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Category: Latin American [Edit]
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights
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I was reminded of this place yesterday and convinced my family to go there last night, it wasn't hard. It was so good.
I wanted to add some pictures to go along with my first review and just looking at the pictures makes me want to go back!!!!!
This time I had the Loroco & Cheese (Salvadorian Vegetable) and Chicken & Cheese.
People thought this was:
Yay! I'm a fan of pupusas. I often crave a good pupusa and growing up with La Santaneca and El… Read more »
I came to Balompie just for the pupusas. When I saw the Pupuseria sign above the doorway, I knew we were in the right place. How great of a word is Pupuseria?! I'm glad I came to Balompie if only just to learn that word!
I see one reviewer notes they are Salvadorean and therefore completely qualified to write this review. I am not Salvadorean, but as an eater of food in general, I consider myself partially qualified. As a first time pupusa eater, I really didn't know what to expect, so this review is not based on authenticity, it's just based on deliciousness.
My dining companion and I each had the #14 combo plate: 2 pupusas of choice with rice and beans. And of course, a pupusa from Balompie Cafe 3 just so happens to be #32 on the Big Eat SF List. We were smart and got 4 different pupusas so we could try as many as possible. We went with:
1. Bean and cheese
2. Spinach and cheese
3. Chicken and cheese
4. Pork and cheese
She thought they were pretty good, but didn't love them. I didn't really like them much at all. Too much cheese, too much grease, and overall pretty bland. The pork was extremely salty, like need a sip of water after every bite salty.
The rice and beans were my favorite part of the meal. Those beans were really delicious. And some items I saw on other tables looked pretty good too. I would definitely come back here to try something else, but the pupusas just aren't for me.
People thought this was:
#32 on the 7x7 List: Pupusas
-Tasty? Cheap, clean-lookin' and incredibly not greasy!
-Service: Very prompt and friendly. The five of us each ordered one pupusa (under $3) for lunch (we were full from breakfast) and they let us sit here for about an hour and a half.
-Ambiance: like any ol' cafe; clean; spacious; only a few tables though; bar seating is available.
-Worth the trip/try? Yes - and while you are here in Bernal Heights, you might want to check out some other food items on the 7x7 list in the area since it's a little bit of a trek from the center of the city. We were just too full at this point to do so.
We had:
-Lorocco y queso (Salvadorian veggies and cheese)
-Chicken and cheese
-Super vegetariana
-Spinach and cheese
-Ground pork and cheese
All were delicious (yeah i had a bite of each).
People thought this was:
I hate to start a yelp entry by writing about throwing up, but ever since that burrito from Chipotle 2 years ago, I would seldom visit a Latin American restaurant. The pupusas at Balompie is the first time I truly enjoy Latino food after that incident!
(+) just the right amount of cheese, meat and greasiness
(+) extremely friendly waiters. I told the dude it was my first pupusas and was asking him numerous questions, he patiently answered everything.
Just moved down the street and the pupusas here came highly recommended from several people. I was not disappointed! Had a deliciously filling meal for less than 5 bucks. I had a spinach and a chicharron pupusa and they were perfect together. My favorite part is watching them make them behind the counter. Lots of regulars making friendly conversation while waiting for their to-go orders, felt really homey.
People thought this was:
This place was a hidden gem. Being a pupusa virgin I'm happy I had my first one here :) Place was a clean (tables, menu, and floor) neigbhoorhood joint.
The Food: I had the espinaca y queso pupusa ($2.50) and split a Regia (32oz $7.00) beer. It hit the spot. The pupusa (not greasy at all) reminded me of a cross between a stuffed indian paratha and quesadilla. Remember to try their salsa and cabbage topping with your pupusa.
People thought this was:
I can't really give 5 stars to this type of food and setting, but I defintely enjoyed this place, didn't even know what a pupusa was before I wandered in. Now that I now, I can't say I understand why a pupusa is such a notable thing that you'd want your restaurant to be considered a "Pupuseria," but, about this restaurant: Friendly service, easy on the budget, very tasty grilled chicken, yucca french fries, and yes, pupusa. I've been getting a little tired of Mission Mexican, so this was a nice find, will be back for sure.
Pupusa are the national dish of El Salvador. I am Salvadorean so I am completely qualified to write this review.
This place does not deliver. I had one chance to eat pupusas while I was in San Francisco. Based on other reviews from Yelp, I tried Balompie.
We tried the fried yuca, too dry, topped with fried anchovies, that were not needed.
The pupusas were ok, nothing special. They are served with curtido, which is pickled cabbage, and that was the best part I think.
The place was clean, but almost empty.
The waitress wasn't very friendly and looked like she just wanted us to get out of there.
The best part about going here was the bus ride through the Mission.
This place is amazing. Very friendly family atmosphere. I have say that the Salvadorean Enchiladas is one of my favorite dishes in all of San Francisco. It is so simple but most of the time the best dishes come from the most basic fresh ingredients. I cant get enough, i just wish i lived closer to this phenomenal little joint.
People thought this was:
Parking is shit. Good we got that out of the way.
Food was great!!!
The chicken empanadas are very flavorful.
Pupusas are perfect! My favorite are the corn pupusas with cheese and loroco. Greasy cheesy goodness.
I also ordered the Carne Asada with Casamiento. The Carne Asada came with slightly grilled tomato, bell pepper, onions and green onions on top of it.
The price is right 7 people ate and drank (beer) until we couldn't fit anymore for about $150- where else can you do that?
PS Limited Seating - we didn't have to wait but I am sure that when it gets busy there is a line.
People thought this was:
I really wish I didn't have to do this but it's warranted. Their pupusas are still my favorite, let's make that clear. My gripe is, usually you're served chips, salsa and that pickled coleslaw stuff as soon as you're seated. Well, I got salsa and pickled coleslaw but no chips. I gave the server a few minutes to redeem herself thinking she was either busy or just forgot. Apparently I wasn't the only one - the table next to me had to ask for chips. I figured, great, maybe she'll bring me some.
Never happened.
A few minutes later, I saw her throw the bag of chips away in the trash. I assumed it was down to crumbs and she was going to open up a new bag.
Never happened.
By this time, my pupusas were ready and the server brought them over so naturally I asked for chips. She told me they were all out. I was a bit disappointed but it wasn't a big deal. But before I could even cut into my pupusa I heard her say, "Excuse me..." I looked up and to my utter amazement, she had pulled the bag of chips out of the trash can with this look on her face as if to say, "unless you want these?"
To her defense, I don't think she was trying to be rude or offending in any way, although I was a bit insulted. But truthfully, it was quite a bonehead thing to do. I politely told her "no thanks" and went back to my food, gracious that I at least had a good, sanitary pupusa in front of me.
People thought this was:
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner.
The debate of SF's best pupusa ends here. After frequenting El…
Read more »
5 stars for the Chicharron y Queso Pupusa ($2.50) and Prosciutto Y Queso Pupusa ($3.50) + slaw [can't eat it without it], chips, and salsa
1 star for the hair in my pupusa..... =(
4 stars for the friendly service =)
Overall..I could see myself coming back to try everything else on the menu
People thought this was:
Walking in here on a Monday night around 8ish, there was only one empty table. A couple of bar seats at the counter, but I was impressed! We ate in, and were quickly attended to. The place only got more crowded as the night went on. Maybe it was the futbol (aka soccer) game that was on. They had a TV, but I have to say I didn't notice who was playing. All I know is, the place was packed on a Monday night, which is pretty awesome.
The hostess/waitress was super friendly and very helpful at answering our questions about the menu. She spoke both English and Spanish well, which made communication easy for everyone.
My Jugo del Dia (Melon) tasted just like a fresh cantaloupe - delicious! Chips and salsa were immediately placed on our table, and while the chips obviously came out of a Costco-type bag, the salsa was good. Watery, but good flavor and just a tiny kick of spice.
I had the #14, which for $8.50 included 2 Pupusas con Arroz y Frijoles. I chose to have the rice and beans Casamiento, which meant that they were mixed together and formed into a little mound. It was SO good! I chose a Carne Asada y Queso and a Gambas y Queso pupusa. Both the steak and shrimp were good, especially when I put some salsa and the coleslaw stuff on it, but nothing fantastic. They weren't greasy, but there was a little too much cheese for my taste, and I wished they had more flavor before I put the toppings on them. The spicy vegetables served in a side dish were really good - especially the cauliflower.
It was a good meal and friendly service, but I'd probably try out a different pupuseria before coming back here again.
Oh, and to comment about the other review I saw about a hair in the food - all of the cooks were wearing hairnets the night I was there, so hopefully no more hairs in the food! :-)
These were by far the best pupusas I've had in recent memory. If you get them to-go they're $2 and $3 each depending on what you order. The shrimp & cheese were incredible and so where the ones with prosciutto, You can't say enough good things about the service and the friendly employees at this place. A+++
People thought this was:
Tried 3 pupusas. I destroyed all of them within minutes. I had a Carne Asada, Chicken & Pork Pupusa.
Out of the 3. The Chicken one was the Juiciest. The pork one was not all that great. Even my lady said that it stank.
They only hooked it up with a lil bit of Cocido.
My lady ordered a Combination plate with a Bean pupusa and Tamale & rice/beans. The tamale was real mushy. She was kind of hesitant, but ate it regardless. Thougth it was ok.. Nothin too spectacular.
I'd come back. The pupusas are not too greasy. Its also cheaper to order out than to eat it there. Not too far from a Salvadorean Bakery that we also hit up... Not bad not bad..
People thought this was:
I have nothing but praise for this pupusaeria. the joint is quaint, small and intimate. All their pupusas are made to order. The kitchen is an open area right behind the counter so you can sit there and watch them bring each order to life. Their variety can't be beat...with spinach, chicken, pork, shrimp, beef...the combinations are endless. You can just taste the love they put in with each bite =D It's a definite hit!
Best PUPUSAS! I loved the shrimp and fish while my roommate loved the Pork and Italian kind. We figured that we would have loved all of them if we had consumed it right when it came out from the kitchen. Eat it freshly hot and be amazed with the texture and taste.
Semi Casual place. It's a really neat first date place or even a social encounter with group.
Good pupusas! Shrimp pastel was a treat. Great service.
Good food, cheap, but it didn't live up to all the hype for me.
I'm still new to Salvadoran cuisine, but Balompie Cafe #3 seems to offer the best by far. The pupusas are terrific and come in a variety of fillings- Chicharron y Queso is so far my fave. I've been to a couple other spots where the pupusas are tough and dry, Balompie's are moist and delicate. The Salvadoran Sampler is the right combo to order if you want a taste of "everything." This spot is a great new add to Bernal Heights and if you are new to Salvadoran- no worries, Balompie #3 has a nice open ambiance with friendly staff. Lucky for me, it's just around the corner...
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Chicken Enchiladas FTW!!!
This place is one block from my house, and now I'm sad I haven't gone their more. We went with a group last night to grab some dinner to go. I wasn't in the mood for a full meal, so I just got the enchiladas and a tamale off the appetizer menu. For $5.75, you CAN NOT beat those enchiladas (you get two). They were soooooo good and filling. I didn't even need the tamale...but I ate it anyway; it wasn't as good as Tamale Lady's, but still tasty. My friends got meals while were around $10 bucks, and they said they were great too.
They good be a little quicker when it comes to making the food, but it's not like some wimpy taqueria where they're making everything to go, so it's okay to wait for delicious food.
The boyfriend and I came here to discover the greatness that is #32 on the 7x7 Big Eat SF list: Pupusas at Pupusas at Balompie Café #3. We were welcomed by a friendly staff who brought chips and salsa to our table immediately. We tried 3 different Pupusas-- carne asada, bean and cheese, and cheese. They were all equally tasty, but I have to say my favorite was the plain cheese-- it was sooo good! The Pupusas had a generous amount of filling and were perfectly browned on the outside, definitely better than any I've tried before. One thing to note is for some reason everything is 55 cents more when you dine in, not sure why.
People thought this was:
Once again Balompie has out done themselves. Why oh why did I take so dang long to go to the new restaurant. I guess I figured why fix what ain't broke because Balompie 1 is excellent too. I also think that Balompie 2 put a sour taste in my mouth quit literally, it doesn't live up to 1 but 3 surpasses 1. Got that!?! So the first thing about 3 is the 'specialty' pupusas, not your run of the mill options. The Italian one was goooooooood, proscuitto with oregano what a fascinating combo. The one I really loved though was the Mexican one, I am a jalapeno girl and this pupusa had them in there, wow, awesome, mmmmm. Nice touch on having draft beers, this made the men folk very happy. The menu has so many items to try but we stayed traditional. Yucca frita con chicharron, pasteles de chicken and pork, and platanos.
The service was great and hospitable, I'm lucky that I know the manager (Jackie) we got treated like royalty. Only negative is parking, rather impossible so public transportation is probably best.
People thought this was:
I must say this place is very good. I have tried several things on the menu but must say those enchiladas are off the hook. The pupusas are just as good but if you want something a lil different go with the enchiladas. The place is very clean and well lit. It awesome that yo can see them making your food right there. Good job Balompie!!!!!!!!!
People thought this was:
This place just opened 3 weeks ago, and still is under the radar. I've been passing by for a while looking at the sign, and wondering when they will open. Well, they ARE! They are only open from 4pm - 10:00 or 12:00 midnight on Friday and Saturday. CLOSED on Monday and Tuesday.
This place is the complete opposite of the chaos of the one on 18th Street. No rubbing of the elbows of the person next to you, and that's the only way this place lacks. There are a a few tables, a counter, and even a few tables outside. Why you would want to eat outside at the sometimes seedy corner of Richland and Mission is beyond me, but it that floats your boat, it's available to you.
I bought some pupusas to take home. Four chicharron and cheese, 4 ground beef and cheese, and two bean and cheese. The ground beef pupusas was a bit lighter than the chicharron, and not quite as tasty, but a refreshing change. if I had to pick, it would be the pork. You can also get them filled with prosciutto, and another filled with pork, jalapeno and cheese.
Other unique fillings are available such as FOUR different kind of vegetarian pupusas' for you vegetarians our there. They are: 1) Zucchini, 2) Loroco, 3) Spinach, and 4) Super vegetarian, with spinach, mushroom, carrots and cheese. (WHAT? No celery?!) Well, 5 if you count the beans.
While this location lacks the multiple dishes as that on 18th Street, they will likely have more later. One dish sounds very good ... Salpicon; chopped beef with mint, radishes, and onion with rice and beans. You can get your Tamales, Pasteles, and Empanadas. Prices are a bit cheaper for the pupusas if you have them to-go. To go, they are $1.95 - $2.95 versus $2.50 - $3.50 if you eat inside.
Will it replace the venerable La Santaneca? Maybe. Very cute server with a winning smile.
People thought this was:
Balompie #3 (at the corner of Richland and Mission in the Bernal Heights-ish neighborhood) is really a great local joint.
The co-owner & manager, Jackie, is super-nice and makes sure everyone is well taken care of. The one waiter that is there *all * the time (I need to remember his name next time) is also really friendly and often brings a large Regia to our table right away as he's learned we always get one. They will often bring little "extras" to the table if we have a large order that will take a while...
Sitting at the counter, if you're there alone or with just one friend, is also great - the cooks are friendly and if you speak a wee bit of spanish they'll happily describe what's simmering on the stove or talk about where they live in Mexico, etc.
All-in-all a comfy atmospher and great (great great) pupusas. This has become a standard on my take-out nights now since it is cheap, fast, and good.
I'm updating Balompie 3 to Five Stars because it is just. soooo. good. We live really close and we eat here really really often. I mean it's so easy to be like, I don't feel like cooking, let's just get Balompie.
People thought this was:
I live very close to the biggest collection of pupuserias in San Francisco. Until I tried… Read more »
On Monday, for Memorial Day, I was craving some pupusas and I wanted to go to my favorite place, La Santaneca but unfortunately they were closed.
I saw that Balompie Cafe 3 was open and decided to try their food. When I walked in, the restaurant looked nice and clean and smelled really good.
The waitress greeted me and asked if I was dining in or taking the food to go. I said it was to go and she gave me the menu.
When I looked at the menu, I was shocked to see that there was a price difference between the food to go and dining in. But I was starving so decided to order.
I initially wanted to order the 2 pupusas plate that came with rice & beans. When I asked if they had black beans or pinto beans, she said no. I asked a few more questions about the menu and she began to get annoyed and gave me a little attitude so I decided to just order a few pupusas.
They were good but not great. I will not be returning Balompie Cafe 3 because the waitress lacks good customer service and its pricey!
I will stick with La Santaneca which is 1/2 a block away!
Pupusas! Watch how it is crafted before you. Succulent. Luscious. Take a bite. An infinity of warmth oozing out of lightly browned dough. Enjoy with beer. Ah.... sabroso!
People thought this was:
try the queso y loroco pupusas! their pupusas are so superior to the others in the area. Give them a try!
People thought this was:
3.5 but I will round up because I expect it to meet those four stars soon.
I have been eating at the OG Balompie on 18th Street for almost 20 years. *gulp* TWENTY YEARS!!! Um, yeah I've been eating there since I was 2 years old. Sure. Yeah, that's it. . 2 years old. . .
Anyway in the battle of pupusa greatness, to me, Balompie #1 has always come out on top over Panchita's, Zocolo and La Santaneca. The fillings are always abundant and the dough is always tender and not greasy. Their curtido is balanced and tasty. Also, their caldo de pollo is my I-am-so-sick-I-want-my-mommy therapy.
The only draw back of Balompie #1 is that it is ALWAYS crowded and the seats are packed in tight so you always feel cramped or rushed or infringed upon . . ..Balompie #3 is small but the tables are spaced well so that won't be a problem.
The restaurant has only been open for three weeks and they are offering a fairly limited menu (compared to Balompie #1). The star of the menu are the pupusas. They have your usual suspects - cheese, revueltas, loroco, ayote, etc. They also have "Specialty" pupusas. . .three with the stomach churning combo of fish, shrimp and cheese - not my cup of tea but three other ones - the Mejicana (sic) which is a mixture of ground pork, jalapenos, & cheese; the Italiana which is prosciutto and cheese and the Gringa which is seasoned ground beef and cheese. They offer both the corn masa and the rice masa. . .my boyfriend likes the rice masa so he always gets those. . .I much prefer corn masa. He got the chicharron and queso (revueltas) in rice masa and I got the Mejicana in corn masa. I also got an Italiana because, well, I had to. . . it sounded bizarre enough to work. Being the fromage-o-phile that I am you must understand that what I am about to say goes against the very fiber of my being. . .the pupusas were good but not great because. . . .are you sitting down?. . . .there was TOO MUCH cheese in them. I know. Crazy talk. But the balance was thrown by all that cheese. I was piling on the curtido to balance out the richness of the cheese. Also, the pupusas broke which isn't such a tragedy because the crispy cheese ooze is such a bonus but ALL of them were broken and mis-sized so their are a couple of consistency problems (see my pics). But I did really like the mejicana - the combo was good and I liked the jalapenos and the nice kick they added. So how about that Italiana? It was GENIUS! Seriously delicious. . .a good amount of prosciutto but not so much as to be overwhelmingly salty, cheese (not too much in this one) and fresh oregano leaves. . it worked. My dream would be to have a couple of those with two fried eggs atop. . .it would be the breakfast of champions! As stated earlier, Balompie #1 as the best curtido and that is true here as well. . also make sure to get some escabeche - theirs is so good! We also had a side of casamiento which was a tad dry. They are frying up fresh chips and they are delicious and the salsa, which is traditionally very low key - here it is actually quite good. We also had some jamaica which was very, very good - not too sweet but not bitter or tart either - it went perfectly with our meal.
I went again last night to get a quick bite and had the Gringa which was very good - this time not too much cheese but a little greasy from the ground beef. But good.
I am excited to know that they will be open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays - you just never know when you might be overwhelmed by a desire for pupusas and now at least their is a fairly late night option out there.
So why only three and a half stars? Well . .. one thing is that they charge different prices for eating there or to go. It's weird and off-putting. Their menu is limited - I will update this review when they add a few more items - especially my beloved caldos and if you sit in the front two window tables at sundown you will hate your life. . .it's hot, bright and you have to eat wearing sunglasses - please my darling friends at Balompie #3 - get some shades for those windows! PLEASE!
People thought this was:
Good, friendly and unpretentious. I stumbled on this place by accident and will definitely go back. The spinach and cheese pupusas are to die for, and the waitress was very helpful with recommendations and explanations of unfamiliar items.
Of all the pupusas I have eaten since moving to this great city, I say that this place has the best. I have never eaten at the original Balompie, so I will not comment on the menu, as I assume it's the same. Read the reviews for #1. The service at this specific location, however, is fantastic! The staff is willing and actually happy to indulge your curiosity if you happen to be a bit ignorant of Salvadorean cuisine, as I was until recently. They have Salvadorean beer as well, and I recommend it if you're not a teetotaler. Ah, if only they were open for breakfast, I wouldst bestow upon them the honor of five stars.
People thought this was:
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