Tacos and tapas work best when shared, so Babalu’s pricing makes splitting a table full of plates surprisingly easy. If you are looking for the full Babalu Tacos & Tapas Menu with Prices, you have landed in the right spot. We have broken down the costs, the portions, and the best way to order for a group without blowing your budget.
Babalu is known for its lively atmosphere and Latin-inspired street food. But before you walk in, you want to know what you are paying for. This guide covers the current menu structure, price ranges, and smart ordering tactics.
Babalu Tacos &Amp; Tapas Menu With Prices
Babalu operates several locations across the Southeast, and while the core menu stays consistent, prices can shift slightly by state. The figures below reflect the standard pricing you will see at most locations, like Memphis, Jackson, or Huntsville. Always check your local store for the final dollar amount, but these numbers give you a reliable baseline.
Tapas And Small Plates Pricing
Tapas are the heart of the Babalu experience. They are designed for sharing, but honestly, you might not want to share once you taste them. The menu splits these into cold and hot options.
Here is what you can expect to pay for the cold tapas:
- Guacamole Fresco – $9.50 (served with warm chips)
- Queso Fundido – $8.75 (melted cheese with chorizo or veggies)
- Street Corn Dip – $7.95 (creamy, spicy, and tangy)
- Ceviche Mixto – $12.50 (shrimp and fish cured in citrus)
The hot tapas section is where the menu gets interesting. Portions are generous for the price point.
- Baja Fish Tacos (single) – $5.25
- Fried Avocado Tacos (single) – $4.75
- Carne Asada Tacos (single) – $5.50
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos (single) – $4.95
- Pork Belly Tacos (single) – $5.75
Wait, those are tacos. Let us clarify the actual tapas hot list:
- Chicken Tinga Empanadas – $9.25 (two per order)
- Spicy Shrimp Diabla – $11.95 (served with crusty bread)
- Chorizo Queso – $9.75
- Mexican Street Fries – $8.50 (topped with crema and cotija)
- Al Pastor Wings – $10.25 (six pieces)
If you are doing the math, you can feed two people well with three tapas and a taco each for under $40. That is a solid deal for fresh, made-to-order food.
Taco Plates And Combos
You can order tacos individually, but the combos offer better value. The standard taco plate comes with two tacos, rice, and black beans. You can upgrade to three tacos for a small fee.
Here is the breakdown for the two-taco plate:
- Classic Chicken or Beef – $11.50
- Carnitas – $12.25
- Grilled Shrimp – $13.50
- Baja Fish – $12.75
- Portobello & Poblano (veggie) – $11.25
Adding a third taco to any plate costs between $3.50 and $4.00 depending on the protein. The rice and beans are seasoned well, so you are not paying for bland filler.
For the indecisive eaters, Babalu offers a “Taco Flight.” This gives you three different tacos of your choice for $14.25. It is the best way to sample the menu without committing to one flavor.
Quesadillas And Burritos
If you are hungrier than a taco fix, the larger plates run a bit higher. These are not technically tapas, but they share the same section on the menu.
- Chicken Quesadilla – $10.95
- Steak Quesadilla – $12.75
- Shrimp Quesadilla – $13.25
- Wet Burrito (smothered in enchilada sauce) – $11.95
- California Burrito – $12.50 (stuffed with fries and carne asada)
These plates are huge. You can easily split one with a friend if you also order a couple of tapas. The quesadillas come with sour cream and pico de gallo on the side.
Nachos And Shareables
For bigger groups, the nacho trays are the move. They are priced to serve two to three people, but we have seen four people pick at them.
- Classic Nachos – $10.25 (cheese, jalapenos, pico)
- Carne Asada Nachos – $13.95
- Chicken Tinga Nachos – $12.75
- Shrimp Nachos – $14.50
The loaded nachos come with a generous layer of toppings. Ask for extra jalapenos on the side if you like heat, because the default spice level is mild to medium.
Sides And Extras Pricing
Sometimes you just need a side to round out the meal. These are the add-on prices:
- Mexican Rice – $3.50
- Black Beans – $3.50
- Chips & Salsa – $4.25
- Extra Tortillas – $1.50
- Side of Guacamole – $4.00
- Side of Sour Cream – $0.75
Do not sleep on the chips and salsa. The salsa is house-made and has a smoky flavor that pairs well with the tacos.
Dessert And Sweet Treats
You will want to save room for dessert, or just order it anyway. The prices are reasonable for the quality.
- Churros with Chocolate – $6.50
- Flan – $5.95
- Fried Ice Cream – $6.25
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet – $7.50
The churros are the crowd favorite. They come out hot, crispy, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. The chocolate dipping sauce is thick and not overly sweet.
Drinks And Happy Hour Prices
Babalu has a full bar with a strong tequila selection. Cocktails run between $8 and $12 depending on the spirit. The margaritas are the signature drink.
- Classic Margarita – $8.50
- Spicy Jalapeno Margarita – $9.75
- Frozen Margarita – $8.95
- House Sangria – $7.50 (glass) / $18.00 (pitcher)
- Mexican Beer (Dos Equis, Modelo) – $5.50
Happy hour is where you save real money. Most locations run a daily special from 3 PM to 6 PM. During that window, you can get select tapas for $5 and margaritas for $6. That is the best time to try the full Babalu Tacos & Tapas Menu with Prices without the sticker shock.
Kids Menu And Family Deals
If you are bringing the family, Babalu has a small but decent kids menu. Each comes with a drink and a side.
- Kids Cheese Quesadilla – $6.50
- Kids Chicken Taco – $6.50
- Kids Rice Bowl – $5.95
- Kids Burger Sliders – $7.25
On Tuesdays, some locations offer a family taco kit for $25. That includes 10 tacos, rice, beans, and chips. Check with your local store to see if they participate.
How To Order To Save Money
You can easily spend $30 per person if you are not careful. But with a little strategy, you can eat like a king for less. Here is a step-by-step plan for two people:
- Start with one hot tapas order, like the empanadas ($9.25).
- Order a two-taco plate each ($11.50 each).
- Split a side of guacamole ($4.00).
- Share one dessert ($6.50).
That totals roughly $42.50 before tax and tip. That is about $21 per person for a full meal with appetizer and dessert. Not bad for a sit-down restaurant.
If you want to go even cheaper, stick to the happy hour window. You can get two tapas and two tacos for under $20 total.
Vegetarian And Gluten-Free Options
Babalu is friendly to dietary restrictions. The menu clearly marks vegetarian items with a “V” and gluten-free with a “GF.”
Vegetarian picks include:
- Fried Avocado Tacos
- Portobello & Poblano Tacos
- Black Bean Quesadilla
- Street Corn Dip (without crema)
Gluten-free eaters should stick to corn tortillas. Most tacos can be made with corn tortillas at no extra charge. The fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations, but ask your server to confirm.
Location And Price Differences
Here is a quick reality check. The Babalu Tacos & Tapas Menu with Prices we listed is the standard. However, locations in tourist-heavy areas or higher-cost cities may add a 5% to 10% surcharge. For example, a taco plate in Memphis might be $11.50, but the same plate in a downtown Nashville location could be $12.75.
You can avoid surprises by checking the online menu for your specific store before you go. The prices on the website are usually updated within a week of any change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babalu expensive?
No, Babalu is mid-range. Expect to pay $12 to $18 per person for a filling meal. Happy hour specials make it much more affordable.
Can you order just one taco at Babalu?
Yes, individual tacos range from $4.75 to $5.75. You can mix and match as many as you like.
Does Babalu offer any lunch specials?
Many locations have a weekday lunch special from 11 AM to 3 PM. It usually includes a taco, a side, and a drink for around $10.
Are the prices on the website the same as in-store?
Usually yes, but in-store menus sometimes reflect a 2% to 3% increase that has not hit the website yet. Ask for the current price before ordering if you are on a strict budget.
Is there a service charge for large groups?
Yes, parties of six or more often see an automatic 18% gratuity added to the bill. This is standard practice and not a hidden fee.
Final Tips For Your Visit
Go during off-peak hours if you want faster service. The kitchen gets backed up on Friday and Saturday nights. The food is worth the wait, but you should not be starving when you arrive.
Do not forget to ask about the daily specials. Some locations offer a “Taco Tuesday” deal where individual tacos drop by $1. That can save you a few bucks if you are ordering three or four.
Parking can be tricky at urban locations. Check if your local Babalu has validated parking or a nearby lot. That saves you from paying $5 to $10 for parking on top of your meal.
The bottom line is that Babalu offers good value for the quality. The portions are honest, the flavors are bold, and the pricing is transparent. You now have the full Babalu Tacos & Tapas Menu with Prices in your pocket. Go eat, share, and enjoy the vibe.