How is Baba restaurant rated?

Name: Baba
Address: 2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA, United States, 22201
Telephone: (703) 312-7978
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

Baba

4.7

315 Reviews

$30 and under

Balkan style

Top Tags:

‘BABA’, meaning Grandmother in Serbian, is a transformative speakeasy cocktail bar, serving top notch mixology concoctions, weekend brunch, Fun Dining and decadent desserts! BABA's name evokes a sense of comfort, nostalgia and being well fed – which we all associate when we think of our grandmothers. The only difference? This BABA is sharp, slightly mischievous, and always the life of the party – she has more energy and spirit than all of us put together.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Balkan style, European
Hours of operation
Monday-Thursday: 4pm – 12am Friday: 4pm – 2am Saturday: 9:30am – 2am Sunday: 9:30am – 12am Brunch: Saturday&Sunday: 9:30am – 3pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday: 4pm – 10:30pm Friday-Saturday: 4pm – 12am Bar: Sunday-Thursday: 4pm – 12am Friday-Saturday: 4pm – 2am HH: Monday-Friday: 4pm-7pm
Phone number
(703) 312-7978
Website
http://www.baba.bar/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Bojan Bocvarov
Private party facilities
BABA restaurant provides the perfect space to host your upcoming private or corporate event. From small family gatherings to huge corporate events, we at BABA will host your friends, family and business partners with equal care, professionalism and only the highest level of customer service
Private party contact
Marijana Skerlic : (202) 999-5320

Location
2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Neighborhood
Arlington
Parking details
2 hour free parking on a limited parking lot behind the restaurant on Filmore St.
Entertainment
Our DJ sets up early – so you don’t miss a beat.Thursday 8 PMFriday and Saturday 9:30 PMAll tunes. All tastes. You will not be disappointed.WEDNESDAYS: Enjoy our acoustic nights with various talented artists, every Wednesday starting at 7 PM.THURSDAYS: Ladies’ Night. BABA loves to celebrate her ladies – and she’s reserved it for them.On the menu? Acoustic Latin beats.Ladies can enjoy 1 complimentary sparkling wine or Baba's secret cocktail.FRIDAYS / SATURDAYS: NO EXCUSES.No early morning rising (for most of us) so tonight BABA accepts no excuses. On the program? House music and A-class mixology leaving us with no doubt that we’ll be seeing you next week and the week after and… you get the idea.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Time To Spare
espresso infusion / coconut milk / cinnamon / orange essence
Iced Tea on Fire
whisky / lemon juice / ice tea reduction / frozen grilled lemon / creole bitters
Beets
Rum, Beet Juice, Lime, Mint
Traditional Mimosa
Seasonal Bellini
Bloody Mary
Apple Berry Punch
rum, velvet falernum, lime juice, apple berry juice / orange essence
Celery Drink
gin / lime juice / celery cucumber jalapeno
My Melone
Vodka / Cantaloupe /lemon

Farm Buffet

Soup Of The Day, ask server

Meats & Fish

Cold Cuts
beef prosciutto / pork neck / beef salami
Gulas
beef stew / onion / red wine
Chicken Tinga
Smoked Salmon

Pastry

Burek Mushroom
Burek Beef
Corn Bread
Sweet Jam Croissant
Cheese Croissant

Panini

Chicken Sandwich
rotisserie chicken, horseradish, iceberg lettuce

Veggies & Sides

Brussel Sprouts
Mac and Cheese
Mash Potato

Salads

Beet Salad
marinated beets / quinoa
Arugula Avocado Salad
Balkan Salad
cherry tomatoes / onions / bell peppers / cucumbers / aged cow cheese

Spreads

Ajvar
roasted peppers / garlic / eggplant
Olivier
scallops / calamari / shrimp / sweetcorn asparagus / peas/ siracha tarragon mayo
Creamy Chicken Spread
roasted sesame seeds /garlic, mayo cream
Beet Tzatziki
roasted beets / sour cream/ garlic

Made to Order

Balkan Eggs
sauted vegetables
Bacon Egg & Cheese
cheddar cheese
Veggie Omelet
red & yellow peppers / onion / tomato / spinach / creamy Ajvar sauce
Salmon Benedict
english muffn / creme fraiche / Kajmak sauce
Smoked Salmon Crepes
fried crepes / herb kajmak / tartar sauce / grated hard boiled eggs
Ham & Cheese Crepes
fried crepes / ham / mozzarella cheese / tartar sauce
Baba's Slider
organic house ground veal & beef smoked gouda / walnut gribiche salsa red cabbage coleslaw
Baba's Perfect Bowl
oatmeal / caramelized banana / almonds / pineapple / peanut butter / raspberry syrup
Eggs Any Style

Desserts

Baklava
fillo dough, crusted walnuts, lemon syrup
Baba's Tres Leches
english cream, raspberry, seasonal fruits, house whipped cream
Sweet Crepes
wheat flour, Nutella, Plazma
Chocolate-Parsnip Mousse
dark chocolate, parsnip mousse, salt olive oil

Drink

Americano$3.25
Espresso mixed with hot water - similar in taste to drip coffee
Cappuccino$3.75
Espresso and milk, topped with a layer of airy foam
Cortado$3.75
Espresso with a bit more steamed milk than a macchiato
Drip Coffee$3.25
A classic cup of coffee. We offer our signature house blend. Corsica, as well as a seasonally rotating Workshop single origin on drip
Espresso$3.25
Our default is a double shot. We offer our signature house lend, Nizza, as well as a seasonally rotating Workshop single origin on esspreso
Hot Chocolate$3.50
Unsweetened chocolate mixed with steamed milk. Sweeten to taste
Latte$4.00
Espresso and milk, topped with a thin layer of silky microfoam
Macchiato$3.75
Espresso with steamed milk
Mocha$4.15
Espresso mixed with unsweetened dark chocolate, topped with milk. Sweeten to taste
Baba's Turkish Coffee$3.25
Finely ground unfiltered coffee, giving your cup more aroma and flavor. Served with a side of walnut Turkish delight

What 315 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on all time ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

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JD
JonathanD
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is my #1 brunch spot. I’ve NEVER had a bad time here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved everything about this place! It was a little too dark and noisy for my parents, but the food and service made up for that to them! Highly suggest the 5 hour lamb, everything else was great as well but that was exceptional. Drinks were also a hit with our group. For 6 people, we spent around $350. Pricey, but worth it in my opinion.
T
Thalia
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 28, 2020
overall5food2service4ambience5
Great live flamenco guitar music Thursday night!
K
Kristine
Washington DC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall2food1service2ambience3
We went for the brunch and the buffet food had gotten cold and when ordering items off the menu half weren't available.
BL
BLaw
Washington DC
43 reviews
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great! Mushrooms were definitely a favorite, shrimp was meh though, that’s the one we’d skip next time. Service was helpful. Fun vibe but pretty loud.
s
sw15
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The manager was fantastic- very involved and friendly, while making sure all is running as it should. Great food and drinks, as well.
AC
AnneC
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great brunch! The drinks service was a little slow, they didn’t have enough menus (each table got one menu for everyone at the table), and Ambar and Baba use the same bathrooms (which for the women’s room means 2 stalls for everyone in both restaurants). BUT the food was excellent, the cocktails were delicious, and the decor was really cute. The staff was maybe a bit short-handed, but they were very friendly and solicitous.
A
Alec
Washington DC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall3food5service5ambience5
Too expensive
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 13, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience5
Good place for drinks and small plates. Relatively small area with a speakeasy vibe, and it’s right next to Ambar.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Richmond
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Stellar service. Perfect date night vibes.
J
Jodie
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reliably Delicious! Love the homey ambiance and my favorite breakfast ever--Balkan Eggs
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect for a girls brunch!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceeded expectations!
S
Sheila
Washington DC
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience4
It was a bit too loud for what it was, I could barely hear the person inches away from me. Other than that it was pretty noce
WP
WPfood
Washington DC
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 17, 2020
overall3food3service4ambience3
It’s an okay place, but not a place I would necessarily recommend to my friends.
Z
Zlat
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Best brunch in Arlington hands down! The food and drinks really are amazing
B
Bandido
Washington DC
79 reviews
vip
3.0
79 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2020
overall3food4service5ambience3
An interesting array of small dishes, influenced by Baba's relationship with Ambar, the Balkan tapas restaurant, next door. Food was tasty but servings were literally small.
RH
RonH
Washington DC
47 reviews
vip
5.0
47 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Two things brings me back to Baba eveytime: 1. the great service 2. the awsome DJ on friday night the food, atmosphere, cool crowd and great location also helps
JG
JennaG
Washington DC
9 reviews
vip
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2019
overall5food2service5ambience5
I went for hh and the drinks are creative and delicious. However, the food menu is extremely limited especially for vegetarians. The last time I had been the menu was far more extensive, smaller yet similar to Ambar upstairs. The staff told me they changed the menu since my last visit about a year or so ago. I 100% recommend Baba for hh drinks though and then do what we did, eat upstairs. Great ambiance, as well!
1
112021js
Washington DC
20 reviews
vip
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2019
overall3food4service3ambience5
Great cocktails, meh (and overpriced) food.
P
Phil
Washington DC
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food is great and a great value. A little cramped but cosy. Wine list is a bit weak, but great place.
J
Jodie
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great place for brunch. The Balkan eggs are my favorite but everything is fantastic.
KM
KissMeCate
Washington DC
17 reviews
vip
3.0
17 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience3
I was disappointed that although it was restaurant week and they were offering a prix fixe menu, the server did not mention it and did not give us the restaurant week menu. That did not seem right. I was with someone so it was awkward to point that out.
IK
IanK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
This place is great! Went here for a birthday dinner with a few friends and had a great time. It has sort of a "fourth date vibe" so be aware (When I went there my group was the only non-couple in the room). Watch out for the chairs (they roll). If you get anything other than the mix drink cocktails you are making a mistake because they are amazing and creative (though they also have a good wine/beer selection too)!
PR
PRVA
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
OUTSTANDING ambiance and food. We got the "unlimited/bottomless brunch" and enjoyed all the diverse selection. Appreciated that the culinary offering is not the standard American brunch fare. The Baba Team was fantastic. Only suggestion is that more attention is paid to timely mimosa refills and menu orders. More time than not, we were actively seeking attention from the staff. Other than that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable brunch experience.
AG
AlexisG
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience, as always—cozy, good food, thoughtful and attentive service staff. The brunch deal satisfied the most and least adventurous eaters among us, as well as the most and least interested in cocktails. Highly recommend.
H
Hungryandhappy
Cleveland
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Baba is a tucked away restaurant with excellent Balkan food and unique cocktails. It’s much quieter than it’s neighbor, Ámbar, and offers a cozy setting. The brunch buffet and ala carte menu was perfect on a warm Saturday!
AB
AlexB
Washington DC
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun ambiance, great food, and nice, attentive (but not annoying) service.
SC
SeanC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambience, great food! I invited a large group, first experience for them, and all were very pleased.
RC
RobC
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time at Baba. Won't be my last. The food was AMAZING! Everyone in my group loved it.
AM
AllieM
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2019
overall5food5service4ambience5
Loved the ambiance! So relaxing and sweet
D
Dtackett
Jacksonville
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience5
Love the secret passage from the sidewalk going into the restaurant. The furniture is very worn and is in need of an upgrade. The theme is cute and will work but with new furniture. This relates to comfort. The food was great as far as flavor, however, the eggs were burnt. I don’t like mine burnt. The lunch side of brunch seems more solid than the breakfast. They have opportunities here to add some flare to the menu. My Bloody was OK... no celery, olives, etc... just juice and Vodka. Again.... add some flair... My friends love this place so I’ll give you another try in the near future.
EM
EmilyM
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience2
Went here for our anniversary to celebrate our first date, which was also here at Baba. We loved the vibe on our first date and obviously it was a good first date since we are together this much later. This time for our anniversary, we looked forward to the same atmosphere in terms of food, drinks, music, etc. Unfortunately we left after a couple drinks (which were very creative and good) and went upstairs to Ambar to eat because the acoustic guitarist playing at Baba was terrible and loud. Not sure if this is a nightly thing now, or just a couple days a week, or just on this one occasion. We will probably try again another time, but we won’t bother sitting down if there’s live music after this experience.
KS
KathySF
San Francisco
45 reviews
vip
2.0
45 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2019
overall2food4service3ambience3
Pretty disturbing when you pay $35 per person for Restaurant week for a drink, appetizer and an entree and your portions are so small that you leave hungry.
MM
MaryM
Philadelphia
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2019
overall4food3service3ambience5
The space is lovely reminds me of Paris! I don't know if the restaurant week portions were skrunk or if that is normal but they were small-we stopped at the taco and pizza place a few blocks down for take-out. The 5 hour lamb was amazing but my Bolognese had unevenly cooked pasta. I did enjoy my raspberry fizz and the sparkling wine was very nice. The staff are super friendly but if you get so busy that you can't remember what people order, you need to write it down. The guy came back 3 times to ask about something we ordered and we heard him ask 2 surrounding tables what they ordered.
YR
YvetteR
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful surprise. Unique and delicious food. Sunday brunch is fairly reasonable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 11, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Love the vibe at this downstairs restaurant! We enjoyed a lovely brunch with great service. The $.25 mimosas, bellinis, and enfused coffee we’re definitely a draw, and the overall price of $29 for a bottomless brunch can’t be beat. Our fave foods were the salmon crepes, the cheese/jelly pastries, the French toast, and the salmon Benedict. (Pescatarian, so can’t speak to the meat dishes). Oh, and the baklava & chocolate crepes for dessert. Yum. Would definitely recommend!
AW
AllenW
Washington DC
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fourth time to visit Baba. Hard to believe, but each time just gets better. Our food was perfectly prepared and presented. As always the ambiance in the restaurant is cozy, yet lively. Happy Hour here is one af the best values in the DC area.
S
Subagent
Washington DC
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A business acquaintance from Japan was visiting, and I wanted to find someplace where a few of us could sit and catch up, as well as enjoy a nice cocktail and a small meal. Baba is perfect for such an occasion. The small plate filet was quite savory. I'm sure I'll be back with friends and/or family. Really a delightful, intimate and fairly hip (by my old-guy standards) bistro. Bonus points for the downstairs location, which adds to the vibe!
DC
DCVol
Washington DC
77 reviews
vip
5.0
77 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect evening - great location and atmosphere. Dinner & Drinks were well-prepared and well-presented. Attentive service. Live music was appropriate and enjoyable. Can't wait to go back again

FAQs

Baba is rated 4.7 stars by 315 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Neighborhood
Arlington
Hours of operation
Monday-Thursday: 4pm – 12am Friday: 4pm – 2am Saturday: 9:30am – 2am Sunday: 9:30am – 12am Brunch: Saturday&Sunday: 9:30am – 3pm Dinner: Sunday-Thursday: 4pm – 10:30pm Friday-Saturday: 4pm – 12am Bar: Sunday-Thursday: 4pm – 12am Friday-Saturday: 4pm – 2am HH: Monday-Friday: 4pm-7pm
Cuisines
Balkan style, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
2 hour free parking on a limited parking lot behind the restaurant on Filmore St.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Bojan Bocvarov
Entertainment
Our DJ sets up early – so you don’t miss a beat.Thursday 8 PMFriday and Saturday 9:30 PMAll tunes. All tastes. You will not be disappointed.WEDNESDAYS: Enjoy our acoustic nights with various talented artists, every Wednesday starting at 7 PM.THURSDAYS: Ladies’ Night. BABA loves to celebrate her ladies – and she’s reserved it for them.On the menu? Acoustic Latin beats.Ladies can enjoy 1 complimentary sparkling wine or Baba's secret cocktail.FRIDAYS / SATURDAYS: NO EXCUSES.No early morning rising (for most of us) so tonight BABA accepts no excuses. On the program? House music and A-class mixology leaving us with no doubt that we’ll be seeing you next week and the week after and… you get the idea.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.baba.bar/
Phone number
(703) 312-7978
Private party facilities
BABA restaurant provides the perfect space to host your upcoming private or corporate event. From small family gatherings to huge corporate events, we at BABA will host your friends, family and business partners with equal care, professionalism and only the highest level of customer service
Private party contact
Marijana Skerlic : (202) 999-5320

Baba

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Session Cocktails

Time To Spare

Iced Tea on Fire

Beets

Traditional Mimosa

Seasonal Bellini

Bloody Mary

Apple Berry Punch

Celery Drink

My Melone

Farm Buffet

Meats & Fish

Cold Cuts

Gulas

Chicken Tinga

Smoked Salmon

Pastry

Burek Mushroom

Burek Beef

Corn Bread

Sweet Jam Croissant

Cheese Croissant

Panini

Chicken Sandwich

Veggies & Sides

Brussel Sprouts

Mac and Cheese

Mash Potato

Salads

Beet Salad

Arugula Avocado Salad

Balkan Salad

Spreads

Ajvar

Olivier

Creamy Chicken Spread

Beet Tzatziki

Made to Order

Balkan Eggs

Bacon Egg & Cheese

Veggie Omelet

Salmon Benedict

Smoked Salmon Crepes

Ham & Cheese Crepes

Baba's Slider

Baba's Perfect Bowl

Eggs Any Style

Desserts

Baklava

Baba's Tres Leches

Sweet Crepes

Chocolate-Parsnip Mousse

Drink

Americano$3.25

Cappuccino$3.75

Cortado$3.75

Drip Coffee$3.25

Espresso$3.25

Hot Chocolate$3.50

Latte$4.00

Macchiato$3.75

Mocha$4.15

Baba's Turkish Coffee$3.25

Overall ratings and reviews

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How is Baba restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information