Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: Absinthe is an anchor of the fashionable Hayes Valley dining scene. At this casually elegant corner brasserie and bar, styles mix effortlessly. You'll see some regulars in jeans and others in tuxedos (thank you, Opera House), all with full plates and glasses, chattering madly.

Food & Drinks: Absinthe’s menu is scored with meaty dishes, from lighter fish and seafood to slow-cooked roasts and confits. The heaviness is balanced by seasonal vegetables, perhaps a simple, pedigreed pile of mixed cresses tossed with toasted hazelnuts. Nightly crudo --- maybe hamachi with a ramp purée, trout roe and a sea-salt crunch --- makes a solid argument for straying from the oyster menu. Expert cocktail pairings from the venue’s famed bar are a fun alternative to wines. Service is smooth and knowledgeable. Brunch is also a specialty. No matter the meal, be sure to order dessert; we recommend the German chocolate cake.