Babas on Cannon — Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"What were your first impressions when you arrived? The cafe tables and menu painted on the front windows could be straight out of a European city, and that’s exactly what the owners are going for, inspired by the cafes and bars of Europe. The space itself is small with high tables, and a bar facing the street. It's bright, and the sound of milk foaming for espresso mingles with the sound of a cocktail shaker depending on the time of day. You could be on a side street in Paris if you squint hard enough, but open the door, and the humidity reminds you it is South Carolina, after all. What’s the crowd like? Those who love Babas swear by Babas, and they all have their particular times of day, so you may see working moms grabbing breakfast to go after dropping the kids off, or lunch visitors from offices or hospitality workers on their days off. Happy hour is a whole vibe of a mix of it all, with an added dash of diners who are out for the evening stopping by for their first round. What should we be drinking? The coffee program is exceptional, the wines well-chosen, and the cocktails are often riffs on classics, such as a Banana Old Pal made with Rittenhouse Rye and banana liqueur, though they can make you the classic as well if you wish. Bottled cocktails provide another option with an emphasis on speed (it can get busy here) as well as sharing with a friend, something cafe culture is all about. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. During 2020, Babas created an app for contactless ordering, which has made Babas an option no matter your schedule, especially since this all-day cafe caters to both to-go and the stay put clienteles. The overreaching term for the food is "thoughtful." From overnight oats with housemade pecan butter for breakfast to deviled eggs, gem lettuce salads, and a caviar sandwich, all are well executed but fun. The baked goods, from bread to desserts, feel like a secret win every time you take a bite. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? The staff are all industry veterans, so while the place can get packed and the tickets can back up, they know what to do to keep going with a calm smile. It's a small place and a small, well-prepared staff, so even when wait times lag on occasion, both staff and diner on the same page. And they're fun to watch while they pull an espresso, plate a sandwich, or garnish a cocktail because they are building a culture for this place with every move, not just placeholding until they can pay the rent they owe their roommate. It's evident with every interaction that hospitality is central to Babas. Who should we bring with us? Date night, happy hour, colleague hang out, this is a place where many folks can be comfortable. Take your mom to lunch and come back with your friends for dinner and drinks, or pick up to go appetizers when you forgot you're headed to a friend's for dinner." - Stephanie Burt
