What is it? A Crocker-Amazon spot where orange banquettes, wood paneling, vintage lamps, neon 1970s wall hangings and a 1972 Wurlitzer jukebox set the retro dad’s Midwest basement tone, while a projector and giant screen (donated via Steven Soderbergh’s Singani 63 brand) signal movie and sports nights in the back dining room.
Why we love it: The Halfway Club debuted January 2024 with a nostalgic yet fresh soul. Longtime friends and industry vets Ethan Terry and Greg Quinn opened their dream bar, imbued with their signature all-are-welcome hospitality.
The cocktails—crafted by the duo with decades of drink cred—are tight, unfussy and pleasing. Veer from classic cocktails like an Alaska (gin, Yellow Chartreuse, bitters) to a Prairie Fire Paloma with your choice of tequila or mezcal, the grapefruit and lime amped up with chili tincture. In times past, Terry tributes his precious late pup in Ellie’s Shaggy Dog Shandy—a Scotch, peach, cider and honey highball—exemplifying the kind of heart that goes into the place.
Lounging on the muraled back patio, chatting over a Chicago dog at the bar, or catching a movie in the back, the Halfway Club is the kind of place we all wish was in our neighborhood.
Time Out tip: Wes Rowe of popular Wes Burger consults on the menu, elevating comfort food with whimsy, whether crab rangoon deviled eggs, French onion mac and cheese or Cincinnati-style chili fries. It all goes down beautifully with choice beers, wines and boilermakers.
Address: 1166 Geneva Ave, San Francisco, 94112
Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4–11pm; Fri, Sat 4pm–midnight; Sun 12:30–9pm
Expect to pay: $6–$14 beers, wine and cocktails; dishes $8–$22