After 5 years in business, the original location of San Diego burger destination The Balboa has announced its permanent closure in Bankers Hill.
Opened by former line cook and Bonita-native Tom Logsdon in early 2015, who was previously operating underground burger-centric Doods Food in the bar that was last located at 1863 5th Avenue in The Balboa's Banker Hill space, The Balboa quickly became known as one of the top burger spots in America's Finest City. Last December, a second location of The Balboa opened on 3rd Avenue in San Diego's South County city of Chula Vista.
"Well folks, I’ve got some tough news about The Balboa," wrote owner Tom Logsdon. "I have decided it is time for our run in Bankers Hill to come to an end. We have tried to make a go of it through the pandemic, but as much as we tried, it was just not working. So effective immediately our doors are closed at the original Balboa, but we will remain open on third avenue in Chula Vista with The Balboa South. We will be transferring our liquor license and will be bringing some of the original employees with us down south, as we try and get through this. It’s a hard blow, but nothing compared to the huge number of people that have lost their lives, health, or someone that they love in this pandemic. I wanted to thank you all for the support over the years. Eating and Drinking In San Diego really launched us into the burger conversation, and has contributed to our success in a huge way. It’s a sad day that I have to break this news to you all, but I think that our best shot at making it through all of this is to pare back, consolidate, and try to weather this storm. Again, we will be open in Chula Vista for take out and socially distanced eating and drinking on our patios. I want to thank you all for everything over the years, the burgers eaten, the friendships made, and the many many cocktails that were drank in that building. We love you guys, please stay safe and healthy out there, and don’t be a stranger."
In 2017, it was reported that all the buildings between 1801 and 1871 Fifth Avenue in Bankers Hill had been sold to Uptown Investments LLC, which would ultimately result displacing such businesses as the art gallery Helmuth Projects, SRO Lounge, City Liquor House, and The Balboa Bar & Grill. This information likely led to the decision to permanently shutter The Balboa.
Opened by former line cook and Bonita-native Tom Logsdon in early 2015, who was previously operating underground burger-centric Doods Food in the bar that was last located at 1863 5th Avenue in The Balboa's Banker Hill space, The Balboa quickly became known as one of the top burger spots in America's Finest City. Last December, a second location of The Balboa opened on 3rd Avenue in San Diego's South County city of Chula Vista.
"Well folks, I’ve got some tough news about The Balboa," wrote owner Tom Logsdon. "I have decided it is time for our run in Bankers Hill to come to an end. We have tried to make a go of it through the pandemic, but as much as we tried, it was just not working. So effective immediately our doors are closed at the original Balboa, but we will remain open on third avenue in Chula Vista with The Balboa South. We will be transferring our liquor license and will be bringing some of the original employees with us down south, as we try and get through this. It’s a hard blow, but nothing compared to the huge number of people that have lost their lives, health, or someone that they love in this pandemic. I wanted to thank you all for the support over the years. Eating and Drinking In San Diego really launched us into the burger conversation, and has contributed to our success in a huge way. It’s a sad day that I have to break this news to you all, but I think that our best shot at making it through all of this is to pare back, consolidate, and try to weather this storm. Again, we will be open in Chula Vista for take out and socially distanced eating and drinking on our patios. I want to thank you all for everything over the years, the burgers eaten, the friendships made, and the many many cocktails that were drank in that building. We love you guys, please stay safe and healthy out there, and don’t be a stranger."
In 2017, it was reported that all the buildings between 1801 and 1871 Fifth Avenue in Bankers Hill had been sold to Uptown Investments LLC, which would ultimately result displacing such businesses as the art gallery Helmuth Projects, SRO Lounge, City Liquor House, and The Balboa Bar & Grill. This information likely led to the decision to permanently shutter The Balboa.
The Balboa South remains open at 290 Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista. For more information, visit thebalboabarandgrill.com.
