BALBOA PERK, Coffee & Tea

I enjoyed how quaint Balboa Perk, Coffee & Tea was — how easy it was to get inside, had a short conversation with the staff, and even though the coffee wasn't as unique as I had imagined it would be, it was a worthwhile experience.

So happy I found this local coffee shop. Not only was the coffee delicious, but I also loved the cozy ambience, the European charm I’ve missed, and the good conversation with the owner. I also tried a croissant filled with apricot jam and it was fresh and delicious. A great way to start the day. I’ll definitely be back.

Question: Standard vs Barista’s preference? This is always a roll of the dice, perhaps more for the devil may care. However, when one rates cappuccino’s, a degree of consistency is certainly preferred. Today I find myself in the lovely neighborhood of Hillcrest San Diego at Balboa Perk coffee. I crossed the street from Dark Horse coffee based on the pictures posted. Regrettably, the pictures did not match reality. Balboa perk is a bit micro-mart with a single pull. My cappuccino was only available to go. Okay, I can flow with that as this is also about the craft & taste. To guess, I’d say my cappuccino was 4 parts foamed milk to one part espresso. The “craft” was a dash of mocha powder on top. One can only assume this is how the barista enjoys his morning joe. I must say, if that is the case the impertinence was deafening. Perhaps he is the coffee equivalent of Seinfeld Soup Nazi, without the throngs of people hockey checking one another for a spot in line. Balboa Perk is certainly neighborhood without the welcoming friendliness one might expect. As for a coffee, you may want to check out all the fabulousness Hillcrest has to offer. Enjoy.

Fantastic cafe that serves great coffee and Serbian imported goods. Highly recommend purchasing Kajmak and Ajvar. Very hard to come by in America, and they will add leaps of flavor to your kitchen!

Milan the owner runs literally the most authentic European coffee house in all of San Diego. Not only does he serve authentic European coffee but has great food items from Serbia as well. A must try for locals and tourists! CCCC🇷🇸☕️👍🏼

Cute, unassuming little shop with a cozy, shady front patio and mini-bottega; many products from Central Europe. The barista was super friendly and told us how this place has been open for over six years— it’s really hidden in plain sight! Great Americanos. Fresh pastries! Sometimes, quality and freshness beats huge selection.

Solid little cafe with classic coffee & tea menu and a small variety of pastries, including savory meat pies- I tried the Burek with beef filling (with my chai). The barista offered a red pepper sauce which was really good with the Burek and best enjoyed “for here.” Other savory pastry options were cheese and spanokopita. Bathroom was clean and service was friendly. Will return next time I’m in the area!

Super cute shop and really nice owner. However their chai was literally tazo, so I asked about the matcha. He said it was a powder so I went for it, thinking regular, real matcha powder whisked. Nope. It was a pre-sweetened pouch that he cut and mixed with milk. Tasted awful. Immediately threw it away because it tasted like stevia. This is why I ask about what’s in tea because it’s outlandish to charge $7. Fooled me once, never again.

LAVAZZA COFFEE AND TURKISH SWEETS (4 stars) - FOOD: Turkish treats - PRICE: decent - SERVICE: good - AMBIANCE: sidewalk tables My dog had a groom appointment next door. I felt the need to be next door because my dog is a drama queen. This place was perfect to kill an hour to get a drink and a snack. (And people watch). The only place to sit are the table seats posted on the sidewalk. Cute vibes, felt like I was at a cafe in a different country lol. VANILLA LATTE - Haven't had Lavazza Coffee beans in many years. We all know Italian coffee beans are special and Lavazza to me is the basic of Italian coffee beans - in my opinion. The average joe. I have no complaints, my vanilla latte was yummy and smooth. RECOMMEND TULUMBA - never had this before. It's Turkish Fried dough. It looks like a smash of of a glazed donut and a sugarless churro. How did it taste? Like a glazed donut but sweeter and stickier and the inside is kind of dense. I have a sweet tooth and for me to say it was "sweet" should speak volumes. It pairs nicely with a hot beverage. Until the next review...

Great little coffee shop in Hillcrest. I was in the area for breakfast and stumbled upon this place on the way back to my car. The coffee was really good and the service was even better. The shop is owned by an Eastern European man who really enjoys soccer. They have some imported chocolates and snacks from his home country. If you're ever in the area give them a try.

Milan is awesome! He has such a great selection of Serbian, German, and Italian snacks. Great customer service and the coffee is awesome!

Great service Great Food Great Ambiance Great selection of European snacks and sauces

What a cute find! I stopped in out of curiosity today while waiting for my bike to get fixed, and when I was told they had matcha I decided to try it out - being a European shop they also had Bueno bars which I HAD to indulge ¨ Honestly I've learned not to expect much from coffee places that don't have any specialty matcha lattes listed, but I was surprised at how yummy it was! Milan was also super kind and easy to converse with. Try this little spot on your next trip to the area!

Stopped here on way to zoo to get an iced coffee. The guy working there was really nice, i only drink decaf so was worried if they'd be able to make the drink i wanted with decaf but it came out great and quickly and he was super accommodating which i appreciated. my boyfriend is a fan of foreign grocery stores so he was happy he came in instead of waiting in the car and he appreciated looking through the dry goods they had for sale. we ended up getting a tin of salmon to eat with crackers while we were at the zoo which was a perfect snack for the occasion. we go to the zoo often and will definitely start coming here beforehand more.

Milan from Nis ( SERBIA ) has a small coffee shop in the heart of SD. Excellent choice of coffee and pastries. Also,has a REALLY good BUREK!!! Today it was a mixture of cheese and spinach. Awesome taste,takes me back to my homeland. Would recommend this place to everyone. Cheersss and 5 stars all the way!

The person taking our order didn't listen to our requests. Forgets to add ingredients to a simple drink, wrung us up without giving us our food. The coffee also had clumps of grounds in it. Cute interior, though, and the cashier was friendly, just not attentive.

This small not well known coffee shop is a favorite with the Serbian community. Its collection of furniture and decor are eclectic collection of items set in a time of the pass. I liked it, and I felt like I was in an old little book store ready to settle down a read a good book. Milan made me a old school cappuccino, nothing fancy to the eye, but full of bold flavor and just enough foam a top to gently fold into the espresso as I enjoyed it. It was a very nice cappuccino. There is outside and inside seating. They over baked goods, but more importantly, they also offer some Serbian favorites like Burek, which is a meat or cheese pie, and a number of other items including sandwiches.

Great place. Owner is friendly and genuinely kind person. Excellent hospitality and great service. Genuine original products imported from different countries of Eastern Europe. Great coffee

Delicious coffee and fine service. Highly recommend! You'll find unique snacks and desserts from Europe, tasty pastries, and an awesome environment.

Such a pleasant experience. So many coffee shops around here but I felt extra welcomed in this little place. Milan actually conversed with me while he made my cappuccino & I felt he actually cared that I was there rather than it just being another coffee purchase exchange. Made me miss Europe. Espresso was great too I'll be back :)

WOW! If you are looking for a great coffee drink this is THE PLACE. Amazing locally owned and operated, so the quality of products and service are top notch. I have had several different drinks including the lattes, mochas, espresso, and cappuccino. It's always difficult to decided which to order because they are all so delicious. Additionally the snacks and sandwiches are a delightful surprise to this little cafe. I often times eat some of the unique plates they offer, and nothing disappoints. If you live in the neighborhood, you're lucky to have such an amazing spot so close to home. If you're here visiting, it's amazing as it's so close to balboa park and downtown- with every easy access. Don't let parking scare you- I have never had an issue finding parking, and there is a lot on the corner 2 doors down. I highly recommend this coffee shop!

I absolutely love this place! Amazing coffee and very tasty treats. The owner is super nice and accommodating. This is one of my favorite coffee shops and often meet up with friends here.

I am from Eastern Europe originally and I love this place - it's a little taste of home. The owner of the place is so friendly and welcoming, pitas are always fresh and delicious, coffee is as good as it should be and there are so many cool snacks and drinks from the old country to pick up. Can't wait to go back!

This is a adorable, small, kitschy cafe hidden on the corner on Park before University. It's easy to miss, but you will be missing out if you don't come here. I have had a hard time finding good coffee in the area, I don't like ending up at Starbucks. But I'm glad I tried this place because the coffee was great. I liked the croissant and I want to try some of the other pastries they have. They have a good selection of coffee, some European food, and European chocolate. The guy working was nice and he whipped up the drinks super fast. This place deserves all the stars and it will likely be my new coffee spot.

This cute and cozy coffee shop is a hidden gem! Great coffee and snacks, lovely decor with lots of antiques (which are by the way for sale), and extremely nice staff. Highly recommend!

Super cute hidden gem on Park Blvd! Popped in here with a friend when we had half an hour to kill in the area and we were pleasantly surprised. The barista working was extremely friendly. The place is filled with European and Serbian snacks, which the barista told us was because the owner is Serbian. It was cool to learn some tidbits on the place and see different stuff than usual on display. We got our drinks, an iced tea and coconut milk latte, which were both really good, and sat outside on the patio on a beautiful day. I'm so glad I discover this place and will definitely be back!

A prime location, ran by the owner (Milan) who has excellent customer service and offers Lavazza coffee?! I couldn't be happier, excellent prices and a variety of baked goods. I wish I had found it sooner!

After being a quite frequent customer on my last visits the owner made me feel very unwelcome so I guess I won't be returning. He basically scolded me in front of customers about a prior visit. I brought my dog in that I was walking which I quite frequently do. Another customer came along who was afraid of dogs so I left. The owner assumed I was upset about it but I wasn't . I just didn't want to scare another customer. The next time I came in the owner claimed that I was upset about It and I left angry. I didn't and I wasn't angry I was just trying not to scare somebody that was a customer off. I tried to explain that to him but instead he refused to listen and then scolded me like a child. I was insulted so I left and I will not return. It's based on a lack of communication skills

What a fantastic neighborhood coffee shop. It has an amazing and authentic European vibe and I love the little market inside. If you're looking for character and community, this is the spot. If you're more of corporate coffee person or need an over designed urban-industrial backdrop then there's a bunch of Starbucks downtown .... Haha

This a cute eclectic coffee shop on Park Blvd. The shop used to be a second hand/antique shop and it appears that some of the furniture is left over from them. There are a few seats inside and a couple of tables outside. Lots of things to look at when you're inside. They have a beautiful Cockatiel in a cage that will whistle back at you if you give him a little attention. The owner is very friendly and he serves good quality coffee. I only had the regular brewed coffee. Nothing fancy. There is a menu with most of the regular choices and some donuts and cookies. This place is definitely worth a try. Especially if you enjoy a small independent coffee shop as opposed to the corporate owned shops.

The best coffee in town. If you asked me (I am from Europe) if coffee is about coffee (not caramel, chestnut praline or other BS) than this place is the best. When I talk about coffee I mean espresso or double espresso, it is the rare place in SD where you can actually drink pure espresso and not threw up from acidity and bitterness. Burek is the best pastries ever I recommend this place to everyone who knows good coffee. Phenomenal service and so nice owner.

Every time I come to Balboa Perk, I can't help staying a while, relaxing and enjoying the great environment that the owner, Milan has established in his personable business. There are antiques for sale , that he has hand chosen... They are always unique, and great quality... they become a part of the cafe , temporarily adding to the coziness of the place , until they go home with you! I've bought several pieces from him that I still greatly enjoy. His coffee is delicious. Good quality products. There is often great music, Jazz, classical and if not, you can request it, and he will put on the record player for you ! I highly recommend Balboa Perk for an interesting, European feeling, cultural experience of a cafe. Two thumbs up!!

Very delicious coffee! The owner is very nice and he has a lot of Serbian snacks and pastries as well.

This is my new favorite hangout. Feels like being in a cafe in a small town in Italy. And I have become addicted to the roasted pepper spread. Yum.

Best hot cocoa around, beats Starbucks and McDonald's easily. The service is amazing such a nice way to start your mornings, great drinks and exceptional customer service. Thanks for being apart of the community!

Quiet and comfortable coffee shop with the feel of being in your best friend's living room. Great find near the San Diego Zoo.

The owner is a great guy and the place itself is just as nice. Quality over quantity on any given day, or morning better said. Spotless clean, great coffee of many kinds, low key and personable service. Ambiance is relaxing and ambient will take you back into the good old days with antiques scattered throughout the small yet comfy and cozy place. Simply put, pass it by and miss out on what a true worry free coffee experience should feel like.

Absolute worst coffee I have ever had. I purchased a small caramel latte and I've never been so angry at a purchase. Sad when you spend $5+ on a drink to come home and be more impressed with your keurig

If you are looking for some of the best coffee and yummy snacks- look no further! Burek and Serbian kafa tasted like home. In addition, they have some of the greatest Serbian snacks for sale. The owner is a sweetheart - you must check out this lovely place :)

Milan the owner is a rad man. The environment of the coffee shop is cultured and unique. I came here with my brother and we sat and read some books he had on a book shelf. I ended up purchasing one of the books, and enjoyed some nice Italian brew roast.

Best coffee shop in San Diego. Owner is super nice and cool. Good Serbian food which is hard to find.

Smoker hangout. Wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee on a nice day outside, but there's just so many smokers here. It's probably 5 star if ya smoke, but 1 star if ya don't. Anyways inside is okay, coffee is okay. It's different than most coffee shops, a bunch of local older gents from Europe hang here and are cool. But yeah definitely only go outside if you like smoke

I love this little coffee house. The service is good. The coffee is flavorful. And the place is memorable. It's not a chain. It's simple and eclectic, and the people that go there are friendly. It's nice to support a local small business.

Milan always there with a smile to serve yur favorite coffee drink . Thx Milan for the latte.

Awesome adorable little whole in the wall coffee shop! Snagged a chai tea and I'm pretty picky on those there's only one place I really love getting em, and this spot definitely just made that short list!

Milan is the owner, and is a high quality and kind hearted, good person. He has old school values of respect and consideration for all people. He serves excellent coffee, teas and snacks. Indoor and outdoor seating. The ambience is European casual and a feeling of hominess. It's a one of a kind coffee shop centered in an antique / book store with a big screen T.V. for music videos and soccer events.

Very cute and comfy coffee spot. If you are looking for something non commercial with quality coffee and excellent service this is going to be your best bet!

After a full day at the zoo, I needed a cup a coffee for our drive home. Balboa perk was right down the street so I gave it a try. I was looking for a cold brew but they only had ice coffee so we gave it a try. It was WONDERFUL. Best part instead of using normal ice, they used coffee ice cube. This was great because my coffee didn't get watered down as the ice melted. The owner was very helpful and nice. I also tried the large chocolate chip cookies they had, yum! I'll definitely go back next time I'm down that way!!

Great place. Lots of personality and the owner is very kind. Love finding places like this! Would much rather go there than big coffee chains. And perfect for when we're out on a walk!

My favorite Coffee Shop in San Diego. The best espresso, Italian gelato and a lot of european products for sale. Always great music and cool social people around, I feel like I am in Europe.

Love this place, the antique shop setting and wide verity of music played makes it a delight every time I come in

San Diego's best kept secret. Tried so many different lattes around town and this by far is the best tasting coffee. Super cute environment with a local feel. And a perk- no pun intended - is that 2 cockatoos hang out there. Really friendly owner. Highly recommend!

This is not your typical American coffee shop - the vibe is very 'European'. Great Lavazza coffee and interesting objets d'arts to look at. The owner is a very nice guy. Somewhere to just hang out. Btw, there may not be wifi. There's a funny message on the wall about 'no internet, just talk to each other', or something similar, which I approve of, but not everyone may.

1. the shop itself is disgusting. there is an unkept dirty cage with 2 birds in the shop, there are flies everywhere, and the couches are musty. doesn't look anything like the pictures posted here: it's much darker, dirtier, and more cramped with old broken furniture. 2. the guy working behind the counter was unwelcoming and had a very strange attitude. he didn't take my order so much as tell me what i wanted. he asked if i wanted milk, and i said yes i'll have a little bit but i'd like to pour it myself and he went on to dump about a full cup of half and half in my iced coffee. 3. the coffee itself wasn't great. it came from an old, crusty, and clearly unwashed container and tasted pretty low quality. the amount of half and half he put in, even after i asked him to dump out some of my cup and add more coffee instead, made it basically undrinkable. after finishing about 1/4 of the drink i had a huge stomachache. never ever going back. extremely weird atmosphere and gross shop, i'm actually surprised this store has an A and not a B or C based on the birds alone.

I love the ambiance here! I feel like I'm in a cafe in Europe. Delicious coffee and equally delicious croissants and pastries! This is my go to weekend coffee shop in the neighborhood. Great friendly service quality coffee and relaxing atmosphere.

Cute and Relaxing Coffee Shop with Great Antiques, and i love the atmosphere in here. The best Latte and Cappuccino is made here. Keep up the great work!!!

Best coffee in town, sandwiches and burek are amazing. Owner Milan is super friendly, all recommendations to this coffee shop.

Excellent friendly service with tasty, well-made coffee and espresso. The vibe is Euro cafe, which is complemented nicely by the antique pieces in the place. A small and intimate venue, it's always a temptation to stop in for a cup.