Since 1969, restaurant, hotel, travel & other witty reviews by a handpicked, worldwide team of discerning professionals—and your views, too.

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

398 Hayes St. (Gough St.) Send to Phone
San FranciscoCA 94102
415-551-1590 | Make Restaurant Reservations
Chef Jamie Lauren brings new dimension to this beloved Belle Époque-inspired neighborhood brasserie. Absinthe Brasserie & Bar Restaurant is one of our | Top 10 San Francisco/Bay Area Brunch Restaurants | Top 10 San Francisco/Bay Area French Restaurants | Top 10 San Francisco/Bay Area LateNight Restaurants |

Cuisine

Open

Lunch & Dinner Tues.-Sun., Brunch Sat.-Sun.

Features

Wine

Great Wine List

* Click here for rating key

Dining room at Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, San Francisco, CAYoung chef Jamie Lauren is winning fresh fans to this already prized, casually elegant corner brasserie and bar in burgeoning Hayes Valley, where regulars in jeans make lively cocktail conversation with diners in tuxedos thanks to the Opera House down the street. Lauren’s smart, seasonal creations are snappy with color and texture and feature balanced playfulness---she shines at fish and seafood, slow-cooked meats and confits, but can wow a diner with a simple, pedigreed pile of mixed cresses tossed with toasted hazelnuts. Red beet purée and roasted fennel soup---like a bowl of wet paint---is served at just-right temperature. Her nightly crudo---maybe hamachi with a ramp purée, trout roe and a sea-salt crunch---is well worth straying from Absinthe’s oyster menu. We like the tender, fresh, spring vegetable risotto; the hunks of soft rabbit and wild mushroom over pappardelle; and the clean bite of her sugar snap peas laced with cream. Expert cocktail pairings from the venue’s famed bar are a fun alternative to wines. Service is smooth, patient and knowledgeable. Brunch is also a specialty here.

User Ratings & Reviews for Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
 
 
 


RESTAURANT AWARDS
RESTAURANT AWARDS

Just published! Our annual restaurant issue features the Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S., including San Francisco's Gary Danko, Masa's, Michael Mina and more!

A SEASON OF LOVE

Best Romantic RestaurantsSet the mood for love by reserving a table at one of the Best Romantic Restaurants in San Francisco, or view our list of Valentines Restaurants to find out which restaurants are offering unique menus just for February 14. Also, see who sets the standard for seductive dining across the country with our Top 10 Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. list.