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ZipPicks Awards

Best Happy Hour Wings in the Castro Best Late Night Burgers in the Castro Best French Fries in the Castro Best American in the Castro Best Trendy American in the Castro Best Burgers in the Castro Best Wings in the Castro Best Business Lunch American in the Castro

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Hi Tops 7.9
Castro
Castro’s OG gay sports bar (since 2012) with TVs everywhere, lively crowds, and wing nights that dovetail with drink deals. Wings lean classic—think buffalo—with speedy bar service ideal for game-time bites.
Must-Try Dishes: Buffalo wings, Loaded nachos, Fried chicken sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.6 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Wing specials during happy hour in a true sports-bar setting.
Who should go: Game-day crews and wing traditionalists
When to visit: Weekdays late afternoon for seating and drink deals
What to order: Buffalo wings, nachos, draft beer
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest—ideal for quick reorders on wing night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Market and nearby side streets fill quickly after 5pm.
Dress code: Casual sports-bar vibe—team jerseys, jeans, and sneakers all fine.
Noise level: Loud during games—expect crowd cheers and bar chatter; quieter before 4pm.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during big games or events; bar seating turnover is faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—easy walk-in for wings or drinks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like nachos, soft pretzels, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and fries qualify, but wings and mains are meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Limited—ask staff about modifications; wings and fries share fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves sports and noise—it’s fun and lively but not ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Hi Tops is first-come, first-served. Arrive before major games to snag a spot quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—mostly an adult crowd with bar service focus; best for ages 21+.
Best For
Better for: Game-day energy, crowd watching, and fast bar service—classic sports-bar camaraderie in the Castro.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, upscale cocktails, or food-first experiences; other spots like The Detour may fit better.

Hours

Monday12pm - 12am
Tuesday12pm - 12am
Wednesday12pm - 12am
Thursday12pm - 12am
Friday12pm - 12:30am
Saturday11am - 12:30am
Sunday11am - 12am