Movement in Babbo’s Old Home
San Diego Streets friend Gregory M. alerted us to new activity at the former home of Babbo Grande at 1731 University Avenue in Hillcrest. We’ve had our eyes on this spot for a while now, as we recently noticed some cleanup happening on the inside.
Behind the wall, it turns out that they’ve completely removed the facade while renovation takes place.
This former restaurant is actually two spaces—1731 and 1733 University Avenue—and it appears that it may be getting divided again for two separate tenants.
We sure do miss cheap eats over here. Babbo Grande was an old favorite of ours, with its dependable comfort food and friendly service. After this location shuttered in 2011 due to flood damage, it reopened around the corner on Park Blvd at the former Gulf Coast Grill space.
Of course, that comeback as Babbo’s Bar & Grille lasted only for a short time, as fire damage caused it to close for good. They had a loyal following—and we weren’t the only ones hoping for another return—but it seems that it’s the end of the line for Babbo. We’re curious to see what’s next.