The Balboa

1279 Reviews (4.7 Rating)
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The business details and user reviews shown for The Balboa are based on information sourced from Google Maps. This place has a total of 1279 reviews on Google, but for performance and readability we display up to the 15 most recent reviews on our website.
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This listing for The Balboa was first added to our directory on December 20, 2025 based on the information available at that time. It is currently listed as a Bar & grill in San Diego, US.

15 Reviews for The Balboa

Charles M

4 months ago

The burger and fries were just ok, nothing special. They could improve the quality of burger buns.

Christopher Smith

a year ago

If I lived in San DIego, I would be here all the time. We stopped in for lunch after the 2024 Pride Festival and it did not disappoint. It's the nicest "dive bar" I've ever been in. Service was exceptional. The menu is on the wall and you …

Alicia Yuan

a year ago

Self serviced dive bar vibe burger place. We went on a Sunday afternoon and it’s perfect to watch a game, have a burger and beer there. It’s in the downtown area and there’s off street parking.

Christiane

a year ago

Ooh their burgers! 🍔🤤 The Balboa has a relaxed, unpretentious vibe, good drink selection, & friendly staff serving super tasty burgers & well-cooked fries late in the evening (perfect for night owls🦉). For a burger with a side of fries + a …

Nicholas Grismore

7 months ago

One of the best burgers around downtown. Patty is seasoned perfectly and the buns are lightly toasted. Awesome atmosphere with old arcade games and pool.

Katherine Fuentes

3 weeks ago

Husband and I spontaneously came here because we were craving burgers. Staff was really friendly, and the burgers were bomb. My husband loved his bacon burger, and I subbed the beyond patty on the Balboa burger. Both amazing, and the garlic fries were super garlicy and delicious. Definitely recommend!!

Peter Morales

5 months ago

My friend Eva recommended this place for burgers. I had a chicken sandwich with a lemonade while Eva had a bacon cheeseburger with jalapeños and garlic fries. They have an arcade and pool table. Plenty of tables to sit. I will definitely come back again the next time I visit SD.

Max Sanchez

8 months ago

The burger is so damn good. Happy hour special is where it’s at. The people who work here are cool and never have an attitude. It’s the place to be! The burger is fresh, juicy, and all the toppings / ingredients are crunchy and crisp. A …

Carlos Caro

a month ago

Amazing service every time. One of the best burgers in San Diego. Also the PBR or Hamm’s special is on point!

tim christensen

9 months ago

Great burger. The garlic aïoli was great. Burger was delicious. Definitely a top 10 burger I’ve had in my life. Prices were a little expensive. A burger and fries was over $20 which seems crazy. But it is 2025. The place also hasn’t had …

Ray Frohnhoefer

3 months ago

Great burgers and drinks with daily specials and happy hours. Burgers are large and juicy. There are plenty of drink options from a full bar, including cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Fries are plenty to share and the garlic fries are loaded with garlic. There is also a room of arcade games and a speakeasy now.

Stephanie Buriel

5 months ago

First time I ate here and loved it. I had the barbecue bacon burger and regular salt and pepper French fries. The burger bun and bacon for the burger were cooked perfectly. The serving of fries is enough for two people to share. After I ordered, the food came very quickly and was made fresh. Perfection!

B Davis

Edited 7 months ago

This burger joint inside a bar/tavern really hit the spot! The burgers were excellent—super tender, juicy, and best of all, no weird hard or fatty pieces. Just really high-quality meat cooked perfectly. We got the Centennial & classic …

Bianca Lok

6 months ago

Came to the Balboa with my daughters for lunch during our vacation in San Diego and we all ordered the original burger. I have to say it's the best burger I've EVER had. The burger was very flavorful and extra juicy. Thank you Balboa for this amazing experience!!

Lilly Fluger

2 months ago

I love this place. It’s making me hungry right now just thinking about it. My girlfriend took me out as a treat because I watered her garden while she was away. She said it was her favorite dive bar in San Dirgo so me and another girl went. …