Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Sports
oChef » The Halfway Club – San Francisco
The Halfway Club - San Francisco
Photo from The Halfway Club
The Halfway Club at a glance
San Francisco Crocker-Amazon
- 🍔 American Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 43 of the guests
#265 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#10 American Restaurant out of 121 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
290
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional Service
- Lively Atmosphere
- Quality Dishes
Frequently criticized
- High Food Prices
- Limited Options
- Inconsistent Ambience
The restaurant The Halfway Club, an American restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Crocker-Amazon neighborhood, invites you to discover its charm. You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy spot perfect for unwinding, especially with its great beer selection.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner, this place has you covered with its diverse offerings and welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting The Halfway Club
The Halfway Club offers a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, establishing itself as a comfortable neighborhood spot with a great vibe. Guests frequently praise the attentive service and well-crafted cocktails, making it an appealing destination for a relaxed outing.
While the overall experience is largely positive, some guests have noted concerns regarding the food price and the somewhat heavy menu options. Despite these points, the establishment successfully maintains a fun and local feel, drawing a consistent crowd.
Excellent
8.5
out of 10
290
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
21
negative
11
neutral
258
positive
The Halfway Club garners a solid 8.5 out of 10 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive experience for patrons. This is further supported by a strong 89% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave pleased.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 290 customer observations, with 258 positive remarks. Delving into specifics, Service stands out as excellent (9.1), consistently earning high praise.
Food (8.5) and Ambience (8.5) also perform well, contributing significantly to the positive sentiment. However, Value (5.5) registers as an average point, suggesting that while quality is appreciated, pricing might be a consideration for some.
What people like
- Exceptional Service
- Lively Atmosphere
- Quality Dishes
What people don't like
- High Food Prices
- Limited Lighter Options
- Inconsistent Ambience
If you’re seeking a lively local spot with exceptional service and a great atmosphere, The Halfway Club is certainly worth considering. It’s a place where you can expect a pleasant experience, particularly if you appreciate a good drink and a comfortable setting.
While the pricing for some food items might give you pause, the strong 8.7 recommendation score suggests that its many strengths outweigh these concerns for most. It’s a solid choice for a casual visit, especially if you prioritize a welcoming vibe and attentive staff.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Halfway Club
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the food! This place is definitely a crowd-pleaser, boasting a good score of 8.5 and an impressive 89.2% customer satisfaction. Out of 148 comments, 132 were positive, highlighting everything from the delicious elevated comfort food and amazing drinks to the smash burger and thoughtful vegetarian options.
However, its not entirely without a few minor quibbles. Out of 148 observations, 9 mentioned concerns about portion sizes, limited menu options for dairy allergies, and some feeling the Chicago hot dog was a bit pricey. A few also found certain dishes, like the pork sandwich, to be overcooked.
Food
148
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elevated comfort food
- Amazing drinks menu
- Delicious smash burger
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Limited dairy-free
- Overpriced Chicago hotdog
Often praised
- foodThe place has been nicely spruced up from its previous iteration as Broken Record, but it has successfully retained its fun, local, and comfortable feel. I visited on a late Sunday afternoon for a refreshing beer and some very tasty food. I enjoyed the Enterprise Lager & Pilsner, a Chicago dog (a genuine Vienna Beef version!), Deviled Eggs, and chicken liver toast.
- cocktailsThis is a great new neighborhood spot! The vibes are always great and the cocktails are 11/10. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a chill neighborhood spot.
- drinksdrinks and food came out quickly
- burgerThe service was very friendly, and the food was carefully prepared and of high quality. We thoroughly enjoyed the burger, the chicory salad, and the fish and chips – all were excellent. My wife and I have visited four times and will definitely return.
- fish and chipsMy experience was a 10/10 for service, quality, and atmosphere. I highly recommend the burger and fish and chips. A special shout out to Ethan and Lex for making our first experience great!
- Chicago dogChicago dog (a real Vienna Beef version!)
- Mezcal Palomarecommendation of the Mezcal Paloma which was refreshing with great flavor
- beerThe place has been nicely spruced up from its previous iteration as Broken Record, but it has successfully retained its fun, local, and comfortable feel. I visited on a late Sunday afternoon for a refreshing beer and some very tasty food. I enjoyed the Enterprise Lager & Pilsner, a Chicago dog (a genuine Vienna Beef version!), Deviled Eggs, and chicken liver toast.
- beer listThe beer list is a short rotating list of solid, diverse local beers
- broccoliniCan’t wait to see how this spot evolves. Highly recommend the chicken, the broccolini, and the roasted squash. And the Tempranillo was 👌🏻.
Frequently criticized
- Chicago hot dog$16 for a Chicago hot dog (as a Chicagoan born and raised, this is especially outrageous)
- burger$22 for a HWC burger
- dairy allergynot much can be accommodated for a dairy allergy
- foodit was disappointing
- friesFries came out overcooked
- menu optionsmenu is also very heavy/fried, I wish there were a couple more lighter options available
- pork sandwichThe pork sandwich was also overcooked
- portionThe food was also delicious, but I missed having some cheaper menu options to snack on while having a drink, like a big basket of fries for $7 or $8, or a cheaper hot dog. The pickles were really outstanding but felt like a small portion for $7. The salad we got was fantastic and the quality matched the price point.
- vinegarhad TOO much vinegar
If you're looking for delicious, elevated comfort food and great drinks, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential portion sizes and specific dietary needs, as options might be limited.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 9.1 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.2%. Out of 44 comments, a whopping 41 rave about the experience! Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, excellent service, and attentive servers who provide great recommendations, making everyone feel welcome and well-cared for.
However, its not entirely without its minor hiccups, as 3 comments noted some areas for improvement. A few guests experienced slow service or felt servers gave mixed attention, sometimes leading to empty glasses' and longer waits. While these instances seem isolated, they suggest there might be occasional moments where the team is stretched thin or focused on regulars.
Service
44
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Mixed attention
Often praised
- serviceI am so happy this place opened up in the neighborhood. It's classy yet cozy, with a super welcoming atmosphere. The food and cocktails are delicious, and the vibes are definitely on point.
- staffstaff always making you feel welcome
- StaffStaff dealt calmly and professionally
- Ethan and LexI highly recommend the burger and fish and chips. A special shout out to Ethan and Lex for making our first experience great!
- GregOne of the owners Greg was my server he was friendly
- ServersServers all were attentive and fun.
- WaterWater was constantly refilled
- bartender, EthanVery friendly & hospitable bartender, Ethan
- everyoneeveryone’s a sweetheart
- excellent serviceprovided excellent service
Frequently criticized
- empty glassesThe service was a little slow and seemed more focused on regulars, which we understood. However, we ultimately left before ordering more drinks because we waited too long with empty glasses. Despite the service hiccup, it's a must-see, must-stop, and I'm excited to have this place in the neighborhood.
- serversservers gave mixed attention to us
- serviceService was a little slow/focused on the regulars
If you value top-notch hospitality, you're in for a treat here. While there might be an occasional wait or a moment of mixed attention, the overwhelming sentiment points to a team that genuinely cares. Expect friendly, attentive service that makes your visit truly enjoyable.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
This spot truly shines when it comes to its atmosphere! With an excellent 8.5 score and a fantastic 94.1% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks adore the "upmarket vibe" that still feels "cozy. " Guests frequently praise the "unique seating options, " "back patio, " and "live music, " all contributing to a "fun, mellow vibe" that makes it a beloved "neighborhood spot.
"However, not everyone is completely charmed. A few of the 85 comments (80 positive vs 4 negative) mention a distinct "smell" likened to moldy clothes, and some found the "music" from the DJ to be too loud or distorted. Theres also a notable concern about the presence of kids and babies in what some patrons hoped would be a more adult bar environment.
Ambience
85
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Upmarket, cozy vibe
- Unique seating options
- Lively events, music
What people don't like
- Unpleasant smell
- Loud DJ music
- Kids in bar
Often praised
- atmosphereThe original drink menu offered unique options, and the food was truly amazing. I also enjoyed the fun, mellow vibe, which created a great atmosphere. It's the kind of place where you definitely want to hang out.
- vibeit's a very easygoing, chill vibe
- neighborhood spotThe vibes are always great and the cocktails are 11/10. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a chill neighborhood spot. They also have some cool programming, like trivia, bingo, and cheesesteak pop-ups?
- live musicWe went for dinner with our kids and to watch a football game. The atmosphere was fun, with live music and a great back patio. We’ll definitely be back.
- placeLove what they have done with the place
- Live musicSpecial events:Live music
- insideThe inside is kind of a funky Midwest local bar with a distinct SF touch
- musicgreat music at a volume where you can talk but still enjoy
- spaceThis space feels high-end, but not pretentious
- Back patioBack patio
Frequently criticized
- barsI mean tiny, learning-to-walk babies – on the patio (ok fiiiine, that's outside), next to the kitchen (surrrrreee, it's where the food's at), at the seating across from the bar, ev-er-ywhere. I'm sure this is a great option for young parents looking to turn up but didn't find a sitter, but man, I thought bars were sacred spaces. Hope the toddlers are buying vodka sodas 'cause I'm not sure I can make this a frequent spot.
- kidsthere are kids. and I mean tiny, learning to walk babies
- musicThe music inside with the DJ sounds like a loud broken speaker
- smellPlace smells like an antique store with moldy clothes
If youre looking for a vibrant, welcoming spot with a great "upmarket vibe" thats also kid-friendly and hosts live music, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that some have noted a particular smell or found the music a bit loud, and it might not be the quiet, adults-only bar experience some are seeking.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to Value, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 5.5 with customer satisfaction at a rather poor 38.5%. On the upside, 5 positive remarks praised the prices, especially the pitcher of hazy IPA, noting it was easy on the wallet and incredibly reasonable for SF! Good deals are definitely a highlight here.
However, an equal number of 5 negative comments point to significant concerns. Many felt the food price was too high, describing dishes as overpriced and noting the food just sadly does not match the price point. There's also a desire for cheaper menu options, indicating that while some aspects are affordable, the overall perception of value, particularly for food, needs work.
Value
13
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable SF prices
- Good drink deals
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Quality vs. price mismatch
- Lack of cheap options
Often praised
- pricesThe cocktails were on point, and I appreciated that they also offer NA options. It's a cool neighborhood spot with easy on the wallet prices.
- PricesIncredibly reasonable for SF!
- pitcher of hazy IPAcouldn't refuse the $23 pitcher of hazy IPA
Frequently criticized
- food priceThis place has so much potential, and I want to see it succeed. However, it's hard for me to justify going back regularly because the food is very overpriced for what it is. As a Chicagoan born and raised, paying $16 for a Chicago hot dog felt especially outrageous.
- cheaper menu optionsI love that they have a relatively big set of non-alcoholic options. The food was also delicious, but I missed having some cheaper menu options to snack on while having a drink, like a big basket of fries for $7 or $8, or a cheaper hot dog. The pickles were really outstanding but felt like a small portion for $7.
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ate the food because I was hungry, but it was disappointing and overpriced. I miss the Broken Record, but I won't write this place off yet.
- pricesthe prices were way expensive relative to quality
If youre looking for a casual spot with some decent drink deals, especially that hazy IPA, you might find the value appealing. However, be prepared that the food might feel overpriced for what you get, and you might miss having more budget-friendly snack options. Its a place worth trying if you manage expectations on the food front.
How are the prices at The Halfway Club?
You’re looking at roughly 32 $ per person – reported by 43 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an American Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 32 $, most diners actually spend a bit less, clustering in the $21–$30 range. You’ll also find some guests spending a little more, up to $41–$50.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 43 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
We think the pricing feels pretty fair for an American Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, so you can enjoy a quality meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Halfway Club
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Antique store smell and broken speaker music
My experience at this restaurant was quite unpleasant. The place had a strong smell reminiscent of an antique store with moldy clothes. Furthermore, the music played by the DJ sounded like a loud broken speaker, which significantly detracted from the atmosphere.
- smell1
- music1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Meatloaf Sandwich!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. The spot offers a great selection of both non-alcoholic and regular beers. Although I wasn't drinking this visit, the cocktails looked impressive.
I tried the meatloaf sandwich and it was absolutely amazing. I'm eager to return and explore more of their food offerings.
- non alcoholic beers8
- regular beers8
- cocktails7
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fun Local Bar with Great Food & Drinks
My experience at this local bar was really fun! I enjoyed the good food and cocktails, and they also had good beers on tap. Trivia on Tuesdays 🥰.
The atmosphere and service were both rated 5/5, and they even have live music for special events.
- food9
- cocktails9
- beers on tap8
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Neighborhood Pub Addition
What a great addition to the neighborhood! This lively pub offers a fantastic American Classic menu. The kids will enjoy the movies on the wall, and there's live music and a back patio.
The service was fantastic, friendly, and competent. I also enjoyed the great local beers. The burger was the best I've had in a long time (though I currently live in Mexico).
- American Classic menu9
- movies on the wall8
- Live music8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing and Overpriced Meal
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ate the food because I was hungry, but it was disappointing and overpriced. I miss the Broken Record, but I won't write this place off yet.
Maybe better luck next time.
- food2
- price2
What The Halfway Club offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at The Halfway Club?
The Halfway Club offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for dinner, dessert, or late-night food. You can enjoy table service, a great beer selection, cocktails, and vegan or vegetarian options, available for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
Is The Halfway Club accessible and family-friendly, and what are the parking options?
Yes, The Halfway Club is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, seating, and restrooms. You’ll usually find plenty of free street parking nearby. It’s also good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs.
What is the overall customer sentiment for The Halfway Club?
The Halfway Club has an overall restaurant score of **8.5** out of 10, with a customer satisfaction rate of **89%**. Service is particularly strong at (9.1), while Food (8.5) and Ambience (8.5) also receive good marks. Value, however, is considered average at (5.5).
What are the main positive aspects of The Halfway Club?
Customers frequently commend the excellent service and the lively, welcoming atmosphere, often describing it as a great neighborhood spot. The cocktails are also a highlight, along with specific food items like the burger and fish and chips.
Are there any common criticisms about The Halfway Club?
Some patrons find the food prices to be on the higher side, and there are occasional comments about the menu being heavy or lacking lighter options. A few guests have also noted inconsistencies in the ambience, such as loud music or the presence of young children.