Babalu, the family bar and restaurant that’s been serving classic comfort food since 1946— has quietly closed.
A sign on the door of Babulu reads “The Babalu would like to thank our patrons for many years of support! At this moment we are no longer in business.”
Babalu has seen many lives in its 74 years on 4th St. N. in the 'Burg; from being a drive-up fast food spot in the late 1940s to evolving into a social lounge with pool tables in the mid-1970s, it eventually became the iconic St. Petersburg landmark that was known for its homemade dishes like smoked fish spread and jumbo fresh chicken wings, as well as its family-friendly environment.
Some would say Babalu was the type of restaurant where everyone would remember your name.
Tampa Bay residents Chip and Laurie Pitts sold the Babalu in 2017 after owning and operating the bar and restaurant for over 30 years. The new owners made slight changes like expanding the menu and adding live entertainment—but the closure of Babalu was unprecedented.
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