The Balboa

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!

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 burger. We tried the garlic fries, which had great flavor—though they could’ve been a little crispier for my taste, they were still really good overall. You order at the counter, they give you a number, and then bring the food right to your table—super easy and efficient. They also have a free water station, which is great if you’re not drinking alcohol. The atmosphere is laid-back and fun with pinball and old-school arcade games right next to the seating area. There's also a pool table and TVs if you want to hang out and watch a game. Great food, chill vibe, and a solid spot all around!

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 delicious bun to top it off and you’ll be saying the same thing I do when I’m done, that it’s the best burger here in SD for the price.

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!!

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 much money put into upkeep. But I guess that is the style. I will definitely be coming back and definitely the best burger that I’ve had in San Diego so far and one of the best ove had. Also for a more fair price they do have happy hour Monday through Friday 4-6 pm. Classic burger with fries would be around $15 including tax. Not as bad.

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.

Honestly think this is one of the best burgers I’ve had. Really enjoyed it. The bun had the perfect crisp to it and everything went well together. Fries were okay. Showed up before open and there was a line at the door already. You order first then get a number and sit. Unless you get a seat at the bar and bypass the line, they’ll help you while everyone else waits. Wasn’t a fan of that as Im sure majority going there don’t know that. Wait time was awhile as it is a pretty small crew cooking. Vibe inside was cool, there was a mini arcade and two pool tables that have seen better days. Overall, look forward to returning and having another one.

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.

Top Tier Burgers - A Must-Try! Balboa is top tier. It's the best burger I've ever had. My girlfriend showed me this spot, and I can say it's pretty darn good. It is a local bar location, and although it took me a while to find, it's literally right there once you know where to look. They have a really good sauce and garlic fries, and their meat is always super juicy--better than In-N-Out. It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. If you're looking for an amazing burger, Balboa is the place to go!

A good bar and hangout in Banker's Hill. They have pool, some video games, a good beer selection, and some cool cocktails, like the Jalapina Margarita. They're well-known for their burgers, the famous Balboa Burger has been churned out of here for years and features a homemade zesty aioli. The burger is honestly one of the best in San Diego, right up there with Rocky's, Hodad's, and The Friendly. Juicy, choice patty, great aioli, fluffy and slightly grilled bun. The garlic fries are pretty delicious as well. It's a nice place to come by and have a drink, or hang out with friends and get some grub. It's also in close proximity with downtown and Hillcrest, so you can easily kick off a fun night here and take things either north or south.

These guys make a good burger and the garlic fries are amazing. Super divey, a tad bit too loud for my liking, but great burger and beer deals! Really simple menu but they do a great job. Two seating areas. The music was too loud so it's a little hard to keep a conversation going. Got the original burger with their house made aioli but would try their classic with pickles, cheese and ketchup next time. Apparently they have a location in South Bay also!

Good old-school bar with fabulous burgers. I saw the sign claiming to be the best burger in San Diego so I stopped by to try. It seems there is always a line for people buying take-out! Sat at the bar and had a drink and a burger! Frankly Burger is pretty good. There is only about 4 different kinds and menu is non existent! Still nice juicy burger comes your way.... The only down side Balboa is a bar so expect it to be significantly louder than your ordinary burger joint...

I've been on a burger kick so my husband has been taking me to all his favorite places. I ordered the balboa burger and it was delicious ! Along with the fries , I really enjoyed the aioli sauce. I'm excited to come back and try out the different burgers. Everyone who works here is great ! It's a pretty cool place to drink some beers and play some pool.

Fun neighborhood bar in downtown SD! I went during St. Patrick's Day weekend so the vide was fun and upbeat! I had the classic burger but it didn't live up to the hype. I

Food: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Portions: 5/5 Atmosphere: 4/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Customer service: 5/5 Speed: 4/5 Price: $$ Outdoor seating: no ADA access: yes Restrooms: yes M /F Dogs: yes Kid Friendly: no Vegetarian options: Vegan options: Pros: fries are great. drinks are creative Cons: location

Came here for a burger and beer with friends. But I wouldn't say its that outstanding of a burger. It was a little overhyped. Other than that, seemed like your typical dive bar type spot.

Great burger that's up there with the best in San Diego. Definitely would recommend the BBQ bacon burger - and get the fries! The garlic aioli they're served with is top-notch. The space is unique and has a somewhat divey feel to it. Plenty of seating and roomier than your average bar. We ordered at the counter and the staff was upfront about the wait, as it was a somewhat busier night. It definitely took a while for the food to come, so the warning was appreciated. Food is a bit pricey compared to similar spots (like Rocky's) especially given the fries are an extra cost. And the neighborhood was fairly sketchy, especially at night.

I visit this place every time I'm in San Diego and regret not reviewing it sooner. The service is consistently excellent, and the food is always spot on. It's a must-visit for me. A good beer with a burger and garlic fries here can turn my bad day into a great one, especially after a long day. Can't wait to go back and eat here again.

This is one of the best burgers I've ever had! The burger was moist and the bun was soft with a nice toast. The burger held together well while many would fall apart, and the fresh bun was to thank. We loved the fresh garlic on the garlic fries and the large was perfect for sharing. I ordered my burger well done and it perfectly had no pink while remaining moist and not burned. My friend had the standard medium cook and said the only complaint was a slightly less than fresh tomato. There is only street parking - mostly metered - outside, but it was easy to find a spot on a Saturday afternoon. The bar was busy but there were plenty of open tables. I will definitely be back to have another burger.

Ordering from the bartender was very quick. The food must have been made from scratch because it took awhile to come even though the restaurant was still semi-empty. Food: - The Original Balboa Burger $12 (3/5): Not a bad burger, but I definitely don't understand why it shows up on so many "top burger" lists. The meat patty was juicy. I generally don't like American cheese in a burger (tastes cheap) but this tasted more like cheddar. The onions were raw and cut too thick, so they overwhelmed the flavor of the burger; I took half of the onions out so that I could actually taste the sauce and meat. - The BBQ Bacon Burger $13.75 (4/5): Equally juicy patty but this time with grilled onions, thick cut bacon and savory sweet BBQ sauce. Much better than the Original. I almost didn't order this burger because the restaurant is better known for the Original, but I am glad I followed my gut and tried the BBQ one. - Salt & Pepper Fries side $3.25: Crisp, well-seasoned exterior with fluffy interior. Good portion size for the price - Garlic Fries side $4.25 side: I have mixed opinions here. The base are the nicely cooked fries mentioned above. But the minced garlic and herbs didn't stick well to the fries at all. So I ultimately would eat a few fries, and then shovel some garlic with my fingers into my mouth Ambiance: Very casual. We sat in a big room that had arcade games and a coin-pay billiard table. Bathroom was clean Parking: We did free street parking on a Sunday noon-hour about a block away from the restaurant. The neighborhood is...a bit messy. There was definitely a pile of poop on the sidewalk during our walk. Some boarded up businesses. It did not feel unsafe, but I am not sure what the area is like after the sun sets.

Feels like I haven't been here in ages, so it was nice to visit again. Got lucky and found a parking spot out front. The no back barstools are deceptively comfortable. Making my back happy. Usually I avoid these types of stools because I find them rather painful. This trip I ordered the original Balboa burger, salt & pepper fries and a Guinness. While we were eating numerous flat screen tv's were playing various show's. One happened to be playing the last half of Rocky. One of my all time favorite movies. My burger was juicy and flavorful. The bun was buttery and fluffy. I liked the dip for the fries too. Still a great place to come for a drink and a burger. Hours as of July 2023 Monday thru Friday 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Saturday & Sunday 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM

One of the best places for a burger. Super chill spot, and good music. Friendly staff. Good for a date, friend hangout or whatever

I go to Balboa every couple months so I can turn one foodie friend or another onto THE BEST BURGER IN SAN DIEGO! There, I said it. But it's very rare that I don't convert them to a True Balboa Believer. The OG Balboa is always our go-to. I don't know what's in that aoli but it's just the right flavor to take this burger over the top. And the bun-to-meat-to-fixin's ratio is so perfectly balanced. We do substitue the cheese to pepper jack. Parking is easy because it's not exactly the most popular block of 5th Avenue. But as someone that used to live in bankers hill ... we got to support keeping these areas in business! Everyone that works there is so nice. I left my water bottle behind, and the super-sweet bartender chased us down the street to return it. Thanks Balboa!!

I've heard of The Balboa from my coworkers and I've trusted their take on this joint. Came on lunch they got our order on the table in around 10 minutes. The menu is short with only four types of burgers and a chicken sandwich plus fries. I got their Balboa and added a side of garlic fries. Do get the fries, but have some mints after! They can split the order in half which is perfect enough for me and my boyfriend. It was the perfect amount for us without getting into a food coma. I love their aioli but they have your ketchup and mustard on the tables. Every burger is cooked to a medium which I prefer. There is lots of seating near the bar area and even more dining tables on the right side of the room. You can even enjoy a game of pool. They have deals for lunch and happy hour. Lunch includes a burger with a beer and HH is the Balboa burger for $8 4-6PM. Definitely going to have The Balboa in the near future. I want to try other burgers on the menu! I would recommend the Balboa to anyone looking for somewhere to grub without having to think hard about the menu.

BURGER GRATIFICATION: CRAVING-SOLVED I eat burgers about twice a year and when I do I want the calories to count. Because I'm eating the bread and getting fries (with sass). Finally, I made it to The Balboa. Balboa Bar is a mix of dive bar+small tavern. Several TV's, wood seating tables, vintage pics and decor and a laid-back vibe. THE MENU IS SIMPLE: Hamburger, chicken sandwich, fries, a few extra burger fixins and a full bar. For my vegan peeps, you can substitute the burger for a black bean patty at an additional cost. ORDERING: You order drinks and/or food at the bar upon entry. Grab a seat with your number and your meal will be serviced to you. My eyes and stomach were tingling inside because the plating of the burgers is so enticing, although I ordered mine to go. I appreciated that my burger remained intact in the recyclable sustainable friendly to go bag. There were four people in line ahead of me. Line-order-completion was 22 minutes. I even had time for a shot. SERVICE: Excelente AROMA: The venting system is great because there is no aroma or smoke permeating through the bar. Good because I just washed my hair. Although I love the smell of grilled burgers. TASTE: I ordered my burger well done and it still retained its juicy grilled flavor, complemented with a slightly sweet & soft bun with traditional fixings. I ordered the grilled jalapenos. There were only a few atop the burger. This was an extra cost and it actually did not add to the burger. SEASONING: I would say the burger could stand a little bit more seasoning. It was seasoned just enough that if you added more it would have been too much. But we all know the burger must have perfect seasoning while cooking. PRICE: Justified by hand pressed fresh patties made to order. Mondays burgers are $8.00 all day, this would be a steal. But you must dine-in. Other days to get this deal is Tues -Fri (4 PM - 6 PM) FRIES: Fresh cut like a million bucks and good, good, good. These are real potatoes and they take care to prepare these fries before their fried. Thank you. PARKING: Likely to be difficult. Paid parking lot nearby. If you find street parking make sure you pay because the meter persons make their rounds in this area like clockwork. I'll eat here again. But there is another burger I like more. "The best burgers are simple, juicy, and messy." - Bobby Flay.

This is a laid back casual bar and grill that specializes in burgers. If it's your first time going there make note that you have to place your order at the bar - there is no table service here. We ordered the Original Balboa Burger. One of us had a side of garlic fries and the other had a side of salt and pepper fries with the burger. First bite and I was smiling at the taste. Burger was cooked perfectly and the aioli and cheese really added a nice flavor to the experience. Salt and pepper fries were crispy and decent. Garlic fries were a little disappointing because it seemed like they just put fries on a plate and dropped a bunch of garlic on top instead of mixing it in. Ultimately the star of the show was the burger though. With one of us ordering a beer and the other a water the tab was over $40 so it's not necessarily cheap. Maybe try to go at Happy Hour to save a few bucks. Balboa has a full bar available and a pool table for those that like to play. They also had a couple of pinball machines available. On the menu they also have some other burgers and a chicken sandwich available - next time I will try a different one and probably skip the fries.

The Balboa is home to some of the best burgers in San Diego. They're perfectly seasoned and accompanied by excellent fries. My favorites are the classic and the bbq bacon burger. There's plenty of seating available. You order at the bar and the food is brought out to your table. Service is fairly quick. It's a standard bar atmosphere, but very clean. I highly recommend The Balboa if you're craving an excellent burger.

Outside scene kinda scketchy looking but that sign outside said voted best burger in SD so y'all already know I had to go get me a burger. l must say I definitely agree with the sign, it is the best burger in San Diego it's juicy and flavorful! Especially when you pair it with a Hazy IPA, ahh delicious. As i said before this girl can eat, I almost went for a second burger, it was that good! I recommend it for all of you that love burgers, also the dive bar vibes were chill. I'll be back.

Love love love this place!! One of my all time favorite burgers in San Diego to the point that I crave this specific burger at times!! The BBQ bacon burger and garlic fries will hit every single time! The workers are nice and you order everything at the front and then food is brought out to you while they make your drink right then and there, it is definitely a casual ambience with plenty of seating and one pool table if that interests you!

Came here two days in a row for burgers. Got the classic with bacon added. One of the best burgers I've had. The meat is seasoned really well.

Very friendly staff and a good burger. The table was sticky but I liked the vibe and burger. Only 4 beers on tap but good selections. No nonsense place I recommend it

On our quest to try the best burgers in San Diego, we found The Balboa which has a giant banner in the front claiming they were voted Best Burger in San Diego 2022. You order at the front and bring your table number with you. Jalapeño Margarita: The cocktails here give a dive bar kind of feel. They were either too artificial tasting, too much sweet and sour, etc. While this had a nice jalapeño burn at the end, I didn't really like the taste of the entire drink. Ended up chugging it just to get it over with. The Original Balboa Burger: Essentially a cheeseburger with tomatoes, onions and lettuce. This was a very juicy burger and stacked tall enough that I had to kind of squish it to take a bite. The patty itself had some seasoning but most of it came from the house made aioli. I wonder how it would stand without the sauce. For a little extra, you can add a side of garlic fries. Since I was sharing, they offered to cut the burger in half for us. There was a miscommunication when ordering and they charged us for an extra burger. We didn't realize that until the extra one came out but they were nice enough to refund us and let us keep the extra! For lunch, they have a pretty good deal that adds a beer to your burger. I'd stick with beers here instead of cocktails. The burger isn't my favorite in San Diego but I enjoyed it enough to come back again!

These burgers were delicious! The bacon was crispy and flavorful! The french fries came out smoking hot and cooked to that just right crunchy bite! Will for sure be back!!!!!

Amazing burgers!! The vibe of the Balboa is great! The speed of getting our food after ordering is great! I look forward to coming back in the future!

Holy Smokes! Hands down arguably the best burger in all of San Diego. Phenomenal quality beef and the burgers are huge. Gotta top it off with a batch of salt and pepper fries and a cold beer. No other way to do it. Make your way down to the Balboa ASAP!!!!

Came to Sd and had to tried 2022 Best SD hamboogers. Got the 2 bbq hamboogers, the Balboa hamboogar, and garlic fries for $60. It's was alright, couldn't taste the sweetness but can taste the onions. That's it. Also be careful walking outside on the sidewalk, there's are doo doos all over the floor.

I've been wanting to The Balboa for a while, and after walking around Balboa Park all day, it was the perfect time to cross this place off my list. We got parking right away and walked right in. You order at the bar and then seat yourself. I got the classic and my husband got the original. We also got garlic fries. Both burgers were very good, and I can see why they have so many good reviews. In addition to the food, this place was just a good time. It's dark inside with lots of string lights. There is a lot of seating, a pool table, and other games to place. The regulars sitting at the bar looked like they were living their best Sunday afternoon. This place is fun! The food is good, and the vibe is right.

This spot is supposed to have one of the best burgers in San Diego. I would say they are right! I'm not big on salty burgers so this place has my vote. I ordered the original burger and it was delicious! Their garlic fries are worth smelling bad the next day. They have happy hour everyday. I am going back to try it again during that time to see What they offer!

Stopped in for dinner and drinks at the suggestion of a friend while waiting to pick up our son from a school dance at Balboa Park. Would have never looked twice at this place otherwise - it's in a dark and homeless ridden part of downtown- but I'm so glad we gave it a try! When you walk in it looks like a little pub you'd see in Europe. High top tables, video games, and a pool table. The burgers are cooked in a tiny kitchen off of the bar and are delicious! I had the BBQ bacon burger and my husband had the Balboa burger. We shared an order of garlic fries, which were skin on (my favorite), and were so fresh and delicious! Everything tasted homemade. The bartenders were super nice and courteous and I loved the cozy bar atmosphere. Highly recommend for a quick and easy dinner and drinks if you're in the area!

I was in San Diego visiting for the weekend and made it in from the beach around 8pm-ish. There wasn't many places still open this late on a Thursday but I drove past a sign that said "Voted Best Burger In San Diego" !!..I mean.. what an intro! I had to stop in and see for myself. I went in and ordered from the bar a bacon burger with their aioli with a side of garlic fries. The food was made fresh to order and was delicious!! They make your burger medium by default unless requested differently. I'd definitely go back! Maybe next time I'll stay longer and order one of their cocktails & play a game of pool.

CJ who tends the bar offers great recommendations, very knowledgeable and is personable. Definitely will be back

Ace of spades plays across the dimly lit bar. A small Alcove just behind where you enter hides the magic as a few of the best burger chefs in town work their magic. The sizzle and smell of the burger fat and the light smell of fabuloso plays with the breeze outside as the bartender takes our order. The bar has expanded since post-covid and now has a much appreciated and roomy adjoining seating area and pool table. The menu is simple: Burgers and Chicken Sandos (with your classic appetizers). Happy hour $8 Balboa burger can't be beat! This place has stood the test of time. Do yourself a favor, grab someone you love and take a trip to the best burger spot in town!

Great burger. Prompt service. Great drinks. Not much more that needs to be said. It was easily one of the best burgers I had while staying in San Diego

The Balboa is a great spot that offers much more than meets the eye. While their beer selection may not be extensive, the quality of options available is noteworthy. The inviting ambiance features pool tables and TVs, making it an ideal place to enjoy both good food and the thrill of watching sports. When it comes to the main attraction, The Balboa's burgers truly shine. The flavors are exceptional, enhanced by the delectable aioli that adds a touch of creaminess and richness. A standout side dish at The Balboa is undoubtedly their garlic fries. In conclusion, The Balboa is a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its outstanding burgers, inviting atmosphere, and attention to detail. The presence of pool tables and TVs adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making it an excellent spot for a casual gathering or a sports-filled evening. If you're looking for a place that showcases the power of quality ingredients and delivers a fantastic burger experience, look no further than The Balboa.

This place is still as great as always! Awesome burgers, fries, drinks, and service! They expanded awhile back, and it means more seating and space to enjoy the ambiance and delicious food. We got the Balboa burger, the BBQ burger, fries, beer, and the jalapeño margarita. Everything was great, and the staff is great. Can't wait to go back to this neighborhood gem!

Top 5 burger in San Diego. Fun arcade games and pool and amazing great lunch time happy hour during the week

The burger is delicious and juicy. I added grilled onions and jalapeños to add a kick. Service was great and friendly. It's a casual bar/pub.

Super solid burger (my bf and I both got the classic Balboa). Definitely deserving of the best burger in SD award. Pros: -We came in during a weird late-lunch hour, so there weren't many people there. Service was efficient and fast. -Fries were super crispy and delicious. I got the salt and pepper and my bf got the garlic. - The bun makes the burger. This one was soft and slightly crispy (I think they grilled it with a little mayo). -Patty was cooked the way we asked. -The aioli was a nice touch! Cons (Not really cons, just being nitpicky here) - The burger + side of fries was approx. $16 per person. Not the cheapest burger, but you do get what you pay for. It's a substantial meal. However, it's not really a cheap thrill like The Friendly's smashburger. - I kept on gagging every time my bf burped after eating the garlic fries. Consume at your own risk. That shit was garlicky.

If you're hungry and you want food that will fill you up, come to The Balboa. When I moved to Bankers Hill a few months ago, I was looking for a go-to bar, and this is it. When you first walk in, it doesn't look like much, but there's actually more space deeper into the bar that includes pool tables, games, and larger tables for bigger groups. The vibe is very laid back and the servers are very nice and personable. But the burgers? I come here at least twice a month for the BBQ bacon burger. It's honestly made to perfection (and I never say that about a burger). Definitely worth the money. The garlic fries are a good compliment, but beware you may smell like garlic after. I also like the salt and pepper fries, but my mom said they were a bit too salty for her. Overall, I love this place and think everyone should go. So here's your sign to stop scrolling on Yelp and go grab a burger and a drink at the Balboa.

The balboa honestly has the best burger in all of San Diego. Located in bankers hill, this casual spot serves drinks and also has arcade games and a pool table. The food menu is all burgers so don't be expecting other options. The service is always fast and friendly. Overall, great experience and I come back often for my burger cravings.

Best balboa burger far always order a fries . This is the balboa burger a/jalapeño & bacon

My friend and I have been wanting to try the burgers from here and finally went last month! The bar area is small, but there is lots of seating! There's also a pool table and a few arcade games. We ordered at the bar and seated ourselves with our table number. We went with the classic burger, which came with onions, pickles, American cheese, ketchup and mustard. We also added a side of garlic fries to our order. The burger was small an cute! It was the perfect size for us since we weren't too hungry. The fries were yummy and flavorful. Overall, I thought that the burger was very tasty! I can see why many people like it.

My cousin recommended this place and told me I had to try their burger. I didn't expect it to be a bar for some reason, but when I went in the staff was friendly. There were a few burgers to choose from. I got the bbq bacon burger with jalapeños. I also got their garlic fries. The inside was bigger than I expected and their high top chairs are actually comfortable. The food was amazing and yes you have to find street parking but it's worth it. One of the best burgers I've ever had.

I have been trying all the best burger joints and this one ranks in my top 3. Everything about it is delicious. Vegetables fresh, meat cooked perfect, seasoned to perfection, bun was toasty. The perfect burger. And the bartenders are some of the nicest most friendly I've ever met. Will definitely be back again!

Burgers and fries were AMAZING. Super juicy meat and the fries weren't over seasoned at all. They also have a great variety of beers on tap to choose from. There's a cute arcade area in the back as well. Just an overall chill place to vibe and have a great meal!

We live in the Mission Beach area and frequent Rocky's a lot. I never thought we would find a burger that rivals it. And oh my. WELL worth stopping in. Plus the bartenders are super cool. We wanted a couple margaritas and he was like, I'll make it skinny how I like them and they were fantastic!!!!!

This place has the BEST burger in San Diego, hands down. I drove all the way from La Mesa to check it out. I got a Kentucky Mule and a Classic Burger with garlic fries. SO good. Inside had a cool and local vibe. Please note, you order AT the bar and get a number... my food came out super fast, cocktails were strong and tasty. It's a hidden gem in San Diego for sure, staff is super friendly as well. I'll definitely be coming back!

Don't understand the hype about this place. There was nothing special about the burger.