"I enjoyed how quaint Balboa Perk, Coffee & Tea was — how easy it was to get inside, had a short conversation with the staff, and even though the coffee wasn't as unique as I had imagined it would be, it was a worthwhile experience."

"Cute little cafe we came across while walking in the neighborhood. My family enjoyed the beverages, small baked treats, and the acai bowl. The atmosphere was cozy and unpretentious, and the owner was friendly and chill. It's a very small, tight indoor space, so no bathrooms (I don't think). All well and good! My one MAJOR gripe was my ham and cheese croissant that I ordered for $12.50. For that price, I was expecting it to be a warm, buttery, sensational sandwich or a stuffed croissant. Instead what I got was a split croissant with COLD ham and cheese on the inside. A cold ham and cheese croissant is worth 3, maybe $4. Pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds and you have a $5 croissant, at most. But charging $12.50 for a cold sliced croissant sandwich is absurd! So, if you decide to give this place a try, come for the drinks, but don't stay for the food."

"So happy I found this local coffee shop. Not only was the coffee delicious, but I also loved the cozy ambience, the European charm I’ve missed, and the good conversation with the owner. I also tried a croissant filled with apricot jam and it was fresh and delicious. A great way to start the day. I’ll definitely be back."

"Cute, unassuming little shop with a cozy, shady front patio and mini-bottega; many products from Central Europe. The barista was super friendly and told us how this place has been open for over six years— it’s really hidden in plain sight! Great Americanos. Fresh pastries! Sometimes, quality and freshness beats huge selection."

"Question: Standard vs Barista’s preference? This is always a roll of the dice, perhaps more for the devil may care. However, when one rates cappuccino’s, a degree of consistency is certainly preferred. Today I find myself in the lovely neighborhood of Hillcrest San Diego at Balboa Perk coffee. I crossed the street from Dark Horse coffee based on the pictures posted. Regrettably, the pictures did not match reality. Balboa perk is a bit micro-mart with a single pull. My cappuccino was only available to go. Okay, I can flow with that as this is also about the craft & taste. To guess, I’d say my cappuccino was 4 parts foamed milk to one part espresso. The “craft” was a dash of mocha powder on top. One can only assume this is how the barista enjoys his morning joe. I must say, if that is the case the impertinence was deafening. Perhaps he is the coffee equivalent of Seinfeld Soup Nazi, without the throngs of people hockey checking one another for a spot in line. Balboa Perk is certainly neighborhood without the welcoming friendliness one might expect. As for a coffee, you may want to check out all the fabulousness Hillcrest has to offer. Enjoy."