All the bases
Rikki’s (Castro)
BARS • First Round
The Skinny: SF’s first dedicated women’s sports bar, Rikki’s (named for groundbreaking local gay sports-league icon Rikki Streicher), debuted over the summer in the Castro, carving out a niche for the female end of the local queer bar scene, fans of both good bar food, and women’s soccer/basketball/you name it.
The Vibe: More mellow than neighbor Hi Tops, Rikki’s is part cocktail and beer bar and part restaurant, with a dividing pony wall that separates the dining area from the standing-room space. A funky little living room setup is tucked just behind the front window.
The Drink: From the signature drinks to the solid selection of classics — the latter of which are available at happy hour prices (330-6p on weekdays and 1130a-2p on weekends), Rikki’s bar covers all the bases. Low-ABV and n/a options are unique and fun, too, including a low-ABV Manhattan option called Feeling (the) 22, made with more vermouth than rye. Signatures include the Iron Maven, made with bourbon, amaro, rosemary vermouth, hibiscus, ginger, and lemon, making it a spiritual cross between a whisky sour and a pink Cosmopolitan. The Ballhalla, named for the Golden State Valkyries’ nickname for the Chase Center, is a milk punch featuring white rum, plum brandy, cacao, guava, mint, cava, and clarified soy milk.
The Food: About as progressive as the concept itself, at least in regard to the spectrum of dietary preferences and restrictions, from vegan to carnivore. A dish of spiced carrots come vegetarian with whipped feta dip, or vegan with whipped turmeric tofu dip. The Caesar salad can be topped with chicken thigh, rock cod, or bacon. And the Comforts section of the menu includes bacon-wrapped bison meatloaf, pear grilled cheese, a beet burger, and fish and chips. There’s also a smashburger available with American cheese and chili aioli. (I will say that the Fried Chicken Sammy, while tasty, doesn’t really hold a candle to Hi Tops’ version and should perhaps be rethought.)
The Verdict: Rikki’s can’t help but be packed and lively as long as the Valkyries are playing, and they’re giving lesbian football fans a fresh option. And as bar food goes, the menu is a win, too. –Jay Barmann
→ Rikki’s (Castro) • 2223 Market St • Tue-Thu 330-10p, Fri 1130a-12a, Sat 1130a-12a, Sun 1130a-10p.