The Latin-inspired concept is situated in corner space of the Alta Midtown development.
Babalu Tapas & Tacos’ first Atlanta restaurant, located in the 33 Peachtree Place (Alta Midtown) mixed-use development at the corner of West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Place, will open Monday, June 26, according to an announcement Friday.
This marks the seventh location of the Jackson, Mississippi-founded restaurant company’s Latin-inspired concept and represents close-to-home expansion as the offices of Babalu operator Eat Here Brands are located in Roswell.
“With our corporate offices nearby, our new Midtown Atlanta restaurant is an extra special opening for our team of experienced leaders who know the city like the back of their hands,” Stan Stout, chief operating officer of Eat Here Brands, said in the announcement.
“We’re excited to be in a city that’s known for its Southern hospitality because offering a dining experience that brings people together is what we’re all about.”
Babalu is named after the signature song of Desi Arnaz’s character Ricky Ricardo in the television comedy series I Love Lucy and offers a sharing-style dining experience featuring “Latin-inspired dishes with Southern touches.”
The menu from executive chef Jeffrey McGar (formerly of Cherokee Town & Country Club) includes dishes such as:
- Guacamole made table-side with Hass avocado, sun-dried tomato, red and green onion, kosher salt, cilantro and lime juice, served with house chips
- Pan roasted redfish: rösti potatoes, smoked corn pico de gallo, red chili butter sauce
- Taco de pato: duck confit, avocado mousse, yellow onions, Cotija cheese, lime vinaigrette & cilantro
- Creole shrimp & grits: Gulf shrimp, garlic, herb Creole sauce, mushrooms, cilantro, Mills Farm grits, grilled country bread
“McGar’s shareable menu, which features a selection of starters, soups and salads, small plates, tacos, sandwiches, sides and desserts, features local farmers such as Mills Farm and is meant to inspire conversation, camaraderie and good times.”
Babalu’s drink program will include margaritas, sangria, signature cocktails and a curated tequila selection along with wine and local craft beers from Georgia breweries such as Reformation, Sweetwater, Jekyll Island and Monday Night Brewing.
The Atlanta restaurant’s 5,200-square-foot space features an open kitchen for viewing behind-the-scenes action and chef’s table seating, and garage doors that open into a covered corner patio with an indoor/outdoor bar.
