Highlights
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Balboa – San Francisco
Balboa - San Francisco
Photo from Balboa
Balboa at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#2074 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#236 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
474
Reviews
58.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Food
- Vibrant Ambience
- Great Drinks
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Uneven Service
- Loud Environment
The restaurant Balboa, located in the vibrant Cow Hollow neighborhood of San Francisco, is a classic spot where you can immerse yourself in a truly memorable dining experience. As a full-service restaurant, you’ll find yourself drawn to its historic charm and the lively atmosphere, often enhanced by captivating live music.
It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy the city’s unique energy.
Overview: Introducting Balboa
Balboa offers a vibrant setting with a generally positive dining experience. Many guests appreciate the attentive service and the lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for many.
However, some find the prices a bit steep, and the noise level can be a concern for those seeking a quieter meal. The culinary offerings, particularly the food and drinks, receive good remarks, with specific items like the fish and chips standing out.
While the overall vibe is often praised, there are occasional comments about the crowded bar area, which might impact comfort for some visitors.
Good
6.3
out of 10
474
Reviews
58.2%
Satisfaction
168
negative
30
neutral
276
positive
This establishment holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3, placing it in the average category, suggesting a generally acceptable experience. This is further supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 58.2%, indicating a mixed reception among guests.
With 474 total comments, including 276 positive and 168 negative remarks, there’s a clear picture of what works and what doesn’t. Looking closer at the specifics, the Food (7.0) stands out as a strong point, receiving good feedback from many diners.
The Ambience (6.9) also contributes positively to the experience, often described as inviting. However, Service (5.2) appears to be a more average aspect, while Value (3.7) is a clear area needing improvement, with many finding prices high.
What people like
- Quality Food
- Vibrant Ambience
- Top-notch Cocktails
What people don't like
- Poor Value
- Inconsistent Service
- High Noise Level
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, this restaurant presents a mixed bag. It could be a good choice if you prioritize a lively ambience and quality food, especially for drinks and specific dishes.
However, be prepared for potentially higher prices and a bustling environment. If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal with consistently flawless service, this might not be your ideal spot.
It shines more as a vibrant social hub, but managing expectations regarding value and occasional service hiccups will ensure a more enjoyable visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Balboa
Food (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Overall, the food here receives a good score of 7, with many guests raving about their experience. Based on 122 positive remarks, diners frequently praise the delicious espresso martinis, well-cooked salmon, and satisfying burgers. The unique chicken pot pie also earns high marks, making for a delightful culinary journey.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit of a mixed bag at 66.7%, as 46 negative comments highlight some inconsistencies. While some love them, others found the espresso martinis disappointing, and the burger occasionally missed the mark. The lamb shank and mac and cheese also received criticism, suggesting some dishes need more attention.
Food
183
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
46
negative
15
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Espresso martinis shine
- Burgers are delicious
- Chicken pot pie unique
What people don't like
- Lamb shank disappointing
- Mac and cheese cold
- Food can be inconsistent
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the Balboa Café was exceptional, feeling like home but with better food, better drinks, and a better atmosphere – essentially, better everything! This San Francisco Classic, opened in 1914, has consistently served the community.
- drinksMy experience at the Balboa Café was exceptional, feeling like home but with better food, better drinks, and a better atmosphere – essentially, better everything! This San Francisco Classic, opened in 1914, has consistently served the community.
- espresso martinisMy experience at the restaurant was marked by above average espresso martinis. However, the atmosphere was less than ideal due to a lack of standing or hanging space.
- burgertheir burger is delicious
- cocktailsThe cocktails are always top-notch
- espresso martiniI really liked the espresso martini
- fish and chipsbest fish and chips I’ve had in years
- food and drinksfood and drinks came out very quickly
- menuThe menu at Balboa Park Cafe is extensive, with something for everyone.
- salmonthe salmon which was gorgeous
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile they want what they want, they are not accommodating to filming in public. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated poorly.
- burgerthe burger was somewhat disappointing
- burgersnew bread makes the burger significantly worse
- espresso martiniThe espresso martini that my girlfriend and I ordered was mediocre
- espresso martinisI usually come here for late-night drinks, but after this horrible experience, I will never return. The service was terrible, and the espresso martinis were so bitter.
- coffeethe quality of the coffee was lacking and was reminiscent of roadside diner coffee
- lamb shankI ordered a lamb shank and I don’t recommend it at all!
- Old Fashionthe Old Fashion I got was pretty gross
- baguetteNeeds a better baguette
- breadchanged their bread from a crunchy sourdough to more of a soft roll
If youre looking for a spot with some standout dishes and great drinks, especially the highly-praised espresso martinis, its worth a visit. Just be aware that while many find the food excellent, there are occasional reports of inconsistency, so choose your dishes wisely.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, there's a lot to unpack! With 71 positive remarks out of 152 total comments, many guests praised the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and exceptional service. The overall score for service sits at an average 5.2, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 46.7%.
However, 79 negative comments highlight areas for improvement. Some patrons experienced slow service, encountered rude staff, and faced long wait times. Issues with bouncer behavior and general customer service also came up, suggesting a need for more consistent hospitality.
Service
152
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
79
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive waiters
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Bouncer issues
Often praised
- serviceI had the best fish and chips I’ve had in years. The friendly, upbeat atmosphere and gracious hospitality, coupled with great service and staff, made for a memorable visit. It's no surprise this business is one of the longest-serving in SF.
- staffI had the best fish and chips I’ve had in years. The friendly, upbeat atmosphere and gracious hospitality, coupled with great service and staff, made for a memorable visit. It's no surprise this business is one of the longest-serving in SF.
- waitersWaiters were really professional and thoughtful
- Bartour servers name was Bart and he was so attentive and wonderful
- CamillaCamilla for helping us today, she was amazing!
- Lucky the bouncerseeing Lucky the bouncer in front, always calm and smiling
- MadelineMadeline whose service was excellent
- MarkMark, this man is electric and needs a raise!
- OscarOscar may be the best bar tender I’ve ever had.
- OxanaOxana our server was amazing
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile they want what they want, they are not accommodating to filming in public. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated poorly.
- staffWe very quickly decided to leave and find better locations that wouldn't harass us due to their own negligence. The staff here are very rude, and we will not return. I urge others to do the same.
- bouncerAs I was about to walk in, a man named Kevin, dressed all in black with no visible identification, stopped me before I could even enter. I later learned he was the bouncer, but he immediately told me I wasn’t allowed in—without explanation—while allowing others to walk past. This was an extremely Disrespectful Experience at the Door.
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was marred by the worst service. Specifically, there was a server named AJ who provided the worst server experience; I would advise patrons to avoid him.
- customer serviceIt's a shame I don't like this place, especially since my parents used to go here in the late '90s. I've been here on multiple occasions, and almost every experience is the same: an incredibly crowded bar, poor customer service, pretentious people and bouncers, and overpriced drinks. We always end up leaving and asking ourselves, "Why do we even come here?
- managermanager aggressively abused a man on the sidewalk
- staff memberA staff member came out and tried to take away one of my friend’s drink
- wait timeWe had to wait for 30-45 min for a drink
- waiterevery time we needed something we had to go inside to find someone
- waiting timewait in the rain with our baby for an undefined “15-30 minutes”
If youre considering a visit, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience with the service. While many find the staff delightful, theres a chance you might encounter delays or less-than-stellar interactions. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.9 indicating a somewhat positive experience. Many guests rave about the vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful decor, and great location, often drawing lively crowds. With 80 positive remarks out of 119 total, its clear that the place has a good vibe and is a popular spot for many.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.2%, suggesting some areas for improvement. A significant concern for 28 reviewers is the noise level, which can be too loud for conversation, especially when it gets busy and crowded. Some also noted limited seating and even an old man smell' in certain areas.
Ambience
119
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
28
negative
11
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant, lively atmosphere
- Great location
- Thoughtful decor
What people don't like
- Can be very loud
- Often crowded
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the Balboa Café was exceptional, feeling like home but with better food, better drinks, and a better atmosphere – essentially, better everything! This San Francisco Classic, opened in 1914, has consistently served the community.
- ambiancewarm and cozy ambiance, reminiscent of the cozy embrace
- placeThe place is nice, reminding me of French brasseries
- vibethe vibe and crowd was jumping hot fun
- ambienceI loved the ambience
- crowdthe crowd was jumping hot fun
- locationPerfect location in the middle of the new bar area
- after-work drinksgreat for after-work drinks and beyond
- beautiful barBeautiful bar
- beautiful dining roomenjoy the beautiful dining room
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWhile they want what they want, they are not accommodating to filming in public. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated poorly.
- noise levelthe noise level. It's literally unbearable if you are seated inside
- 49ers gearyou can’t come in wearing 49ers gear
- Other tablesOther tables were not so spacious
- Parking spacethis is SF so good luck 😁
- busy and crowdedit has been standing room only and very busy and crowded.
- cleanlinessAnother downside was the cleanliness — the table we were seated at had a noticeably dirty tablecloth
- crowded barIt's a shame I don't like this place, especially since my parents used to go here in the late '90s. I've been here on multiple occasions, and almost every experience is the same: an incredibly crowded bar, poor customer service, pretentious people and bouncers, and overpriced drinks. We always end up leaving and asking ourselves, "Why do we even come here?
- dateThe service was good, and the environment is great at night, especially if you don't mind a loud place. However, I suggest you avoid coming here for a romantic dinner or a date when the place is packed. There’s parking nearby.
- dirty tablecloththe table we were seated at had a noticeably dirty tablecloth
If you're seeking a lively, energetic spot with a good vibe for drinks and socializing, this place is definitely worth a visit. However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting for conversation or a romantic date, you might find the noise and crowds a bit overwhelming.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests found some bright spots. Some appreciated the generous portion sizes , feeling they were worth every penny, and others enjoyed getting a lovely meal for less . These positive experiences, though limited, show that good value can occasionally be found.
However, the overall sentiment around value is quite challenging, with a low customer satisfaction of just 15% and a score of 3.7, indicating a poor experience for many. Based on 20 opinions, a significant 15 voiced concerns, frequently mentioning overpriced drinks , the overall feeling of being priced too high , and issues with the bill and automatic tip .
Value
20
Reviews
15%
Satisfaction
15
negative
2
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Affordable meals
What people don't like
- High prices
- Overpriced drinks
- Mandatory high tip
Often praised
- lovely meal for lesshaving a lovely meal for less was excellent
- portion sizesPortion sizes are worth every penny!
- priceVerre de chardonney à 10$ et bière à 9$
Frequently criticized
- priceOverpriced bar
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was great all around, but the prices are HIGH. I also noticed that their bartenders like to take their sweet sweet time to get to you.
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- billshocked to receive a bill
- drinksDrinks are expensive
- minimum wageMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the owner's actions. The owner, Gavin Newsom, refuses to pay his employees the $20/hr minimum wage, despite signing a bill to benefit fast food employees. Because of this, I refuse to eat at any Newsom-owned restaurant.
- moneyDon’t waste your money here
- overpricedOh and overpriced.
- overpriced drinksIt's a shame I don't like this place, especially since my parents used to go here in the late '90s. I've been here on multiple occasions, and almost every experience is the same: an incredibly crowded bar, poor customer service, pretentious people and bouncers, and overpriced drinks. We always end up leaving and asking ourselves, "Why do we even come here?
- priced too highI think it is priced too high
If you're looking for great value, this spot might not be your best bet. With many finding the experience priced too high and drinks overpriced , you could end up feeling disappointed. Proceed with caution if budget is a primary concern.
How are the prices at Balboa?
You’re looking at roughly 45 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix. While the average is 45, a significant number of guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 or $31–$40 ranges. But don’t be surprised to see some diners opting for more premium experiences, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
Curious how this spot compares? This graph shows its value for money against similar restaurants in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a restaurant of this type in San Francisco. It seems to offer a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those ready to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Balboa
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Espresso Martinis & Crowded Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their espresso martinis, which I found to be one of the best in San Francisco. However, on the times I've visited, it was standing room only and very busy and crowded.
- espresso martinis9
- standing room only3
- busy and crowded3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
8
Magnificent Food, Terrible Noise
My experience at this restaurant was a tale of two halves. The food was truly magnificent, reaching Michelin star restaurant level. I enjoyed a Caesar salad with plump, juicy shrimps and a perfectly grilled salmon served on crispy skin.
The parmesan crisp in the Caesar was a delicious touch. The service was absolutely the best, with even the busboys smiling and polite, and the waiters being genuinely nice. However, the noise level indoors was literally unbearable.
We had to finish our conversation in the car because it was impossible to talk in the restaurant. While the atmosphere is amiable and friendly, if you want to have a conversation, I strongly recommend being seated outside.
- food10
- service10
- busboys9
- noise level2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
7
Good food, too loud after flight
The food and drinks were good. We visited after a flight, and for us, it was too loud. However, I think in a different situation, we would have loved it.
- food and drinks8
- too loud3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Great Vibe, Long Wait for Drinks
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the vibe was great, the wait time for drinks was considerable. The cocktails were decent, but the long wait before getting one was a drawback.
The restaurant was always packed, suggesting a need for more seating and better flow. Overall, the atmosphere was enjoyable, but the service aspect related to drink delivery could be improved.
- vibe8
- cocktails6
- packed5
- wait time3
- seating3
- flow3
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Door Experience at Balboa Café
I’ve always enjoyed Balboa Café, but tonight’s experience was truly disappointing. As I was about to walk in, a man named Kevin, dressed all in black with no visible identification, stopped me before I could even enter. I later learned he was the bouncer, but he immediately told me I wasn’t allowed in—without explanation—while allowing others to walk past.
This was an extremely Disrespectful Experience at the Door. Even after I presented my ID and explained that I’m a regular customer, he dismissed me and told me to “write a letter and complain. ” I left feeling disrespected and embarrassed.
This is not the level of hospitality I’ve come to expect from Balboa Café, and I hope management addresses this behavior.
- bouncer1
- hospitality1
- experience at the door1
What Balboa offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and unique features can you expect at Balboa Cafe?
At Balboa Cafe, you’ll discover a unique blend of casual, upscale, historic, cozy, and trendy atmospheres. It’s a place where you can enjoy live music, an impressive wine list, and a great beer selection, making it perfect for various occasions. You can also grab a quick bite or enjoy late-night food.
Does Balboa Cafe cater to different dining times and dietary preferences?
Absolutely! Balboa Cafe offers extensive dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, along with late-night food. You’ll also find thoughtful choices like vegan and vegetarian options on the menu, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
What is the overall rating for this restaurant?
This restaurant has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.3 out of 10, indicating an average experience. Guests generally appreciate the Food (7.0) and Ambience (6.9), while Service (5.2) is average and Value (3.7) is considered poor.
What do customers enjoy most about the dining experience here?
Many customers praise the vibrant ambience and quality food, with specific mentions of delicious fish and chips and top-notch cocktails. The staff often receives positive remarks for being attentive and friendly.
Are there any common complaints about this establishment?
Some common concerns include the prices being too high, leading to poor value. Guests also occasionally report inconsistent service and a high noise level, especially during busy times, which can make it feel crowded.