Babblin' Babs

Tacoma, often considered the red-headed stepchild of the Seattle area, actually has some great little places for food, entertainment, and fun. Babblin’ Babs is a good little bistro in the Proctor District of Tacoma.

This is good bistro food, and the chef seems to really go out of his way to serve organic cuisine and support the local markets, which is something I always appreciate. Many of the breads and sauces are made in house, too. I recommend the unique sandwiches made with whole foods and gourmet breads. My two favorite sandwiches are Prosciutto Pear & Bleu and the West Indies Curry Chicken. Both are delicious and the food presentation is very nice. They also serve quiche and salads. Although the quiche always smelled heavenly, I never had a chance to try it. There always seemed to be someone ordering it though. The salads are good, too (no crappy iceberg lettuce here!); I believe the dressings are in-house as well.

It’s about the size of a postage stamp with a handful of bistro tables, one larger table, and a couple tables outside. The décor is cute enough; small, intimate, and sometimes just a little cramped. There’s definitely room for improvement in this area. (It may be a good idea to go just before or just after the lunch crowds.) Oddly enough, I feel compelled to write about the state of the restroom; it’s just plain nice. So many restaurants neglect this all-important facility, but not Babs. It’s well-kept, very clean, and the sink always has nice-smelling soap and lotion.

Overall, I like Babblin’ Babs a lot. The food quality is great, and the presentation is excellent. Aside from the sometimes-claustrophobic size of the place, it’s a lovely little place to eat.