Skip to main content

ZipPicks Awards

Best Trendy American in the Mission District Best Late Night Burgers in the Mission District

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

True Laurel 8.2
Mission
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.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 11pm
Friday4pm - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 10pm