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Red Window
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Red Window
7.9
Low-proof cocktail bar with a European tapas menu and a legit wings plate (al ajillo) that shines during happy hour. Lively room, late-day deals, and easy ordering for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Wings al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, Spanish Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Tapas-style wings with HH deals alongside a standout cocktail list.
Who should go: Cocktail fans who want shareable plates
When to visit: Mon–Thu 4–6pm for HH
What to order: Al Ajillo Wings, Patatas Bravas, Mussel Steamers
Insider tip: Ask for the wings tossed light to keep the skin extra crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus can be tight after 6pm; nearby public garages on Vallejo and Stockton usually have space.
Dress code: Smart casual—think jeans with a nice shirt or blouse; the bar crowd leans stylish.
Noise level: Lively during happy hour with upbeat music, but still possible to hold a conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially around 7–8pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; opens mid-afternoon for happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – patatas bravas, shishito peppers, and several small plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited – a few sides can be modified, but core dishes use butter or aioli.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free upon request; alert the server early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the chic lighting, shareable tapas, and low-proof cocktails create a playful atmosphere without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive before 5:30pm; bar seating and sidewalk tables are often available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—more suited to adults and small groups; no kids’ menu and evening crowd skews 21+.
Best For
Better for: Creative cocktails, group-friendly sharing plates, and a modern North Beach vibe.
Skip if: You’re seeking traditional American wings or a quiet dinner setting; this spot thrives on energy and crowd buzz.
Red Window
8.3
Colorful North Beach spot pairing low-proof cocktails with Spanish-leaning tapas. Patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, and paella croquetas make it an easy, sharing-friendly date night with lively sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo, Crispy Paella Balls
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Spanish-style tapas with a renowned low-proof cocktail program (since 2021).
Who should go: Couples who love tapas and cocktails
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for patio energy
What to order: Patatas bravas; gambas al ajillo; paella croquetas
Insider tip: Request a parklet table and pace tapas in waves for a longer date.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging after 6pm; nearby paid lots on Columbus Avenue are the best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual—think stylish jeans, a nice shirt, or a light dress; fits the North Beach cocktail crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively indoors; outdoor seating offers easier conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; limited lunch menu available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several small plates like patatas bravas, croquetas de espinaca, and cheese selections.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be modified upon request, but menu leans toward dairy and seafood.
Gluten-free options: Yes – staff can guide to gluten-free tapas and rice dishes; cross-contact possible in fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s lively but intimate, with shareable tapas that make conversation easy and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are accepted, especially for outdoor tables, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids; the menu and cocktail-centric crowd skew adult, though older teens may enjoy early dinners.
Best For
Better for: Inventive low-proof cocktails and upbeat patio energy that feel fresher than most North Beach tapas spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, traditional Spanish dining experience or full paella portions.
Red Window
8.3
Cocktail-forward North Beach spot serving playful Spanish-leaning tapas—think patatas bravas cubes, crispy paella bites, and gambas—built for sharing. The room runs lively and social with strong low-ABV drinks and a menu that balances classics with creative twists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Patatas bravas (pavé-style), Crispy paella balls, Gambas al ajillo
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Spanish-leaning tapas with a standout low-ABV cocktail program in a buzzy North Beach setting.
Who should go: Tapas sharers and cocktail-focused small-plate fans
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm or after 8:30 for easier seating
What to order: Patatas bravas; crispy paella balls; gambas al ajillo
Insider tip: Ask for the bar area for fastest service and first crack at specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus and adjacent alleys can be tight after 6pm; nearest paid garage is North Beach Parking Garage at 735 Vallejo St.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests dress stylishly for the cocktail scene.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat; conversation is doable at side tables but bar seating can get loud.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch; early evening arrivals 5–6pm usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—about one-third of the menu is vegetarian-friendly, including patatas bravas and mushroom croquettes.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items like shishito peppers or modified salads can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Several options available; paella bites and seafood tapas can be adjusted upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, energetic buzz, and shareable tapas make it an engaging first-date pick for those who enjoy lively atmospheres.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early evening on weekdays; weekends usually require a reservation or bar seating for faster service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to late-night energy and cocktail focus; teens accompanying adults would be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Creative cocktails, upbeat social energy, and modern tapas presentation make it stronger for nightlife and group hangs than more traditional Spanish spots.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet, sit-down dinner or authentic regional Spanish cuisine without fusion twists.