Andrew S

Nice little bar serving mainly burgers. I'm no expert on burgers but this was the best I ate in California by a long way. Served in a bread bun rather than a brioche bun. I know restaurants use brioche because it doesn't go stale as quick as bread but for me a burger should be in bread. Nice staff, decent beer. Can't fault it.

Stephen Chapman

Best burger I have ever had. Worth every calorie of my chear day and the hand cut garlic fries with fresh garlic were outstanding?

Stephanie Buriel

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!

Peter Morales

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.

B Davis

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!

Max Sanchez

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.

tim christensen

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.

Alex a

This place is probably considered a dive bar, but it's like the bar from Cheers, no, everyone doesn't know my name, but it has this familiar, oddly comforting feel about it. This is my first time in California and I was in search of a good burger. The Centennial did NOT disappoint. Such a BEEFY taste, worth the 20 minute wait. Delicious. Garlic fries I am a sucker for, and these were also quite delectable. The ambiance and atmosphere is like a well worn chair, not the newest or best, but molded to you and so comfortable. It has been 2 days since I have eaten here and I am contemplating one more visit before I leave San Diego for that delicious bar style burger. Real meat and real good. Check it out...and get the damn garlic fries, don't be stupid.

Christiane

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 beer in the evening, it was ~$25 each (and I think I read a sign that they have lunch specials during the day). We appreciated being able to get a delicious dinner after the symphony without spending $50+ per person at a fancy restaurant or just ending up with fast food. Their burgers are cooked to medium unless you say otherwise. Just mention your preference and you'll be fine. I like medium but my husband likes his burger well done & both of ours came out exactly as we wanted. Their house-made aioli is scrumptious! It pairs well with both the burgers and the fries. The Balboa has a couple pool tables & awesome nostalgic games, both arcade & pinball...bring your quarters or use their change machine. Free parking a block away wasn't hard for us to find late on a Friday night though I could see parking being tricky at busier times. If you're within walking distance, that's ideal. I quickly picked up on them being an inclusive, non-judgmental bar & I love to see that. We will definitely be back!

Delicious food, great service, but a bit pricey.

This place has an "award winning" burger and voted best burger by There San Diego. I can most certainly tell you it is NOT the best burger in town. Do yourself a favor and go to Crazee Burger in North park. Way too much bread (too thick and too chewy) the special sauce has too much cumin, the meat was thick, good quality and tasty but both our burgers we're overcooked to a medium well not medium as they say they're normally cooked. We asked for the salt and pepper fries well done and they were not. It's a cool locals spot, great vibe, good beer and a pool table.

James DeCola

Casual, very much a bar. The area outside and the outside of the building were concerning. I wouldnt spend too much time walking around. Bartender was friendly. Order at the bar. Tip before getting the food was weird. Sit wherever. Cold water at the end of the bar. The one all gender restroom was very graffitied and not where I would recommend my wife and daughter go. The food was a bright spot. The Balboa original with aoli was excellent. I missed where it said it was cooked medium on the menu. My mistake. The bun was really good and had a perfect toast. We really enjoyed the salt and pepper fires with aoli. Go here if you want to drink, or are feeling adventurous.

Bianca Lok

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!!

Josh Borrego

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.

Alicia Yuan

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.