Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Great wine list and OK by the glass, and interesting menu. Thankfully not an overwhelming number of menu and appetizer choices, but with ample choices and all interesting. Great frites. Three seating areas: at front bar and by front door, busy; , off to side of bar in two corner areas; and larger back room. I have been many many times and always look forward to return.

Extraordinary service! Had to wait for our entire party to arrive and the servers could not have been more understanding and kind. We ordered and the food was beyond delicious. They were aware we had a curtain to make - so the payment process was expedited - Professional, thoughtful and easy.

At Absinthe we received the best service I can recall ever having at a restaurant. As we walked in, the hostess practically met us at the door and showed us to our table immediately. Our server, Walter, was courteous, friendly, and extremely efficient. Several other employees roamed the restaurant refilling water glasses, delivering food, and removing dirty dishes. Hats off to the management that developed this level of customer service! The food and cocktails were delicious, too!

We went to this restaurant for lunch. Beautiful decor. Service was very good. We ordered the oysters, Rockefeller and the French onion soup as an appetizer. The appetizers were excellent. We ordered the burger, steak and sole as entrées. Entrées were quite average and not worth the expensive price tag for the meal. Overall, we are glad that we went, but would not go again.

Loved our dinner at Absinthe. It's such a beautiful restaurant with outstanding service and always excellent fries. I tried the crab salad this time and the crabmeat was a bit too salty for my taste but everything else was absolutely delicious. The gnocchi and asparagus were exceptional. thank you!

I've always been a fan of Absinthe, but last night it was just sad to see. We ordered the escargot, and they were somehow hidden between a flat pastry, a ton of sauce, and some unrecognizable vegetable. The duck was bland, and the sauce was watery and not reduced at all, so it tasted like cheap red wine. By the time we got to dessert, we were so disappointed that we just asked for the check. The service was nowhere near its usual standards. Overall, the restaurant and staff looked tired, and the food was nowhere near what it used to be. Unfortunately for us, this is the last time we'll be dining there. The prices are quite high, which I generally don't mind if I feel I'm getting value for what I pay, but this time it was just quite overpriced for sad food.

I told them we have a concert in one hour, and they helped accommodate the meal pretty well. They gave us a meal fast, and the whole check-out process is also really smooth. Their restaurant is really clean. The service is nice. You can see a lot of people there, and it should be a nice place. It's in a very cute neighborhood, and it's not far from the symphony hall. I would say it's a nice place to visit if you have a concert before or after.

Absinthe —Absent good Food. This old established restaurant popular because if its location near Davies and Civic Center is resting on its laurels. The food was mediocre at best. I had the duck which needed the sauce to have any flavor. My husband had the salmon which. He said was totally flavorless. The service was excellent by a waiter who clearly enjoyed himself and interacted with all his customers. This used to be tried and true, but I would not go back. Especially because the civic center is full of great newer restaurants. Such as Teakwood and a Mano. Disappointing.

This was a fabulous lunch environment on a friday afternoon. Food was first rate and the parking at the performing arts garage was perfect.

Special celebration and everything was great! Very friendly staff, REALLY good food, a big hit. We were a bit early and were able to be seated outside. The cheese puffs were a hit as were the fresh oysters and the fresh pea soup and the gnocchi. The fries were very good with the sauce. Loved the desserts, had the Earl Gray flan and chocolate pot de creme.

Very friendly staff and the waiter was attentive and professional. Our drinks were tasty and to be honest, I think I've had the best Aperol Spritz since a long time! Shout out to the bartender. However for the steak and frites, the meat had a lot of fat that we had to remove but was cooked perfectly, and the fries were crispy and tasty. Nice ambiance overall and they are located in the vibrant Hayes street.

Amazing experience! Great food, cozy ambiance, and stellar service that is both friendly and professional. One of our absolute favorites in town.

Absinthe is always a great choice for dining and thankfully they continue to provide a lovely place to dine in Hayes Valley. Service was excellent and we had a meal of fresh oysters and a small bites dish of duck confit, duck liver mousse, hen of the woods mushrooms that was incredibly delicious. Absinthe serves fish dishes that are always a winner. Great cocktails and a superb wine list top off the evening.

A great place for some small bites and a few classy, very well made drinks. This was my 3rd visit and I think you'll like it's close proximity to many great things nearby including shows, govt. complex, schools and more. Have a seat at the bar for a lucky view and good conversation. The staff here are a major reason why this place is so great. 🤌💯

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Hadn't been in ages. It didn't disappoint. Food was tasty without being too heavy. The cocktails were perfect. As I remembered