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The Sausage Factory
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Sausage Factory
7.7
Old-school red-sauce institution serving hearty pies alongside pastas in a roomy dining room. A comfortable, lingering option for late-evening pizza with friends or family.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Tony’s Combo, Gigi’s Arugula-Prosciutto
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Castro fixture for classic pies in an easygoing dining room.
Who should go: Groups craving classic Italian-American
When to visit: Before 9:30pm to avoid last-call crunch
What to order: Margherita, Tony’s combo, Gigi’s arugula-prosciutto
Insider tip: Split a large pie and add a simple salad for value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight on Castro and 18th after 7pm, but metered spots open later in the evening.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and T-shirts are common, though groups celebrating go slightly dressier.
Noise level: Moderate – lively chatter and music but you can hold a conversation at normal volume.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes for walk-ins around 8pm; reservations recommended for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated right away or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several meat-free pizzas and pastas like Margherita, primavera, and eggplant parm.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize veggie pies without cheese, but no dedicated vegan cheese.
Gluten-free options: Partial – gluten-free crust available on request, though prepared in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a comfortable, low-pressure meal than a romantic one; cozy booths and familiar food make it easy conversation territory.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small parties before 8pm; later in the evening there’s often a short wait, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – spacious dining room, patient servers, and family-style portions make it easy for kids; highchairs available.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce comfort, generous portions, and family gatherings where everyone wants familiar Italian-American favorites.
Skip if: You’re after wood-fired Neapolitan or craft-ingredient pizza—try Il Casaro or Beretta for that style.
The Sausage Factory
7.8
Castro mainstay (since 1968) offering old-school, red-sauce comfort with a full pizza lineup and big portions. Spacious dining room and straightforward service make it easy for families and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Tony’s (salami, sausage, mushroom, peppers, onion), Gigi’s (prosciutto, mushroom, arugula, parmesan)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Long-running Castro pizzeria with hearty pies and generous portions.
Who should go: Families and groups craving classic Italian-American
When to visit: Arrive before 7pm on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Margherita, Tony’s combo, Gigi’s arugula-prosciutto
Insider tip: Split a large pie and add a simple salad to stretch value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Castro and side streets fill quickly after 6pm. The nearby Castro/18th public garage offers easy access within a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and tees are common, though many locals dress neatly for a night out in the Castro.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is possible across the table, though it can get lively during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for larger groups without a reservation; smaller parties often seated within 20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizza and pasta options, including classic Margherita and vegetable-loaded pies.
Vegan options: Limited – no dedicated vegan cheese, but several pizzas and salads can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pizza crusts available; prepared with care though not in a separate kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed, low-pressure dates than romantic ones. The bright dining room and classic menu work for getting to know someone over comfort food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, generally – walk-ins are accepted, though waits can stretch on weekend evenings. Reservations recommended for groups of four or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely – high chairs, shareable pizzas, and familiar pasta dishes make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and families looking for generous portions and a nostalgic, old-school atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re after artisanal thin-crust pizza or a quieter, upscale date-night setting – try Lupa Trattoria or Fiorella instead.
The Sausage Factory
7.6
Old-school Italian-American stalwart (since 1968) serving red-sauce classics in a spacious, easygoing room. A relaxed, affordable pick when you want a simple, nostalgic date night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, Pepperoni Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Castro institution with generous portions and friendly, longtime staff.
Who should go: Low-key red-sauce date seekers
When to visit: Arrive before 7pm on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Chicken parm, baked lasagna, garlic bread
Insider tip: Portions are large—split an entree and add a salad.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Castro and 18th can be tight after 6pm; best bet is nearby residential streets or the public lot at 18th & Collingwood.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and sweaters fit the old-school vibe—no need to dress up beyond neat casual.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, though weekend dinners get lively.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of meatless pasta dishes and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—request pasta without cheese or butter; staff are accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some dishes can be modified, but no dedicated gluten-free pasta.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates. The roomy booths, nostalgic atmosphere, and classic Italian comfort food make it easygoing rather than formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Weeknights and early weekend dinners (before 7pm) are best for walk-ins. Larger groups should call ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-welcoming with high chairs, kids’ portions, and a relaxed staff. Evenings tend to skew more date-night oriented but still inclusive.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce comfort food and nostalgic charm without trendy pretense—great for value and familiarity.
Skip if: You’re after modern Italian small plates or a high-end romantic setting; this is more old-school and hearty.
The Sausage Factory
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Castro mainstay (since 1968) serving Italian-American comfort plates, including meat and vegetarian lasagnas built for hearty portions. Friendly, old-school service and value pricing keep it a neighborhood staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Meat Lasagna, Vegetarian Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Long-running Castro institution with classic, generous lasagna portions.
Who should go: Comfort-food seekers and longtime locals
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm to avoid early rush
What to order: Meat lasagna; vegetarian lasagna; garlic bread
Insider tip: They can do half-and-half sauces—ask if you want extra marinara.