My buddy was visiting from out of town, and we decided to go to Balboa Café. Parking can get a little tricky so if you’re planning to drive make sure you keep a little bit of time to find an appropriate spot. It was a weeknight and we got seating right away. The silver took excellent care of us and the food was delectable. We started off with some crabcakes and some tuna tartare with a round of drinks. For dinner my buddy order the steak and I ordered the catch of the day. The food was excellent. When it was time to leave, their point-of-sale system was down, and the server brought us a free round of drinks while we waited for the machines to boot back up. Overall, it was a fantastic experience from start to finish.
The best cheesecake, ever! Also, the burger is outstanding. I loved the pickles and the pickled red onions...YUM!!!
The bartender was very friendly and attentive. I HIGHLY recommend this place!!!
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 😁
Oh, Balboa… a true Marina District classic! My family’s been coming here for generations and it never disappoints. The cocktails are always top-notch, the staff are awesome, and the food is excellent. It can get pretty wild on the weekends, but weeknights are a great time to run into old friends and family.
Definitely worth a visit if you’ve never been, and always worth a stop if you have!
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.
Excellent espresso martinis and chimichurri fries. Yum!!! Mac n cheese average. Smelled weird inside so we asked to sit outside although it was cold.
Popular spot known for espresso martinis in the Marina. Came here for dinner on a Friday evening around 9pm and it was pretty crowded. We didn’t have reservations for our party of four but we nabbed an inside table with a less than 5 minute wait. Outdoor seating with heat lamps is also available.
The Mac and cheese was the crowd favorite. I did enjoy the poke nachos as well, though note that there is a lot of mayo-based sauce on top. The buttermilk calamari came in a huge portion size so that’s a good option for those groups that are hungry. We got a salad and risotto to round out the meal - those were alright. Service was pretty slow but it was a busy Friday night, so we just went up to the bar to try to pay the bill.
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.
Busy busy on a Sunday. They have security at the door checking ID's. Espresso martini was a great hit. It had a few different busting flavors.
The grits were a hit! Flavorful.
Staff is nice and efficient.
Balboa Park Cafe is a classic San Francisco institution. It's been serving up delicious food and drinks for over 100 years. The cafe is located in the heart of Cow Hollow, just steps from Union Square.
The menu at Balboa Park Cafe is extensive, with something for everyone. There are breakfast items, lunch items, dinner items, and even a full bar. The food is always fresh and made to order.
The service at Balboa Park Cafe is excellent. The staff is friendly and attentive.
The atmosphere at Balboa Park Cafe is warm and inviting. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a meal with friends or family.
I highly recommend Balboa Park Cafe to anyone looking for a great dining experience in San Francisco.
I really liked the espresso martini and the calamari.
Balboa café is a local favorite for me. I’ve been coming to this place for over 10 years most recently I come and get lunch is here and meet colleagues for lunch and drinks. there buffalo chicken wrap is amazing. Happy hour is always a good time. It tends to get packed and super lively with a lot of locals. There espresso martinis are highly recommended. If you’re coming for dinner, plan ahead and make reservations because they do tend to fill up most nights.
Heard about this place through the grapevine, I must say the food and atmosphere are great. Would come back again, the seafood was delicious.
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