Balboa Theatre

Reviews 36

JO

joseph russo

my wife and I went to a Christmas concert last year in the upper balcony the seats are the most uncomfortable that we ever sat in there is no leg room or knee room even on side to side you are squashed this has nothing to do with the beautiful surroundings and all the nostalgia it is truly beautiful I had cramps in both my legs the seats look they were designed for little people when they did the remodel they should of actually sat in these chairs and saw that they were way to close but being they are so greedy to make money the seats are squashed in im only 5/10 1/2 and my wife is like 5;4 so we are not giants it is a shame such a beautiful renovation so much money spent and they cheapen out on one of the most important parts of the theatre and tickets were not cheap either.

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JA

James Griffin

I love Balboa Theatre. I for no other reason than how it is spelled. There isnt a bad seat in the house. Ive mostly seen comedians here, but the last time out we saw Tommy Emmanuel. Side note, go see Tommy Emmanuel if you should get the chance, his show was amazing. Now, if you havent seen him play before, I must stress that the acoustics of the venue are absolutely paramount. Balboa did not disappoint. Id see any kind of act here, music, comedy, drama, whatever. What a great place.

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WI

Wissam Jada

Beautiful classic theater with great acoustics. Its pretty intimate with less than 1500 seats. The only complaint and Im nitpicking here, are the seats. They could be more comfortable and should have drink holders (since they serve drinks in the theater). The theater is located in the Gaslamp Quarter with convenient paid parking. If youre there in the evenings, street parking is free after 8 PM.

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GU

Guy Fawkes

Beautifully restored old theater in the Gaslamp area of San Diego. I arrived several hours early and just enjoyed the area and had a fantastic dinner across the street from the theater. The sound was fantastic, I cant imagine there is a bad view in the house and the prices at the bar were high but not unreasonable, all things considered. This wont be my last trip to the Balboa.

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ST

steven turner

Lovely old downtown movie theater, adjacent to the Horton Plaza mall currently used mainly for concerts. The venue is similar in size to the more modern symphony and has much better sound and intimacy than the nearby Civic Center. I sat in the middle of the upper balcony last week and the sound and my vision of the band was very good.

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JU

Julie Caouette

I came here for a couple of events during ComicCon. What a beautiful theater! I was seated at the balcony for every show and really enjoyed the experience. View of the stage and sounds were perfect. Not the most comfortable seats but when the shows good it doesnt matter that much.

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NI

Nicholas Storman

This is a pretty nice venue. I usually come here each year for W00tstock. I suggest sitting in orchestra section because balcony is somewhat uncomfortable. Sometimes it gets really hot before the show then itll be really cold for some reason. Ive also seen Suzanne Vega here.

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AM

Amanda Bright

Absolutely beautiful theatre. Comfy seats, clean bathrooms (with clutch holders!) and great sound. Saw a production of The Tragedy of Carmen and was totally blown away. Happy to see that the SD Opera is supporting more progressive executions of shows.

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NI

Nick Feretich

Always stay updated with the movies they show here, they usually play some great classics. My gf and I have seen Princess Bride and Aladdin here already. And they always take suggestions for movies. Have not yet seen a performance here though

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JA

Javier Segura

Was here for Alton Brown. Had a great time. The ushers and bartenders were friendly and kept things moving at an efficient rate. If youre sitting in the upper levels watch your step coming down the stairs as the steps tilt forward a little.

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KH

Khoa Nguyen

Went here for a podcast show and it was great! Like the decor and the Spanish influenced decor. The theatre was large and accommodating. As with all large venues, it took a while to file out so I wish they had more exits.

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GE

Gene Cantwell

Very interesting building with nice architecture. Saw a show there from one of the side boxes. Works for me but reminded me a lot of the two old codgers sitting in a theater box on the Muppets.

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Rebekah Moss

Saw "My Brother, My Brother, and Me" Live at the Balboa Theatre, and the venue was beautiful, with great acoustics. I was in the Balcony and had no problem seeing facial expressions.

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BO

Bob Cromley

Renovated to near original condition from the early 1920s. Great place to see live concerts indoors. You can take a backstage tour to learn the history and how it was renovated.

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BI

Bill Quiroz

Beautiful theater but the only reason I dont give them a fove star is that they dont have especial section for wheelchair. We asked when we purchased our tickets by phone.

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IV

Ivan T

I really liked this theater. The acoustics were wonderful and the size is just perfect.. wish San Diego opera would perform here instead of that barn they currently use

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NE

Neil Howell

I really like this theater. The remodel went well, and the place is really neat to be in. The shows/performances we have seen there have been well worth the price.

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JE

Jean Cannu

A really nice theater with very helpful staff. Classy place and right in the heart of gaslamp which makes a dinner before and drinks after the show convenient.

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SH

Shannon Frick

This is a beautiful Theater venue that offers movie viewings a few times a month, which is so much fun to watch older movies in a traditional movie theaer.

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CL

Claire Gilbert

Historical building full of charm. Reasonable acoustics. Small seats. Easy parking next door in Horton plaza, remember to validate for $10 parking.

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TO

Tom Marx

Really nice Theater with great acoustics. $20 Goldstar concert tickets way back in the balcony not bad but a little hard to see performers.

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T Nightingale

Saw Ali Wong here, it was comfortable and an overall good experience. Didnt deal with long restroom lines, but moving around was cramped.

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DR

Drew Mason

Went here for the Alton Brown "Eat your science" show. Even way up at the top you can see perfectly and the sound was awesome as well.

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RY

Ryan Stull

This is such a beautiful venue. Ive had seats in several different areas and never had an issue with hearing the performance.

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TA

Tammy Leatherman

Jay & Silent Bob Snodcast Nice little theatre. Loge seats were great. Casual. Parking at Horton Plaza makes things easy

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JA

Jackson Redmond

Wonderful venue with some great shows. Seats are comfortable, setting is intimate, but the quality is outstanding.

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AM

Amado Carino

Cozy theater right in the middle of downtown. Great acoustics and seating arrangement. Mall parking available.

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SH

Shawn Fassett

Always fun to go downtown and take in a show. It is a bit trying to get a drink there unfortunately.

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DA

David J. Salcido

This place is a landmark and a lot of fun for a show. Only problem is the seats are really tight.

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KI

Kim Stevenson

Had great time loved the interior, recommend to everybody looking for a great tme in San Diego!!

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JA

Jamie Pullman

Beautifully-restored, intimate theater in the Gaslamp, walking distance from anywhere downtown.

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JO

Jose Olucha

Beautiful theater in Downtown San Diego. As its not a large theaterso there are no bad seats!

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DA

Dan Janes

A nice theater. The seats were not very comfy but the staff and decorations were both awesome

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Darian

Wow, what an artitectural delight... one of those places you are in awe to be inside of.

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KA

kasey waits

We went for Classics 4 Kids and it was a fun show and the theater is gorgeous!

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FE

Fernando Tirado

The place is nice but the seats are uncomfortable because they are so small.

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