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Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.6
Long-running Hayes Valley brasserie known for a refined, juicy burger and classic cocktails. A polished room and sharp service make it a pre-symphony standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Absinthe Burger with Gruyère and Fries, French Onion Soup, Seasonal Greens
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A brasserie burger executed with precision in a classic setting.
Who should go: Cocktail and burger traditionalists
When to visit: Pre-theater evenings or weekend lunch
What to order: Burger with Gruyère, frites, a classic cocktail
Insider tip: Bar seats are first-come and ideal for solo diners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley can be very tight after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Gough and Hayes are the most reliable options. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are acceptable but lean dressy, especially for pre-symphony or date night crowds.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible across the table, though the bar area can get lively on weekends.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though business lunch rush can fill tables quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including salads, soups, and a few entrées can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items, though the kitchen is accommodating with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread is available, and many dishes can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished brasserie setting, attentive service, and classic cocktails create a sophisticated but relaxed vibe perfect for a first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—bar seats are first-come and often available for solo diners or pairs, but main dining room tables usually require reservations, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better suited for adults, though older kids may be fine at lunch. No kids’ menu or high chairs are provided.
Best For
Better for: Pre-theater dinners and polished burger-and-cocktail pairings in an upscale brasserie setting.
Skip if: You want a casual, family-friendly burger joint or late-night eats—the vibe here is more refined and tied to the neighborhood’s arts crowd.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.2
Hayes Valley’s longtime French brasserie pairs bistro classics with one of the city’s great cocktail programs. Pre-symphony and SFJAZZ crowds come for reliable fare, polished hospitality, and a lively room that still feels timeless.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup gratinée, Steak frites, Duck confit (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Classic French brasserie dishes in a landmark Hayes Valley setting.
Who should go: Pre-show diners and Francophile bistro lovers
When to visit: Before performances or late evenings after the rush
What to order: Onion soup; steak frites; a house cocktail
Insider tip: Time your reservation around SF Symphony or SFJAZZ curtain times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated valet; limited metered street parking nearby. Best bet is the Hayes Street Garage at 375 Linden St (2-minute walk). Street parking is difficult after 6pm on show nights.
Dress code: Smart casual. Blazers and dresses common for pre-symphony diners; jeans acceptable if paired with nice shoes or a collared shirt.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially around showtime. Conversations possible but not hushed; can be challenging for very quiet dates.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially pre-show. Reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the bar fills quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several bistro classics like French onion soup, salads, and pasta dishes can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – typically 1–2 items, but kitchen can adjust some sides or salads on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – steak frites and many mains can be prepared gluten-free. No dedicated prep area but staff are accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the lively French brasserie setting feels timeless and romantic without being too stiff. Cocktails are a highlight and help set the mood.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible at the bar or for late-night dining, but during pre-symphony and SFJAZZ hours, expect a long wait without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The bustling, cocktail-driven atmosphere is geared toward adults. Older teens may enjoy the brasserie classics, but families with small children may find it less suitable.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail program and lively pre-show atmosphere set it apart from quieter fine-dining French spots. Great mix of bar energy and classic French fare.
Skip if: You want a hushed, Michelin-level tasting experience or a highly vegan/health-forward menu – alternatives like O’ by Claude Le Tohic or Greens might be better fits.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.4
Long-running Hayes Valley brasserie (since 1998) pairing classic French fare with a serious cocktail program in a Belle Époque setting. The green-tiled bar, oysters, and bistro staples make for timeless, camera-friendly plates before or after the symphony.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Steak Frites (green peppercorn sauce), Escargots de Bourgogne
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Classic French brasserie dishes and cocktails in a photogenic room.
Who should go: Pre-show diners and Francophile bistro fans
When to visit: Aim for late lunch or post-8pm to avoid peak pre-show rush
What to order: French onion soup, escargots, steak frites
Insider tip: Bar seats turn over fastest and offer the best cocktail photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hayes Valley can be tough, especially on show nights; paid garages available nearby on Grove and Gough.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine if paired with a jacket or nice top.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; bar area is buzzy, but in the dining room you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on Symphony/Opera nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but reservations recommended for business lunches.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple bistro classics like French onion soup (without beef broth), salads, and seasonal pastas.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and a few modified dishes; best to call ahead.
Gluten-free options: Several options like oysters, steaks, and salads; staff can advise substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the Belle Époque setting, polished service, and cocktails create a romantic but not overly formal atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—bar seats turn over fastest; dining room tables usually require booking, especially pre-show.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly geared toward children—menu skews adult, but older kids/teens are fine. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Best for pairing French bistro fare with top-tier cocktails in a timeless, photogenic room.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, low-key meal—on show nights it’s crowded and lively.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.3
Long-running Hayes Valley brasserie (since 1998) pairing classics like French onion soup and steak frites with one of the city’s hallmark cocktail programs. Lively, Belle Époque décor and pre/post-symphony crowds make it a reliable date-night stop steps from the performing arts.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup gratinée, Steak frites with maître d’hôtel butter, Escargots en persillade
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: San Francisco’s classic French brasserie experience with serious cocktails.
Who should go: French brasserie fans near SFJAZZ/symphony
When to visit: Pre-theater 5–6:30pm or after 8:30pm
What to order: Onion soup; steak frites; escargots
Insider tip: Bar seating is first-come and ideal for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Hayes Valley is competitive, especially during evening performances; nearby paid garages on Grove and Franklin are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests lean dressy due to pre/post-symphony crowds; jeans are fine if paired with a nice shirt or jacket.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially during happy hour and pre-theater—conversation is possible but expect a buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with tables available quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, pastas, and French onion soup can be enjoyed vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options may be adjusted upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—steak frites and many mains can be modified; staff is accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the Belle Époque décor and polished cocktail program create a romantic yet lively setting that helps ease conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky—walk-ins may find bar seating easier; dining room tables are often booked pre-theater and on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it’s geared toward adults with a strong bar scene and late-night energy; better suited for teens than younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward French dining near cultural venues—perfect for pre/post-show meals with lively ambiance.
Skip if: You want a hushed, intimate French dinner without theater-goer bustle—consider O’ by Claude Le Tohic instead.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.3
Polished brasserie known for textbook frites, croques, and classic cocktails in a lively Hayes Valley room. Since 1998, it’s been a pre-show standby with reliable French-leaning brunch fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pommes frites, Croque madame, Steak frites
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: French brasserie staples crafted with finesse and balance.
Who should go: Pre-show diners and Francophiles
When to visit: Before matinees or early afternoon
What to order: Frites; croque madame; steak frites
Insider tip: Bar seats are easiest for a quick frites-and-cocktail stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and competitive in Hayes Valley; nearby paid garages like Performing Arts Garage on Grove St. are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests lean dressy for pre-show or date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible but expect a bustling brasserie hum, especially during peak brunch or pre-theater hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats sometimes open up faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait if arriving before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options such as salads, frites, and egg-based brunch plates.
Vegan options: Limited—can adapt a few dishes, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be modified; servers are knowledgeable but there is no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its lively brasserie setting, polished service, and French cocktails make it an engaging and stylish choice without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at off-peak hours, but evenings and weekends fill quickly. The bar area is your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? More suited to adults and older teens. High chairs are limited and the bustling, cocktail-driven atmosphere isn’t ideal for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Classic French brasserie dishes and pre-theater cocktails in a lively setting—something many Hayes Valley competitors don’t deliver with the same consistency.
Skip if: You want a quiet, vegan-focused brunch or a purely casual neighborhood café—other spots nearby cater better to those needs.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.4
Hayes Valley’s polished brasserie turns out textbook pommes frites—golden, salty, and built for dipping—served with bistro standards and classic cocktails. It’s a pre-show favorite for refined snacks and steady execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pommes Frites with Dipping Sauces, Moules Frites, Steak Frites
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Classic French-style frites with crisp texture and clean seasoning.
Who should go: Pre-show diners craving bistro fries
When to visit: Before SF Jazz or Symphony set times
What to order: Pommes frites; moules frites; steak frites
Insider tip: Bar seats are easiest for a quick fries-and-cocktail stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging in Hayes Valley, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Gough and Grove are most reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for pre-show outings.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing brasserie energy but still possible to hold a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating can be faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait if arriving before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options including salads, soups, and vegetable-forward entrées.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be adapted with modifications; staff are accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Yes—select entrées and sides available; ask staff for adjustments.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the polished setting, strong cocktails, and shareable fries make it ideal for a relaxed but elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly—the bar is your best bet for walk-ins, but dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially pre-show.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—better suited for adults; no kids’ menu, though older children may enjoy the frites and burgers.
Best For
Better for: Classic French bistro experience with refined cocktails and consistently executed frites in a lively Hayes Valley setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, family-friendly meal or extensive vegan options—other spots in the neighborhood may be better fits.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
8.3
Long-running Hayes Valley brasserie (since 1998) pairing classic French comfort with a serious cocktail program. It’s a go-to before Symphony/Opera with reliable pacing and brasserie staples done right.
Must-Try Dishes:
French onion soup gratinée, Steak frites, Absinthe burger
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Classic brasserie fare with pre-theater timing and bar craft.
Who should go: Pre-show diners and brasserie fans
When to visit: Early evening before curtain times
What to order: Onion soup; steak frites; burger at the bar
Insider tip: Street parking is tight—use the Grove St. lot between Franklin and Gough.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce; the closest reliable option is the Grove Street garage between Franklin and Gough. No valet service offered.
Dress code: Smart casual—business attire or date-night dress fits in, but nice jeans and a jacket are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate buzz with bar energy; conversation is possible but expect liveliness, especially pre-theater.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended pre-show.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait; walk-ins usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, soups, and pasta options are consistently available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable dishes; staff can modify on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—several entrées and sides can be made gluten-free; servers knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the classic brasserie vibe and strong cocktail program create an elegant but not stuffy setting. Good lighting and lively atmosphere strike a nice balance for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at lunch or off-peak hours, but evening and pre-theater times fill quickly. The bar is first-come, first-served and often easier to grab a seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—best suited for adults or older teens. No kids’ menu; the atmosphere skews toward business lunches, date nights, and theater crowds.
Best For
Better for: Stronger cocktail program and polished pre-theater pacing compared to other Hayes Valley brasseries.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, intimate room or wide vegan options—choose a different spot.