Balboa Cafe - SF

Name: Balboa Cafe - SF
Address: 3199 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94123
Telephone: (415) 921-3944
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

18 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

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 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
Website
https://www.balboacafesf.com/
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. 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.
Private party facilities
Please contact the Restaurant directly regarding Group Dining.

Location
3199 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
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

Noise • Moderate

18 Reviews

m
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!
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AP
AllyP
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nothing like Balbs
Is this helpful?
s
susan
Central Coast
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience4
Food excellent, wait staff excellent, hostess not so friendly,
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MA
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
SM
SusanM
San Francisco
33 reviews
5.0
33 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?
AD
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?
RH
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.
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GM
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!
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C
Cricket
Portland
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 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
p
ple2you
San Francisco
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on January 28, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a warm welcome and friendly service.
Is this helpful?
p
ple2you
San Francisco
43 reviews
vip
5.0
43 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2018
overall5food5service5ambience5
Family is always happy to celebrate at Balboa.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTableDiner
Greater Boston
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
b
blaineb
San Francisco
118 reviews
vip
5.0
118 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.
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J
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.
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j
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
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O
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.
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SF
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?
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JL
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
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Safety precautions

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 23, 2023

7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

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
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

Website
https://www.balboacafesf.com/
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. 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.
Private party facilities
Please contact the Restaurant directly regarding Group Dining.

Balboa Cafe - SF

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

What 18 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Screening

FAQs

Does Balboa Cafe - SF offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Balboa Cafe - SF restaurant rated?

Is Balboa Cafe - SF currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information