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True Laurel
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
True Laurel
8.2
Cocktail bar from the Lazy Bear team with a serious food program. Elevated bar plates and award-winning drinks keep the room humming late.
Must-Try Dishes:
TL patty melt, Chicken katsu salad, Strawberry shortcake
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Bar-forward spot where the food stands on its own.
Who should go: Cocktail fans who want real dinner
When to visit: Walk in early; prime seats fill after 7 pm
What to order: Patty melt; chicken katsu; seasonal dessert
Insider tip: Weekend brunch adds day-drinking spritzes and specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; Alabama Street and adjacent blocks can be tight after 6pm—plan to circle or use rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and jackets are fine, but most guests lean stylish given the cocktail crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—bar chatter fills the room but you can still hold a conversation if seated along the wall or booths.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for bar seats without reservation; tables may be longer after 7 pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A—dinner and late-night only, no daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 adaptable items, ask staff for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Partial—some plates are naturally gluten-free, but kitchen handles flour, so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, creative cocktails, and a buzzy but not overwhelming vibe make it ideal for a relaxed first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and early in the evening; reservations recommended for groups or prime hours after 7 pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-focused cocktail spot; older teens might be fine early in the evening, but no children’s menu or accommodations.
Best For
Better for: Better for inventive cocktails and elevated bar food than most Mission bars; excels in chef-driven flavor and mixology balance.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a full dinner menu or quiet setting—go to Lazy Bear upstairs or The Morris instead.
True Laurel
8.6
Cocktail den from the Lazy Bear team turning out a dialed-in double cheeseburger and late-night bites alongside inventive drinks. The kitchen runs to midnight on weekends, making it a prime Mission stop after shows or bar-hopping.
Must-Try Dishes:
True Laurel Burger, Crispy Potatoes, Seasonal Soft-Serve
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A destination bar with a serious, late-running burger program.
Who should go: Cocktail fans chasing elite late-night burgers
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 10pm for full late-night energy
What to order: True Laurel Burger, crispy potatoes, soft-serve swirl
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest; the burger pairs beautifully with their clarified cocktails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—spots on Alabama and 19th fill up quickly after 7pm; paid lots available two blocks east near Mission Street.
Dress code: Smart casual; locals dress up slightly for cocktails—dark jeans, button-downs, and chic casual dresses fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at the bar early evening, but grows louder after 10pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for bar seating after 9pm; tables often booked earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: N/A—closed for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but thoughtful—small plates like crispy potatoes or seasonal vegetables rotate frequently.
Vegan options: Minimal—cocktails are vegan-friendly, but the food menu skews toward dairy and meat.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adjusted; staff can advise but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, inventive drinks, and a low-lit counter make it ideal for an intimate first date that feels casual yet special.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can usually snag bar seating if you arrive before 9pm; after that, expect a wait or standing room until a table opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is an adult-focused cocktail bar with limited seating and a late-night vibe better suited to adults and couples.
Best For
Better for: Late-night quality food and cocktails in one of the Mission’s few upscale bar settings; the burger competes with full-service restaurants.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet sit-down dinner or a large group table—space is tight and noise rises late.