Babs Midtown: A Culinary Gem in an Eclectic Setting
Nestled in the basement of a charming Victorian home on Juniper Street, Babs Midtown offers a dining experience that feels both intimate and delightfully unique. The atmosphere is eclectic, with vintage decor and a cozy, inviting vibe that immediately makes you feel at home. My recent visit to this hidden gem was a culinary journey filled with unexpected flavors and delightful surprises.
The Dishes: A Harmonious Blend of Comfort and Creativity
The Blueberry French Toast Bread Pudding was a standout, combining the best of both breakfast and dessert. The dish was beautifully presented, with a golden-brown crust and a soft, custardy interior bursting with juicy blueberries. Each bite was a symphony of flavors—sweet, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced by the rich, buttery bread pudding. It was a comforting yet elevated take on a classic, showcasing the chef's ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly special.
The Provence Pancakes were another highlight. Light and fluffy, these pancakes were infused with the subtle, fragrant flavors of Provence herbs, adding a savory twist to a traditionally sweet dish. Served with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, they were both refreshing and satisfying, a perfect representation of Babs Midtown’s innovative approach to brunch.
For a more savory option, the Pave—a hearty vegetable stew—was an excellent choice. This dish, rich with seasonal vegetables cooked to tender perfection, was both comforting and nourishing. The flavors were deep and complex, with each vegetable contributing its unique character to the overall profile. It was a dish that warmed the soul, perfect for a cozy brunch in an eclectic setting.
The Sides: A Complementary Ensemble
The sides at Babs Midtown are not to be overlooked. The Cheese Potatoes were a decadent treat, creamy and cheesy with a satisfying crispy top. They were the perfect complement to the main dishes, adding a layer of indulgence to the meal.
The Balsamic Salad provided a refreshing contrast, with crisp greens, a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, and just the right amount of sweetness. It was a delightful palate cleanser that balanced the richer elements of the meal.
The Beverages: A Global Taste Adventure
The drink selection at Babs Midtown is as eclectic as its atmosphere. The Thai Espresso Coffee was a revelation—a strong, bold espresso with a unique twist of Thai spices that added a surprising depth and complexity to the flavor profile. It was the perfect pick-me-up, energizing and invigorating.
For those looking for something lighter, the Apple Juice was fresh and crisp, while the Sweet Tea was perfectly brewed with just the right amount of sweetness, a nod to Southern hospitality.
Conclusion
Babs Midtown is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. The combination of innovative dishes, a welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of whimsy makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable brunch experience. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by this eclectic eatery on Juniper Street. It’s a place where tradition meets creativity, and where every meal feels like a...
Read moreDon't go here!!! The owner/host is rude, pushy and annoyed. I ended up leaving. I went for breakfast and asked to be seated outside and order a tea while I waited for my friend. He wouldn’t seat me though the place was not at all crowded. Then he started to make fun of my supposed “imaginary friend” as he coined the friend i was waiting for. When we went in the restaurant he yelled everyone meet her imaginary friend. This came across as rude and mocking but I gave him the benefit of the doubt thinking he might awkwardly sarcastic and trying to be funny. He gave me tea but said I had to wait on a bench in the parking lot area or in a corner of the restaurant. I waited 10min until my friend was parking. When I asked to be seated again and told him my friend was almost here, he called me entitled. I said he was being rude. He told me to enjoy my entitled day. So I did by leaving. My friend was already there at this time. But there was better experiences to be had. There is a great Açaí Bowl place on the next corner where the customer service was super friendly and fun. I hope he finds joy in his life but I dont think it’s by working at Babs.
Follow-up to owners response to my review: Based on the many other 1 star reviews complaining about the same condescending rude behavior from the Owner and his subsequent attacking non-constructive responses, I didn't expect much to be done from my review. My hope is others take this as a warning and go someplace else. Reading his response, his continued mocking, condescending, presumptuous behavior continues. Just for the record my "imaginary friend" as he coined and then wrote mockingly in his review as my "tinder date" was my college age son who rode his scooter to this place which legit took less than 15 min. It seems to me that the owners focus is on making and taking the patrons money, pushing expensive alcohol drinks and rushing people through. I should've known something was up when this breakfast place was almost empty 9:15 am on a Saturday. If you want a taste of the owners temperament and what you will experience here, read through his responses to all the 1...
Read moreTLDR: Owner/operator salt pepper haired older man will kick you out once you are done having your food. Discrimination, lack of customer service, and rudeness is what you can expect if that man is there. I will never return and recommend everyone stay away.
To the Owner: Yes this will also go on Yelp as you noticed with the previous review that says the same thing about you rushing people out. I know you said his reviews have a recurring theme, but so do yours. Have a better day.
I went to Babs, across the street from my apartment, today for the 2nd time. The 1st time I came, an older salt and pepper haired man who seemed to be the owner or friends of the owner as he told us, treated me and my bf very well.
This time, today, I came to meet a friend for a coffee. I arrived at 11:30 and my friend had been there since 11:10. She told me the same gentleman/owner was questioning her why she ordered coffee instead of waiting for me.
When I arrived, he seemed a bit rushed to make us order at the counter which I know that's where u order but he seemed upset that I didn't know what I wanted there and then. We ordered food and ate and stayed talking.
The server came to us several times after we finished and grabbed boxes to ask us if we needed anything and we politely said no. We had been there for 1 hr total and were not asking for more service but just talking and catching up.
Finally, the same gentleman that is the owner or manager came and told us there were reservations and that we were encouraged to go outside to sit and talk. The restaurant was half empty and we were on a 2 seat table. I live across the street and passed by just now while walking my dog and the restaurant is pretty much empty. It seemed so rude and off-putting to make paying customers leave an hour after arrival just because the check had been paid or there were non existent reservations. I felt discriminated against and very embarrassed towards my friend who I talked such good things about this place to after all of this. Do not come if you are planning on staying longer than an hour. I will not...
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