Absinthe Brasserie and Bar

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Address:
398 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Neighborhood:
Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

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Cuisine:
French

Price: $30 and under

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Absinthe Brasserie and Bar Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://www.absinthe.com
Phone: (415) 551-1590
Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 am to midnight

Thursday & Friday: 11:30 am to midnight (bar open til 2 am)

Saturday: Brunch, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; 3:00 pm to midnight (bar open til 2 am)

Sunday: Brunch, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Closed Monday
Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: French, Californian
Executive Chef: Adam Keough
Dress Code: Business Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Full Bar, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Catering: Please call for more details.
Special Events & Promotions: Absinthe Private Dining, directly adjacent to Absinthe Brasserie & Bar on Hayes near Gough, is designed to function as a completely private dining room with its own private entrance, coat closet, restroom and bar.

The menus at Absinthe Private Dining, created by executive chef Adam Keough and executive pastry chef Bill Corbett, offer classic and contemporary San Francisco brasserie fare for brunch, lunch, and dinner. The private dining menus reflect those in the main dining room at Absinthe, and change frequently, allowing variety and seasonal freshness.

Absinthe Private Dining is available for business meetings, wedding events,
cocktail receptions, birthdays, showers, wine dinners, pre- or post-performance dinners, and holiday parties.

For more information, please contact Vanessa Harris at 415-551-1453 or email vharris@absinthegroup.com

Getting there

Cross Street: Gough
Parking: Valet
Parking Details: Valet parking available 5:00pm-Close Tuesday-Saturday. Street parking is also available. Public lots located on the corner of Hayes & Franklin and on Grove between Franklin & Gough.

A word from Absinthe Brasserie and Bar

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is one of the longest-running and most convivial dining institutions in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood. Located within walking distance of Civic Center and the performing arts centers, the establishment features French and Northern Italian-influenced brasserie… fare for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Absinthe’s lively bar offers classic and creative cocktails and late-night dining.
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Diner Reviews

"We were there on a Monday, it was energetic, great vibe, good ambiance. The service was good and food was excellent. We ordered the pork belly to start, melt in your mouth delicious. For entrees we had the swordfish with corn puree and leg of lamb with polenta - both had very distinct flavors and both were outstanding."
Dined on 7/28/2014
"We were visiting San Fran and a friend recommended Absinthe. We loved the whole experience. The food, the service (Erin our server was terrific and even brought dessert out with a candle for my boyfriend as I had casually mentioned it was his birthday). We ordered only snacks and apps and had plenty of food. Every course was phenomenal from the olives, meatballs, ceviche, oysters, beef tartare, clams and mussels to our coconut lime sorbet (best sorbet I've ever tasted). Being a foodie from Philly, I would highly recommend this place if you are visiting SF."
Dined on 7/28/2014
"Had dinner res at 6:15 to make the Nourse at 7:30. We were seated earlier in a very comfy booth for 2. Enjoyed fabulous chickpeas, Beemster cheese plate and heart of romaine before dinner. Coq au vin was amazing as was my filet. Did not feel rushed, but rather welcomed to enjoy our meal. Did not have time to have desert and made the show with 5 min to spare..."
Dined on 7/28/2014
"The food was just average but for the price it was not comparable to other similar priced restaurants in the area. After giving the waitress our credit card she returns with someone else`s bill which was more than double our charge. After later giving us the correct bill she said the wrong charge was torn up and did not go through. However, that charge was put through and appeared on our credit card. After reaching the manager he assured it would be corrected. I hope so!!!"
Dined on 7/26/2014
"Even though we were a few minutes late for our 6:00 reservation (we called to let them know), our table was waiting in the busy restaurant and we were quickly seated. Love that they have a seasonal menu - no specials - which was fine. We ordered the Coq au Vin, pork chop, swordfish, and steak - my friend requested it "black and blue" and said they nailed it! Starters were french fries (great fries and dipping sauces) and chicken liver mousse (yum!) Everything was fantastic. My husband said the Coq may be the best he's had - served in a crock the way I think it should be served - seemed to have been cooking for days. Sommelier was friendly and helpful. Server Caitlin was awesome! Loved our first visit - will come again!"
Dined on 7/25/2014
"We had a light lunch of corn coconut soup and Mac and cheese. Delicious!"
Dined on 7/23/2014
"The brunch menu has something for everyone and the service is super friendly. I would go back any time."
Dined on 7/20/2014
"I was very disappointed with our experience at Absinthe on Saturday night. The bartenders were very rude and condescending when we asked questions about specific drinks. Our server was incredibly disengaged and there were long lapses of her not checking in. The sommelier was also very slow to bring our wine to the table. In fact, we were finished with our appetizers before our first bottle even arrived. Not impressed, wouldn't recommend it to friends and won't come back."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"From the lovely fresh oysters through the wonderful deconstructed german chocolate cake, the evening was one delight after another!! Attentive, teamwork service ensured no plate or spoon sat on the table when not indicated. Wine list to die for! Was a very special birthday dinner splurge!!"
Dined on 7/19/2014
"we were seated in room far away from bar area. tables were spaced comfortably apart. staff was efficient and friendly. food was delicious. relaxed pace but still made it easily to our performance event. looking forward to many return visits."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Had Brunch at Absinthe with my wife and kids on a Saturday morning. The place was busy but not full. The service and food were both excellent. The maple infused bacon was some of the best I have ever had and the bowl of coffee was Parisian in its size. Overall a place I would go back o every time in San Fran."
Dined on 7/19/2014
"Nice, easy access to the Hayes Valley night scene, prompt service, great food, a bit noisy so I would not recommend it as a first date. Enjoy"
Dined on 7/18/2014
"Wonderful ambiance and cocktails. Food was really good, however, some of the dishes, particularly the pork were a bit too rich, even by French standards. Service was relatively attentive although it wouldn't have hurt to show a smile once in a while :)"
Dined on 7/17/2014
"We've been here before prior to symphony. This evening it seemed like they just did not have it together. The potato crusted salmon was under cooked and still raw in the middle, and the service was slow and not attentive. The waiter asked if I would like a second glass of wine, I said yes and then it was never delivered. The salmon was brought back cooked more and was good at that point, but in general we found prices high for such small portions. From a value perspective Absinthe did not deliver."
Dined on 7/17/2014
"Although the food was good the noise level was very high and the service was mediocre. There are much nicer restaurants in the area for the price."
Dined on 7/17/2014
"I had the sazerac as my drink and that was pretty good, and very stiff. the beef tartare was very good but the coq au vin was alright. I have had a lot better but its still very good the peach black pepper sorbet was extremely interesting and a great treat. service was excellent"
Dined on 7/16/2014
"This is a favorite of ours for brunch or dinner. Today the hostess seemed a bit put out by us. We had a reservation but it ended up being our waiter who seated us. He was friendly and helpful and all around fabulous! Our cocktails and omlets were tasty. We will be back!"
Dined on 7/13/2014
"Was in SF shopping with friends from out of town, knowing we would be staying for dinner I asked my daughter for restaurant suggestions. This was on the top of her list. Got early reservations, arrived before they started seating so we had time for drinks at the bar. Once seated we were promptly attended to by the wait staff. Drinks were great, awesome wine list, dinner was wonderful! Will definitely go back again!"
Dined on 7/12/2014
"Ahhh, Absinthe! A San Francisco institution. Consistent with great food, great service and just the right amount of je ne sais quoi. I tend to visit for brunch/lunch more than for dinner (I have a few friends who work/live in Hayes, so it's a good spot for a semi-quick lunch break and to escape the crowds) and, if you've ever worked in retail, you should know that a stiff cocktail will always help you get through the afternoon (and possibly boost your sales). If you're NOT watching your weight, I highly recommend the "Croque Monsieur" and if you ARE watching your weight, share it!"
Dined on 7/11/2014
"There are so many fine places to dine in San Frncisco, we don;t get top come here often enough. A chance for lunch was greatlu enjoyable. The food, wines and service remain impeccable and we greatly enjoyed the opportunity. A bit on the expensive side for lunch but well worth it,"
Dined on 7/11/2014
"Made reservations to celebrate my partner's 30th birthday and it was great! The food was perfectly cooked and just the right portions to save room for a couple cocktails and dessert. Definitely a place to celebrate and relax in a romantic atmosphere. Service was outstanding--perfect balance of checking in with us and allowing us space to enjoy the ambiance and each other!"
Dined on 7/8/2014
"Absinthe is a great restaurant for a romantic night out. For appetizers we love the warm pretzels and the spicy pork meatballs in tomato sauce. For entrees we LOVE the swordfish on corn, bacon, mushrooms and spinach. It is fabulous. For dessert we tried the mint chocolate chip ice cream and it was great."
Dined on 7/8/2014
"This is the fifth time we've been to Absinthe, and it's consistently excellent, both food and service. It offers a wide variety of food from oysters to mac & cheese. The chicken liver mousse appetizer is delicious. A notable service is valet: you can leave your car at the door and pick it up after the opera or concert six hours later for $15. (Plus a tip to the young man doing the work.) All service is performed efficiently and cheerfully. One criticism: the pleasant front room is very noisy, especially for old ears. The back room isn't as attractive, but is quiet. We will go back."
Dined on 7/8/2014
"They had a variety of food exceptions and were able to find plenty of things to choose from. Everything was delicious and we all tried several cocktails."
Dined on 7/7/2014
"I've eaten here several times late at night, on a weekend, or for dinner during the week. There isn't a single dish that my company and I have not thoroughly enjoyed. The service is very attentive, and the wines are reasonably priced. Overall, excellent French bistro fare with some Californian touches. Highly recommend!"
Dined on 7/5/2014
"I have been dining here for years and love coming back every time. Attentive service, creative food, great wine list."
Dined on 7/3/2014
"Delicious innovative food. The panna cotta was dreamy."
Dined on 7/3/2014
"Decent burger. Everything else we had was extremely salty. Diasppointed. The Service was less than warm."
Dined on 6/29/2014
"Look, you get what you pay for. We had two appetizers, two main dishes, and two after dinner drinks and the bill was (less the wine) about $250 with tip. If you skip the grappa, you could probably get it down to $200 including tip. The chicken liver mousse (appetizer) was extremely tasty, and both of the mains (steak and coq au vin) were perfectly prepared; the sauce on the chicken was superb. Service, if this can be called a complaint, was actually quite attentive and a bit too fast... we had all evening, but clearly the wait-staff were expecting us to be headed to the theater so they were paying close attention. You might want to let them know that you are not in a hurry if you don't have symphony/theater tickets about to explode..."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"Absinthe continues to be the number 1 choice for fine dining before a cultural event in the Civic Center area for my wife and me. Particularly excellent sommeliers. Their wine list is a team effort."
Dined on 6/28/2014
"We enjoyed our dinner and the server was very pleasant and accommodating."
Dined on 6/27/2014
"Have an onion allergy, most of the menu items had onions so opted for the burger. Nothing special, not organic. Arrived after nearly an hour wait. Was a Thu evening at 9:00PM. Arrived and fries were cold and no tomato on the burger, just cheese as requested and a single leaf of lettuce. I had it sent back and requested tomato and hot fries. Meanwhile my companion's dinner of swordfish was served so they started eating. Burger arrived with tomato and fries a few minutes later. Was told they re-made the burger but impossible as it was just lukewarm. Bill arrived and the tomato was $1.50 extra plus cheese for $1.50=$18.00! Given the entrée had to be sent back and no recognition of that fact = ego and greed! Business is robust=quality suffers."
Dined on 6/26/2014
"It was our first time at Absinthe, and I can't recommend it highly enough. We chose it to be close to the Opera House so we could relax, enjoy a great dining experience, and still have time to make our show. We sat in the bar for a little while to enjoy the sun shining through all the colorful bottles and take in the "neighborhood scene", then moved to our table in a little nook of the cozy, attractive dining room. The menu is scrumptious. Each course was perfectly prepared and served....and if you're going for a really special occasion, be sure to get the caviar...with all the right accompaniments, and delicious. GREAT gourmet food, the service was impeccable, and the timing of the meal was too. After one time, it's a favorite."
Dined on 6/26/2014
"They have 6 sections: Raw, Snack, Appetizers, Entreés, Sides, and Cheese, cheese, cheese 6 kinds. Definitely a menu for foodies. And the wine we got was so good that we're looking for it: a Joseph Cellers sauvignon blanc. It is properly dry, but has this lovely peach aroma. Their cheeses are so enticing that I can make a meal of them. Highly recommended. Get reservations!"
Dined on 6/24/2014
"We had an early dinner at Absinthe after the opera. The staff were warm, friendly, and professional. The food was excellent. The peach salad we had for a starter was unusual and delicious. Highly recommended."
Dined on 6/22/2014
"I have been to most of the restaurants near the opera, symphony, Jazz Center many times. It has been a while since I have visited Absinthe. It was by far the most expensive, poorest quality food I have experienced. $30+ entrees should be a dining experience not insufferable. I don't drink and maybe that is the problem............ I'm too alert"
Dined on 6/20/2014
"We always come to Absinthe for our most special occasions-- birthdays, anniversaries, graduations etc. We love the ambiance, great service, and fantastic food. This evening was wonderful, as usual. Leisurely meal, fabulous dishes (the coq au vin has to be the best in town), and exceptional service. And it's not too noisy!"
Dined on 6/19/2014
"Over from the UK with a tour and five nights in San Francisco. Chose this restsurant as it was close to San Francisco Symphony Orchestra Hall and we were going to a concert there. Possibly more upmarket and slightly morr expensive than I would have expected ftom reviews but then we each had a couple of different alcoholic drinks so fine really. Restaurant was packed and buzzing. Food great and service excellent apart from first half hour when no-one approached us and er had to do the approaching. Flurry of apologies and service great and apologetic thereafter. Highly recommended."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"superior in nearly every way a restaurant can be. excelently prepared canard; outstanding waitservice by always noting our needs but never asking rather, instead, acting upon our needs before we could ask."
Dined on 6/19/2014
"We've eaten here many times. On a weekday lunch the service was less attentive, mostly because they had a large party in s separate room. The lunch choices were a little less interesting than what we're used to at brunch. My partner had the pastrami sandwich which he thought was ok, but not notable. I had something resembling a Cuban sandwich, same reaction. All in all it's still the place to go in the Hayes Valley, Civic Center area, when band/buck is your major factor. Just don't get stuck on your own expectations."
Dined on 6/19/2014

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