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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Pizza in the Castro
Best Family Friendly Pizza in the Castro
Best Date Night Italian in the Castro
Best Lasagna in the Castro
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 12am
Wednesday12am - 9am, 4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday12pm - 11pm
Saturday12pm - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm