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Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF, San Francisco, CA

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8
4.8
7331 Reviews
$31 to $50
French

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2 people
20:30
Booked 41 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
We are currently accepting reservations for lunch, brunch, and dinner.


Effective 09/26/2022:
Outdoor seating will not be available.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–15:00 Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30–15:00 Dinner Wed–Sat 17:00–22:00 Sun 17:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (415) 551-1590
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Ian Begg
  • Area
    Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
  • Cross Street
    Gough
  • Parking details
    No valet. Street parking and nearby public lot located on Grove between Franklin and Gough.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 7,331 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Francisco

    French

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar in San Francisco offers a delightful dining experience with its "excellent food and great service." This charming French bistro is perfect for pre-opera or symphony meals, boasting a menu with "Michelin-rated quality" dishes like duck confit and petrale sole. The ambiance is "almost like being in Paris," with attentive staff ensuring a memorable visit. Enjoy a superb brunch or dinner, and savor creative cocktails in a "classy and elegant space."

7,331 Reviews
  1. Emily

    San Francisco

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absinthe is always good, but last night it was AMAZING. I had the sole meunière, which was just divine. The staff is so courteous and attentive. We had tickets for a concert at 8 and they got us out on time. We split the poached pear salad, which was also delicious. The pear was poached in something that I couldn’t quite identify…maybe anisette. Great place. So glad it’s been there all these years.

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  2. Kate

    San Francisco

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love Absinthe -- have been coming here for years and the food, service, ambiance and overall quality is consistently fabulous. We always feel like we're dining among friends & family!

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  3. Tracey

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 3 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent as always! Food, service, and ambiance all top notch.

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  4. David

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always excellent cocktails, food, and service. Very lovely interior.

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  5. Michael

    San Francisco

    265 reviews

    4.0

    265 reviews

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We usually eat here because it is convenient and has a nice ambiance. The food goes up and down. Last night it was very good. Our server was outstanding. We had a short window of time between the time Absinthe accepted the reservation and the time we had to leave for an event. Our server made it all happen and even made it feel relaxing. He was totally on top of things ... and I wish I knew his name so I could call it out.

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  6. Robert

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 1 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super friendly and accommodating staff. Everyone. A smile goes a long way and everyone was wearing one. Our server knew we had an event to attend after our meal and made sure dinner was served in a timely manner.

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  7. Judith

    San Francisco

    56 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    56 reviews

    Dined on 1 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was outstanding! Everything I had was well above the norm. The French onion soup was the best I’ve ever had. The service was very attentive, but not smothering. It was a perfect evening!

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  8. Nadja

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 31 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were, unfortunately, rushed for time and they graciously supported our need to make the theater time. The space is beautiful and romantic. Unbelievably delicious sole meunière! The sole was tender and cooked perfectly with a lightly crisped exterior. Nice wine list. My husband’s steak frites was very good. Highly recommend Absinthe!

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  9. Maureen

    San Francisco

    55 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on 31 October 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Being a regular, I appreciate that Absinthe always remembers my favorite table! So glad this neighborhood gem is thriving!

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  10. Nancy

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant never disappoints. Top notch food, thoughtful staff, especially Emma. Really a great experience.

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FAQs

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF is rated 4.8 stars by 7331 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 41 times today
Google Map for Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

398 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Gough
  • Area
    Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00–15:00 Lunch Wed–Fri 11:30–15:00 Dinner Wed–Sat 17:00–22:00 Sun 17:00–21:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    French, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    No valet. Street parking and nearby public lot located on Grove between Franklin and Gough.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Ian Begg
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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