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The Halfway Club
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Halfway Club
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Excelsior’s kid-friendly bar and kitchen serves crisp, sauced fried chicken wings alongside Midwestern-leaning comfort fare. The lively room and patio make it a social stop for chicken and beers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soy-Garlic Fried Chicken Wings, Buffalo Wings, Chili Cheese Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: James Beard–recognized new bar with standout fried wings.
Who should go: Wing lovers and neighborhood groups
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm before it fills
What to order: Soy-garlic wings; Buffalo wings; chili cheese fries
Insider tip: The patio closes at 10pm—plan wing rounds accordingly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission and nearby residential blocks; expect to circle during peak hours. No private lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—locals come in jeans and team tees, but button-downs fit right in for dinner.
Noise level: Lively and energetic indoors with music and chatter; patio is more moderate and conversational.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes for a table after 6:30pm; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—salads, fries, and a few comfort sides available.
Vegan options: Minimal—ask to modify sides or salads, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes like grilled items and wings can be adapted; staff familiar with sensitivities but shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a fun, low-pressure night—energetic vibe, craft beer list, and lively patio; not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—most tables are first come, first served. Go early on weekends or opt for the bar or patio to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely—families frequent the early hours, high chairs are available, and the menu includes mild wings and kid portions.
Best For
Better for: Wing variety and social energy—beats quieter sit-down spots for group nights or casual gatherings.
Skip if: You want fine-dining ambiance or fully gluten-free or vegan options.
The Halfway Club
8.3
Lively neighborhood bar and kitchen where fried chicken wings get the spotlight alongside comfort fare. The room hums with groups and families, and the patio adds easygoing Excelsior energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Wings (Chili-Garlic Oil), Buffalo Wings, Chili Cheese Fries
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Full-service bar setting with crisp, sauced wings and a patio.
Who should go: Wing lovers meeting friends after work
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm before the rush
What to order: Chili-garlic wings, Buffalo wings, ranch on the side
Insider tip: Patio closes earlier than the bar—plan wing rounds accordingly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on Geneva and nearby residential blocks, though it can tighten after 6pm on weekends. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood bar vibe—jeans, tees, and sneakers are standard. No dress code enforcement.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; easy conversation early evening, but louder once music and groups fill the space.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; limited daytime crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – options like fries, salads, and a few non-meat bar bites available.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of sides and salads can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial – wings can be served without breading or sauce upon request, but cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun and casual for a laid-back first date—especially if you’re both into wings and beer—but it can get loud later in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common. Arrive before 6pm on weekends or call ahead for patio availability.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – early evenings welcome families. High chairs available and a few kid-friendly menu options before 9pm when the bar crowd builds.
Best For
Better for: Best for groups who want comfort food and a lively bar setting rather than a quiet meal.
Skip if: You’re seeking a romantic dinner or strict dietary accommodations—noise and fried-heavy menu might not suit those occasions.
The Halfway Club
8.6
Excelsior’s buzzy bar and kitchen serves Cincinnati-style chili cheese fries over standard-cut or waffle fries. Hospitality and a nostalgic tavern vibe underpin why locals come back for fry-centric rounds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chili Cheese Fries (Cincinnati-style), Waffle Fries, Standard-Cut Fries with Ranch
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: James Beard–recognized new bar with standout chili cheese fries.
Who should go: Fry fans chasing hearty bar food
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm before it fills
What to order: Chili cheese fries; waffle fries; standard-cut fries with ranch
Insider tip: Ask for waffle fries under the chili for extra structure and crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; arrive early or use rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual; locals mix jeans and button-downs with slightly elevated touches for evening visits.
Noise level: Moderate to lively after 7pm; conversation-friendly early evenings, more energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating often available sooner.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quick table turnover during early hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – classic fries, salads, and sides are available sans meat.
Vegan options: Limited – fries are vegan-friendly but chili and cheese toppings are not.
Gluten-free options: Partial – fries themselves are gluten-free, but shared fryers may cause cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially early evening on weeknights. The Halfway Club’s warm tavern lighting and friendly service strike a balance between casual and conversational, ideal for relaxed first-date energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, particularly before 6:30pm or for small parties. Reservations are advised for weekend evenings or larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat – early hours are fine for families, but as the night progresses, the bar crowd and volume make it better suited to adults.
Best For
Better for: Best for bar-style comfort food where fries are treated seriously—creative toppings, hearty portions, and a full drink menu.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet or health-conscious setting; the energy and menu lean toward indulgent pub fare.