Balboa - Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I 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.

I’m giving 1 star because it’s not possible to give 0 stars. I went with a friend who is from Colombia and we were talking in Spanish. The security guard asked us to leave and said that “this place is only for blonde women and men with money”. How does he know our financial condition? Is speaking Spanish a problem for you? If you speak Spanish you may suffer discrimination here.

My experience at Balboa was truly special. After my bridal dress appointment, Mark and the Balboa team made me feel incredibly celebrated. From the warm welcome at the door to the special table they reserved, every detail was perfect. The service was top-notch, the food was amazing, and they even surprised me with dessert and covered the drinks. They went above and beyond and made me feel so celebrated on a special day!

I was excited to try Balboa Café, especially since it’s known for having some of the best espresso martinis in the city. The espresso martinis were smooth and well-balanced. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite match the same standard. I had the salmon, which lacked flavor, and the paella was just average. Another downside was the cleanliness — the table we were seated at had a noticeably dirty tablecloth, which was disappointing and took away from the overall dining experience. Great for drinks, but the food and attention to detail could use some improvement.

My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food and drinks were very delicious. I particularly enjoyed the best hamburger and the delicious Balboa salad we had yesterday. The portion sizes are worth every penny! Furthermore, the service was excellent, and the ambiance was great.