Planning a trip to San Francisco?

Foursquare can help you find the best places to go to.

Bourbon & Branch

Bourbon & Branch

Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Whisky Bar$$$$
Tenderloin, San Francisco
Save
Share
8.7/10
1,349
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Food & Wine and Men's Health Mag recommend this place
    • Food & Wine
    • Men's Health Mag
  • Tips
    Matt S.
    "Vodka Lime Gimlet is the best drink you'll order all night."(21 Tips)
    Natarajan C.
    "Revolver = bourbon perfection"(9 Tips)
    Jacob B.
    "Try the Citizen Cane! Delicious!"(4 Tips)
    J Crowley
    "... of a speakeasy, the Imperial Eagle is actually really good. It's like a peachy..."(5 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon311 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • cocktails
  • good for dates
  • trendy
  • revolver
  • citizen cane
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Kristina L.heart icon on user image
    Kristina LeeFebruary 23, 2015
    Been here 10+ times
    Everything! If you can, get a reservation, that way you have access to the full menu! Don't be intimidated by the menu, tell your server what kinds of things you like, and they'll steer you right!
  • Adrian P.heart icon on user image
    Adrian PhillipsDecember 18, 2015
    Enter through the second door on the right to go directly to the Library. Their take on the Rusty Nail is fantastic. These guys can make anything so just ask if you're not keen on the menu choices.
  • Bravo
    BravoNovember 12, 2010
    Once you get the daily passcode online, walk into a dark moulin-rouge setting and have yourself the finest cocktails around. This place is the french laundry of bars, good luck getting in. -Yigit Pur
  • Stephanyheart icon on user image
    StephanySeptember 9, 2018
    Been here 5+ times
    Best to sit at the bar and let the bartender make you something truly yours. Otherwise the Revolver is an old tried and true whiskey drink fav. Be careful, it packs a massive punch.
  • Caro S.heart icon on user image
    Caro SchieferApril 28, 2017
    Great bar ( very nice door keeper) with great cocktails. Small menu but you can order everything you want. Fantastic whisky selection. Better reserve than you have access to a more secret room.
  • Natalieheart icon on user image
    NatalieApril 29, 2017
    One of the best speakeasies I've been to! You are completely transporter to the Prohibition Era. Perfect lighting, music, ambiance. Cell phone use is restricted which makes it intimate & sets the mood
  • Alexander L.
    Alexander LobovJanuary 17, 2015
    The drinks are great but the pretension is overpowering. Try it but I'll wager you won't return. Plenty of friendlier cocktail bars in San Francisco.
  • Shrutika S.heart icon on user image
    Shrutika SachdevSeptember 5, 2018
    Reservations required and you'll be given the password for the night! Don't expect your regular cocktail order, but instead try one of their unique concoctions and unplug from technology!
  • John E.heart icon on user image
    John EMarch 13, 2015
    Cool speakeasy w/ fantastic cocktails (especially of the bourbon variety) made by knowledgeable mixologists. Cool library-esque decor. Enter through the left-most unmarked door for general admission.
  • OkCupid Daters' Choice
    Bourbon & Branch was voted the Best Hidden Gem Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in San Francisco. #daterschoice Read more
  • Janet B.
    Janet B.September 22, 2018
    I didn't even consider ordering the cucumber gimlet and I have no regrets. Branch out and get something truly unique, the servers are super knowledgeable and can help you find something you'll love.
  • Michael L.heart icon on user image
    Michael LunøeDecember 11, 2016
    Speakeasy. You need to ~1 month in advance, otherwise you can go to Wilson & Wilson next door. Same owners, but a little more relaxed.
  • Lana V.heart icon on user image
    Lana VenturaOctober 29, 2016
    Try the Air mail cocktail! (pinapple rum, honey, lemon and sparking wine! )They also have great JM Rum! 💓 And first time for me: Californian Rum Agricole 43%! 😮
  • J Crowleyheart icon on user image
    J CrowleyJuly 27, 2016
    If you can weasel your way into this cliché of a speakeasy, the Imperial Eagle is actually really good. It's like a peachy vanilla tea-like cocktail.
  • Diplomatico Rum
    Diplomatico RumApril 11, 2013
    Ask for Darren Crawford at the bar. At the Smugglers Cove event he got classified to represent the West Coast at the Diplomático World Tournament 2013 with his amazing drink: Juancho Sour. Cheers! Read more
  • safia r.heart icon on user image
    safia rJuly 13, 2017
    Major love for their cocktails - had the daily special! You'll need to make a reservation ahead of time, and check your email for confirmation and password which you will need to provide at the door.
  • Patrick W.heart icon on user image
    Patrick WJanuary 8, 2015
    Friendly bartenders that lack the pretension of normal speakeasy cocktail bars but still make a mean drink. Prices are reasonable given location and ambience ($10/cocktail, $6/beer).
  • AFAR Media
    AFAR MediaJanuary 22, 2015
    This is a traditional speakeasy. Their 8 house rules—hushed voices and no cell phones among them—encourage neighborly conversation in a very relaxed setting. Read more
  • Jacqwi C.heart icon on user image
    Jacqwi CampbellNovember 17, 2013
    Went inside the library section. I had the revolver, a version of an old fashion. It was smooth with a kick. I suggest this place for a date, not a group - intimate, cozy and but beware of hipsters.
  • J Crowleyheart icon on user image
    J CrowleyJuly 27, 2016
    Take a ride on the Imperial Eagle if you like frothy, citrusy, bourbon drinks. This bird got me surprisingly cranked. If only it could fly me home.
  • J Crowleyheart icon on user image
    J CrowleyJuly 27, 2016
    Speakeasies are cool. But this place is trying WAY TOO HARD to be cool. The bouncer, Peter, was hilariously pretentious. I had to talk my way in on an empty Tuesday night. Bright side: solid cocktails
  • Frances M.heart icon on user image
    Frances M.August 5, 2013
    Must visit speakeasy in SF. Need to make reservations in advance & a secret password to get in. Strong drinks & cozy atmosphere. FYI, the bathroom is really dark & a bit creepy.
  • Carlos B.
    Carlos BApril 13, 2013
    Don't expect this to be your typical bar experience. Amazing drinks and love the speakeasy atmosphere. Always ask for recommendations and have fun.
  • Staff Picks
    Staff PicksDecember 6, 2016
    Bourbon & Branch was one of the more wished for places throughout 2015’s I Want Somewhere holiday campaign. Where’s your somewhere? Enter to win a bucket list experience. Read more
  • Diplomatico Rum
    Diplomatico RumAugust 19, 2013
    Check-out the video of Daniel Crawford's presentation at the Diplomático World Tournament 2013, held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, where he represented the US West Coast. Read more
  • Amanda B.
    Amanda BOctober 11, 2011
    One of the coolest speakeasies I've ever been too. The decor and ambiance make it ultra mysterious too. I recommend the Elderflower cocktail which was so sweet and delicious. Good luck finding it!
  • Danielle F.
    Danielle FAugust 15, 2014
    One of the few speak easy's left with actual ritual. Obey the no phone rule and enjoy an egg white cocktail over conversation with friends. They are all delicious!
  • safia r.heart icon on user image
    safia rJuly 13, 2017
    You can request access to the 'secret' bar The Library in the back after you are done at B&B. Prefer the main bar to the library both for drinks and ambience.
  • Jenn E.heart icon on user image
    Jenn EstradaAugust 13, 2014
    If you're seated at the front bar ask if Justin is working! Very knowledgeable on all spirits! Definitely will have well made drinks if he's around!
  • Kevin W.heart icon on user image
    Kevin WolkoberAugust 17, 2018
    The interior transports you back to the 1920s. Cocktail list reads like a NY diner menu with choices for days. Their gin cocktails are very solid.
  • Jessica R.
    Jessica RaeNovember 26, 2013
    1920’s style Speakeasy, world renowned cocktails.Password required for entry, see website for reservations or drop in for a drink in The Library (the password for the library is “books”).
  • Marc S.heart icon on user image
    Marc SOctober 16, 2014
    Try their twist on a whisky sour: the Skulll Island Sour. A bit sweeter and spicier. With the egg white, of course.
  • Sam J.
    Sam J.September 20, 2012
    Straight shot back to the Prohibition Era. Try the front door and you might get in without a password or try your luck unlocking the bookcase in the bar space in back then try the Cucumber Gimlet!
  • The Daily Meal
    The Daily MealJune 30, 2011
    A date night that’s drinks-focused is still a date and the location should be chosen wisely. Bourbon and Branch is the right atmosphere with mood lighting, cozy booths, and creative minds tending bar. Read more
  • Allie P.
    Allie PJune 28, 2013
    Great prohibition-era speakeasy. For serious drinkers only. Absinth is a frequent ingredient in many a drink! Make sure you reserve a table in advance and receive a password.
  • Jeremy K.heart icon on user image
    Jeremy KrantzAugust 14, 2014
    Make a reservation online ahead of time and make sure to get the door password. Also don't dress too casual and don't be on your phone inside. Just enjoy the experience and the drinks.
  • Lori W.heart icon on user image
    Lori WhiteSeptember 18, 2012
    My uncle asked me what i liked ("weird & old"), AND went to the trouble of looking up the password & bringing me here b/c he fundamentally knows how to make his hipster niece feel loved & special.
  • Nick P.heart icon on user image
    Nick PinoJanuary 28, 2017
    Go for the Snakebite (sp?). It's the one that has absinthe, pineapple rum, honey, lemon and egg white. It's delicious and very alcoholic.
  • Joanie
    JoanieOctober 23, 2014
    Never met a more enthusiastic bartender in my life. Justin makes great cucumber gimlets
  • Sarah J.
    Sarah Judd WelchAugust 21, 2012
    The bartender told me that all the old speakeasies and hotels in the area were once connected by underground tunnels, but that they are now mostly buried. Hmmm... Anyone up for an adventure??
  • Justine C.heart icon on user image
    Justine Chevrier-LordAugust 27, 2014
    Great and extended spirits selection and the speakeasy mood of the place really makes you believe you are back in the prohibition era, but the cocktails are overrated. Good but far from great.
  • J.R. R.heart icon on user image
    J.R. ReedFebruary 17, 2020
    Winning atmosphere, ideal date spot, it’s been said before... best cocktails, so far (!) — Mescalifornication, Snickerdoodle one
  • Marta T.heart icon on user image
    Marta TapperoAugust 11, 2017
    Yes Yes Yes to this place! Good drinks, ambiance and music. Can be packed, but other than that, I love it!
  • Shayan S.
    Shayan SanyalJanuary 3, 2014
    The killer Queen is fantastic. The medicine man is awesome, but it will be taken off the menu... The Sazeracs are great, be sure to order 50/50
  • Léna L.
    Léna Le RollandMay 5, 2017
    Very nice place, loved the atmosphere. Drinks were very good. Music is pretty loud tho
  • Theart icon on user image
    TFebruary 25, 2019
    Good vibe and the bartenders know what they’re doing.
  • Marc S.heart icon on user image
    Marc SOctober 16, 2014
    Craft cocktails. Ask your bartender for suggestions based on the base liquor or tastes you like.
  • ˜ ˜.
    ˜ ˜December 22, 2012
    Act shocked that there is a password. Look older. Wear a suit. You'll still get inside and shuffled to the back bar. Seating fills up early so be prepared to stand. It will be very warm.
  • Berk K.heart icon on user image
    Berk KapiciogluJuly 22, 2014
    The password for the library section is "books". Bartender was great. I recommend the "Hot Pursuit" for something spicy or "Citizen Cane" for something yummy.
  • Maroon 5
    Maroon 5June 7, 2012
    You have to make a reservation to get into this 1920's bar AND know the right password to get in! The old-time bar has no sign outside so you better pay attention or you'll miss it.
Photos565 Photos

Related Searches

  • bourbon & branch san francisco •
  • bourbon & branch san francisco photos •
  • bourbon & branch san francisco location •
  • bourbon & branch san francisco address •
  • bourbon & branch san francisco •
  • bourban & branch (b&b) san francisco •
  • bourban & branch b&b san francisco •
  • bourban and branch (bandb) san francisco •
  • bourbon san francisco •
  • bourbon & branch san francisco •
  • bourbon & branch library san francisco •
  • bourbon and branch san francisco •
  • bourbon and branch library san francisco •
  • bourbon and branch the library san francisco •
  • bourbon and branch. san francisco •
  • bourbon & branch tenderloin san francisco

Foursquare © 2024  Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA