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Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

French Restaurant and Bar$$$$

Civic Center, San Francisco

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8.0^/10

979

ratings

Ranked #1 for cocktails in Civic Center
The experts at Food & Wine and Eater recommend this place
"7x7's Big Eat 2012 says the soft garlic pretzels are delicious."(9 Tips)
"Best Spanish coffees in the city."(7 Tips)
"the coq au vin is one of my favorite dishes anywhere"(8 Tips)
"The salmon with salad and the French onion soup are superb"(16 Tips)

251 Tips and reviews

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Ashok LalwaniMay 11, 2015
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.
Upvoted 2 weeks ago
Cody HardFebruary 26, 2015
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!
Upvoted 6 days ago
Becherovka VoyagerSeptember 4, 2013
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.
Simon EdwardsFebruary 3, 2016
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)
Albert TreatNovember 12, 2012
Been here 5+ times
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!
Yev PusinApril 21, 2015
Amazing restaurant. Love the tartare appetizer. Menu changes often so recommendations are hard to make, all good!
Tasting TableSeptember 29, 2014
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
Wilson Favre-DelerueNovember 3, 2017
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.
EaterJuly 27, 2011
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
Annie 🌺 JalotaJune 5, 2017
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!
Andy WangAugust 14, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Very good food. Even better wine list with some real gems. Don’t skip the dessert, worth the extra calories
Ashley MowreyJune 23, 2015
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.
AishaAugust 5, 2013
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!
Kristine DierApril 28, 2015
Been here 5+ times
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.
Kendra StormJune 23, 2014
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!
Irina LeonidovnaFebruary 3, 2019
Been here 25+ times
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
Matthew ChungAugust 31, 2012
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.
Jade JenningsSeptember 9, 2015
The food and drinks here are amazing and the bartenders are really nice too get the pomegranate martini!! The Nevada was pretty good too
Kelly 🍰November 12, 2012
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
Samantha BergMarch 17, 2017
Great cocktails! Go for a Manhattan and accompany it with garlic pretzel bites
Brian NguyenAugust 30, 2014
Been here 10+ times
Lamb chop for dinner is better than their stack. But the coq au vin is the best anywhere.
Brian StraussApril 26, 2023
A bar and grill stalwart — excellent manhattans and martinis. A few surprises to go with the classics.
Kyle MinorMarch 29, 2011
Been here 10+ times
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
Kim FujiwaraFebruary 16, 2013
Try the Dungeness Crab Omelette - Fresh crab meat and spinach tucked within a light, fluffy omelette with green onions and chiles ... Must try!
Daddy said I'm specialMay 10, 2017
Great selection of drinks. Oysters are a must! Grilled cheese with mushrooms is good but way to big
Phil TorontoMay 31, 2015
The Steak Tartare is very solid. Don't second guess yourself.
Rachel RothJune 22, 2017
Pop into the bar for a cocktail and the pretzel bites with hot cheese!
Edward ClarkeMarch 11, 2019
Great food, sweet atmosphere and our server Carlos was wonderful!
Areej AshourAugust 13, 2015
The burgers.. Amazing! and the coconut-corn soup is so creamy and delicious.
Alice LouieSeptember 18, 2013
The soft garlic pretzels is very tasty and the dipping sauce is delicious. Hamburger is cooked perfectly and Croque Monsieur is great!
Joerg RingsOctober 21, 2012
Don't eat here, the cocktails are amazing but the guy we got at the bar was a dick...so...have a burger and cocktails at a table? The waiter was fantastic!
Frank KimNovember 11, 2014
Their ceviche dish is pretty flavorful and spicy, the French onion soup and buttersquash soup were excellent.
Asha ServiaNovember 18, 2010
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.
Garry TanApril 18, 2018
Been here 10+ times
Great cocktails and the scalloped potatoes on the salmon is very classic.
Stephen BassmanFebruary 13, 2012
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."
Jake CardAugust 2, 2015
Been here 5+ times
the coq au vin is one of my favorite dishes anywhere
SivMay 29, 2011
Been here 5+ times
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. :)
Brook ShelleyNovember 25, 2018
Solid gin cocktails. The bar is a good spot to escape from the bustle of Hayes.
Kaylen ParkerJuly 13, 2019
The cocktails were delicious and the strawberry desert was to die for.
Inman NewsMarch 6, 2012
Their deconstructed German chocolate cake is amazing! It consists of milk chocolate mousse, pressed coconut and candied pecans. Delicious!
Tasting TableSeptember 9, 2014
Grab a sidewalk table and snack on Parmesan-garlic popcorn ($4) or spicy fried chickpeas ($4). Read more
JoseApril 18, 2012
Specialties: Any cocktail; French onion soup; coq au vin; hamburger; oysters; Tcho chocolate pot de creme; German chocolate cake.
Brad TSeptember 21, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Brunch menu changes often but if you come across the duck confit ragout: don't hesitate.
Jamie MJune 23, 2018
Been here 5+ times
Mother Load drink is super refreshing. Other recommendations: Oysters and potato crusted salmon
Pawel PietrykaJanuary 29, 2015
Nice French style food. Good atmosphere. Coq au vin and oysters were really good.
Irene MApril 30, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Delightful, comfortable, mature brasserie. Perfect for after theater. Great cocktails.
Katie CongletonOctober 17, 2015
Oysters, pretzels, French onion soup, the burger - we had it all and everything was delicious!
Monty HamiltonMarch 19, 2014
OK... If you're lucky enough to spot the Apple Pie Panna Cotta... Just say YES! Right up there with the best...
Rebecca GobersteinMarch 19, 2012
Okay, so if you're fine to shell out $15 for a cocktail, then do it, cause they make them right here. The food is unbelievable, but for the price, it better be. One of the pricier go-to's in SF.
The Culinary Institute of AmericaDecember 7, 2012
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.

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