Hello dear
Welcome To Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Nestled in the heart of San Francisco's Hayes Valley, Absinthe Brasserie & Bar offers a delightful escape into French cuisine and culture. With a chic and romantic ambiance, it serves an array of exquisite dishes, from succulent duck breast to a truffle burger, complemented by an impressive selection of brunch cocktails like the Negroni Sbagliato. Guests rave about the attentive service and the tasteful presentation of offerings such as Tsar Nicoulai caviar and fresh oysters. Whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner before a show at Davies Symphony Hall or relishing a casual brunch, Absinthe is a gem that promises a memorable dining experience.
About
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Welcome to Absinthe Brasserie & Bar, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Hayes Valley, San Francisco. Located at 398 Hayes St, this sophisticated establishment invites both locals and visitors alike to indulge in a delightful mix of classic French cuisine and contemporary flavors. With its enchanting ambiance, Absinthe is the perfect setting for everything from casual outings to special celebrations.
As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a chic and romantic atmosphere that makes it an ideal pre-show destination, especially for those headed to the nearby Davies Symphony Hall. The décor exudes a warm and inviting charm, while the attentive yet unobtrusive service ensures that guests feel right at home. Reviews rave about the friendly staff, who are not just efficient but knowledgeable, ready to guide you through a menu that is both indulgent and intriguing.
Speaking of the menu, the highlights are nothing short of exceptional. For those seeking a refined bite, the Tsar Nicoulai Caviar served with brioche, crème fraîche, chive, and hardboiled egg is a decadent choice at $60. The seafood offerings, including a frequently changing selection of oysters, guarantee freshness and flavor. Meanwhile, the appetizer options, such as the Warm Mixed Olives and Aged Gouda paired with housemade nectarine preserves, showcase the chef's ability to blend traditional flavors with modern touches.
Don’t overlook the brunch cocktails, either! The Negroni Sbagliato and Bellini tantalize the palate, setting the perfect tone for a leisurely meal. Guests have praised the comfort food staples like the housemade potato chips, succulent hamburgers, and exquisite duck breast, all bursting with flavor and served in a fashion that is both upscale and approachable.
In the words of customers, dining at Absinthe is not just about the food, but also about the overall experience. One diner noted the exquisite flavors that make their meals unforgettable, while another highlighted how exceptional dishes like the truffle burger and steak leave a lasting impression. With glowing testimonials pointing to both the richness of the dishes and the professionalism of the service, it's clear that Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is a destination worth visiting.
Make your way to this culinary haven and allow yourself to be swept away by the delightful offerings and charming atmosphere. For reservations or inquiries, call +1 415-551-1590. Experience the exquisite world of Absinthe Brasserie & Bar—where every meal feels like a special occasion.
Book a table
Make A Reservation
“ Feb 2025 update: Excellent meal of tasty treats/ comfort food. House made potato chips, soup, tasty hamburger & fries, sole and hearty dessert. Perfect before the show. Excellent food. Service is excellent but not quick. A bit expensive but feels upscale. ”
“ My husband and I are visiting from Upstate NY and this restaurant was recommended by my cousin who lives here. The ambiance was chic and romantic, the food was delicious, and the service was great! Our waiter was helpful and answered any questions we had. It was my first time having French food and escargot, I enjoyed it very much! We had a lovely evening. ”
“ This restaurant is for a nice dinner before heading to Davies Symphony Hall. The food was exquisite, and the service was excellent. We sat in the veranda area, and it was nice, too. I will be back. ”
“ I recently dined at Absinthe in Hayes Valley, and I must say, it was a delightful experience from start to finish! The atmosphere is charming and cozy, making it the perfect spot for a special occasion or a casual night out. What truly stood out was the attentive service. Our server and server assists were all friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and made excellent recommendations. They checked in on us just the right amount, ensuring we had everything we needed without being intrusive. The food was exceptional! I highly recommend trying their stand out dishes, the duck breast with truffle accompaniment, steak and the truffle burger all bursting with flavor. Overall, Absinthe is a gem in San Francisco located in the great Hayes valley neighborhood With its fantastic service and delicious cuisine, ”
“ Found this wonderful off the wall place on the way back to the Bart station. TOO bad we had already eaten. Absinthe fountain included in the experience. I wish I had had the experience at the beginning of the trip. The trip was planned around a stop at Dark Garden corsetry on Linden Street. OK, maybe not. After the absinthe green fairy, I might have bought more bespoke corsetry! The staff at Absinthe was awesome, very attentive. We are currently finding a way to be back for the oysters. ”
“ We arrived at the restaurant right when it opened at 11:30, which turned out to be a great decision—perfect timing before the crowds. We got a cozy table for two, and our waitress was exceptionally polite and friendly, making us feel very welcome. For our meal, we ordered the duck confit and the burger, both of which were absolutely delicious and generously portioned. The highlight, however, was the chilled mussels we had as a starter—they were incredibly fresh and sweet, an unexpected delight. On top of the great food, the prices were very reasonable for lunch, making it an excellent value. I would definitely recommend this place and plan to bring my friends here next time! ”
“ Yes excellent food. Flavor profiles and textures abound. Impressive and well thought out menu. We started with Escargot and Squash-Fennel soup. Entrees of Scallops and Grilled Octopus. Local Sole Picatta. Highly recommended ”
“ Cozy beautiful seating. The food was expensive yet super delicious. I also love that they had a vegetarian option in each category. I'll highly recommend the "squash soup" and the "sweet potato agnolotti". Cons: - Husband didn't enjoy his burger as much. ”