Balboa Cafe

Wandered upon this place, and happy we did. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable regarding the menu. The waitress was beyond accommodating recommending half servings of salads, additions, etc. They even sent us free dessert bc it was our birthdays. The food was flavorful and nice size portions. I can see why this is a neighborhood joint and when I'm back in San Fran I will definitely return.

Wild review, bc I didn’t actually eat here. Visiting SFO, going for a walk, saw the place and wanted to check the menu…the gentleman at the front greeting, Mark, this man is electric and needs a raise! He was so enthusiastic, kind, and legit would have gotten me to eat there if I didn’t already have plans to meet a friend at their place. Mark, you’re the man. Keep brining your positivity into this world!

Man I I’ve been coming to this place for years. The reason why I keep coming to this place is because they are the best people. I lost my wallet and ID here and the staff were kind enough to mail it to me. I am absolutely a customer for life as I’ve been for the last 5 years. There is no better place than this in the city. Keep on being a shining example!

As someone with a peculiar passion for unique flavors, I recently found myself at the Balboa Cafe in San Francisco, lured in by whispers of their delightful libations. While I can't vouch for their food (as I indulged in only drinks), I must say that my visit was a distinct and flavor-infused experience. Upon entering, I was greeted by a warm and cozy ambiance, reminiscent of the cozy embrace of a Mediterranean grove. The space, particularly by the bar, was a tad snug, with patrons clustered together like a gathering of friends. It was an intimate atmosphere, perfect for those who enjoy close encounters and conversations. Speaking of unique flavors, the cocktail menu at Balboa Cafe did not disappoint. I couldn't resist trying their martini, and oh, what a treat it was! The bartender's skillful mixing of gin and vermouth yielded a drink that was as smooth as a serene evening. The subtle brininess of the garnish added a delightful twist, much like the unexpected joy of discovering hidden treasures. For those who prefer their libations a bit sweeter, the themed drinks continued to impress. The Dirty Martini, with its essence, was a reminder of the savory allure of these little green gems. It was as if they had taken the essence of a Mediterranean sunset and distilled it into a glass. The service was as efficient as can be, and the staff's knowledge of the drink menu was impressive. They ensured that our glasses were never empty, and I appreciated their attentiveness. While the Balboa Cafe may be tight on space, it's undoubtedly rich in character and flavor. So, if you're like me, and have an affinity for unique and delightful experiences, you'll find this place to be an inviting spot. It's a hidden spot where you can savor creatively crafted cocktails while being comfortably surrounded by fellow aficionados of life's rich tapestry of flavors.

First time here, discovered by chance as we were driving by, lots of people but enough space to seat us inside right away. Salmon was really good, not very garlicky, combined with squash and navy beans, I usually don't eat the skin but I tried it and it was crunchy and flavoury, no regrets. Chimichurri fries had a good twist to traditional fries, they came with a kind of mayo sauce that didn't add anything to them, try them without it. Calamari looked good, I'd try it next time. Parking space? this is SF so good luck 😁