With its close proximity to UT Knoxville and the exciting revitalization of the downtown area, Babalu Tapas & Tacos couldn’t pass up the opportunity to call downtown Knoxville home. A well-known department store occupied the two southern buildings located at the 400 block of Gay Street from 1898 until 1980. Not a single customer had darkened the doorway of the building for over 30 years until Babalu began renovations in 2015. Look around and you will spy fifteen foot ceilings, exposed brick, 100-year-old terrazzo tile, and antique signage recovered from a Knoxville bygone era. It adds to the fun personality evident in each one of our restaurants. There is always something to do downtown and Babalu Knoxville is right in the heart of it.