Absinthe

Absinthe
398 Hayes Street – San Francisco
415-551-1590

One of the finest French Bistro’s in San Francisco and they do wonderful things with their version of the burger. They take Niman Ranch ground chuck and make a three or four ounce patty that they lightly season and cook as ordered. They put that with a choice of either gruyere or a good gorgonzola on a brioche like warm bun that holds and absorbs the flavors and nuances of the meat, bread, cheese and condiments. To this can be added some sautéed mushrooms, the pink pickled onions and cornichon already on the stark white platter and you start understanding the slavish devotion so many grown men and women have for the Absinthe burger experience. Add to this a silver chrome martini shaker of their near perfect pommes frites with their four distinct dipping sauces and it starts to become a joyous interlude with sexy food.

The bar and dining rooms are striking and beautiful, rich in wood and brass with gorgeous artifacts, furniture, floors and bar each claiming elegance and luxury in high style and fashion. The bar is always manned by two great looking master mixologists who know what they’re doing and do it very well. The hosts are usually warm and welcoming and the staff is reserved but polite. I don’t have a comparison place of equal or even lesser acclaim, but this is a great San Francisco restaurant that serves up great drinks and food and one of the great small burgers in the city. A must visit.