The LookOut
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 3:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sat 12:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m.
Sun 12:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Late Night
- Music: DJ
- Best Nights: Fri, Sat, Thu
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: Outdoor Area/Patio Only
28 reviews
Neighborhood: Financial District
"This place has to be pretty damn good because I ended up finishing both slices!!!! Pizza Lovers unite in the Fidi at Pomodoro Pizza not…" read more »
27 Reviews for The LookOut
This is strictly a review of the pizza restaurant within the Lookout, Thick and Thin. The bar is fine, but don't leave without trying their pizza! Not the best pizza I've ever had, but it's by far the best bar food I've ever had. The thin crust is surprisingly good. They saute their mushroom topping in garlic before putting it on the pizza -- a welcome change from the dried out mushrooms you sometimes get on other pizzas. Service is friendly and attentive too.
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This was our final destination during our "gay date" this past weekend and although this place didn't blow us...away or leave us wanting to return, it was a nice change of pace.
You ascend up the stairs and are greeted by the doorman who then asks you for your $2 cover!!!?? *SCREECH AND HALT...What's up with a $2 cover? That doesn't even make sense. We were not offered any dancing, any special DJ..nada...Just a massive, melting 42 Below Vodka ice sculpture. Through which a specialty cocktail was poured through..Oh, and that cocktail..It was $7! Sorry..I paid $2 to get in and plan to only spend a little more than that for a drink.
The space is taken over by the massive bar..with seating around it. There is also a narrow patio that runs the perimeter of the outside...hence the name, The LookOut. The patio was nice, but when you're a little on the heavier side and already fighting for space, as it is...It's really no fun fighting for space with skinny 'mo's who feel the need to chain smoke because the law doesn't allow them to partake inside...Hey, honey! The law states something to the affect of smoking away from the business..not in my damn face!
Good eye candy was had..and we did meet some nice guys..Although, not certain I'd make a run for The LookOut, anytime soon...Umm..If you're asking me to pay to JUST GET IN..Then I'd expect something in return..Maybe a wet mouth..a warm hole...a free drink...ANYTHING..Not..oh, pay your cover and go in and sit...I can do that for free at home!
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Leave it to the token gay coworker to bring a group of old straight people HERE after an engaging (yawn) and informative (free food) work related convention.
A few of the more mature women in the group looked slightly flustered as they ordered their diet cokes. We took a seat at a table by the bar and discussed things like special programs, publications, reports, fiscal responsibility, memos, my future in the company, and various other topics of senseless blather.
The entire time I nodded my head and tried not to stare at the 2 guys spanking each other while making the "O" face, directly behind the Service Chief.
I will be back, token gay coworker in tow, to do what I wished I could have done all night. Sit on the balcony, drink beer in excess, chain smoke, and have a lengthy discussion involving on-line dating, Britney Spears, and penises.
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If they have Lesbian Night at this place, they should change the name to "The LickOut".
Just sayin'.
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This is probably one of my favorite locatins in the Castro. I love the outside balcony, especially on a nice weekend day. You can sit outside, sip your margarita and people watch on what's happening outside on the streets. You can probably see an almost near accident as this is the worst intersection in the City.
I've had many a party here and they've been great. New owners of late and they seem to be ok. Under lots of changes...not sure if I' like them all yet.
I love hanging out here on Sunday afternoons. It's lots of fun and a great crowd. The new Jock Sunday parties are lots of fun!
It's great to go to Lime Brunch beforehand and then off to Lookout!
I'll take a top-shelf margarita, no salt and a splash of grande marnier on top! Thanks~
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You know, this place used to be fun, but the drinks are weak and the vibe pretty, well, lame.
Was there on a Friday nite at 9:00 and the place was nearly empty, guess that has to do with the fact that you can buy a decent drink at any other bar on a Friday nite for the same price.
Barely a smile from the bartender, just some attitude, and even that seemed weak, at best. Kinda summed up everything else about it there.
Awesome & friendly staff, Greg makes my favorite margarita in town! They use their own sweet & sour mix, totally fresh.
The food (a la Thick & Thin) is fantastic too. Love the wings, calamari, quesadillas, coconut shrimp and I'm sure they make the guacamole the minute you order it. The smores pizza isn't to be missed, have it with a white russian or a mudslide if you're feeling super naughty.
Trivia nights on Wednesdays and always something fun happening.
Don't worry-- you aren't going to be eating dinner in a bar. And don't' worry, you're not gay if you eat here. Technically both rooms are under the same name, "The Lookout," but don't let the loads of hunky men in the bar area scare you off. The two rooms (restaurant and bar) are joined by a hallway and platform, with an amazing floor-to-ceiling window where you can sit and watch all the action on the streets below. I've eaten here a few times now and the restaurant side is relatively dead considering the often large, fun crowds at the bar next door. In fact, on a Monday night, we were the only customers dining here. All the better! A quite place to gather with friends and sip cold beers, sink my teeth into salty kalamata olives and garlic-marinated mushroom pizza and enjoy endless people-watching. The service is consistently excellent and all kinds of people are welcome here, despite the prime location in the seemingly exclusive Castro scene. The pizza and views are far better than what you'll find at the other pizza options in the neighborhood (Cybelle's Pizza, Capri Pizza, etc.)
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Just here to review the pizza, although the bar looked great....
I went based on the Tablehopper review, and was not disappointed. In short, it's not as stupefyingly amazing as Little Star, but only by just a little bit. Thus, it's really good. And way better than Zachary's. I had the thick crust Castro Queen and by all measures it was a solid pizza. Crust was flavorful and not too doughy, fresh ingredients, and tangy sauce. I will return, and maybe to the bar as well!
If you're straight there's no need to feel awkward. This is an all inclusive and very friendly bar. I went there on an after work party with some friends. Didn't try the food, but they make a good martini. The bartender was cool and the atmosphere is so so chill!
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First of all, I really wanted to rate the pizza restaurant, called Thick 'n' Thin, but I can't find a separate company listing on here for it... I see the pizza place and LookOut as totally separate. It's all about the pizza. And what a pie it is.
We arrived at the top of the stairs to find an empty dining room. Promptly greeted by the owner, Chris, who led us to a window table. Great table, but the banquette bench on one side is significantly higher than the stool on the other. We wondered if it's possible to lower the bench side; probably cheaper than replacing tables and stools.
The glasses of red that we ordered were great. The spinach salad was ho-hum, but the Caesar was delicious. A creamy garlicky dressing evenly covered the evenly chopped romaine. Note, I appreciate the even chop, while others prefer a rough tear or a classic, whole leaf. The uniformity of the chop contrasted with the larger, rosemary-scented, focaccia croutons--homemade--and fresh-ground black pepper delivered a nice compliment to the garlic. One suggestion: toss those amazing croutons with the greens as you're dressing them! Leave no crouton unturned!
Crouton lovers: run, don't walk.
Now, to the pie.
We ordered the "Castro Queen" pie though we're now calling it the "Upper Market Bro." I doubt many Castro queens are going to going to delight in the thick, crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cornmeal crust topped with a layer of perfectly melted cheese and a tomato sauce that rivals any I've had. Imagine Zachary's in Berkeley, but punch up the seasoning and flavor of each pizza component and you've got Thick 'n' Thin. The sauce tastes so fresh, and cuts right through the richness of the cheese and denseness of the crust, leaving you wanting to take another bite before you've hardly chewed the one you're enjoying.
I'm heading there with friends on Friday night, so I'll probably try the thin crust option, another Caesar, and I'll note the name and details of the wine I liked.
Happy eating!
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The Lookout is a great neighborhood spot. The staff is nice and not pretentious. And yes the guys are hot. But what about the pizza, people??? That's why I go. : ) Okay, and beers on the balcony too.
Wow, it is sad how dead this place is. We went in last night at about 10:00pm and there were about 3 people in the place. The bartender was sitting at the bar with a newspaper because he had nothing to do. It is still a great space, and has all the ingreidents to succeed. They need to get some drink specials, some advertising, and most of all a SIGN. Hopefully the new owners can make a go of it.
UPDATE: Went here on Easter Sunday about 4:00pm and the place was hopping, cute boys and sisters of perpetual indulgence everywhere, I had given it two stars, but adding another two, I love that it is doing well again.
Check this out..LookOut is on the second floor, with floor to ceiling glass and outside barstools on two sides of the bar.How cool is that? We drank our cocktails (Greg makes great lemon drops) and watched the street action below.Tried the deep dish pizza with chicken and the calamari and loved them both.It was a beautiful evening and you could see over rooftops all the way to Hayward in one direction and Noe Valley in the other.
Went back for Wednesday Trivia night with Pollo and BeBe . We laughed a lot but hopelessly failed the trivia competion. Maybe next time!?
I'll be honest, I really miss the old Metro. The Lookout just isn't the same. Maybe it hasn't caught on yet, but each time I've been in, it's been dead. The location ROCKS- with a great views of Market Street and all the queens walking to and fro- so the lack of patrons is particularly surprising. I'm going to hold off on a full fledged boycott of the space until the weather turns nicer. With the outdoor balcony- it should pack them in when the sun returns to SF. Fingers crossed, The Lookout space is my favorite in the city and beats Jet, Badlands and BoC hands down...
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I love this space. I always have. Its one of my favorite perches for day drinking in all of the city. Not a lot is changed from when it was Metro but something is different.
Its amazing how much changing lights, a paint job, moving all the shit off the counters and putting in a lounge corner can do for the ambiance of a place. My first time visiting The Lookout was in the evening and the darkness outside combined with the warm lighting inside provided a great ambiance and a feeling of class, something we all know is completely missing in the Castro. The hot bartender provided something to look at behind the bar.
The place was dead and pretty much always looks dead from the outside and I count this as a plus. I was able to take over a portion of the lounge seating to wait for my man and crew. When they arrived we could actually hold a conversation and were able to get the attention of the hotness behind the bar every time we needed refills with no struggle.
I know there must still be some of the old Sunday Funday rowdiness goin on here since I see the guys dangling off the balcony on Sunday afternoons. Someday I'll wander over and check it out.
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I have been to this bar twice and both times only stayed for one drink. They have nice drinks and good bartenders...I guess I just have a hard time staying at a place that seems so cold. I think there is a lot of potential and maybe trying some drink special nights (I am not aware of them having any) would help. Also I would recommend getting rid of the stools with the "M" on the back., having the old Metro chairs doesn't help create a new image.
The old Metro is now called The Look Out. Same decor same crowd but new owners. Sunday afternoons are not to be missed if you are in the Castro. They pour well and they are proud to have Mr Gay San Francisco 2008 as one of their staff members. He is hot, adorable and dating my friend Ms Buss (yes the secret is out...sorry guys but you are so cute together that I have to tell the world) and he loves him some Bambi too...
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The bartenders are nice, the cocktails are decent enough...oh, and the view helps. This bars' best attribute is it's view. Many potential car accidents await (corner of Market & Duboce). Other than this, it like any other bar in The City.
We went there early on a Tuesday afternoon and had a great time. The thin crust Quatro Formaggio pizza was awesome, our cocktails were super, and it's not too expensive. Great place to relax and people watch.
My hazy Sunday afternoon didn't really seem so different from my fuzzy Sunday afternoon experiences when this was the Metro. And this is a good thing.
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What the heck happened to the Metro?! This place still has the same tired old queens holding court. Back in the day, it used to be a fun place with an awesome Chinese restaurant. Now it's just another lame bar on Market St.
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So, I haven't had pizza for quite sometime (not one of my favorite foods), and after eating last night at the Lookout I now am craving this "rarely before" decadent experience. The pizza had to be the best pizza I've ever experienced! Corn meal crust, cooked like a pie in a sense. Luscious tomato sauces that are out of this world. Seriously enjoyed both the thin crust and deep dish pizza's. Lovely options for vegetarians too! :) I swear the chef back in that little kitchen is a true treasure and all must try it out! :) Oh, yeah ..the bartenders are cuties and very friendly. :)
"look out! there's a hot bunch of boys sitting in the corner."
"look out! there's some tasty bar food coming your way."
"look out! the drinks are very strong."
i finally made it to my friend's new bar, THE LOOKOUT! the first time, i jumped the gun and he was carrying in supplies with a sign taped to the door asking for bartenders. whoops.
it was worth the wait, let me tell you. i walked out of that joint all warm and fuzzy, well-lubricated, and grinning from ear to ear.
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I miss the Metro :(
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had dinner at the lookout last night. definitely a surprise at the quality of the thin crust chicken pesto pizza. really fantastic, plus it's a great bar with one of the finest views in the city. the balcony here is one-of-a-kind, come for drinks, come for food, you won't be disappointed. plus, it seems to be much more mixed than the rest of the castro bars, which this city needs much more of!
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The hardest part of leaving my apartment in Hayes Valley was sacrificing proximity to Patxi's pizza. Thank goddess, good pizza has made it's way to the Castro! Enough with greasy slices on paper plates; this is the real thing. Deep dish (I had the chicken club last night....delicious!) pizza covered in lots of sauce. The magic is in the sauce for me; I'm one of those "easy on the cheese--heavy on the sauce" kind of guys. Many pizza sauces are too sweet for me, though. This one is a little spicy and super yummy. That said, I was surprised to find that the thin crust pizza is even better than the chicago style. And then there's the s'more pizza...do not attempt to eat it alone. So they've got the food down pat, but the bar's gin selection is anemic. Can't a guy get a top-shelf gin in the castro? Perhaps some of the other neighborhood bars have a better selection; I wouldn't know, I usually make a u-turn about 5 paces past the doorman. The Lookout is spacious, equipped with a wrap-around smokers balcony, and staffed by a collection of heavy-handed, sexy bartenders. We were able to gather a group of 12-15 friends comfortably, without stepping on each other's toes all night.
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