Gro Cafe

WHAT??? Why has this place closed???
Having read about the terrible, overpriced food at the zoo, we left in the middle of the day and roamed around until we found Gro Café. (Thank goodness for the chalkboard sign outside.)
I had a very tasty roast beef panini that had cheddar, horseradish, spinach, and tomato in it, and the boyfriend had an amazing mozzarella, tomato, and pesto panini. (OK, every time I write «panini» to designate a single sandwich, I can imagine my linguist friend correcting it to «panino»… sorry, friend!) We also split a cappuccino brownie that had a thick layer of frosting on it that was good but not very coffee-​ish.
The prices at Gro were about the same as those in the zoo, but the food was fresh and much more interesting than your usual burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken caesar salads, and so on.

Goodbye, Gro Café! I was very sad today when I stopped by to get my favorite sandwich, only to find your employees packing everything up! Fans of Gro Café… the employees said it’s closing permanently.
Thanks to the friendly staff of Gro Café for the best sandwiches in the park. Goodbye!

I’m interested to see what the Gro Café looks like when construction is done. I really like the idea of sustainable and local produce and food. I’m not impressed with the taste of the food compared to the prices, though. I purchased a few bakery items that must have been sitting out for awhile because they were rather dry and didn’t taste very good.
The location is great, right by all of the museums in Balboa Park. I probably won’t visit again unless I need a quick snack.

Wow!!! We tried the polar something drink. It was probably the best cold coffee I’ve EVER had. We will be there again… probably before we go to the zoo or something. So good!

Best coffee in the park, the acai bowl is delicious but not for cold days. A little overpriced but definitely worth while.

Decided to stop here for coffee in Balboa Park with my boyfriend.
The ambiance and seating isn’t great, but the MOCHA FRAPP is pretty delicious and reasonably priced!
The menu also includes sandwiches, pastries, and small snacks if you want a bite to eat.

I visited MOPA for a school project and as I was walking out and thinking «Man, I wonder where I can grab a quick coffee.» I glanced to my right and saw this little café and heard the happy sounds of steaming milk.
I was only there for the coffee, but they seemed to have a nice pastry case and there was plenty of seating. I got a double latte and, as an ex-​barista, the girl making my coffee knocked it out of the park with her foaming skillz. I was floating in a sea of milk foam and it was gooooood.
I just like a bit of sugar added to my latte, so I wandered over to the appropriate counter for sugar and found no packets. Wait, what??? Oh, look at those interesting pump bottles. One was agave nectar, one was pure sugar cane, and one was liquid Splenda. Each bottle is clearly marked «one pump equals one packet». Unfortunately the agave was almost out so I only got a few drops in my latte, so I put one pump of sugar in there and was off to enjoy my coffee on a bench outside.
It was my first experience with Café Virtuoso beans and let me just say, it won’t be my last. That was one of the best, smoothest lattes I’ve ever had. I want another one right now. Like, right now. Right now right now.

This poor snack bar is struggling to provide something better than the food carts outside, but it may be a losing battle in such an awkward, unappetizing spot — a hallway between a couple of the museums. We only go there when everything else (Tea Pavilion, Prado, even the exorbitant Old Globe concession windows) is closed. If you are often forced to share delicious beverages with lactose intolerant people, it’s valuable to know that they make the best soy Mocha ever — the soy milk tends to cook in Starbucks coffee, but I didn’t pick up on the soy taste here at all. Their hot chocolate is rich, steamed milk, not a hot water mix. We shared a lemon bar — nothing special, but ruined by the texture of the recyclable fork. I think they could serve themselves and ecology by their space being a little more clean and inviting.

We had breakfast bread (so moist and yummy– marble chocolate and banana bread) perfect with our lattes. The breakfast burrito was toasted so the mix of soft and crispy tortilla was perfect. Great price and quality food for the location. The ambiance sucks because it’s in a museum, but take it outside :). Love it and definitely would recommend over alternatives in the area.

Uh, yeah this is not only the best place to eat in Balboa Park by a mile but it is also one of the best places for sandwiches/​lunch in San Diego. Working in the park and having these guys open up has been a dream come true. I have food allergies and Gro has gluten free bread and gluten free cupcakes/​cookies. Their gluten free sandwiches are fantastic as are their baked goods.
The icing on the cake is the people that work there. They are all super cool, know their regulars, and make ordering food there way better than your average café.

This café has become my go-​to refuge between photo shoots at Balboa Park. Not only is the food fresh, colorful, and delicious, but the staff seems to really enjoy being there. What’s more, as a group of twenty-​somethings, they exhibit impeccable customer service, which is almost unheard of in this day and age. The service is pleasant, conversational even, and the menu offerings are a cut above the standard tourist fare one usually finds at the park. They actually care if you like it, and will take the time to offer alternative suggestions (Ask for a smoothie, and they will tell you the day’s flavors, then let you know they can whip you up a shake if you would rather have that). I am impressed each time I visit. This is a place where you actually do get what you pay for, with friendly smiles on the side for free. Doesn’t hurt that it’s located just down the hall from MOPA. :)

I liked the food. It is healthy, and at least some of the offerings are organic. The employees are very nice, friendly, and seem to enjoy their work. The prices are a little higher, but the food is better quality, and again, the service is good. I’ll go back, the next time in the Park.

Gro Café is great and just what Balboa Park needed. The last place that was there was terrifying and unappetizing. Gro has a cheerful staff and a very clean space offering healthy options (as opposed to much of the rest of the park’s greasy spoons). You can tell that the ingredients are high-​quality, the food handling is taken seriously, and the range of options is nice too.
Good work GRO!

I have worked in the park for almost two years and I am so happy that Gro Café is here! What an improvement from the last café. Gro Café is clean, has fresh and tasty ingredients, and even though it has a higher price tag, it is definitely worth it! People in my office are over there daily and we never get bored with the selection of food.
I try to eat gluten free options often and they have gluten free sandwich bread and an assortment of muffins. And when I am not in the mood for their delicious coffee, I will choose one of their many loose leaf teas. They steep their tea properly and there is no bitter taste — what a concept! :)
I love their snack options: trail mix, fresh fruit, yogurt, and more. It’s a much healthier option than grabbing a bag of chips!
The staff is incredibly friendly and very accommodating. If there isn’t space to sit inside on a table, take your food and sit under the shade of a tree by the pond — what better way to have a tasty meal in our beautiful Balboa Park.

I am a frequent customer of Gro Café and have always appreciated the healthier alternatives and locally grown produce, as another choice in Balboa Park. It you want cheap food you should visit the hot dog stands.
The café’s employees are always so nice and the food is great. I have had or tried most of the lunch menu items and have been more than satisfied. It helps that they do purchase what they can locally and are environmental conscious as well. I for one don’t mind paying a bit more for that. It looks very fresh and clean.

I am a fan of the quality and the passion this restaurant is bringing to Balboa Park. As a busy MOM who tries my very best to prepare food ahead of time for days out at the park and for unplanned extended stays out and about, I am THRILLED to have a healthy and GREEN focused restaurant in Balboa Park. I appreciate the opportunity to buy hormone free meats, organic veggies and NON GMO food in Balboa Park. Quality is what they are shooting for here and they are hitting the mark.
My family and I look forward to GRO Café overcoming the many obstacles of Balboa Park committees and advisory boards, etc. to get in their vision. This MOM of two for sure is pleased as ever to have a GREAT GREEN option in the Park.
If you go, go past the Butterfly Garden (which is loaded with butterflies right now) and pasted the SD History Center … down the hallway towards the steps that lead down to the SD Model Railroad Musuem and before the MOPA.
NOTE: are you on a GF and VEGAN diet — YIPPEE — options are here!
We’ve enjoyed their breakfast items, americano, ice tea, and paninis — served in bio-​degradable containers. This place is legit for sure!
Wishing you much success!
PS: To the folks who say too expensive for a family of four — I guess you haven’t been to TGIF’s lately? It was GROSS food and we spent $ 50 bucks. My suggestion to any family remains the same — don’t order drinks. Water is the way to go — or share one ice tea amongst you all. Most 24 oz ice teas are plenty for four people to share at 6 oz each.

What an extraordinary find! This little hidden away gem is in the heart of Balboa Park and right inside the museum of photographic art and rail road museum.
Everything is fresh with an emphasis on organic and sustainability. The chef clearly cares about the food, coffee, tea and all times on her menu. Delicious, creative and healthy… I’m addicted!

LOVE this place. The food is organic so you pay a bit more but its worth it. The service is outstanding, their staff is always smiling and very helpful. I will continue to eat here many more times!

After a beautiful morning of walking around Balboa Park, it was very refreshing to come across a delicious, healthy food establishment such as the GRO café. From talking with the manager, we discovered that much of the food they offer is locally grown and organic!
As far far as breakfast went, we each had a breakfast burrito which was not at all greasy and had a terrific flavor thanks in part to the wonderful addition of sauteed onions in the burrito which I have never had before but was pretty impressed by!
After reading some of the other reviews, I am pretty blown away that people felt that things were overpriced. After two breakfast burritos and two coffee drinks, our bill came out to $ 22 which I feel is spot on with what you would pay for that combination at any other restaurant not in the park. Being from San Diego, I have paid far more for this meal on many occasions!
Upon leaving the café, my boyfriend and I both looked at each other and agreed that we would have to frequent the GRO café again and try some of the other delicious dishes they offer. We will definitely be back!

Overpriced, and NO refills on iced tea (really?! come on! You can’t afford a refill on a 20 oz $ 2.95 priced iced tea that you brew in-​house and costs you less than dirt to prepare and serve?!).
Family of four: 2 turkey sandwiches, 1 grilled cheese, 2 milks, and 2 iced teas: $ 38!!!
OUCH! Might as well have gone to the «fancy» Prado restaurant!!! where they, GUESS WHAT?!, have FREE ICE TEA REFILLS! lol
The food is wholesome and well flavored, BUT the prices do not justify the location (a hallway), the décor (none!) and the PRICES!!!