About Us

How It Began

Since its opening in 1913, Balboa Cafe has kept its historical integrity, including the original bar, signage, and photos that line its walls. In 1994, Gavin Newsom’s PlumpJack Group’s Balboa Cafe partners acquired the Balboa and debuted with minimal updates in 1995. Through the years, we have elevated the menu at Balboa Cafe with a more modern culinary direction, and we continue to celebrate the classic dishes this city institution is known for.

Balboa Cafe has been continuously operating for over 100 years and has stayed true to its roots since its opening over a century ago. It has survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and other historic milestones in the city, including the COVID pandemic. This popular gathering place managed to remain true to its identity while evolving with the times and its customers.

A vintage black and white photograph of a balboa cafe from 1920s with original interior with men in early 20th-century attire. The setting features ornate decorations, hanging lamps, and a billiard table with a cue ball and a pool cue on it.

1913

A corner of a building with a sign reading 'Balboa Cafe' and an American flag flying above. The signage mentions alcohol and liquor sales, with a Coca Cola logo nearby. The building has decorative trim and a small window at the top.

1995

New beginnings

In 1995, PlumpJack Group (a hospitality management group) took over management of the classic old-time saloon Balboa Cafe and re-establishes it as a benchmark for the community, catering to Bay Area locals and beyond.

2001

Chicken Paillard, balboa cafe wednesday special. A plate of breaded and fried chicken served with a side arugala, cherry tomatoes, and lemon wedges, with grated cheese sprinkled on top.
Interior of a Balboa CAfe. bar and restaurant, with a wooden counter top and stained glass decorative elements. Several bottles of alcohol and beer taps are visible, along with glasses set up on the bar.

Solidifying Our legacy

Balboa Cafe has been continuously operating since its opening as a working man’s saloon in 1913. It’s stayed true to its roots since opening over a century ago. It has survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, other historic milestones in the city, and, of course, the COVID pandemic.

Logo for SF Legacy Bars & Restaurants, certified by SF Heritage, featuring stylized lettering and banners in red and gray.

2017

Tinis on Tap

The evolution of the espresso martini is steeped in the genius of marrying two favorite pastimes - coffee and cocktails. The popularity of the iconic Balboa Espressotini gained traction early on, and our bartenders were challenged to keep up with the demand. In 2017, we partnered with Shane from Top Hat Provisions, who blended a proprietary, single-origin cold brew coffee that we could mix with our signature blend of spirits in a nitro tank to create an ice-cold espressotini tha’s shaken to frothy perfection.

An Espresso Martini, a small container of ketchup, and a small carton of French fries on a white plate on a wooden table, with a menu and a chair in the background.
A coupe glass filled with a espresso martini cocktail topped with a layer of foam, placed on a blue napkin with white text that reads 'Balboa Cafe, Since 1932, San Francisco'.

2026

A canned balboa cafe cocktail labeled 'Espresso Tini' with a navy blue background, white and cream text, and a circular logo featuring a martini glass.
A bartender pouring a espresso martini into a cocktail glass at a bar, with several other cocktails and bar supplies visible in the background.

Canned & Available to the Masses

A classic drinking and dining institution is having its modern moment — and driving the revenue to prove it. Now available to the masses in a canned version (200mL) and in larger formats for commercial distribution.