The Halfway Club

We went here for the triva but the food atmosphere and people is what's going to keep us coming back. The fries are some of the best plane fries I have had. Their skin is crispy and chewy with a light inside and they are nicely salted. The picked appraiser was an assortment of picked vegetables that were each different enough to mix it up and each had a great texture and tangyness. (I'm sure their drinks are great too but we just got some soda for dry January). The trivia was well put on with an energetic and upbeat host. It brought in enough to be filled but not overcrowded and the prices were pretty good. The atmosphere was perfect with great lighting, seating and music that wasn't too load. They have darts and a back patio area as well as another dining area for overflow. The waiter (or owner) was going around to make sure everyone was good and was quick with anything we needed. Overall a great spot!

I'd advise to NEVER host a private event here! Such a horrible experience!!! I was super excited when this place moved into the neighborhood. It's got a cool vibe when you walk in with a back room and patio for events. I inquired about hosing a birthday party here for about 40 individuals and the back area looked perfect for it. When dealing with one of the owners that handles events, he was usually very dismissive and just flat out rude at times. Definitely not accommodating AT ALL! But because my finance wanted to support this establishment, I decided to continue, although there are sooo many other places in SF that would be happy to host parties - I know because I have planned and hosted my fair share for friends and family. I went in person to order food for everyone about 2 weeks prior in order to give them ample time to plan. I picked from their very limited catering menu and asked numerous times if it would be enough for 40 people because I did not know what the portions would look like. He assured me it would be more than enough and not to worry. Unfortunately, over $1200 later and it was not enough food. I was so embarrassed that many people left the party hungry and felt completely ripped off for the portion sizes. For example, I was given a small bowl of fries for $40!!! And to top it off, there was an automatic gratuity charge. I guess for putting the food out on the counter. 24% gratuity on top of that...WOW!!! The owner had also told me that I would be able to start decorating at 4pm. WRONG!!! He placed a small party in the back and I had to wait until the Niner game concluded in order to begin. Those individuals were not eating and did not order food, but they were allowed to stay back there because the owner allowed it even though he knew I was coming in for a planned birthday party. The party started at 5pm and guests had already shown up while we were waiting for him to get the area cleared so I was very behind. We even asked if we could just start a little while they were there or just share the space and he was so dismissive and rude and said "you'll have to wait. It's not like you paid for the back room or anything". WTF?!? This man should NOT be the events planner for this establishment or have any customer facing responsibilities. Also, if you look on the website, there is NO room fee since I already prepaid for plenty of food and gave him gratuity he clearly did not deserve! Guess that's the great service you receive when you try to secure the back room. Throughout the party, he did not once check in with me to see if I needed anything. The food came out slow and late, even though I said the party starts at 5pm and I'd like the food out shortly after. I even had to track him down to get the cakes, which took quite a while and people were already leaving. At the end of the night we mentioned something about the lack of service given because we thought after frequenting the bar numerous times and spending over $3000 on a Sunday night, we should have been treated much better. So his idea to smooth things over was to bring shots to my friends and I. Well, those shots ended up on my bill!!! Couldn't believe how slimey that was. And mind you, my bar tab was also charged another automatic 24% gratuity. I was completely disappointed with the service the entire evening. My family owns plenty of restaurants in SF and in the east bay and I have worked in a few and I can't imagine treating any customer the way I was treated. I would NEVER go back here. It was a complete waste of money and such a horrible experience!!! Good luck guys

Tonight was my second visit and I came for the semi-regular drag bingo. There were plenty of seats available about 30 minutes before the event started and I grabbed a seat at the bar, where I got great service. The pip up was open tonight but unfortunately, nothing on the menu resonated with me so I stuck with chips, guac and salsa, which were a-ok. Had a couple of drinks which were all great. This IS my neighborhood bar and it really feels like it. Great crowd, friendly staff, and good vibes all around. Happy that it's here

Although we miss Broken Record, we are ecstatic to have this new spot. They have a projector in the brightly painted back room and are happy to put on a kid's movie whenever requested (no sound, though). The menu has proven very good after a couple of visits, but there aren't too many kid's options. My kids will eat the Chicago Dog with just ketchup and the fries (they charge $12 for this 'Kids' dog' instead of the $16 for the adult dish), but the ravioli (being crisped and fried) is too 'different' for them. You can call ahead for them to set aside seats for you, but I've never actually needed a reservation on a Friday night around 5:30pm. There's plenty of space in that back room and the back patio.* Chicken Liver Mousse on Toast ($18 for 2) - 4 stars. I enjoyed this, but you do have to generally enjoy liver! The bread was fresh and great, the contrast with the apple butter and pecans was lovely.* Toasted Cheese Ravioli ($16) - 4 stars. I like this crispy ravioli - note it's a small dish, you only get 5 pieces of pasta, but they are pretty big. The sauce has the perfect amount of thick texture. * Charred Sugar Snap Peas ($16) - 4.5 stars. Extremely fresh and crunchy peas! Not super filling but very delicious for a light dinner or a starter.* Spicy Blue Cheese Wedge Salad ($18) - 3.5 stars. The chicken skin was very intense, spicy, and tangy - a bit too much for me, but maybe others who like spicy chicken wings would really enjoy this combination of flavors.* (Mid) Western Burger ($22) - 4 stars. From my partner: generous pickles, tasty patty, onion ring adds nice texture. Bun is soft, but holds together. Could have more complexity in the taste department. A bit greasy feeling. The fries are thick and tasty, 4 stars.

Fried Chicken Wings (Spicy Chili Garlic Oil, Scallion Ranch) were DELICIOUS!! Highly recommend. I tried to order an espresso martini but they don't have espresso. The alternative I got was not something I would order again so I stuck with beer after that. We stopped here before going to a show at Cow Palace and it was the perfect little pregame spot. Be aware only street parking and can be difficult

I really wish this was a better review. We'd heard good things and it's super close to our place. Alas. The food was ok. Fish wasn't too greasy which was nice. Horseradish tarter wasn't very horseradish-y and was very salty. Fries weren't bad weren't great. Burger was, according to spouse, about the same, fine but small and not wow flavor. Maybe I'm spoiled but most restaurants like this in the neighborhood give much more flavor and quantity for your buck. $25 for ok fish and chips, I had higher expectations. Server was friendly. Server Tip (which would've increased our tip, as a server long ago I almost always tip over 20% even if the food is not my fave): if someone asks for help deciding ask questions don't just ask "how hungry are you?" and then state 3 of the 4 main courses. "What were you considering?" could be an alternative? That would've given info and ruled out the burger and pork which I don't eat. I might've enjoyed the tomato salad and appreciated another side. $18 for corn was curious to me but nothing they said made me think it was worth trying. We'll be back, because that's how we roll, always give a place a second chance especially when it's spitting distance from your house and another friend in the neighborhood wants to try it and there's trivia Tuesday. But for my money there are other similarly priced places within walking, if not spitting, distance.

My visit to The Halfway Club was superb! I was a frequenter of the previous bar that was at its location, Broken Record, and while it was very cool, the space and lighting was not the best.The Halfway Club is near perfect in how they rearranged everything and replaced all the seats with new upholstery and improved the lighting so it doesn't feel like you are in a spotlight.The bartender was top-notch, extremely friendly but not intrusive. My buddy ordered a smashburger and fries, and it arrived in less than 5 minutes. He had a couple of good Hazy IPAs while I drank their Irish Whiskey brand, Slane, and I was pleased. Pricing was good too.I also noticed there were doing support for events in the district, which needs more representation. Bravo to them!I'm really happy there is a great joint in my neighborhood and I will be going back there regularly.

We've been waiting anxiously for the halfway club to open after the broken record shut down. The new owners have done a really nice job sprucing up the place. The vibe is chill, casual, relaxed and somehow family friendly. The owners previously worked at Comstock saloon in North Beach so the drinks are really good. The food menu is limited but portions, quality and quantity were good. What might have been a coincidence is the number of parents and kids that were able to chill at a place that has a full bar. There's a real dearth of baby and adult friendly combinations in the city. Excited about being able to support this place!

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 other food items.

The Halfway Club is a welcome addition to the Excelsior. While we were bummed when Broken Record closed we are thrilled for the Halfway Club!Came in on a Friday night as a group of 4 for drinks. We were originally planning to get the $13 cocktails but couldn't refuse the $23 pitcher of hazy IPA.... And then took the recommendation of the Mezcal Paloma which was refreshing with great flavor.Service was amazing with great recs, perfect balance of checking in and letting us hang, and sharing offerings. Also, great music at a volume where you can talk but still enjoy.If you live in the Excelsior or are in the area (e.g. soccer games in Crocker Amazon) you need to drop by and support this place.Will be coming to Tuesday trivia and Wednesday movie night ASAP and getting food (which we hear is great!). https://www.instagram.com/thehalfwayclub?igsh=ZWI2YzEzYmMxYg==