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Balboa Cafe - SF

4.7
4.7
18 Reviews
$30 and under
American
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • 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 Wed–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 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

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

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

NoiseModerate

  1. morgan

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    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. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nothing like Balbs

    Is this helpful?

  3. susan

    Central Coast

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2020

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food excellent, wait staff excellent, hostess not so friendly,

    Is this helpful?

  4. MaryAnneS

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2019

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    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

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    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

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2019

    overall3food2service2ambience2
    Pretty loud for a lunch middle of the week and the waitstaff made several food mistakes.

    Is this helpful?

  7. RowH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Prime rib was not good, not much flavor. It is a nice, classic San Francisco , cow hollow institution.

    Is this helpful?

  8. GeriM

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, friendly waitstaff, superb ambiance. Book a table soon!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Cricket

    Portland

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    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

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a warm welcome and friendly service.

    Is this helpful?

  11. ple2you

    San Francisco

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family is always happy to celebrate at Balboa.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTableDiner

    New England

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great place for brunch. Low key, solid food (nothing fancy or inventive, just good standard brunch fare), and nice ambiance. Drinks were slightly overpriced for what you get, but to be expected in this location.

    1 person found this helpful

  13. blaineb

    San Francisco

    116 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    116 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the Balboa burger for first time in years. No wonder it's called the best burger in SF.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Joe3

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Outstanding service. Special requests accommodated. Food consistently good. Hamburgers and fries always a delight at the Balboa. Server did an excellent job caring for seven diners with a variety of requests.

    Is this helpful?

  15. jminmal

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    always has been my favorite place in San francisco To have a drink and a nice meal

    Is this helpful?

  16. garyO

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always love this place. Matt is an awesome server.

    Is this helpful?

  17. SeniorFoodie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2016

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Well known, good food & service. But don't try to have a meaningful conversation - noise level is ridiculous. Please close drapes to restrooms. Who wants to watch that activity?

    Is this helpful?

  18. JLTC

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2016

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Favorite spot in SF for a quick drink/snack at a bar or a leisurely group brunch! Best of SF

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine outdoors

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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


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 Wed–Fri 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • 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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