Popped in for a drink and a pair of oysters as a pre-symphony snack. Ronnie at the bar is stellar. He calmly explained the flavor profile of the Beausoleil (New Brunswick) vs. the Kumamoto (Humboldt Bay) oysters, suggested horseradish to accompany the mignonette (yes it was delicious) and didn't stop mixing drinks--not even for a second. Asked for the bill and it was delivered immediately. Super nice guy, multilingual, and non-stop hard worker providing stellar service. If this was my bar, I'd give that guy a raise. Chatting w him was fun & watching the drinks fly out is pure entertainment. I'll come back!
I’m not an expert on French cuisine, but I found the food to be very neat and well-presented. While the flavors weren't particularly standout, the overall experience was good. I was surprised to see a cheeseburger on the menu! The service and atmosphere were excellent.
Located in the hip Hayes Street area of the city, Absinthe is a great choice for dinner especially if you any of the music and theater venues in the area. Great bistro design,good food and a great bar where we’ve sat for our dinner a few times. Service is good as is the food although the menu and wine selections area bit limited.
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is one of those SF spots that nails the brasserie vibe—warm, a little moody, and perfect for a relaxed but special night out. **4.5 stars** from me, mostly because the experience feels thoughtfully done from drinks to plating.
The biggest highlight: **their absinthe selection is absolutely gorgeous**. If you’re even mildly curious about absinthe, this is the place to explore it—beautiful options, and the drinks come out looking as elegant as they taste (that pale-green pour is such a moment).
Food-wise, everything we had looked and felt “classic French” with a polished touch. The **cream soup** was silky and rich, finished with a green herb oil swirl and crispy topping—simple, well-executed comfort. The **burger and fries** also hit: a properly indulgent, brasserie-style burger with a deep, savory vibe and a pile of thin fries that are easy to keep snacking on. Even the small bites felt elevated—those **gougères/cheese puffs** were golden, airy, and prettily garnished.
Only reason it’s not a full 5: it can feel bustling and a bit loud when it’s busy. But overall, if you want French brasserie energy with an **excellent absinthe program**, Absinthe is a must.
An outstanding dining experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, perfect for a special evening. The steak was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and paired beautifully with a bold Cabernet. The duck breast was exceptional — tender, rich, and perfectly balanced with its sauce.
The wine selection is excellent, and the staff is knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive. Everything from the presentation to the timing of the courses felt thoughtfully done.
Highly recommend for a date night or a refined dinner. We’ll definitely be back!
