Like a phoenix risen from the ashes The Balboa is back better than before.
They doubled the size of the eating area by expanding into the space to the south.
During the day sunlight flooded into the previously darkened bar from the skylight.
Balboa burger with lettuce, tomato, and bacon was a delicious mix of flavors. Beef had a nice char. Bacon was full of smoky salty flavor. Lettuce and tomato had a fresh juicy earthy flavor.
Fries were crunchy and I liked the potato flavor.
2nd visit I tried the Centennial burger. With double the beef and bacon this was a big dinner for me. I loved the higher meat to everything else ratio. This is my favorite burger.
Bartender was nice and provided fast friendly service.
This is one of my favorite places to eat a burger.
The Balboa
1863 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 955-8525
The bartender seemed really happy to be back too. I really like the new seating area with the skylight.
We will have to sit there and eat next time.
It’s so nice to see this place open again, and with more space. And it looks suitably cleaned up – this was the quintessential ‘dive’ pre-pandemic. I remember their lunch combo deals ($10) and happy hour burger price ($5). I wonder if things will ever recover enough where we’ll see those sorts of food deals again.
Hopefully they will have lots of business as the restrictions will be gone June 15.