"I am enjoying my vanilla bourbon tea ☕ and was happy to see how the place was nicely renovated. There is more space to work at the back. The table is bigger allowing more space. I like this place and with this upgrade I am planning a stop by next week. For the ones who has not been here, give at least one try. It is a peaceful coffee shop. You can find your headspace here."

"Lovely neighborhood cafe in West Portal. Really the only good cafe in the area with an awesome and friendly fan base and a lovely owner. The highlight of this cafe is that it sells Filipino coffee, Barako, which is a lot stronger and robust than arabica that you find at ritual, blue bottle, etc. They stock pastries from third culture and starter bakery, BUT they've been having pop-ups with other local Filipinx food vendors. It seems to be on a monthly basis,but their IG has updates on pop ups and collabs. Overall a great and lovely cafe. and YES there is WiFi and indoor and outdoor seating!"

"Probably one of the worst cafe service I’ve ever encountered at a coffee shop. Nobody in line in front of me, but somehow there are 6 people working? They looked like they were having fun which is great. I’m all for making work fun, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of service. My order took 20+ minutes (a coffee and an empanada that only required being heated up for two minutes). Thank god I wasn’t in a rush. I initially requested my order took go, it was brought out on a plate, no big deal. And then I asked if my coffee was being made, it wasn’t. It was forgotten about to which they then made it on the spot. It’s a shame this was my first experience with Ballast, it will also be my last. Coffee and food was tasty though. Atmosphere is really lacking."

"It says open until 8pm on Weekdays. We were there at 6:50 pm, Wednesday. Specifically set this location as it was open and on the way, so took quick detour. It was closed. There was someone inside, who even showed us like yeah guys, we are closed. Hours sign confirmed they supposed to work until 8pm. Don't bother to go here, you may get into closed door."

"Found this unassuming coffee spot in the neighborhood. We ordered their ube ballast cappuccino, barako crush (iced), and an ube mochi donut. We were surprised they have a cappuccino option. The drink ended up a bit too sweet for us though. Other than that we love everything about the place."