Babylon Cafe

*** Babylon Cafe has closed.

Got home late tonight, so just a quick post.......

When I saw the sign for Babylon Cafe on one of my trips to Ba Ren, I was intrigued.

Just what would be served at this little restaurant. I was pretty sure it would be Middle Eastern, but just what, exactly....would it be Babylonian-Assyrian inspired food? So a few months ago, I decided to check it out.

As I walked up to the door the Kronos Gyros poster gave it away. Babylon Cafe, was a   neighborhood Kabob Shop. The menu a simple mix of the standards: Gyros, Kabobs, Greek Salads, and the like.

Trying to hide my slight disappointment, I quickly took in the positives, the restaurant was well lit, clean, and the folks very nice. The prices, especially for the "sandwiches" weren't bad at all....all under 5 bucks. Unfortunately, there was no lamb on the menu.....

So I just decided to have the Beef Gyros Sandwich($4.59):

The meat was cut fresh from the spit, and was moist, the amount was on the generous side. I'm thinking that this is decent pre-fab Kronos meat.  Some tomato and onion finished up the sandwich, and no lettuce filler. The pita was nice and warm.

One thing I didn't care for was the Tzatziki, it is runny, and lacks flavor.  Hummus, which was on the pasty-bland side, and even more pita was provided to complete the meal.

This is pretty much the equivalent to "casual-fast" food, think Daphne's. The Gyros Sandwich is easily worth the $4.59, and provides some variety in the area. As mentioned earlier, the folks running the place seemed very nice, and I think they are related to the folks running the liquor store next door. Entrees run from $8.59-$10.99, Sandwiches $4.59-$4.99, salads come in 2 sizes, small($3.99 - $5.59 for a chicken salad), and large ($5.99 -$7.59). Probably not worth going out of your way for, but if you're in the area and need something quick and cheap, that's not chain fast food, or a taco shop.......

Babylon Cafe
4937 Diane Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

Comments

[nhbilly]

Sounds disappointing, the meat on the spit looks anemic.

[janfrederick]

Interesting. I went to an assyrian wedding two weekends back. It was catered and you could tell that the food was cooked well in advance of the reception. But the flavors were great.

So, that being said, where can I get a nice fresh assyrian meal in the area? Or would it involve a bit of driving?

[Kirk]

Hi Billy - At least it was hot and moist....at least.....

Hi Jan - Assyrian Food? You got me....maybe someone will read this and let us know.

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