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Balboa Cafe - SF

4.7 (16)
$30 and under
American
3199 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

About this restaurant

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

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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
  • 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
    Cow Hollow
  • 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

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Balboa Cafe - SF.

4.7

4.7
(16)
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Energetic

16 Reviews
  1. morgan

    Los Angeles5 reviews

    4.0

    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 Gold

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    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 Gold

    Central Coast28 reviews

    4.0

    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 City11 reviews

    3.0

    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

    2 people found this helpful

  5. SusanM

    San Francisco34 reviews

    5.0

    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 Gold

    San Francisco23 reviews

    3.0

    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. GeriM

    San Francisco3 reviews

    5.0

    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?

  8. Cricket

    Portland16 reviews

    5.0

    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

  9. ple2you Gold

    San Francisco55 reviews

    5.0

    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?

  10. ple2you Gold

    San Francisco55 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on January 7, 2018

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Family is always happy to celebrate at Balboa.

    Is this helpful?

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
  • 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
    Cow Hollow
  • 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
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Francisco Bay Area
  4. San Francisco
  5. Cow Hollow

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
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