Restaurant bar
Unclaimed profileAbsinthe Brasserie & Bar
San Francisco, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar pairs a 3,000-bottle wine cellar with an absinthe-focused cocktail list that spans classics like Death in the Afternoon and originals like Red Swan. French regions dominate the wine program, from Sancerre to Burgundy, while local craft beers and non-alcoholic options round out the bar. The absinthe pour is reportedly a pale-green spectacle.
- What should I order?
- Start with Death in the Afternoon ($18), a Prosecco and Absinthe Verte classic. For something original, Red Swan blends bourbon, Thai tea syrup, pandan liqueur, and Green Chartreuse. Wine drinkers can explore by-the-glass Sancerre or a Burgundy Chardonnay.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Absinthe enthusiasts will find a rare depth of selection, and wine lovers will appreciate the extensive French and California list. Cocktail drinkers seeking both classics and creative originals will also be at home.
- When should I go?
- Evenings suit the bar's elegant cocktail and wine focus; the bar is noted as a great spot for dinner seating.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails range from $14 for Lillet Blanc to $18 for Death in the Afternoon. By-the-glass wines start around $15; bottles from the deep cellar range from $62 to $290, with Champagnes reaching $2,400.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The dual emphasis on a massive wine cellar and absinthe-centric cocktails is rare.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A balanced menu of classics and originals, with absinthe woven throughout. Clever ingredients like Thai tea syrup and pandan liqueur show ambition, while La Louisiane and Death in the Afternoon anchor the classics.
Menu strengths
- — Classic cocktails executed with absinthe focus, including Death in the Afternoon and La Louisiane.
- — Original creations like Red Swan and Corn Maize demonstrate creativity beyond standard bar fare.
- — Community praise for the elegant absinthe selection and visual pour.
Standout selections
- — Death in the Afternoon – Prosecco, Absinthe Verte, Lemon Twist ($18)
- — Red Swan – Bourbon, Thai Tea Syrup, Pandan Liqueur, Green Chartreuse, Lemon
- — La Louisiane – Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Benedictine, Absinthe, Bitters
Pricing: Death in the Afternoon $18; Lillet Blanc $14; Dry Sherry $15.
Wine
A 3,000+ bottle cellar with deep French and California coverage, organized by region. Extensive Champagne selection including vintage and rosé.
Menu strengths
- — Over 3,000 bottles with a strong French focus, including Burgundy, Champagne, and Loire.
- — Extensive Champagne list with vintage and rosé options.
- — By-the-glass program covers Sancerre, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and more.
Standout selections
- — Champagne Michel Turgy Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 2015 ($52/210)
- — Chardonnay Francois Carillon Puligny-Montrachet 2015 ($56/226)
- — Pinot Noir Robert Chevillon Nuits-Saint-George 1er Cru Les Pruliers 2012 ($65/290)
Pricing: By-the-glass $15–$65; bottles $62–$290; Champagne bottles $116–$2,400.
Beer
A small but local-focused list featuring Trumer Pils, Standard Deviant Hazy IPA, Fort Point Yuzu KSA Radler, Black Butte Porter, and Dry Apple Cider. Includes a non-alcoholic option.
Menu strengths
- — Includes local breweries like Standard Deviant and Fort Point.
Standout selections
- — Trumer Pils – The Trumer Brewery, Berkeley, California
- — Standard Deviant Hazy IPA – Standard Deviant Brewing, SF, California
- — Fort Point Yuzu KSA Radler – Fort Point Beer Co, SF, California
Pricing: Dry Apple Cider $10; KSA Kolsch Style Ale $9.
Nonalcoholic
Four non-alcoholic cocktails: Coda Leger, Mister Rogers, Absinthe Lemonade, and Bright Red Shirts, plus a non-alcoholic beer. The range includes a N/A Campari syrup option, showing attention to craft.
Menu strengths
- — Multiple non-alcoholic cocktail options with creative ingredients like N/A Campari syrup.
- — Includes a non-alcoholic beer option at <0.5% ABV.
Standout selections
- — Bright Red Shirts – N/A Campari Syrup, Orange, Lemon, Seltzer
- — Mister Rogers – Lime, Mint, Ginger Beer
- — Absinthe Lemonade – Lemon, Cranberry, Ginger
Pricing: No pricing evidence for non-alcoholic cocktails.
Spirits
Evidence from cocktail menu shows a diverse spirits selection including bourbon, rye, gin, tequila, rum, and mezcal, with absinthe playing a starring role. No dedicated spirits list exists.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse spirits base supports both classic and original cocktails.
- — Absinthe features prominently in multiple cocktails, suggesting a focused selection.
Standout selections
- — Black Fog – Mister Fogg Navy Strength Rum, Brucato 'Fields' Amaro, Sweet Vermouth, Walnut Bitters
- — Sacred Heart – Don Julio Tequila, Pomegranate, Lemon, Absinthe
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list; prices not available.
How it sits with the food
French brasserie fare pairs naturally with the wine list's Burgundy and Loire selections; the menu's oyster focus suggests crisp whites like Sancerre, while a bold Cabernet reportedly complements steak.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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