The Halfway Club — Restaurant in San Francisco

Halfway to Homeownership, All the Way to Happy Hour

After a long day of house hunting in San Francisco—aka the Hunger Games with realtors—I needed a break. I Googled “restaurants near me” and like a gift from the Zillow gods, The Halfway Club popped up. One review promised amazing food and drinks. Skeptical but starving, I decided to give it a shot.

First impressions? The place isn’t big, but it’s got personality. The bar seats maybe 8, or 10 if everyone skips leg day. The front has some classic tables and chairs, and out back there’s a larger space with a big screen showing the game. Beyond that? A sunny outdoor patio perfect for day drinking or pretending you’re not 12 tabs deep in Redfin.

The vibe is a mash-up of dive bar nostalgia and stylish clutter. There are old concert posters, a jukebox that seems more like a prop (no records, no labels), and liquor bottles that range from “standard pour” to “what is that?” Bonus points for the mini-library of cocktail history next to the register. I love a place where your hangover can learn something.

Now, let’s talk food and drink. I ordered the Wisconsin Old Fashioned—made with brandy and a cherry/orange cordial—and it was smooth, sweet, and strong enough to lower your rent expectations. For food, I tried the BLT Dog, which is exactly what it sounds like and somehow even better. Crispy bacon, amazing tomatos (get it and you'll understand! ), a killer sauce, and a solid snap on the dog—served with waffle fries that were perfect, and definitely not from a freezer bag.

The menu has fun curveballs too. Next time, I’ve got my eye on the Crab Rangoon Deviled Eggs (because why choose between appetizers when you can combine them?) and the Alaska Cocktail, which sounds like something James Bond would drink on PTO.

Service was friendly, fast, and chill—no fake smiles, just real hospitality. It’s the kind of place where they learn your name, not because you’re famous, but because you came back twice in a week.

Even if I don’t buy a house nearby, I’ll definitely be returning to The Halfway Club. Sometimes, the best finds aren’t on Zillow—they’re behind a bar with a jukebox that...

We are from Wisconsin so I was STOKED to try this place. We had the French Onion Mac and Cheese (7/10 - could use more complex cheese sauce to balance the onion) and Crab Rangoon Deviled Eggs (10/10 - could eat a whole plate). The Mezcal Paloma was fantastic.

The Wisconsin Old Fashioned is not muddled nor does it have sweet soda in it. It is more of a KY Old Fashioned with cordials and brandy instead of bourbon. As a 20-year veteran dive bar and craft cocktail bartender, I was a little disappointed in that - but only because I was expecting it to be an actual WI old fashioned like back home. It is delicious, just a little misleading in the name. Had to adjust my brain to expect more of an IL style old fashioned (which checks out because the employees we spoke with are IL/IN/MI based). Delightful flavor profile regardless!

Service was a little slow/focused on the regulars - which we get - we ultimately left before ordering more drinks because we waited too long with empty glasses.

Must see, must stop - excited to have this in the...

I don't drink so this review will reflect the food and atmosphere.

Spoiler...both were fantastic.

I was greeted with smiles and shown to one of the best tables in the spot. Lucky me.

Food: -I do not like liver. I REPEAT. I DO NOT LIKE LIVER....but I freaking love this chicken liver on toast. This chef is a wizard. -The burger was awesome. The sauce and caramelized onions were quite pleasant -The fries were fries. -Meyer lemon dessert was the perfect end to a rich meal. Is there rosemary in there? Tasted liked rosemary.

Service: -Got a great table. -Water was constantly refilled. Important to stay hydrated. Big plus. -Staff checked on me the RIGHT amount. Not too often and not too infrequently -Staff dealt calmly and professionally with a random drug-addicted psycho toting a bible. They pointed this street Jehovah in a different direction without much fuss. I like that.

Prices: -Incredibly reasonable for SF!

Overall great experience. Imagine if you drink too. Looking forward to going back and trying the...