Quality espresso. Quick service. Cozy aesthetic and hidden away in hillcrest. Happy I stopped by on my morning walk to work.

This is exactly the type of coffee shop I like to frequent. Locally owned, the gentleman Milan, who runs it actually lives above the coffee shop. In addition to serving coffees, it they have a lot of interesting looking snacks. I wasn't hungry at the moment, but a brief look around told me there was a lot in there. I would like to try. A lot of snacks from all over Europe! Milan is super friendly and made my coffee quickly. I got a latte, which is my standard and had a little bit of cinnamon sprinkled on top. It was made very well, but the roast of the beans is a bit darker than is my taste. Nothing wrong with the drink, I just prefer a bit of a lighter roast. The front area is super cute, a couple little tables and an awning looking out on Park Boulevard. The second I saw it on my way to the zoo. I banged a U-turn and headed right over! read more

Balboa Perk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Really great service. There was just one person working here and you can tell he took pride in his shop. He was hustling. Talking to everyone even after they were served. Explaining the menu. Enjoying the music etc. We ordered two things. The Serbian Kofa and the Shakarato. Both were strong. It certainly kept us out and about all day. It is not for your average coffee drinkers. The kofa is unfiltered coffee. It was a small location and has chips and other items from abroad. Parking sucks which is the only downside. 10ish seats outside with tables. read more

Balboa Perk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Our first time here. It's a hole in the wall. 2-3,tables out front for customers. A small area inside to eat and chat as well. Wonderful service. Calm and friendly gentleman at the counter - maybe the owner? Loved my mocha and my wife loved her vanilla latte. We also enjoyed cranberry scone and a croissant. Gotta revisit this intimate place once again. read more

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Amazing little European Café. The vibe is just like you're in Europe, lots of European sitting having coffee, if there's a soccer game they will be all watching it. Great selection of coffee, snacks, pastries, and sandwiches. Owner is super nice. read more

Balboa Perk - Iced Nescafe Nescafe 20oz - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

The Ciabatta Sandwich was fresh, toasted and the veggies, salami, and cheese hit the spot and the coffee was great... I like the vibe, and I'm glad I came here for brunch, cheers! read more

Balboa Perk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

you have to admire any barista who is there to serve us at an early hour 7 days a week. Milan could make more money in almost any 5 day a week job and sleep- in sometimes. milan reminds me of 20yr veteran of 7-day early morn barista Kim. 6:30-11:00 am 7 days. at first ave & upas st. she's very educated and very rich(former stock market whiz) but at 56 she is devoted to brews quiches & pastries she creates daily. A toast to my faves! read more

LAVAZZA COFFEE AND TURKISH SWEETS (4 stars) - FOOD: Turkish treats - PRICE: decent - SERVICE: good - AMBIANCE: sidewalk tables My dog had a groom appointment next door. I felt the need to be next door because my dog is a drama queen. This place was perfect to kill an hour to get a drink and a snack. (And people watch). The only place to sit are the table seats posted on the sidewalk. Cute vibes, felt like I was at a cafe in a different country lol. VANILLA LATTE - Haven't had Lavazza Coffee beans in many years. We all know Italian coffee beans are special and Lavazza to me is the basic of Italian coffee beans - in my opinion. The average joe. I have no complaints, my vanilla latte was yummy and smooth. RECOMMEND TULUMBA - never had this before. It's Turkish Fried dough. It looks like a smash of of a glazed donut and a sugarless churro. How did it taste? Like a glazed donut but sweeter and stickier and the inside is kind of dense. I have a sweet tooth and for me to say it was "sweet" should speak volumes. It pairs nicely with a hot beverage. Until the next review... read more

Balboa Perk - Vanilla Latte and a Tulumba - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

The Coffee was trash, poor service. Not recommendable! Stay away from this coffee shop. Absolute Tragedy!

I had no idea this place existed until this last weekend as I was exploring the area with my other half. We were on our way to another cafe, however upon finding out that said café was (abruptly) permanently closed we saw Balboa Perk across the street and decided it was worth a lark. The cafe consists of a small shop and counter on the inside and an outside/sidewalk patio with tables and chairs. As we walked in we saw a table of two older Serb women chatting and smoking their cigarettes and it giving Belgrade vibes. The (owner?) inside the shop was wearing a Red Star FC jumper and was friendly to us and took our order of an Iced coffee and a Serbian Kafa. The iced coffee was balanced and the Kafa was strong and dark as it should be. Definitely a cool place to hang out with a coffee and will be back in the future. read more

Randomly ended up here. My buddy ordered the European coffee, so I got one, too. I asked the guy what the difference was and he said "no sleep"! But, that's definitely the way to go. The coffee is strong, for sure, and it's served with beans in the bottom. But, it's absolutely delicious! I'd absolutely come back. read more

Great little coffee shop in Hillcrest. I was in the area for breakfast and stumbled upon this place on the way back to my car. The coffee was really good and the service was even better. The shop is owned by an Eastern European man who really enjoys soccer. They have some imported chocolates and snacks from his home country. If you're ever in the area give them a try. read more

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This small not well known coffee shop is a favorite with the Serbian community. Its collection of furniture and decor are eclectic collection of items set in a time of the pass. I liked it, and I felt like I was in an old little book store ready to settle down a read a good book. Milan made me a old school cappuccino, nothing fancy to the eye, but full of bold flavor and just enough foam a top to gently fold into the espresso as I enjoyed it. It was a very nice cappuccino. There is outside and inside seating. They over baked goods, but more importantly, they also offer some Serbian favorites like Burek, which is a meat or cheese pie, and a number of other items including sandwiches. read more

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Milan from Nis ( SERBIA ) has a small coffee shop in the heart of SD. Excellent choice of coffee and pastries. Also,has a REALLY good BUREK!!! Today it was a mixture of cheese and spinach. Awesome taste,takes me back to my homeland. Would recommend this place to everyone. Cheersss and 5 stars all the way! read more

Balboa Perk - Burek ( cheese/ spinach ) - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Great service Great Food Great Ambiance Great selection of European snacks and sauces read more

What a cute find! I stopped in out of curiosity today while waiting for my bike to get fixed, and when I was told they had matcha I decided to try it out - being a European shop they also had Bueno bars which I HAD to indulge ¨ Honestly I've learned not to expect much from coffee places that don't have any specialty matcha lattes listed, but I was surprised at how yummy it was! Milan was also super kind and easy to converse with. Try this little spot on your next trip to the area! read more

WOW! If you are looking for a great coffee drink this is THE PLACE. Amazing locally owned and operated, so the quality of products and service are top notch. I have had several different drinks including the lattes, mochas, espresso, and cappuccino. It's always difficult to decided which to order because they are all so delicious. Additionally the snacks and sandwiches are a delightful surprise to this little cafe. I often times eat some of the unique plates they offer, and nothing disappoints. If you live in the neighborhood, you're lucky to have such an amazing spot so close to home. If you're here visiting, it's amazing as it's so close to balboa park and downtown- with every easy access. Don't let parking scare you- I have never had an issue finding parking, and there is a lot on the corner 2 doors down. I highly recommend this coffee shop! read more

Balboa Perk - Made with love - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Milan is awesome! He has such a great selection of Serbian, German, and Italian snacks. Great customer service and the coffee is awesome!

The person taking our order didn't listen to our requests. Forgets to add ingredients to a simple drink, wrung us up without giving us our food. The coffee also had clumps of grounds in it. Cute interior, though, and the cashier was friendly, just not attentive. read more

Such a pleasant experience. So many coffee shops around here but I felt extra welcomed in this little place. Milan actually conversed with me while he made my cappuccino & I felt he actually cared that I was there rather than it just being another coffee purchase exchange. Made me miss Europe. Espresso was great too I'll be back :) read more

This is a adorable, small, kitschy cafe hidden on the corner on Park before University. It's easy to miss, but you will be missing out if you don't come here. I have had a hard time finding good coffee in the area, I don't like ending up at Starbucks. But I'm glad I tried this place because the coffee was great. I liked the croissant and I want to try some of the other pastries they have. They have a good selection of coffee, some European food, and European chocolate. The guy working was nice and he whipped up the drinks super fast. This place deserves all the stars and it will likely be my new coffee spot. read more

Balboa Perk - Iced Caramel Latte and Croissant - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

After being a quite frequent customer on my last visits the owner made me feel very unwelcome so I guess I won't be returning. He basically scolded me in front of customers about a prior visit. I brought my dog in that I was walking which I quite frequently do. Another customer came along who was afraid of dogs so I left. The owner assumed I was upset about it but I wasn't . I just didn't want to scare another customer. The next time I came in the owner claimed that I was upset about It and I left angry. I didn't and I wasn't angry I was just trying not to scare somebody that was a customer off. I tried to explain that to him but instead he refused to listen and then scolded me like a child. I was insulted so I left and I will not return. It's based on a lack of communication skills read more

This a cute eclectic coffee shop on Park Blvd. The shop used to be a second hand/antique shop and it appears that some of the furniture is left over from them. There are a few seats inside and a couple of tables outside. Lots of things to look at when you're inside. They have a beautiful Cockatiel in a cage that will whistle back at you if you give him a little attention. The owner is very friendly and he serves good quality coffee. I only had the regular brewed coffee. Nothing fancy. There is a menu with most of the regular choices and some donuts and cookies. This place is definitely worth a try. Especially if you enjoy a small independent coffee shop as opposed to the corporate owned shops. read more

Balboa Perk - Just a house coffee this morning - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Delicious coffee and fine service. Highly recommend! You'll find unique snacks and desserts from Europe, tasty pastries, and an awesome environment. read more

Stopped here on way to zoo to get an iced coffee. The guy working there was really nice, i only drink decaf so was worried if they'd be able to make the drink i wanted with decaf but it came out great and quickly and he was super accommodating which i appreciated. my boyfriend is a fan of foreign grocery stores so he was happy he came in instead of waiting in the car and he appreciated looking through the dry goods they had for sale. we ended up getting a tin of salmon to eat with crackers while we were at the zoo which was a perfect snack for the occasion. we go to the zoo often and will definitely start coming here beforehand more. read more

Every time I come to Balboa Perk, I can't help staying a while, relaxing and enjoying the great environment that the owner, Milan has established in his personable business. There are antiques for sale , that he has hand chosen... They are always unique, and great quality... they become a part of the cafe , temporarily adding to the coziness of the place , until they go home with you! I've bought several pieces from him that I still greatly enjoy. His coffee is delicious. Good quality products. There is often great music, Jazz, classical and if not, you can request it, and he will put on the record player for you ! I highly recommend Balboa Perk for an interesting, European feeling, cultural experience of a cafe. Two thumbs up!! read more

Balboa Perk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I absolutely love this place! Amazing coffee and very tasty treats. The owner is super nice and accommodating. This is one of my favorite coffee shops and often meet up with friends here. read more

Amazing little shop, I am coming here for years because it has soul, social environment with good Lavazza Espresso and European products for sale. Rare find for San Diego, I am glad it is here. read more

Great place. Owner is friendly and genuinely kind person. Excellent hospitality and great service. Genuine original products imported from different countries of Eastern Europe. Great coffee read more

Super cute hidden gem on Park Blvd! Popped in here with a friend when we had half an hour to kill in the area and we were pleasantly surprised. The barista working was extremely friendly. The place is filled with European and Serbian snacks, which the barista told us was because the owner is Serbian. It was cool to learn some tidbits on the place and see different stuff than usual on display. We got our drinks, an iced tea and coconut milk latte, which were both really good, and sat outside on the patio on a beautiful day. I'm so glad I discover this place and will definitely be back! read more

A prime location, ran by the owner (Milan) who has excellent customer service and offers Lavazza coffee?! I couldn't be happier, excellent prices and a variety of baked goods. I wish I had found it sooner! read more

I am from Eastern Europe originally and I love this place - it's a little taste of home. The owner of the place is so friendly and welcoming, pitas are always fresh and delicious, coffee is as good as it should be and there are so many cool snacks and drinks from the old country to pick up. Can't wait to go back! read more

What a fantastic neighborhood coffee shop. It has an amazing and authentic European vibe and I love the little market inside. If you're looking for character and community, this is the spot. If you're more of corporate coffee person or need an over designed urban-industrial backdrop then there's a bunch of Starbucks downtown .... Haha read more

The best coffee in town. If you asked me (I am from Europe) if coffee is about coffee (not caramel, chestnut praline or other BS) than this place is the best. When I talk about coffee I mean espresso or double espresso, it is the rare place in SD where you can actually drink pure espresso and not threw up from acidity and bitterness. Burek is the best pastries ever I recommend this place to everyone who knows good coffee. Phenomenal service and so nice owner. read more

Quiet and comfortable coffee shop with the feel of being in your best friend's living room. Great find near the San Diego Zoo. read more

Balboa Perk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

The owner is a great guy and the place itself is just as nice. Quality over quantity on any given day, or morning better said. Spotless clean, great coffee of many kinds, low key and personable service. Ambiance is relaxing and ambient will take you back into the good old days with antiques scattered throughout the small yet comfy and cozy place. Simply put, pass it by and miss out on what a true worry free coffee experience should feel like. read more

Very delicious coffee! The owner is very nice and he has a lot of Serbian snacks and pastries as well.

If you are looking for some of the best coffee and yummy snacks- look no further! Burek and Serbian kafa tasted like home. In addition, they have some of the greatest Serbian snacks for sale. The owner is a sweetheart - you must check out this lovely place :) read more

Milan the owner is a rad man. The environment of the coffee shop is cultured and unique. I came here with my brother and we sat and read some books he had on a book shelf. I ended up purchasing one of the books, and enjoyed some nice Italian brew roast. read more

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Cute and Relaxing Coffee Shop with Great Antiques, and i love the atmosphere in here. The best Latte and Cappuccino is made here. Keep up the great work!!! read more

Balboa Perk - Great Quality Coffee at Balboa Perk ... - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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