Babalu

this places plays some great music but the crowd was horrible. We went for a friend's B-day and after dinner we planned to spend the night having drinks and dancing. The crowd was not polite and made us feel uncomfortable. We left shortly after we finished our meal. Pros: Great music Cons: , bouncers are harsh more

My friend and I went to Babalu on a Saturday because on that night it was free for ladies before 12. Although the club did not open on time and we had to wait out in the cold, the bouncers were nice and friendly, keeping us posted on when we would be allowed to enter. Once we got in the club the music was pumping and we danced all night to hip-hop and Reggae. That party was off the hook!! Pros: Great music, Friendly staff Cons: , Over priced drinks more

I liked the place and the people, but we really went to have dinner no appetizers as the whole dinner. I think they should let you know when you call and make reservations that they changed their menu to only appetizers. I mean they are good but I was more looking forward for a nice dinner. That's all. Pros: nice place Cons: only appetizers more

I took my nephew and his wife to Babalu for a night out, because I had heard a lot about Babalu. Being Cuban, I am not easily pleased with a lot of the so-called ""Cuban"" cuisine...but let me tell you...the food was authentic and fabulous...the wait staff was charming and solicitous...and how perfect that the club is right next door (and free if you dine there) with some of the hottest latin music I have heard in the long time. It's not a ""romantic"" place to dine and it is somewhat loud, but for pure, unadulterated fun, great dancing and a decent price value...Babalu is da bomb!! Pros: Food, Wait Staff, Mojitos baby! Cons: loud atmosphere more

Went to Babalu post-theatre, didn't know whta to expect. While it was large and a bit noisy, the drinks were fantastic, and the food was superb. The prices are not terrible. The service was great, and they have a whole great deal for birthdays. Considering the bleak midtown restaurant situation, Babalu is up there... Pros: Delicious food, Good Service, Interesting menu Cons: Noisy more

first we were shocked that on a friday night it was empty. for good reasons...the decor was cheesy and ugly. we started off with steamed mussels that were barely room temperature; i asked for steak med-rare and it came really well done; the fish was bland and tasted more like filet o fish. i wouldn't go back even if it was free! more

This past friday, I went to babalu with a couple of friends for dinner. we had a great time there. The food was wonderful. I had the shrimp coconut pupusa which was out of this world and of course a mojito. They had a live band there and salsa lessons.....alot of fun!!!!! Pros: live music, great decor Cons: price, noisy more

I read another review which made me somewhat irrate. Babalu is two different things. A restauranrt and a latin club (which is next door to the restaurant). You can do both or keep it separate. But if you want to enjoy some of the best nuevo latino cuisine in NYC, go there. Great food!!! I'm a latin who has taken various ""gringo groups"" to Babalu. I've come out looking like the hero. Now, don't attempt the dance club unless you're a real Salsa dancer. I do agree that they could put a little effort in the clubs decor. Great for large parties. In Ricky's name give Babalu a chance! Pros: good parking, music in rest., good large parties Cons: Bar need + seating, not crowded, wait staff +efficient more

I just went there for my birthday and let me tell you the food was amazing. The service staff is friendly and funny. If you eat in the restaurant you get in the club for free. It does't get any better than that. I had a blast. The dance floor got kind of crowded at about 1:30am but that was only because my all-time favorite singer Tito Rojas was performing. I had missed the concert but the after party happened to be at Babalu. He even waved at me. I will never forget this birthday thank you Babalu..... Pros: Friendly staff, nice dining area, great tasting food Cons: crowded dance floor, expensive more

I kept hearing that that place was the ""bomb"", so I decided to check it out. Other than over price "" everything "", the staff has that nasty attitude as they were making you a favor. The place was way too overcrowded with tiny so called ""dance-floors"",which double as a hallway to the other areas of the club. So you can even stand still for a minute before somebody ask to move out the way, much less try to get yr grooves :b To make matter worse the music was so freaking LOUD, you can forget about trying to start a conversation with any of the ladies :( All I liked there was the House Music they played and how crisp it sounded, even when is was loud enough no make yr ears bleed. Pros: good music Cons: too crowded, tinny dance floor, rude staff more

I really had an awesome time at Babalu...food, decor, service, the live salsa music...all were world-class in my mind. I honestly went there because I've been enjoying Alex Garcia's culinary skills and engaging personality on the Food Network for nearly two years. I was so pleased that the food tasted and smelled as good as it looked on TV. The wait staff was wonderfully courteous and responsive. Everything was so good that I went there two more times during my short visit to NY...the grilled churrasco (skirt steak) with chipotle mash, the Ancho-rubbed pork tenderloin with fufu, the roasted salmon with lobster mash, the Cuban tamal with mushrooms, the Tres Leche dessert...my mouth is watering thinking about it all again. I even got to say hello to Alex and thank him for my great meals. Kudos to Alex and his entire staff for a great dining experience! Pros: Great chef/owner, Excellent cuisine, Colorful ambience more