Here comes Babu Ji, the no-holds-barred restaurant with a self-serve beer fridge and a different take on the dishes and flavors of India. The restaurant will open November 21 with limited days and hours until December 14, when it will go full steam ahead. (Check out the opening food and cocktail menus here.)
The name Babu Ji comes from the Hindi term that refers to a “self appointed neighborhood ambassador who knows everyone and everything that’s happening the village.” Owners Jessi and Jennifer Singh have appointed the spirit of Babu Ji as their official ambassador, adorning the sign and menus with their own take on what he might look like.
Inside, the 74-seat restaurant is filled with rich teal and gold, which channels the personality of that bold neighborhood fellow. Metal flower garlands and details curated by SF artist Jenni Witt, Oakland jewelry designer Shelly Harper’s brass wall installations, and an ink, watercolor, and digital installation by Melbourne’s Rebeccah Power are part of the anthropomorphism of the mythical Babu Ji. A private dining alcove is called “Babu’s Boardroom,” and is available for parties of up to 16 people.
Babu Ji will be open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. It will be open November 21-22, 25-27, 30-December 4, 7-12. Then, starting Wednesday, December 14 it will start normal hours, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
