Where To Find Absinthe That Doesn't Taste Like Scope In San Francisco

by elissa
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April 22, 2009

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If you've only enjoyed your absinthe Stupid-American-Style (i.e.: poured out of a Listerine bottle and lit on fire only minutes before passing out on some stranger's lawn), then I invite you to turn over a new leaf and give this legendary beverage a second chance. Though the freshly legalized American version is devoid of hallucinogenic wormwood, the pungent, anise-like flavor is still unique and employed artfully by a multitude of San Francisco establishments. Here are just a few places to get your fix.

BOOTIE

And if you’re like me, you’ll just spend half of the night drunkenly staring at the DJs in awe of the fact that you just danced to Soldja Boyz mixed with some muppet song.

Come early for 2 for the price of 1, and the occasional free mash-up CD – a prime pick for any white elephant party, or last-minute Mother’s Day gift.

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Black Magic Voodoo Lounge

1400 Lombard St San Francisco, CA 94123

They’ve got absinthe, AND you can smoke inside. Talk about keeping it real. Not really going out of your way for, but if you are trapped on Polk Street or something, it’s the perfect detox.

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Jardiniere Restaurant

300 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Something about washing down froie grois ice cream with an absinthe daiquiri doesn’t really pique my interest, but to each his own. Although I’ve gotta say $45 for a 3-course prix-fixe with wine pairing isn’t such a bad deal…Yaknow…if you’re a 90 lb. girl on a diet.

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Broken Record

1166 Geneva Ave San Francisco, CA 94112

Even someone who is too cool for PBR can appreciate The Broken Record’s $.50 pints on Friday. But if you want to class it up in the Excelsior, opt for a hearty alligator sausage and some sipping absinthe.

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Bootie

375 11th St San Francisco, CA 94103

A night at Bootie is sure to result in one of those awkward professional photos of you feeding a cherry to some random guy posted on Napkinnights.com. But hey, you know the lighting is always really flattering on those things. In any case, come prepared with your best comebacks for cheesy pick-up lines and some jerk-off bouncers, and you’ll have a blast.

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ANON SALON Parties

285 9th Street San Francisco, CA 94103

Prepare for some serious glowstick action at Anon Salon. I suggest taking a bigtime disco nap before entering this hidden, seemingly residential spot, for you are sure to get in a riveting 5-hour conversation with some Burning Man type about the definition of post-modern whimsy.

Known for their absinthe bar, and even more so for their willingness to serve drinks til 6am, the proprietors at Anon Salon keep it old school. Although, they do partake in the whole sugar cube/fire thing, so leave the polyester at home.

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Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

398 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

If you’ve got an occasion to splurge, and you don’t mind crowds, the classy classy Absinthe is a must try. Come on by and sip some absinthe as you try to figure out what a sorrel fume is. I suggest an off-hours visit, or even better, taking a seat at the bar.

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Elixir

3200 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Perhaps better known for it’s build-your-own bloody mary bar, elixir makes the list for being the quintessential Mission dive with a few surprises…Like an absinthe cocktail, and fresh kumquats at the bar!

Bring your own friends, though…The crowd is hit or miss.

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