European-Style Cafe Prepares to Woo Downtown

Upcoming Cannon Street eatery Babas will open on Tuesday, October 9, with offerings inspired by pincho bars in Spain, aperitivo in Italy, and small cafes in France. “We looked at the wines and cuisines of those countries,” says co-owner Edward Crouse, “The food menu will have the same disposition as the snacks served with drinks in Spain, Italy, and France.”

Located at 11 Cannon St., Babas will first open with evening service, and will eventually add a day service with grab-and-go lunches and caffeine drinks.

Joining Crouse is wine expert Marie Stitt (consulting from Grassroots Wine) and cocktail master Lane Becker (formerly of the Ordinary). With so much expertise between the trio, they admit there was some geekery going on while perfecting the cocktails, choosing the wine list, and picking out the menu.

The space is small and so is the staff. With mostly counter service, Stitt says they came to this type of bar/restaurant model because of the staffing shortage in Charleston. Standing at the door to Babas, one can see all the behind-the-counter kitchen equipment and peer into the tiny dish pit.

Look for more photos to come as the space and menu are finalized.

• Babas [Official]