Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileOwl Tree
San Francisco, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Owl Tree's cocktail program is the draw, with creative specialties like the Righteous Felon and Lycheetini at $15, plus a bargain happy hour with $7 wells. The spirits list is deep, especially tequila and whisky, and the draft beer and wine selections are solid. A dark-wood Union Square cocktail bar that delivers on handcrafted drinks.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Righteous Felon, a bourbon, Luxardo, and Aperol mix. The Lycheetini is a refreshing gin option. For a warm kick, the Chai Hot Toddy with 23-year Ron Zacapa.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking creative drinks and a strong spirits selection. Also good for those wanting a value happy hour in Union Square. The non-alcoholic options, including a Shirley Temple, cater to designated drivers.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are likely lively for a cocktail bar.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails are $15 each; wines by the glass run $12-$15; draft beers $6-$13. Happy hour drops wells to $7, wine to $10, and draft beer to $6. Premium spirits can reach $48 a pour.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A dedicated cocktail menu with original names like Snowy Owl and Night Owl Espressotini, plus an extensive spirits list including rare tequilas and Japanese whiskies. Happy hour specials across all categories provide strong value.
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
Creative specialty cocktails with balanced ingredients, priced at $15. Happy hour wells at $7 provide strong value.
Menu strengths
- — Creative and classic cocktail options with fresh seasonal menu.
Standout selections
- — Righteous Felon: Bourbon, Luxardo, Aperol, lime, agave, peach bitters.
- — Lycheetini: Aviation Gin, Soho Lychee, pomegranate, cranberry, lemon.
- — Chai Hot Toddy: Ron Zacapa 23yr, chai, cinnamon, cloves.
Pricing: Specialty cocktails $15, Blood Orange Spritz $13, My Mule $14; happy hour well cocktails $7.
Wine
A compact but diverse wine list with familiar labels. By-glass and bottle options available. Happy hour wine at $10 is a decent deal.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse selection including sparkling, red, white, and rosé.
Standout selections
- — Whispering Angel Rosé: $12 glass, $45 bottle.
Pricing: Wines by glass $12-$15; bottles up to $120; happy hour wine $10.
Beer
Wide draft selection including local and international options. Prices are moderate, with happy hour specials providing good value.
Menu strengths
- — Wide selection of draft beers including local and international options.
Standout selections
- — Delerium Tremens: Belgian strong ale, $9.
Pricing: Draft beers $6-$13; happy hour draft beer $6.
Nonalcoholic
Shirley Temple: well-made, as noted by a guest.
Standout selections
- — Shirley Temple: well-made, as noted by a guest.
Pricing: Pricing not available for non-alcoholic items; happy hour specials not specified.
Spirits
Deep and premium spirits selection, particularly tequila and whisky. Includes rare finds like Clase Azul and Macallan 18. Priced appropriately for the category.
Menu strengths
- — Includes rare and high-end options like Don Julio 1942 and Macallan 18.
Standout selections
- — Don Julio 1942 Extra Anejo: $45.
- — Macallan 18yr: $48.; Yamazaki 12yr: $35.
Pricing: Spirits pours $11-$48.
How it sits with the food
The menu includes snacks, but specifics are not detailed. The cocktail list's mix of sweet, sour, and spiced flavors suggests pairing with bar bites or light appetizers, though no specific food pairings are documented.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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