bakersfield and Cantina). The pico de gallo was fresh, but again needed a little more flavor. For mains, we ordered the fierce shrimp, chicken satay skewers, 4 tacos (fried oyster, blackened red fish, beef tenderloin and duck) and a side of broccolini. The shrimp was flavorful and a good sharing item, but a little on the heavier side. The tacos were VERY disappointing because they were so bland! I also wasn't a fan of the taco shell. I definitely prefer Bakersfield tacos to Babalu's. Out of the four tacos, the oyster had the most flavor. The chicken satay was just OK - nothing memorable. The broccolini was good, but again, nothing too memorable. I told my husband I would return for the chips, and only the chips!
Service: Staff was friendly and attentive while we were there. However, when we called in advance to inquire about reservations, whoever we spoke to was rude and not very helpful.
Ambience: They did a major re-haul from the Cantina days with the open kitchen, white walls and a lot more light coming in. They play old black and white films like the 3 stooges on the walls. I believe they have an outdoor eating space too.
While waiting for car, we talked to another couple also waiting for their car and asked how they liked Babalu's. The response was "it was just OKAY. I didn't care for the sweet bun on my burger, and my husband wasn't a fan of his food either."
Conclusion: Babalu's needs to reassess their food AND the parking situation!
|