Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Jose Babushka's

    3.2 (121 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Polish, Bars
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Jose Babushka's Photos

    Business Info

    JOSE BABUSHKA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Jose Babushka's

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Alyson C.

    Jose Babushka's is a great spot for a low key, family-friendly happy hour. I grew up in the area, but no longer live in Michigan. When I'm back home, I always enjoy meeting up with friends or family at Jose's for their delicious margaritas (classic, or flavored - all yummy!) and chips & dip trio. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The place is never over-crowded or noisy, which I appreciate. Tons of outdoor seating - in front and back of the restaurant as well as bar & table seating indoors.

    Tacos pastor w/ flour tortilla
    Jackee O.

    Sitting outside on the back patio was the best part of dinning at this restaurant. It was pleasantly shaded but still gave enough room for sunlight to keep you warm. Food was tender but lacked flavor. Service was friendly but very slow. Kind of disappointed.

    Best takeout in GR
    Terry E.

    If you're looking for the best Mexican food take-out in Grand Rapids, this is your spot! They are so friendly. The food is just INCREDIBLE! My favorite are the Momma's Tacos. I could eat 20 of them! And they're a Local business... I love that. And they're a really neat one. Give them a taste, you won't be sorry.

    The Trio - guac, queso, salsa with chips

    Definitely not anywhere near authentic but very tasty food. We started with the trio of queso, guac, and salsa with chips. There was so much we couldn't eat it all. Definitely enough for a larger group. It wasn't the best I've had but it was still very good. I got the filet steak tacos and my husband got the crispy shrimp tacos. We split them up so I tried one of each. They were both SO good. If you want authentic this is not the place for you but otherwise I would recommend it. The service was also very good on a Friday night. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because the beans and rice were not that great. They tasted like they'd been sitting out a bit.. but I was still satisfied with the overall meal.

    Dill pickle soup
    Kate A.

    We decided to revisit this place on a whim. First impressions this visit weren't too good when we were asked to share a menu bc they were short on them. This was quite surprising for a restaurant that wasn't even half full. The waitress was sweet but didn't seem too knowledgeable on the menu. So I wasn't expecting much... but the food changed my mind. The dill pickle soup and the chicken Garcia chimi were amazing. So much good flavor and I rarely say that when I'm out and about. Drinks were ok and the kielbasa and potato pancakes were pretty good. Huge portions! One little word of advice to Jose Babushka's is you might want to consider updating the menu available online so it matches what's available in house. Other than that, I enjoyed this place! I think if a restaurant was ever to embody me, this might be the place! A fusion of Polish and Mexican!

    The "Classico" beef & bean burrito. Yami, yo!

    See all

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 4

    Ask the Community - Jose Babushka's

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 4,244 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    House Rules

    House Rules

    4.9
    (54 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    In terms of things to do in Grand Rapids, visiting House Rules nears the top of my list. I'm not a…read morebig beer drinker, so I had my doubts, but in addition to a half dozen fridges full of beer, they had plenty of non alcoholic drinks, as well as hard ciders, seltzers, and canned cocktails. Many brands were local that I'd never heard of before, and it was fun to experiment and try new things. Their food menu honestly shocked me with how tasty everything was. For a board game bar, I usually expect food to take a back seat or be phoned in, but everything was delicious! I had to try the elote deviled eggs, which was a combo I had never considered but I'm so glad someone did! I also got the truffle mac and cheese and a house salad. Both were excellent! The board game selection was extensive, with old favorites and hidden gems. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll be sure to stop in again!

    My husband and I met some friends at House Rules. This is a great place where you can have a bite…read moreto eat, grab a drink, and play a game in a relaxed atmosphere. You pay for your table by the hour. You can pick from a wide range of games from their game library. You can also bring your own games or purchase one at the establishment. We played Chameleon while enjoying sandwiches and chicken tenders. The food was pretty good and made with local ingredients. You can order from a QR code on the table and the food is brought to your table. For dessert we ordered a cookie skillet. We had a good time at Hose Rules and highly recommend it.

    Photos
    House Rules
    House Rules
    Seating area

    See all

    Seating area
    General Wood Shop

    General Wood Shop

    4.6
    (25 reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    General Wood Shop is such a fun spot on Bridge Street. They are LGBTQ owned and have tons of events…read moreall throughout the week, like drag shows, watch parties, dance parties, etc. I think the vibe is more "party" on weekends and evenings, but the times I've gone earlier in the day have been more my speed. Nate and I recently stopped in to try some of their new food menu and seasonal drinks. The new drink menu is Japanese themed, so we were excited since we went to Japan earlier this year. I got the alpenglow and Nate got the spicy margarita. Both were delicious and beautiful. We also got some happy hour snacks - the dijon sesame salad and the savory cream cheese wontons. Their happy hour is a great deal and I'd love to come back soon for that again. The salad was fresh and a big portion to share. The raw diced onion wasn't my favorite addition to the salad, but I did love the overall flavors. The savory cream cheese wontons were absolutely delicious - definitely very savory and crispy. I'd get these every time! The vibe inside at happy hour was pretty quiet but it can get packed as it's not a huge space. I am so glad that General Wood Shop is here and I'm looking forward to my next visit.

    The General Woodshop, you will ALWAYS be famous…read more This bar is near and dear to my heart, when it first opened last year I made an effort to bring anyone with me that would come along. As a queer person, we have to protect our spaces by supporting them. The care that the staff lures into this place truly shows. The rotating menu, the affordable drink options, the ambiance and the way they truly take suggestions from their patrons. They have a new patio addition which has made the smaller spot feel larger aswell. Last fall, I came in on a whim by myself. Callie was my bartender (love), and they were deciding what to do with some Sloe Gin. Thus the "Femme Fatale" was born, there's something magical about watching a craft cocktail come together. Something even more magical about being able to NAME a cocktail at your favorite watering hole. GW is truly a beautiful addition to GR.

    Photos
    Panko chicken bao
    Panko chicken bao
    Pork belly bao
    Pork belly bao
    Grand opening July 28, 2023

    See all

    Grand opening July 28, 2023
    The Pyramid Scheme

    The Pyramid Scheme

    3.8
    (94 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $

    Came for the most amazing performance by comedian, Alok!…read more The Pyramid Scheme is a fun retro take on a dive bar known for their great shows, pinball machines and (somewhat) reasonably priced drinks. The staff may seem rough on the outer edges, but they are all actually teddy bears once you get to know them. Usually shows are standing room only, which is a drag if you are old like me and opt not to wear orthotics. Luckily, the 9 pm encore show was seated. My old bones appreciated this. Now look below as I'm fangirling in the attached photos! I absolutely adore Alok and their courage to humorously challenge the gender binary and systematically poke holes in the patriarchal system that comprises The USA.

    i have been attending the Pyramid Scheme for years now. I absolutely love all of the staff and they…read morereally become like friends and family after constantly seeing them when attending shows. The lineups are often pretty diverse, now offering more local music and the addition of more free events to bring together the community. They've added vintage nights, trivia, and free pinball days which I think is a very important and necessary community good. The venue has a front half with a bar, pinball cabinets, and even some outdoor seating. The back hosts the concert venue with interior bar, seating, and elevated stage. I'm allergic to alcohol so I can't speak to the drinks nor the prices but they have free water jugs readily available which is a lifesaver during shows and is just such a small, nice feature to have access to. I definitely would recommend coming here for a concert, finding some new local music, or establishing a new hang out for your friends.

    Photos
    Uh-oh! I did 172 million
    Uh-oh! I did 172 million
    T-shirts for sale
    T-shirts for sale
    The Pyramid Scheme

    See all

    Pursuit Of Happiness Co.

    Pursuit Of Happiness Co.

    4.7
    (28 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Women-owned & operated

    Pursuit of Happiness Co is the girl she says she is!…read more The atmosphere is modern, chic, and makes me want to hang around for hours. I was personally impressed mostly by the Spritz menu. The cherry spritz, mama I dream of it still . My only qualm is that I am a stickler for good glassware ~ I would like to see the beverages with a stem. And based on the aesthetic I know the owner could find some classic glassware. We need more places like this in GR, and I need more POH in my LIFE.

    Two friends who spent over a decade in Washington, D.C., a city with excellent cocktail bars,…read morerecommended this spot. It didn't disappoint. Popping in on the Friday after Thanksgiving with a friend around 9:30pm, here's my experience. 1) Cocktails: Their menu is large and includes cocktails, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and small bites. My friend ordered a seasonal cocktail and I started with the Passion Spritz, which was my favorite with passion fruit and guava. For my second drink, I ordered the French 75, which was average. It has good taste, but it came with a large ice cube. The cocktail was more watered down than ones I've had chilled v. with an ice cube. 2) Service: It was attentive and friendly. Throughout our stay, the servers checked in with us at appropriate times. All were approachable. 3) Space: It's simple yet chic with plenty of places to sit at the bar, at tables, and on couches. If you want a great place to catch up with friends, go here!

    Photos
    Pursuit Of Happiness Co.
    Pursuit Of Happiness Co.
    Pursuit Of Happiness Co.

    See all

    Jose Babushka's - mexican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...