Prado

The Prado in Balboa Park is in an incredibly beautiful setting. Either outdoors or indoors you can’t go wrong. Service was good with decently quick drink refills. Food was decent - it’s pretty standard “cafe” food with the high prices you would expect from the location. If you are in Balboa Park already however, you really couldn’t go wrong with stopping here for lunch or a drink!

I came here with my daughter on a very busy Saturday. They were fully booked but we found a table in the bar area for Happy Hour. The bar area is large and includes the patio, so if they are booked check this area out. We both had the Prado Margherita, which is poured at the table, and although it is slightly more expensive it is the best deal as you get almost two glasses. I recommend their Margherita!! I tried the prime rib rolls and my daughter went for the short rib Mac and Cheese, and we split an order of loaded fries. I had issues with each item. First the Mac and Cheese was Luke warm at best making me think they are premade and then heated to serve? Anyway the server took it away and 20 minutes later a new one showed up that was a few degrees warmer. She only had half of it as it was a little bland. The prime rib rolls were good but the amount of meat you get is minimal, less than a few ounces in my estimation. The sauces and aioli drizzle were amazing so I happily ate all 7 pieces. The fries are good and portion is solid, but they just throw nacho cheese and some bacon bits on the top so I was kind of disappointed with the concept of “loaded”. Anyway, The Prado is a great place with a great vibe and I will definitely go back, and probably try a few other dishes.

Seating options are outdoor or indoor. We opted for outdoor as it was a beautiful sunny day! During restaurant week, I ordered mahi mahi fish tacos with charro beans. It was fresh and deliciously filling. Also, had a Cesar salad as an appetizer and it was very yummy 😋 My mother in law ordered a chicken sandwich on ciabatta bread. Overall, the food is excellent, but the service was lacking in refills of my unsweetened tea because some one was in training mode.

I have come to this establishment for years and am surprised I have never written a review. There are mixed reviews but I have never been disappointed. The atmosphere has always had me returning and I always sit outside. It is beautifully and colorfully decorated and inviting. The sangria was always my go to as I sit and relax under an umbrella'd table. I did notice they changed the glasses from a wine-type to almost a drinking glass, but that's just an observation. We had great service so I can't complain there. We also came towards the end of lunch so perhaps the crowd dying out helped. Crab dip so yummy never disappoints and it came with crispy toasts. I had the cobb which was absolutely delicious, filling and perfect on a hot summer day. My friend had the beet salad with a side of filet mignon steak. She loved it as well. Parking is available in their community lots.

Amazing location. Showed up during happy hour (2:30-4:30pm). Normal menu is "prix fix", happy hour you can mix and match menu items. Ordered the Farmers Salad w/ chicken, Mac and Chesse w/ Beef Brisket and Loaded Fries. The salads were good and Mac and Cheese was pretty good. The loaded fries were not very loaded and came in a clear 3rd place. Great scene, come take in the sights and sounds of Balboa Park.