The Balboa South

Jason Merriam

Came across the Balboa South by pure chance. My wife my granddaughter and I. What a pleasure it was to discover this wonderful little restaurant bar and grill. Just so happened that the proprietor Mariana took care of us and what a pleasant experience we had. The burgers were great, the margaritas splendid (mango). It was a unanimous decision, we will all be back! Thanks again Mariana!

Chris Gere

This place rules. About as good as a burger can be. A pretty small menu so you know they nail it every time. They also really care about their customers and their community. A Chula Vista staple.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5+ Stars — If I Could Give More, I Would The Balboa South is hands down one of the most exceptional dining experiences we’ve ever had—and a huge part of that is because of the manager, Angel. We originally dined here for my birthday, and while we were waiting for our food, our 2-year-old suddenly got sick. I had to rush outside to take care of him, leaving my wife alone at the table as the food arrived. Angel noticed right away that something was wrong and asked where I had gone. When my wife explained the situation, Angel didn’t hesitate—he had all of our food boxed up, covered the entire bill, and sincerely wished our son a speedy recovery. No questions, no awkwardness—just pure class, compassion, and professionalism. Fast forward to our son’s 3rd birthday… and Angel somehow outdid himself. He surprised our son with a huge milkshake, then gathered the entire restaurant and had everyone sing Happy Birthday to him. Watching our little boy light up like that is a moment we’ll never forget. And the crazy part? I haven’t even mentioned the food yet—which is absolutely phenomenal and would’ve brought us back on its own regardless. Incredible flavors, perfectly prepared, and worth every bite. Angel turned what could have been a stressful situation into a lifelong memory, and then proved it wasn’t a one-time thing. This is what true hospitality looks like. 5+ stars. If I could give more, I would. Thank you, Angel, and thank you Balboa South for setting the bar unbelievably high.

Went here out of happenstance, and may have found the best burger in San Diego. The pastrami burger was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Unreal. 11/10. Would drive back from AZ just to come here again. Give it a go.

Some of the best burgers and fries in Chula Vista. The meat patty was so juicy and flavorful. Went there on a Friday night with a friend. Great service, nice friendly waiters. The only thing negative I can say is that the tables feel sticky for some reason. This is the second time I have been here and the first time the table felt the same way also. The tables aren't dirty, I think it's the paint. The wood tables are painted black and have this odd feel to them. It's the strangest thing. Anyway, back to the food....DELICIOUS.

First let me apologize for no photos. They have a secret menu. Animal fries with jalapenos was money? Had a Centennial animal style add an egg. Also ordered was a Pastrami Melt, garlic fries, salt and pepper fries. Absolutely in my rotation and easily in top 3 SD Burgers. Looking forward watching Padres games here in the future.

Guests were welcomed into a clean, neatly arranged dining area. The staff worked in a professional manner, ensuring orders were collected efficiently and delivered without errors. The food menu leaned on familiar selections, with each dish arriving in good condition and at the appropriate temperature. The portion sizes were neither too small nor excessive, offering a balanced approach. Service interactions remained polite and minimal, which allowed the focus to stay on the meal. The restaurant maintained a relaxed atmosphere with steady service throughout. It was a suitable choice for those seeking a comfortable dining experience without unnecessary complications.

Excellent burger. Incredible staff. If there are any issues....as there can be even with the best of them....they will handle them with grace and customer service. Amazing BBQ burger, and always customized with some pickles and jalapeños for me. Just a good spot. Skip fast food...spend at most a couple bucks more.....and come get a real burger.

So many good things to say about this place.. where do I even start? From the moment you walk into Balboa South, Mariana makes you feel like part of the family. The staff is very welcoming and friendly. The space itself is full of thoughtful details. The artwork throughout the restaurant feels intentional, and you’ll notice unique touches like the authentic flooring in the hallway to the bathrooms and a beautiful door imported from Guanajuato. The atmosphere is always lively, especially on Friday nights when a DJ is spinning. The rotating menu keeps things exciting and gives you a reason to come back and try something new. And of course, the food speaks for itself. Whether you’re craving a classic cheeseburger (definitely add the sautéed onions) or something more creative like the chile relleno burger, you won’t be disappointed. Family-owned and operated, Balboa South is a special spot right in the heart of Chula Vista. Definitely worth checking out.

My wife and I ate at the Balboa and were very happy with both the food and the service! My wife had the Centennial Burger; it was huge and she said it was delicious. I had a toasted Pastrami sandwhich which was also excellent! Our server, Gabe, was excellent. He did things that few servers do these days. He was very conscious of cleanliness and made menu good recommendations / Information. He asked detailed questions about how we wanted our selections prepared and seasoned. One of the managers, Keren, was also very welcoming and friendly. It is also a family friendly place:

Didn’t come to Chula Vista expecting to have burgers, but saw this place, walked in and was greeted with the most amazing smile from the girl behind the bar, Keeran; we HAD to stay and try this place! We immediately felt welcome, as the service in this place is STELLAR! Had the Balboa burger, the buns are amazing;; buttery and soft! Burger patty was perfectly cooked, lettuce and tomato were extremely fresh! Let’s not forget about those garlic fries! WOW! Hand cut fries with just enough garlic awesomeness! To top it off, we got the Mazapan shake; there are no words for this decadent delight! As great as the food is here, the service is top notch! Keeran and the owner, didn’t get her name, we thank for a great time! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here and will definitely back!

Burgers here are hands down the best in San diego! I have been looking for a burger spot for a while the Buddy told me to come try. I'm so glad he told me about this place. Not only is the burgers here top tier but the service and atmosphere is absolutely top notch. You feel like family when you come into here. Whether it's just the servers or the managers call employees here have such great attitudes and make you feel so welcome when you are here. Again I'm so happy I found this place and I cannot stop coming. Me and my wife and kids love this place and the kids absolutely love the milkshakes. Highly Recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Took my lovely wife to dinner after a full day of x-mas shopping. Derrick was awesome. Very polite and welcoming. While waiting on our food, Angel came up to our table, greeted us. Ask us if we had any questions on there food . I noticed angel going from table to table talking to his customers . His energy and smile is amazing. You can tell he cares about his customers. He definitely leads by example. Great food, awesome atmosphere . Thank you Derrick and Angel for making us Raving Fans. We will will definitely be back . We bought 4-$50 dollar gift cards to share this amazing food and experience with our family ❤️🙏

Aramis Moore

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5+ Stars — If I Could Give More, I Would The Balboa South is hands down one of the most exceptional dining experiences we’ve ever had—and a huge part of that is because of the manager, Angel. We originally dined here for my birthday, and while we were waiting for our food, our 2-year-old suddenly got sick. I had to rush outside to take care of him, leaving my wife alone at the table as the food arrived. Angel noticed right away that something was wrong and asked where I had gone. When my wife explained the situation, Angel didn’t hesitate—he had all of our food boxed up, covered the entire bill, and sincerely wished our son a speedy recovery. No questions, no awkwardness—just pure class, compassion, and professionalism. Fast forward to our son’s 3rd birthday… and Angel somehow outdid himself. He surprised our son with a huge milkshake, then gathered the entire restaurant and had everyone sing Happy Birthday to him. Watching our little boy light up like that is a moment we’ll never forget. And the crazy part? I haven’t even mentioned the food yet—which is absolutely phenomenal and would’ve brought us back on its own regardless. Incredible flavors, perfectly prepared, and worth every bite. Angel turned what could have been a stressful situation into a lifelong memory, and then proved it wasn’t a one-time thing. This is what true hospitality looks like. 5+ stars. If I could give more, I would. Thank you, Angel, and thank you Balboa South for setting the bar unbelievably high.

Rastaed Fastpitch

My wife and I ate at the Balboa and were very happy with both the food and the service! My wife had the Centennial Burger; it was huge and she said it was delicious. I had a toasted Pastrami sandwhich which was also excellent! Our server, Gabe, was excellent. He did things that few servers do these days. He was very conscious of cleanliness and made menu good recommendations / Information. He asked detailed questions about how we wanted our selections prepared and seasoned. One of the managers, Keren, was also very welcoming and friendly. It is also a family friendly place:

Art Ramirez

Burgers here are hands down the best in San diego! I have been looking for a burger spot for a while the Buddy told me to come try. I'm so glad he told me about this place. Not only is the burgers here top tier but the service and atmosphere is absolutely top notch. You feel like family when you come into here. Whether it's just the servers or the managers call employees here have such great attitudes and make you feel so welcome when you are here. Again I'm so happy I found this place and I cannot stop coming. Me and my wife and kids love this place and the kids absolutely love the milkshakes. Highly Recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

David Meacham

Went here out of happenstance, and may have found the best burger in San Diego. The pastrami burger was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Unreal. 11/10. Would drive back from AZ just to come here again. Give it a go.

Kathryn Kunz

Didn’t come to Chula Vista expecting to have burgers, but saw this place, walked in and was greeted with the most amazing smile from the girl behind the bar, Keeran; we HAD to stay and try this place! We immediately felt welcome, as the service in this place is STELLAR! Had the Balboa burger, the buns are amazing;; buttery and soft! Burger patty was perfectly cooked, lettuce and tomato were extremely fresh! Let’s not forget about those garlic fries! WOW! Hand cut fries with just enough garlic awesomeness! To top it off, we got the Mazapan shake; there are no words for this decadent delight! As great as the food is here, the service is top notch! Keeran and the owner, didn’t get her name, we thank for a great time! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience here and will definitely back!

Steven Bernardo

Took my lovely wife to dinner after a full day of x-mas shopping. Derrick was awesome. Very polite and welcoming. While waiting on our food, Angel came up to our table, greeted us. Ask us if we had any questions on there food . I noticed angel going from table to table talking to his customers . His energy and smile is amazing. You can tell he cares about his customers. He definitely leads by example. Great food, awesome atmosphere . Thank you Derrick and Angel for making us Raving Fans. We will will definitely be back . We bought 4-$50 dollar gift cards to share this amazing food and experience with our family ❤️🙏

Aaron Davitian

Excellent burger. Incredible staff. If there are any issues....as there can be even with the best of them....they will handle them with grace and customer service. Amazing BBQ burger, and always customized with some pickles and jalapeños for me. Just a good spot. Skip fast food...spend at most a couple bucks more.....and come get a real burger.

angel face

Some of the best burgers and fries in Chula Vista. The meat patty was so juicy and flavorful. Went there on a Friday night with a friend. Great service, nice friendly waiters. The only thing negative I can say is that the tables feel sticky for some reason. This is the second time I have been here and the first time the table felt the same way also. The tables aren't dirty, I think it's the paint. The wood tables are painted black and have this odd feel to them. It's the strangest thing. Anyway, back to the food....DELICIOUS.

Paulie Carroll

This place is great, me and my family always enjoy our visit. I’ve had the regular burger, which is outstanding. But what I really want to highlight, is that it’s definitely the best vegan burger that I’ve ever had. The homemade black bean patty is on point and I look forward to it every single time. Anyone vegetarian or vegan should check it out for sure! 🌱 🍔

Lucys Notary

Had family friends come down from Dessert Springs. Husband and I walked down 3rd Ave and blindly went in to this place with our friends. Can honestly say, this place did NOT disappoint. Service was top notch. A+. Food was amazingly delicious. Vibes were great and music was good. We will definitely be back.

Jose Mendoza

Guests were welcomed into a clean, neatly arranged dining area. The staff worked in a professional manner, ensuring orders were collected efficiently and delivered without errors. The food menu leaned on familiar selections, with each dish arriving in good condition and at the appropriate temperature. The portion sizes were neither too small nor excessive, offering a balanced approach. Service interactions remained polite and minimal, which allowed the focus to stay on the meal. The restaurant maintained a relaxed atmosphere with steady service throughout. It was a suitable choice for those seeking a comfortable dining experience without unnecessary complications.

Sylvie Meh

My husband and I went here to eat yesterday afternoon we received a very warm greeting as first-timers. They even gave us a milkshake sample- which was delicious! The food was good and the portions were generous. (I do wish there had been a more options for vegetarians, but it seems to be a San Dieo thing). What really stood out was the service. The staff were very friendly and made us feel genuinely welcome in a way that I haven't encountered often. I feel like the staff enjoy their jobs and like feeding people. I loved the decor- a nice change from the stereotypical pub look.

Welcoming and friendly staff in a casual, family friendly environment with large screen TV's, enough space for larger parties, and a dog friendly patio. The burger is fresh and well prepared. I like that the meat was still pink on the inside and not overcooked. Service is super fast. There was a selection of about a dozen craft beers. Pleasant place on Chula Vista's popular Third Street.

Hello Chula Vista, what a hidden gem of a spot. The positive is the fact that the female part owner goes out of her way to make sure that y you feel like part of their familia. The food was flavorful, filling, and great tasting. The location is in the heart of downtown Chula Vista. I felt the price point was slightly high. The adult beverages seemed to do the trick. I drank Diet Coke. I did not finish my Centennial burger or my salad. FYI the fries can be their own addiction.

Mary Brown

Welcoming and friendly staff in a casual, family friendly environment with large screen TV's, enough space for larger parties, and a dog friendly patio. The burger is fresh and well prepared. I like that the meat was still pink on the inside and not overcooked. Service is super fast. There was a selection of about a dozen craft beers. Pleasant place on Chula Vista's popular Third Street.

Ughhhh, I didn’t want to give such a low star rating, but eek! I’ve had Balboa South as takeout, and it was actually really good so that is what brought me back- although it’s been a couple of years. Let me just start off by saying that the customer service was immaculate and exceeded expectations. There were a few different servers who checked on us and they were very attentive. I believe one of them may have been a manager, and he was very kind and accommodating. I really appreciate excellent customer service these days, so they definitely didn’t lack in that category. We came on a Friday evening and sat outside in the back patio. The nice, cool air & breeze was great. The indoor portion of the restaurant did not have air condition, I’m not sure if it was broken or they just don’t have it running. But it was very uncomfortable and stuffy. Now for the cocktails and food. My tamarindo margarita was absolutely awful. It didn’t have any taste to it! It was pretty much watered down. The food was meh. The garlic fries were the best thing we had. The classic Balboa burger just didn’t hit. The patty was overcooked and dry, the whole burger fell apart. There was nothing really keeping the lettuce, tomato, and onion together- not even the cheese. If there was supposed to be sauce, it didn’t exist. You can see in my pictures that the buns are totally dry. The BLT didn’t have any mayo either. It was so dry I think part of it stayed lodged in my esophagus. I had to gulp down my watered margarita, and I didn’t even get buzzed from it! It wasn’t terrible but it’s definitely not the same taste I remember a couple of years ago. Chula Vista doesn’t have very many burger joints so it’s a bummer it was a letdown. Just try to kick it up a couple notches. You have a great thing going, but you need to install air condition and jazz up the food.

T Lewis

Ughhhh, I didn’t want to give such a low star rating, but eek! I’ve had Balboa South as takeout, and it was actually really good so that is what brought me back- although it’s been a couple of years. Let me just start off by saying that the customer service was immaculate and exceeded expectations. There were a few different servers who checked on us and they were very attentive. I believe one of them may have been a manager, and he was very kind and accommodating. I really appreciate excellent customer service these days, so they definitely didn’t lack in that category. We came on a Friday evening and sat outside in the back patio. The nice, cool air & breeze was great. The indoor portion of the restaurant did not have air condition, I’m not sure if it was broken or they just don’t have it running. But it was very uncomfortable and stuffy. Now for the cocktails and food. My tamarindo margarita was absolutely awful. It didn’t have any taste to it! It was pretty much watered down. The food was meh. The garlic fries were the best thing we had. The classic Balboa burger just didn’t hit. The patty was overcooked and dry, the whole burger fell apart. There was nothing really keeping the lettuce, tomato, and onion together- not even the cheese. If there was supposed to be sauce, it didn’t exist. You can see in my pictures that the buns are totally dry. The BLT didn’t have any mayo either. It was so dry I think part of it stayed lodged in my esophagus. I had to gulp down my watered margarita, and I didn’t even get buzzed from it! It wasn’t terrible but it’s definitely not the same taste I remember a couple of years ago. Chula Vista doesn’t have very many burger joints so it’s a bummer it was a letdown. Just try to kick it up a couple notches. You have a great thing going, but you need to install air condition and jazz up the food.