Babalu Overton Square - Memphis

As for the food, I ordered the fried oysters salad, which came with a generous portion of fried oysters. They were tender and not overly greasy. However, the greens were a bit sparse and not as crisp as I had hoped. The blue cheese dressing on the side was a little too salty and somewhat watery, so I’d recommend requesting the dressing on the side if you’re not a fan of overly drenched salads. I’m not sure I would order that salad again. On the plus side, they have a full bar and a happy hour! Now, let's talk about the service - it was fantastic! The staff was friendly, and my server recognized that I wasn't completely satisfied with my dish and offered to suggest something else from the menu. She was truly attentive and helpful. In terms of ambiance, the place has a cozy and casual vibe. The seating is a bit tight, but manageable. Lastly, parking is available on the street.

**Tips:** - There is plenty of street parking available in the nearby neighborhoods. - Enjoy the efficient service. - This place is perfect for lunch. - Great drinks and bar selection. - The cheese grits are incredible! - The atmosphere is casual.

This is my favorite lunch and dinner restaurant in Memphis. The crab ravioli is my fave and that is all I ever want to eat. Everyone that works there are so personable. We always have amazing conversation.

The enchiladas are the best thing ever! You're going to have to get some AND THEN get some to go, too!!! Not the biggest fan of the drinks...

I narrowed down my choices to oysters, the Zimmern, or the muffuletta, while my companion opted for the turkey po' boy (though I personally dislike the term "po' boy"). We also ordered the Louisiana poutine fries topped with pimento cheese, andouille, and crawfish tails. The fries didn’t come out initially, but once we mentioned it, they were quickly brought to us, so it was no issue at all. The turkey po' boy was excellent; you can’t really improve on a po' boy—it is what it is. What stood out was the quality of the ingredients: savory turkey, delicious bacon that may have been Benton’s, and fresh, crisp lettuce. The creole mayo added a nice kick, and the French bread was simply phenomenal—flaky and warm, with a texture that was top-notch. Now, let’s talk about the muffuletta. It was hands down the best muffuletta I’ve had outside of New Orleans. The olive mix added a delightful crunch to balance the melted cheese and soft bread. The ham had a subtle smokiness that enhanced the overall flavor. It really was a wonderful blend of taste and texture. With only half of the muffuletta devoured and a heap of fries still sitting temptingly on my plate, I made the questionable decision to order the bread pudding, just to see how it compared to others I've had. This choice turned out to be both a mistake and one of the best decisions I've made all month. In the legendary words of Justin Wilson—if you get that reference, I’ll be impressed—I could only say, “Aaahhhhhyyyeeee! Now dat’s some mighty fine bread pudding!” It was buttery and loose, with a dense crust that was sweet but not overwhelmingly so, featuring bits of vanilla bean and candied pecans. So, if you're still with me, here’s the bottom line: the last time I reviewed Second Line, I gave it a 3-star rating; now, it deserves a solid 4 stars. This makes it the best New Orleans-themed bar food in Memphis, as well as the best New Orleans sandwiches within a day’s drive of the city, without crossing into Louisiana. I can’t definitively say Second Line’s muffuletta beats a famous Reuben in St. Louis or a meatball sub in Cosby, TN, but it certainly puts up a good fight. It's worth mentioning that 5-star ratings are rare in my book, and a 4.5 doesn’t automatically round up to a 5. However, after this experience, I’d confidently give Second Line a solid 4.5 star rating. Why the upgrade from a 3 to a 4.5? The 3 was for takeout, while this rating comes from dining in. The food was exceptional, but it’s the staff—especially Row—that elevates the experience beyond typical expectations. My advice? Dine here. Enjoy great food, support local businesses, and tip generously. This is exactly the place to do it.