With its lively, informal décor evocative of turn-of-the-century France, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood romances locals and visitors alike.
398 Hayes St (at Gough St) San Francisco , CA 94102 United States
Credit Cards | Yes (incl. Discover & Visa) |
Wi-Fi | Yes |
Outdoor Seating | Yes |
Menus | Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour |
Drinks | Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails |
Very lively and yet very cozy to go on special occasions . I have been here 2 times and both times for late night desserts . Delicious deserts and pair them with wine recommendations.
Food was great, nice atmosphere, wait staff was incredibly helpful. Cocktails were a little sweet for me. Ordered pretzels and spaghetti , both were great. They also did a great job celebrating a bday!
If you are looking for a staff knowledgeable about herbal drinks like Becherovka, this is the place to be. Enjoy every last bite of even the simplest foods, with the perfect drink pairing every time.
Friendly staff (call for table if Open Table doesn't have availability), good food (rock cod was tasty although lacked a little texture, octopus was second to none), and extensive wine list (~2,500)
Amazing restaurant . Love the tartare appetizer . Menu changes often so recommendations are hard to make, all good!
Stop by Absinthe for a glass of organic bubbly or the namesake cocktail . Grab a sidewalk table and snack on Parmesan-garlic popcorn or spicy fried chickpeas . Read more
The baked Mac & Cheese is delicious - and entree sized! Also, try the 3 cheese trio of Humbolt Fog, Cloth Wrapped Cheddar , and the Pecora. Feeling Bond-ish? Their Vesper Martini is great!
The menu doesn’t cater to classic brasserie fare but a few dishes - the onion soup , sweetbreads and coq au vin - somewhat rescue it. All are on the highly heavy, indigestible side however.
Great place to go for lunch . Burgers are delicious - made to perfection. Entire staff is friendly - from hostess , servers, bus boys and everyone! They will make menu recommendations too!
Very good food. Even better wine list with some real gems. Don’t skip the dessert , worth the extra calories
A bar and grill stalwart — excellent manhattans and martinis . A few surprises to go with the classics.
Came here with a friend to get some dinner late in the evening after drinking for a bit. We're vegetarian and got the soup and pasta - both delicious!
Adam Keough has revived this bustling Hayes Valley fixture. Its lively , yet comforting brasserie scene remains, but now there’s an energized bar food program & the menu has new soul. [Eater 38 Member] Read more
Best French onion soup ever! Also if the drink you want is not on the menu , no problem. The bar tender will still make it for you.
The ceviche , pork belly , and mussels were delicious! Walking distance to the Opera House, and servers are conscious of show times to remind you to skedaddle!
Used to come here for brunch only but the dinner menu now is really great! And of course their cocktails and wine list never disappoint
Great cocktails ! Go for a Manhattan and accompany it with garlic pretzel bites
Get there at 11 on weekends to beat the brunch crowds. Yummy French toast and huge portion . Skip the open face trout sandwich unless you love mayonnaise and eggs
Pickled is a monthly pop-up bar on the last Monday of the month (excepting December). Artisan , culinary cocktails , select wines , beers , and small plates served in the Absinthe private dining room. Awe
Con: $11 for a fruit bowl that I could've made for $2? No. Pro, the breakfast potatoes were amazing. Painfully pleasant servers who appear to be begging you to set them free, & seniors everywhere.
The Steak Tartare is very solid. Don't second guess yourself.
The food and drinks here are amazing and the bartenders are really nice too get the pomegranate martini !! The Nevada was pretty good too
Get the Spanish Coffee - its not on the menu and it's fun to watch them make it. Oh, and one of the bar tenders is allergic to the cinnamon in it so thank the poor dude.
Lamb chop for dinner is better than their stack. But the coq au vin is the best anywhere.
Great food, sweet atmosphere and our server Carlos was wonderful!
The cocktails were delicious and the strawberry desert was to die for.
Try the Soft garlic pretzels - Guy next to me at the bar : "If you want to drink the rest of that beer cheese sauce , I won't judge you."
Pop into the bar for a cocktail and the pretzel bites with hot cheese !
The burgers .. Amazing! and the coconut-corn soup is so creamy and delicious.
A perfect spot to have a cozy birthday dinner . The service, food, and ambiance was super warm and friendly . I thoroughly enjoyed the birthday mango ice-cream. :)
Solid gin cocktails . The bar is a good spot to escape from the bustle of Hayes.
Great selection of drinks. Oysters are a must! Grilled cheese with mushrooms is good but way to big
SF Weekly’s Best Of 2011 Winner – Editorial Pick – BEST POP-UP BAR NIGHTEssentially a pop-up bar w/in a bar , a set menu features seasonal cocktails & bites that aren't typically available elsewhere. Read more
SF Weekly’s Best Of 2011 Winner – Editorial Pick – BEST POP-UP BAR NIGHTEssentially a pop-up bar w/in a bar , a menu features seasonal cocktails & bites that aren't typically available elsewhere... Read more
Their ceviche dish is pretty flavorful and spicy , the French onion soup and buttersquash soup were excellent.
Try the Dungeness Crab Omelette - Fresh crab meat and spinach tucked within a light, fluffy omelette with green onions and chiles ... Must try!
the coq au vin is one of my favorite dishes anywhere
With a menu that lives up to its reputation, Chef Adam Keough has a lot to be proud of - and so do we! We’re so proud of everything our alumni accomplish.
Delightful, comfortable , mature brasserie . Perfect for after theater . Great cocktails .
Great cocktails and the scalloped potatoes on the salmon is very classic.
The soft garlic pretzels is very tasty and the dipping sauce is delicious. Hamburger is cooked perfectly and Croque Monsieur is great!
Everything. Cheese plate was incredible, great salads , bomb mashed potatoes and chicken
Braised pork shoulder and buttermilk pancakes for brunch . Yum!
Nice French style food. Good atmosphere. Coq au vin and oysters were really good.
Brunch menu changes often but if you come across the duck confit ragout: don't hesitate.
Grab a sidewalk table and snack on Parmesan-garlic popcorn ($4) or spicy fried chickpeas ($4). Read more
Desserts and digestive drinks are excellent! I highly recommend this place
OK... If you're lucky enough to spot the Apple Pie Panna Cotta ... Just say YES! Right up there with the best...
Oysters , pretzels , French onion soup , the burger - we had it all and everything was delicious!
Great ambiance, filled with chatter but dimly lit. The hot dog 's the 7x7 list of things to try but I just found out from the server but they have a new chef and no longer have it on the menu.
Excellent French selection. I always have to start with their onion soup. Tres bien - Dom
Hospitable service and a decadent, comforting meal. Get the half glasses of wine, to try more of the great selection. - Lisa Sanchez
Beautiful venue. Saw Fidelio here and it was very nice. Even the cheapest seats had a good view. - Abby C
All cocktails are awesome! Order at the end of the bar (the side nearest the restroom). - Steve Fadden
World-class singers. Mephistopheles production was fantastic. They tracked down sets in Turino originally made for a San Francisco production many years ago. It was jaw-dropping awesome. - Amy T