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Back to Back
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Back to Back
8.0
Vinyl-spinning, natural-wine hangout pairing wood-fired pies with seasonal small plates on the Hyde–Taylor cable car line. A lively Nob Hill room that doubles as a neighborhood wine bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni pizza with hot honey, Mushroom & fontina pie, Little gem salad
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Wood-fire pies, natural wine, and a soundtrack on vinyl.
Who should go: Wine lovers and casual pizza night crews
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Pepperoni + hot honey; mushroom pie; seasonal veg
Insider tip: Bar seats move fastest; ask about by-the-glass specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Nob Hill is limited, especially evenings; expect to circle. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but most guests lean trendy given the wine bar vibe.
Noise level: Lively and energetic with vinyl soundtrack—conversation possible but raised voices may be needed on weekends.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; only open evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pies and seasonal vegetable plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 small plates and a custom pie option without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available on request, but not in a dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The candlelit, vinyl-spinning vibe sets a stylish but relaxed tone. It’s intimate without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly. Early evenings (before 6:30pm) or bar seating are your best bets. Prime times on weekends almost always require a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The crowd skews adult with a focus on wine and nightlife; better suited for teens and up rather than small children.
Best For
Better for: Better than nearby pizzerias for natural wine selection, buzzy atmosphere, and curated vinyl soundtrack.
Skip if: Skip if you need quiet dining, kid accommodations, or a broad pasta-heavy Italian menu—it’s pizza and small plates focused.
Back to Back
8.4
Wood-fired pizzas and a sharp natural-wine list meet a hi-fi listening room vibe. Expect crisp leoparding, balanced toppings, and an energetic Nob Hill crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot honey pepperoni, Margherita, Mushroom white pie
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Vinyl-driven ambiance with wood-fired pies and standout natural wines.
Who should go: Pizza lovers who also prioritize a great wine list
When to visit: Weeknights after 8 for easier seating and calmer room
What to order: Hot honey pepperoni; margherita; seasonal mushroom white pie
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal pies; the list changes frequently.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Nob Hill; recommend rideshare or nearby garages on California or Powell ($10–$15 evenings).
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans with a blazer or a dress works well; lean slightly dressy given the wine crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music and chatter are present, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins are often waitlisted.
Weekday lunch: Not open for weekday lunch service—dinner-only spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—margherita and seasonal veggie pies are popular choices.
Vegan options: Limited—can adapt some pizzas by removing cheese, but not a strong vegan focus.
Gluten-free options: Available on request with gluten-free crusts; separate prep space not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the intimate, vinyl-spun vibe paired with natural wine makes it an impressive but relaxed choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but expect long waits on weekends; arrive early or closer to closing for better luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—focused more on adult crowds and wine; better suited for teens and up than small children.
Best For
Better for: Back to Back excels at combining pizza with a curated natural-wine experience in a stylish listening-room setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, family-style pizzeria or a broad menu beyond artisan pizza and wine.
Back to Back
8.4
Modern Nob Hill pizzeria and hi-fi listening room from siblings Monica and Randall Hom, with chef Matt Templeton. Wood-fired pies, natural wines, and a lively yet manageable room work for families earlier in the evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, That’s Hot, Honey, Funghi
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas with a vinyl-soundtrack dining room.
Who should go: Families wanting a modern pizza night
When to visit: Go 5–6:30pm before the evening rush
What to order: Margherita, hot-honey pie, mushroom ‘Funghi’
Insider tip: Ask for a booth near the stacks for the best sound without volume.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nob Hill, especially after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is the California/Stockton Garage, about a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean stylish for the hi-fi vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Music is a feature here, but conversation is comfortable before 8pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation between 6:30–8:30pm
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; dinner service only
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pies and small plates are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—ask about customizing with no cheese; 1–2 options possible.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crusts available on request, though cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the combination of wood-fired pizza, natural wine, and the hi-fi listening room creates a stylish yet approachable setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early arrivals around 5–6pm can usually snag a table; after 7pm on weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, but best for families with kids 8+ who can enjoy the music-room vibe. High chairs are limited and no kids’ menu is offered.
Best For
Better for: A trend-forward pizza night with atmosphere and wine program, plus the added hi-fi experience.
Skip if: You want a quick, casual slice shop or are dining with toddlers who need a kids’ menu.
Back to Back
8.4
A hi-fi listening room meets wood-fired pizzeria from siblings Monica and Randall Hom (chef Matt Templeton); kitchen runs to 10pm Thu–Sat. Think hot-honey drizzled pies, funghi with depth, and natural wines in a lively, polished space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hot-Honey Pepperoni Pie, Funghi (mushroom) Pizza, Classic Margherita
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Vinyl-soundtracked, wood-fired pies with natural wine program.
Who should go: Wine lovers and design-minded pizza fans
When to visit: Thu–Sat after 8pm for the full vibe
What to order: Hot-honey pie, Funghi, Margherita
Insider tip: Bar seats have the best view of the oven and DJ stacks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nob Hill, especially after 6pm; no valet available, but nearby garages (like Sutter-Stockton) are a safe bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean stylish given the hi-fi lounge vibe.
Noise level: Lively, with music from the vinyl stacks; conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm
Weekday lunch: Closed at lunch—only open evenings
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pies and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some items (no cheese) but no dedicated vegan pies.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust available upon request, though prepared in the same oven.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the mix of design-forward interiors, wood-fired pizzas, and vinyl soundtrack creates an engaging but comfortable atmosphere perfect for a stylish first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible, but expect a wait on weekends; bar seating is your best shot for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids given the late hours and lively vibe, but older teens into pizza and music may enjoy it earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Atmosphere—Back to Back nails the polished yet lively pizza-and-music combo better than typical pizzerias.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, family-oriented dinner or early lunch service—this is an evening, adult-leaning spot.
Back to Back
8.1
Vinyl-spinning pizzeria and wine bar with a wood-fired oven and a compact outdoor setup on Taylor. Expect Neapolitan-influenced pies, natural wines, and a lively nighttime scene that suits casual dates or small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Funghi Wood-Fired Pizza, Seasonal Burrata
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired pizzas, natural wines, and a music-driven ambiance outdoors.
Who should go: Pizza lovers and wine-bar crowds
When to visit: Golden hour for outdoor tables
What to order: Margherita, funghi pie, seasonal burrata
Insider tip: Check the nightly vinyl playlist; it shapes the vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Taylor is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearest paid garage is at Grace Cathedral two blocks uphill.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many lean dressy given the wine bar vibe.
Noise level: Lively with music and chatter; conversation is possible but not hushed—better for social energy than quiet talks.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed—only evenings are served, so no midday wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple pizzas and starters highlight seasonal vegetables and burrata.
Vegan options: Limited—can request cheeseless pies and a few salads, but options are modest.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free crust; kitchen is small and not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—intimate outdoor tables, vinyl ambiance, and shareable pizzas create a fun but relaxed setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights before 7pm; weekends usually require waiting or booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—the late hours, wine focus, and compact patio cater more to adults and small groups.
Best For
Better for: A lively wine-and-pizza night with friends or dates in Nob Hill, with more energy and atmosphere than classic trattorias.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, gluten-free options, or a large family setup—traditional Italian spots nearby may suit better.