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Balboa Cafe

American Restaurant, Burger Joint, and Bar$$$$
Union Street, San Francisco
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8.4/10
331
ratings
  • Tips
    Tom Z.
    "Come for the cougars."(7 Tips)
    Kevin B.
    "Ordered Balboa Burger, med-rare -delivered well-done."(4 Tips)
    Ana F.
    "I love to sit in the bar with a Bloody Mary and a burger."(6 Tips)
    Peter B.
    "Strong cocktails, a good burger and delicious huevos rancheros."(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon83 Tips and reviews
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  • cougars
  • burgers
  • brunch food
  • chicken paillard
  • people watching
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  • Ana F.heart icon on user image
    Ana FrancoDecember 2, 2013
    One of my favourite places in SFCO. I love to sit in the bar with a Bloody Mary and a burger. This place is a must.
  • Sean S.
    Sean StenstromAugust 10, 2017
    We need daytime bars too, right? Balboa is at its finest in the daytime, when you can drink Bloody Marys to your heart’s content and people watch from outdoor tables on the corner.
  • Jason L.heart icon on user image
    Jason LuchterhandJune 22, 2015
    Burger. Just, burger. Also see if they have Pliney the Elder beer in a bottle. They only get 3 cases of the stuff a week (per brewer's choice). One of the best beers I have had!
  • Steve P.
    Steve PeppleAugust 8, 2020
    They’ve done a perfect job of making other place safe for Covid-19 and made a really nice patio. Food remains outstanding!
  • Thomas C.heart icon on user image
    Thomas ColtonSeptember 29, 2015
    All these reviews are completely on point. Great food. Good drinks. Older women.
  • Andrew K.
    Andrew KassJanuary 11, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Try the wild cougars. Off menu, but definitely in abundance and also the house speciality.
  • David V.
    David VerbustelSeptember 23, 2012
    Great place (and nice people) to chill after a long walk at the Marina. Good service.
  • Zennie A.heart icon on user image
    Zennie AbrahamJuly 24, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Want a good dinner on a budget? The basic salad and The Balboa Burger's a great combo. And follow @zennie62 on Twitter to let me know what you think!
  • Zennie A.heart icon on user image
    Zennie AbrahamJune 8, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    For best Balboa Cafe service, sit at the corner of the bar!
  • J J.
    J JohnJuly 19, 2019
    Good beers & drinks, the burgers are excellent so is the service
  • Michelle S.
    Michelle SteyerAugust 3, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Freshest grey hounds, amazing huevos rancheros, roast chicken and burger
  • Alex M.
    Alex MurrayAugust 15, 2011
    This is a great place to grab a drink and meet new people! It's a total social hub on a Saturday night with the late 20's early 30's crowd. However-you may end up spotting a Jerry Garcia clone! Hehe!
  • Sean D.heart icon on user image
    Sean DowdallAugust 6, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Sit at the bar for brunch - Kevin is the best bartender in the City
  • James L.heart icon on user image
    James LimioAugust 23, 2021
    One of the iconic restaurants in SF.
  • Brad T.heart icon on user image
    Brad TDecember 30, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Very knowledgeable and capable bartenders and the food is good too.
  • Cristin Z.
    Cristin ZweigSeptember 6, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Chicken Paillard Wednesdays are the best. Great people watching, always a fun crowd
  • Peter B.heart icon on user image
    Peter BergAugust 6, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Strong cocktails, a good burger and delicious huevos rancheros.
  • Christina P.
    Christina PeironaJune 28, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    Best burger in town. It comes on a baguette, and is super delish with grilled onions and avocado.
  • Zennie A.heart icon on user image
    Zennie AbrahamJuly 4, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Sit at the end of the bar next to the side door for better service!
  • Sean D.heart icon on user image
    Sean DowdallDecember 26, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    Try the calamari with the Caesar salad - it is a great combo for lunch.
  • Craig T.
    Craig ThigpenJanuary 28, 2014
    Classic full length SF bar with killer gin Martinis
  • Hannah G.heart icon on user image
    Hannah GMAugust 20, 2016
    Great spot for brunch in the Marina. Grab a mimosa and Benedict!
  • ScottyT
    ScottyTJune 30, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Great eats, great treats!!
  • Ibraheemheart icon on user image
    IbraheemMarch 14, 2017
    Awesome and good coffee.
  • Georgia P.
    Georgia PicturesJuly 24, 2016
    I spotted Gavin Newsom here
  • Marina C.heart icon on user image
    Marina CostabileJanuary 22, 2012
    Been here 50+ times
    Prophet Pinot Noir is fantastic. Small producer and hard to find!
  • Megan K.heart icon on user image
    Megan KainDecember 17, 2015
    Classy and tasty drinks. Good crowd
  • ToryBurch
    ToryBurchMay 6, 2011
    The brunch-time Bloody Marys are the best. So are the burgers on baguettes.
  • James L.heart icon on user image
    James LimioAugust 23, 2021
    Food!!! Awesome bar!!!
  • Ahmet D.heart icon on user image
    Ahmet DouasJune 6, 2022
    Trendy American sports bar style joint !
  • Zennie A.heart icon on user image
    Zennie AbrahamSeptember 10, 2011
    Been here 25+ times
    If it is crowded and you order from the bar , ask to sit in the dining area. But make sure the waitresses are attentive.
  • Ashok B.
    Ashok BalaAugust 11, 2013
    Great place.. Nice crowd.. Must go
  • David L.
    David LandisApril 6, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Best burger and best bartenders in town.
  • Devin Q.
    Devin QuinnMarch 16, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    They have pliny. Its rare & delightful
  • John P.
    John PomeroyApril 9, 2013
    Purity Martini. Game, set, match.
  • Kelsey K.heart icon on user image
    Kelsey KotzebueNovember 9, 2016
    Breakfast Burrito and a Bloody Mary.
  • Renee T.
    Renee TeefiveFebruary 11, 2018
    Crab cakes
  • Ben G.heart icon on user image
    Ben GateleySeptember 8, 2017
    Neighborhood joint... Go check it out!
  • Zennie A.heart icon on user image
    Zennie AbrahamSeptember 10, 2016
    Been here 25+ times
    Everything.
  • :)
    :)September 5, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Yes, there are cougars...but the food and drinks are great!
  • Todd D.
    Todd DefrenMay 27, 2013
    Try the Vesper. What a mellow martini. Well done, Mr. Bond.
  • Mariano G.
    Mariano GarciaMay 9, 2013
    Best original
  • James T.heart icon on user image
    James TAugust 24, 2016
    Old school, but the food feels like it hasn't been updated In a while.
  • Roxy A.heart icon on user image
    Roxy AFebruary 24, 2017
    Great people watching
  • Minjae L.
    Minjae LeeJanuary 25, 2014
    rye and cougars
  • Pacific Union
    Pacific UnionOctober 24, 2012
    Great eggs benedict at brunch!
  • Jack L.heart icon on user image
    Jack LeeneyFebruary 25, 2015
    Been here 25+ times
    Everything. Life. Happiness.
  • scott ..heart icon on user image
    scott ...September 10, 2014
    The corned beef hash. The crayons.
  • Tony A.heart icon on user image
    Tony AndersonJanuary 24, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Great Irish coffee
  • Zennie A.heart icon on user image
    Zennie AbrahamOctober 12, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Go to the end of the bar for faster service.
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