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Balboa Cafe - SF

4.7
4.7
18 Reviews
$30 and under
American
  • Lively
  • Great for brunch
  • Good for special occasions
Established in 1913 (making it one of the oldest saloons in San Francisco), the PlumpJack Balboa Cafe continues its tradition as the "in" place to eat, drink and make merry.

The elegant bar and interior decor remain relatively untouched, retaining the magic of times gone by, while the menu offers both treasured favorites and savory new dishes. On any given day -- for lunch, brunch, cocktails, or dinner couples, singles, old-timers and newcomers can be found reveling in the joyful din of this San Francisco icon.

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Californian, Comfort Food
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 921-3944
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    PlumpJack Catering specializes in unique and innovative catered events. We can provide a diverse catering menu to choose from, plus full-staffing and rental coordination for your gathering, whether an intimate affair or an elaborate celebration.<br><br />We have a dedicated and professional staff that will deliver an individualized experience based on your specific needs and desires. Sample menus are available upon request and a dedicated member of our team will always work closely with you to ensure a flawless event.<br />
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact the Restaurant directly regarding Group Dining.
  • Neighborhood
    Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
  • Cross street
    Greenwich Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 18 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7
4.7 based on all time ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseEnergetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Balboa Cafe in San Francisco offers a "classic and legendary" ambiance, perfect for enjoying signature dishes like the "tasty chimichurri fries" and the renowned espresso martinis. With a "beautiful wood bar" and vibrant atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for a lively night out or a "relaxed weekday dinner."

18 Reviews
  1. morgan

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2021

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The new parklet seating area had a wonderful view overlooking an overflowing dumpster. Other than that, food and service were great as always!

    Is this helpful?

  2. AllyP

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2021

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nothing like Balbs

    Is this helpful?

  3. susan

    Central Coast

    20 reviews

    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2020

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food excellent, wait staff excellent, hostess not so friendly,

    Is this helpful?

  4. MaryAnneS

    New York City

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2019

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    I reserved two months in advance, when we arrived, we had a table by the door. I had requested the window or quiet table in the back. The hostess was not happy because she had reserved her own clientele special tables, and was resistant, short tempered, frowned, it was an embarrassing to my guests and me, she unpoologetically said at the end “I’m sorry for being such a bear with you” She was a blonde hostess, she has been there a long time, used to be a waitress, she knew me. I will not go back

    1 person found this helpful

  5. SusanM

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2019

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Birthday celebration for a friend, and it was great! Food was so tasty, server was super friendly. Really, really good...

    Is this helpful?

  6. AndrewD

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2019

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    Pretty loud for a lunch middle of the week and the waitstaff made several food mistakes.

    Is this helpful?

  7. RowH

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Prime rib was not good, not much flavor. It is a nice, classic San Francisco , cow hollow institution.

    1 person found this helpful

  8. GeriM

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2018

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, friendly waitstaff, superb ambiance. Book a table soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Cricket

    Portland

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2018

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Great bar; good cocktails and wine selection. Very accommodating to our pace and a delicious meal was enjoyed by all six our our party.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. ple2you

    San Francisco

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2018

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a warm welcome and friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Balboa Cafe - SF offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (415) 921-3944.

Balboa Cafe - SF is rated 4.7 stars by 18 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable booking network. To check availability, please contact them directly.

Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Balboa Cafe - SF

3199 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Greenwich Street
  • Neighborhood
    Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
  • Hours of operation
    Wed–Sun 3:00 pm–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Californian, Comfort Food
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (415) 921-3944
  • Catering
    PlumpJack Catering specializes in unique and innovative catered events. We can provide a diverse catering menu to choose from, plus full-staffing and rental coordination for your gathering, whether an intimate affair or an elaborate celebration.<br><br />We have a dedicated and professional staff that will deliver an individualized experience based on your specific needs and desires. Sample menus are available upon request and a dedicated member of our team will always work closely with you to ensure a flawless event.<br />
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact the Restaurant directly regarding Group Dining.
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