A Calming Bar in Hayes Valley

A Calming Bar in Hayes Valley

Review of: Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

By: Avery Glasser

Rating: 4

Read review on Judy’s Book.

(Bar review only)

So, here’s a typical saturday for my wife and me. Head into Hayes Valley in the late afternoon to get a couple of Blue Bottle cappuccinos followed by a stop at Absinthe for a couple of beers before heading home.

The bar at Absinthe is very well appointed, with a selection of whiskys (especially scotch) that is one of the best in the city – many extremely well priced. On our last visit, we found a 1979 Murray McDavid bottled Highland Park for only $12.50 a serving.

The bar only has four beers on tap: Murphy’s Stout (my personal favorite Irish Stout), Trumer Pils (the best California pilsner), Chimay Tripel and a rotating tap that currently has Sierra Nevada Celebration. With these four taps, there is enough variation where most beer drinkers can find something they like.

On the cocktail front, the Sensation (gin based) and Ginger Rogers (ginger and vodka) are well prepared, though they could be a little stronger.

Great knowledgeable bartenders and fantastic whisky at a fair price. Highly recommended.