Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

Review summary

1. W

   William

   San Francisco3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We have gone to Absinthe a few times a year for several years (omitting, of course, during the pandemic), and have never been disappointed. Food, ambiance, and service are all great. We especially like that it is quiet without feeling stodgy, so it's easy to carry on a conversation with a group of five across a large table without having to shout throughout the meal. Service was attentive without being intrusive.
   

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2. C

   Cookie VIP

   San Francisco1 review

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   3 of us had lunch at one of the window tables. Everyone was happy with their meal. The service was friendly and attentive as usual
   

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3. L

   Linda

   San Francisco21 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 2 March 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   I have eaten at Absinthe for many years. While the format has stayed the same, our lunch was really wonderful yesterday. The Salade Lyonnaise had tasty duck confit; my squid salad was perfectly prepared with a nice balance of white beans. We ordered 3 desserts, which were all fantastic. I'm still thinking about the pot de creme au chocoat...
   

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4. R

   Ronald VIP

   San Francisco15 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 2 March 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 4

   This is a good restaurant I have been to many times and will go to again. However, since our meals have been rushed at times in the past, the last 2 times we went we specifically asked the waiter not to bring our entrees immediately after our first dish. We asked for a break between courses. Each time the waiter assured us he would. 2 visits ago we were brought burgers immediately after our first course. We sent them back and told them we wanted new burgers later on and not to reheat them. They came back cold and partially reheated. We sent them back. The last time we went we asked twice to hold the second course. They again brought it immediately after the first course. We again told them we wanted new dishes after a pause between courses and this time they got it right. While our waiter claimed he had nothing to do with the problem, it has been a real hassle. Just a heads up for those who like to dine instead of being rushed.
   

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5. D

   Dennis VIP

   San Francisco31 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Excellent food, I had fish, prepared perfectly, my friend had beef tender and flavorful. Highly recommended, but a bit on the expensive side, about $220 for two, with wine, appetizer, entrees, dessert and coffee.
   

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6. H

   Hoyle VIP

   San Francisco73 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 28 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is our go to place when we have the opera or concert. Used to alternate between Absinthe and Monsieur Benjamin, but the latter is sadly no more. We can always expect very cozy, Paris-like atmosphere at Absinthe, as well as wonderful personalized service and outstanding food. We usually start with the oysters which are truly outstanding - fresh and tasty with wonderful sauce on the side. Their French onion soup is authentic and wonderful. The escargot appetizer is wonderful and creative, and the main courses - scallops (wife) and boef bourgignon with sweetbreads are always delicious. This restaurant is a San Francisco treasure.
   

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7. J

   Judith VIP

   San Francisco57 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We are not newcomers to Absinthe and we are always happy to be there . . . good food, excellent service in a lovely place in the heart of Hayes Valley. Today was especially nice. We had a lovely table in a corner with a view of the street through the front window. The waiter was exceptional and the food was fine. As old friends who hadn't seen each other in a while we enjoyed the quiet in the dining room, so nice to have a conversation. We were celebrating a birthday and exchanging Christmas gifts, our group having missed our usual holiday gathering for not so happy reasons. So we were delighted to be together and it was lovely to be able to sit and visit, unrushed in a place we have always enjoyed.
   

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8. M

   Manae

   San Francisco5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lots of fun with great service, yummy cocktails and food! Perfect for a birthday dinner.
   

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9. F

   Frank

   San Francisco8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 22 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The go to for the real Parisian brasserie experience. Incredibly friendly, thoughtful and knowledgeable staff coupled with wonderful food, makes this go to place in the Bay Area just satisfy all of your French food cravings.
   

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10. S

    Sarah VIP

    San Francisco2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    The service was so friendly and professional and accommodating; it really made the evening shine. And the food was rich and amazing and the wine superb. Plus they were very accommodating about our need to get to a performance on time. Lovely evening. Thank you!
    

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