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Balboa Cafe
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
3199 Fillmore St(between Greenwich St & Pixley St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 921-3944
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30 am - 10 pm
Thu-Fri 11:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 9 am - 11 pm
Sun 9 am - 10 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
403 reviews for Balboa Cafe
Review Highlights
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"The wine list is wonderful - love the new Cade." In 17 reviews -
"The bartenders make a mean manhattan lemme tell you." In 48 reviews -
"Gavin Newsom made an appearance around 7." In 11 reviews
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402 reviews in English
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Review from Athena S.
3/23/2012
A quirky yet cool bartender can be found here. He was quite entertaining, but not invasive as some can be.
The random time of day my cousin and I went last Sunday must have been perfect. It wasn't too crowded, not too many young drunks, not too many old ones either.
We saw some nice eye candy. Thankfully, we didn't see any polo collars flipped up and/or cougars going after the preppy annoying trust fund carbon copied looking boys who can't handle their alcohol and say "fuck ya dude" after every 3rd sentence.
So we weren't going to have dinner here, but decided to as an afterthought.
Food was surprising simple and done right. I wasn't feeling salmon or a steak, so I killed a bacon blue burger on a baguette, very tasty, not too big either. She had the risotto with scallops, pretty impressive despite being frugal on the scallops.
I'm not a huge fan of the Marina, but all districts of SF have redeeming joints despite reputation. This place at certain times may be an exception.
The last experience I had here was years ago before I was of legal age to drink when I was dating a certain SF Giant. I wasn't a fan. It can be annoying to date so f'in popular. Note to the groupies: I understand some (ball)players still hang here. As if you didn't know that already. -
Review from Mike H.
4/19/2012
I was disappointed by the burger here. I'd heard it's as good as any in the city, but I'd disagree with that statement for sure. For a bacon cheeseburger with a premium price of $14.50, my expectations are higher. Balboa didn't deliver though, unfortunately.
We ordered two burgers, both requested medium, and mine was well done while the other was medium well at best. The baguette roll didn't work well either. Fries were fine, and we ate them all up.
My attempts at politeness amused our server, who was efficient for sure. Sitting in the front area at a bar table on a weekend afternoon leads to a fun mix of customers. If you plan to sit in the back, dress up a bit. That's new info to me because until last weekend, I'd never thought of eating anywhere except at the bar. -
Review from Marcos E.
4/9/2012
I mean, really?? No green beer for st. Patty's (thank god I had a bottle of food coloring in my pocket) and waitresses that are bitchy even for NYC standards. Thanks but no, thanks.
(a crowd is NOT a good enough excuse for crappy service. This is your job; deal with it. I was actually pushed by the staff and dropped a shitload of liquor on someone's leather jacket...) -
Review from Suz L.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is several of my girlfriend's favourite place to be picked up by older men. I like their calamari and they have a cute door man. I hear it's a great place to pick up cougars during the day.
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Review from Judy C.
San Mateo, CA
5/16/2012
I only eat good burger, and Balboa Cafe serve delicious burgers! Do yourself a favor and give them a try, you won't be disappointed. Great burgers at a very reasonable price.
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Review from Yan L.
San Francisco, CA
4/27/2012
A friend and I went for lunch yesterday just to see how the straight Marina type lives on a weekday. Surrounded by cute little old ladies who lunch and middle aged men in pressed khakis, we weren't exactly the usual demographics for the place. But being a former East Coaster, I liked the dark wood, white table cloth and old world clubbiness. I had the grilled salmon over sauteed spinach, which was fine and unmemorable. Service was perky and nice.
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Review from Sharon N.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I came here a few times at night and shall I say MEAT MARKET..........whoooo hoo I mean it's not that big of a place to be so crowded. It's interesting to observe all the suited up men that step foot into this venue. I recommend the food it was quite delightful but if you stay beyond dining hours; it becomes madness.
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Review from Mike V.
2/9/2012 25 Check-ins Here
On crowded nights, this place is 3-stars. But for a welcome respite from game-day madness at ESW, $#!tty Tav, or the other local watering holes, sometimes Balboa is just what you need, right where you need it (like an empty row on a red-eye flight, or an airport bar)
Great service, overly talented bartenders, and the perfect Irish coffee (which easily rival Buena Vista's near Fisherman's Wharf, minus the annoying tourists).
I'll steer clear on busy nights (in part for fear of being attacked), but that's a whole different story. (http://www.yelp.com/to...) -
Review from Simone G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2012
Fukin' fabulous meal.
Superb brunch.
Old world decor and etiquette. Polished staff with an extremely deferential demeanor. Super detail oriented. My coffee cup was never empty.
I ordered the omelet special and it truly was one of those meals where you wonder how eggs were able to transform themselves in to such a feast; basil, tomatoes, goat cheese-yumness. A super fresh side salad and breakfast potatoes. Absolutely thrilled by the simple pleasure of drawing on the tables with a fresh set of provided crayons.
Hard, dark woods throughout. Clean and tasteful bathrooms.
We sunk in to a private booth and did not want to leave. Everything was just bliss.
Go. -
Review from Mike R.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2011
Fuck 'em.
My friend and I sat down at an outside table one weekday afternoon. A couple gentlemen were just wrapping up their meal as we sat and a waitress came out to tend to them three times while we sat there. She never once acknowledged our presence, not so much as even making eye contact. We waited about ten minutes and left.
I've worked in the service industry for a decade, mostly in San Francisco, and I am absolutely appalled at the way we were treated. Especially at an establishment the likes of Balboa Cafe. This singular incident will likely keep me from ever patronizing Balboa Cafe again and has also served to tarnish the reputation of the entire PlumpJack brand in my eyes.
San Francisco has far too many great establishments to put up with that shit. -
Review from Ted B.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011
Came here for the cougar hunting. Was not disappointed.
Within 5 minutes of arrival, we were were flagged down by a well-preserved 40-something who looked like she had her Equinox trainer on speed-dial and subsisted on kale and vodka sodas. 20 minutes of wingmanning later, my buddy was in a cab on his way to a tasteful Pac Heights condo with 2 cats and we were able to continue on to Brixton and enjoy the rest of the night in a less creepertastic fashion.
The inside of the place is nice and understated, with polished wood and brass, and the drinks are fine. If you're a young gun under 25 some of the older dudes may give you a harsh look for poaching their territory. -
Review from Steve E.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can't find anything particularly exciting about this place but the location, which strategically attracts a good crowd (assuming you like to hang out in the Marina). It gets REALLY crowded.
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Review from Eric t.
11/13/2011
I didn't even know it was a "cougar bar", but what a pleasant surprise that was. hah.
I liked the vibe and the crowd of the place. Kind of relaxed upscale crowd. Lots of women, after work and not too many trashy people. The drinks were nice and strong and surprisingly inexpensive. Waitress was friendly, I'd come back for dinner. -
Review from Jim O.
Sammamish, WA
3/21/2012
Great burger, but parking is tough. A garage is nearby
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Review from Matt J.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
Love the food at this place. I've been here for weekend brunch and regular lunch. Steak, waffles, everything is great. Good old fashioned American bistro food.
Scott M is an excellent server. Attentive, friendly, gracious and not pushy. He treats the kitchen staff with respect.
I had no idea about the Balboa's reputation as a cougar bar. Might be fun to drop by with the wife, watch, and make fun of people.
The patronage during lunch/brunch is a good mix of hipsters, regular folk like me and old school senior citizens in their Sunday best. Classy, but not too classy. -
Review from Shephalie L.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2011
Not what I expected at all from a "Triangle bar."
However, after a good 10 minutes at the bar, we did finally see why it may be considered a "cougar bar" . . . . .
My room mate, me and our sisters all were on a hunt for tastey holiday drinks after dinner, and found this place on yelp. While hesitant at first to check it out, we were pleasantly surprised by its ambience, decor, and quality of drinks.
It was a great experience during the winter holiday time to check this place out. The christmas decor on their walls, windows and tables nicely complemented their wooden bar area to bring a sense of warmth, comfort and a feeling of the true holiday season.
Their holiday cocktails were phenomenal! We tried the Hot Apple Pie Cider and Eggnog - superb. Tasted like I actually was eating the filling of an apple pie. The eggnog had deliciously whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of spices.
Definitely would go there again with some friends to satisfy my craving for a wintery holiday evening. -
Review from Georgi And David M.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2012
Georgi:
Good old Balboa! I live in the hood so we frequent Balboa, well, frequently. Went there yesterday for brunch and had the special Breakfast Burrito. It was amazeballs! Eggs, cheese, chorizo served with fresh salsa and guacamole. It really hit the spot and I am dreaming about going back for brunch today. As always the service was spot on, the atmosphere a fabulous blend of classic and chic, old and young. Balboa is an old faithful, you can never go wrong.
David: Is there a more classic San Francisco institution than Balboa? Management has somehow figured out how to retain a sense of its history, including the incredible bar and its septuagenarian patrons, with an atmosphere that still appeals to the young and hip (I know this because Georgi is both). I'm happy at Balboa for almost any occasion: cocktails, dinner, but especially brunch. They make one of the best Bloody Mary's in San Francisco (and I consider myself an expert). You can't really go wrong on the menu, but I recommend the Eggs Benedict and the Heuvos Rancheros. -
Review from Jessica B.
Redwood City, CA
10/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Balboa's for weekend brunch in the city. The food is fantastic and the mimosas are delicious. I used to regularly order the eggs benedict or the french toast, which are both amazing. Yesterday I took a leap and tried the Huevos Rancheros and was very impressed! They use whole black beans and house-made pico de gallo. It also comes with a half of a ripe avocado- yum!
I recommend ordering your mimosa with a splash of cranberry instead of OJ. Just a hint of sweet, tartness makes for a very refreshing morning cocktail. -
Review from Damon S.
Sausalito, CA
2/7/2012
Been coming here on and off for years, probably since the late 80's. I have seen it go through many transitions. Currently the food is better than many prior occasions. Service was attentive and friendly but our waitress knew some of the people we were dinning with. Like the valet parking but you pay for it ($16), it is a must in this neighborhood. I had the salmon which was good but on the pricey side. Drinks were solid but again spendy. Also tried some of the wines by the glass and again OK to good.
As far as the crowd goes I have to laugh at the prior reviews suggesting this is a "cougar bar"! Maybe some other evenings but the night I was there you could have been in a Navy submarine. It was probably 9 guys to 1 women and I am not exaggerating! So if you are female and looking to hook up this is probably not a bad choice. Place was packed as usual with usual high volume level inside.
Yes it is A-OK and I while I probably won't run back I will undoubtedly return. -
Review from Jonathan M.
Burlingame, CA
5/25/2011
I've only had drinks here.
Been here several times for drinks. Nothing special about it. It's become a spot we go to when we do a cougars nights!
Number of Cougars: 7/10
Cougar Quality: 6/10
Cougar Diversity: 3/10
Total Cougar Score: 5.3/10 -
Review from Alison M.
San Francisco, CA
9/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A Marina classic.
Average food and drink - but a bit overpriced.
They also need to add more items to their Brunch menu... i always get excited to come here for brunch then become bored with their selection.
HOWEVER - they recently added a breakfast burrito to their menu which was AMAZING... so incredibly delicious. I will be back for that again for sure! -
Review from sarah f.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2012
best burger
best whiskey and martinis
handsome fellows all around.
i love the old fashioned white uniforms (wish i knew the proper verbage) that the bartenders wear.
cougarville? yes i suppose
luxurious, charming rich wood
old school charm
fun to people watch
i feel like i step back in time whenever i come.
my favorite place to come with my boyfriend. -
Review from Drew S.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2011
Love the atmosphere, the food and the drinks!
Try the corn and tomato risotto, the bruschetta and calamari!
The new skinny strawberry drink is killer too! -
Review from heather h.
San Jose, CA
3/25/2011
I must say that I'm a fan! My first time here was about 5 years ago. I've been more often in the past year.
I came and actually ate dinner here a few weeks ago. Talapia with rice for about $18 or so...unfortuantly I can't remember ;). But I do remember that it was absolutely delicious and I will most definitely order it again.
I stopped in last night, Thursday, at about 10:00 PM -12:00 PM. The bar was filled with an older crowd. Not too crowded at all but it was POURING. I would say that most were above 30. Sometimes thats better because then everyone isn't so sloppy if you know what I mean. My friends and I ordered some beers and I decided to order a $14 glass of pinot.. I ended up trading with my boyfriend for his Sierra Nevada... I'll need to look into the wine list a little more.
All and all, the ambiance was a little loud, lively, fairly bright, (not dim and loungy), the bartenders are very knowedgable and can pour some mean cocktails. The waitresses wear white collared shirts and give very professional service.
They also have valet out front for $15.
My recomendation: Go for a late night "Chip Shot" cocktail in a snifter! (brandy and bailys warm). Super delicious! Oh! And don't forget the fish! -
Review from laura a.
Hermosa Beach, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Make sure you sit at the bar and talk/drink with Matt the bartender. He's so cool he's chronic
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Review from Ann C.
Lahaina, HI
6/14/2011
THE best burger I have EVER had: their cheeseburger on a French baguette with their pickled onions and shoestring French fries...YUM-O!
Classy and classic turn-of-the-20th-century joint that used to be populated by sailors, back in its beginning. The bar is the quintessential 1900s-San Francisco, with original white floor tiles, dark wooded bar, deep green-colored walls and old-fashioned light fixtures. Enjoy a drink at a bar that's older than you are, while you wait for your table (which you will do almost every time you eat here--this place is always poppin'). -
Review from Eeao O.
San Anselmo, CA
1/21/2012
Not great.
I went last Tuesday for lunch with my boyfriend. I walked into what looked like a crowded restaurant and it was great that we were seated right away.
We literally sat for almost 10 minutes before a waiter greeted us, brought us place settings (the table was totally clear) brought us menus, drink menus, water, ANYTHING!
Finally, a surly older man- skinny with glasses, greeted us like it was a chore. It's like asking him questions was making him "do more work" or something. We were there to relax, have lunch and a few drinks. He brought us our bloody Mary's and was completely cold and didn't even crack a smile. Very unprofessional and unwelcoming.
I ordered the taco salad which was absolutely tasteless. My boyfriend had the chicken pot pie and he said it was "alright"- he wasn't blown away by it. Two very simple things that werent made very well. Our waiter seemed like he really didn't want to be there- made the experience completely unenjoyable. The restaurant was moderately full and he couldn't wait to get us out of there fast enough.
I'll never come here again. Save your money and appetite and go elsewhere. -
Review from Robert D.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2011
Food 4 stars
Service 5 stars
Crowd- 3.9 stars-mix of locals, tourists and people enjoying the see and be seen, scene.
Great place to "end up" between 1200am and closing as some many beautiful people just appear after events and parties going on the City. -
Review from Ben C.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2011
COOOOOOOUGAAAAAARS
Cou-gars, Cou-gars, Cou-gars.
Great night out with the bros. I have to say that it's all true: there were some ladies in their 40's and 50's looking good, and there were some dudes in their 20's and 30's (trying their best to be) looking good.
Anecdote: I was watching Oregon State - Washington go into triple overtime while a woman pinned her boobs against me and told me that she wanted to take me to her condo in Boise, ID, and that I shouldn't worry about her husband.
Try this: mention that you're going here to your friends, and if one of them yells "Cougars!" before you get to "cafe," you guys might live in San Francisco.
PS - Burgers looked good -
Review from Ben N.
Marina/Cow Hollow, San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Burgers are great here.
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Review from Amanda S.
Palm Springs, CA
1/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Part II of my Marina birthday night.
So my boss suggested we go to the "triangle" and see whats out there. We walked in and immediately a tall, drunk gentleman named Jamal asked if we wanted to go to Matrix. lol. We said no.
We just came for drinks but i wouldn't mind eating here. It looked like an old mans restaurant but it was filled with cute girls in christian louboutins and black swanky coats. Young, cute girls with a crap ton of make up and older gentlemen... is kinda what I gathered at this place.
The bartender made a nice margi tho :)
As we were ready to leave our little friend Jamal came back. Introduced himself, AGAIN. Fun times. -
Review from Alfredo A.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Burger was unique and really good. Only bummer is it slides around in the bun a little. I added blue cheese, grilled onions, bacon and avocado to mine. The blue cheese was really nice. It's not crumbles but instead it's a thick slice. Better than the burger though was the lamb appetizer. Honestly, I would return and just order two of these as my entrée. Super tender, super flavorful. Mmmmmm...
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Review from Kristen E.
San Francisco, CA
Seriously great food! Brunch, lunch, dinner -- all good! However, I'm giving Balboozey just 3 stars because the bouncers are rude and I've encountered annoying experiences with them on several occasions.
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Review from Alexandra D.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2011
I grew up in the neighborhood and still live in Cow Hollow, but I haven't been to the Balboa in years and years. Tonight a friend and I wanted a quick bite and decided to stop here because it's halfway between our two houses.
What can I say - the food was perfect and the service was perfect. It's a real neighborhood bar/restaurant with a great atmosphere, and while it definitely can be a pickup joint, it was early in the evening when we arrived, the bar was only half full, and everybody was in a laid back mood. Besides, the restaurant is at the back, separate from the bar, so you can avoid the "scene" if you want to.
I remembered when I walked in that I've always liked the furnishings and woodwork in this place. Classy, understated, and above all, clean. White napkins, shining brass, gleaming wood.
At least in the times I've been in the Balboa, the crowd has skewed slightly older than the early 20 somethings who pour into the Marina on weekend nights looking to hook up. I've seen them at 2 in the morning, lurching down Union Street, screeching at each other and bragging about vomiting in doorways (yeah, seriously). So, a slightly more mature and sophisticated crowd is a real plus in my book. Though I can't speak to what the Balboa is like at 1 am on a Saturday night, you'll have to read other reviews for that!
My friend had crab cakes and a side of roast potatoes, which she loved. I had a cheeseburger and it was perfection. I'm a sucker for good sour dough bread with a nice chewy crust, and the cheeseburger was served on exactly that. With lettuce, onion, pickles, mustard and ketchup, I could set it up exactly how I wanted it. The thin fries were hot and not greasy. We each had a glass of wine and then we shared a tarte tatin with a topping of vanilla ice cream and bourbon creme Anglaise. Unbelievably good. The whole tab came to $63 with tip for the two of us and we left full.
The service was professional and unobtrusive. Our food came out very quickly and everything we asked for (extra plate, tap water not ice water) was brought to our table within seconds.
All in all, one of the best restaurant meals I've had in months - I left wondering why I don't go to this neighborhood gem more often! -
Review from Honeyvie S.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2011
Been here several times...they got good humbergers :-P..Yummy .
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Review from Shadi N.
Los Altos, CA
Updated - 11/4/2011
Update - This place is till awesome. but i just tried they bloody mary's and crab cakes mmmmm mmmmm good!!!!!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/20/2009
i've been going here since i was little so there is definitely sentimental value, but the food is… Read more »
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Review from Cynthia C.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
I kept wondering to myself why does this place sound so familiar when I was here last week... It finally rang a bell when I was inside. It's where the cougars hunt for young men!
I'm not sure why my friend wanted to come here... maybe she doesn't know the reputation of this place but it was fun people watching anyways. The lady next to us was super aggressive and it made my night just laughing at what she was doing.
We had the calamari and the apple cake with vanilla bean ice cream. Both were okay. Also had a glass with Riesling to top off our snack.
Prolly won't be back here unless I was in the mood to people watch again. -
Review from Kristin F.
Traverse City, MI
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Personally, I am not a fan. However...this is the ideal spot to find a cougar, a married man (with a tan line where his ring finger should be), or young boys on the hunt for said cougar.
I've only drank here, no food. Perhaps the food is good though... I'll give it a try sometime. -
Review from Taj A.
Alameda, CA
10/5/2010
Bartenders in white coats serving $6 Sierra Nevada while a drunk Czech chef tells me about his glory days. ( a drinker at this establishment, not the actual chef )
A lot of old money and new success in this crowd, you can still manage to ignite the lust of a cougar hanging with (2) Minnesota Twins ( lol ) while wearing a baby blue t shirt from a burrito place. You'll stick out- everyone is dressed for a yacht adventure.
Older crowd than eastside west and city tavern across the street....solid for the pre-party. -
Review from Amanda B.
8/3/2010
************* REVIEW 214 ****************
Came here because my girlfriends want to hit every single bar around here! The place is spacious, old furnish, no toilet papers, & nasty bathroom at 11 PM!
Skip it! Unless you want to check out the hot doorman, darn it he's hot!
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