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Bourbon & Branch
Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Whisky Bar$$$$
Tenderloin, San Francisco
The experts at Food & Wine and Men's Health Mag recommend this place
"Vodka Lime Gimlet is the best drink you'll order all night."(21 Tips)
"Try the Citizen Cane! Delicious!"(4 Tips)
"... of a speakeasy, the Imperial Eagle is actually really good. It's like a peachy..."(5 Tips)
"The imperial eagle is a great drink for bourbon lovers"(15 Tips)
311 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Harry RobertsOctober 23, 2015On- and off-menu cocktails are fantastic. Watching the bartenders work was a real joy.
Candace SooHooSeptember 13, 2010You can never go wrong with ordering the Cucumber Gimlet - it has a nice limeade taste to the drink. Also, they take enforce the "no photographs" rule seriously...but you can always sneak in 1 pic
Janet TomDecember 16, 2013Check their website daily for the password to gain entrance. Also password for the library bar is "books"
Larry HallSeptember 21, 2012It's quite memorizing to watch the barkeep mix cocktails. Why was I born in this day and age? This nostalgic establishment makes on yearn for prohibition and derby hats.
Candy Eros DiazFebruary 24, 2013Imperial Eagle was delicious. Better for small groups (3-4 ppl). Rowdy big groups need not apply. Beautiful atmosphere.- Andy JiangAugust 19, 2014Classic speakeasy cocktail bar. Make sure to close the door before a hobo wanders in.
wheat kneeApril 3, 2012Make a reservation online, even up to the last minute.. or simply ring the bell and see if they have walk in room in the library!
Alessio SanzogniAugust 21, 2012Outstanding 20's atmosfere And cocktails... But for a full prohibitiobism experience.. Ask for the Library!
Hatice U.May 23, 2013Try rum w/ coconut and lime when they have it. Also be cautious about ur phone to keep old atmosphere alive!!
Amy YounghansMarch 21, 2013A must-see! You feel as If you've stepped back into time! Figure out the right password and your in! ;-)
Clare BautistaDecember 15, 2011You don't need a password if you take the O'Farrell entrance straight into the library bar. Amazing cocktails. Order a paper plane.
Garann MeansNovember 16, 2014State your gin preference. I asked what a particular cocktail was made with and found out the default was Gordon's.
Nick JordanAugust 24, 2014The speakeasy theme may have been brought an inch to far, but the cocktails are so good all is forgiven.
Priya SaiprasadSeptember 16, 2012Get ready to party like Mr. Gatsby himself at this Speakeasy! Order the Cucumber Gimlet and you won't regret it!
Adam McCueMarch 12, 2013Get a Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the 50 best cocktails in San Francisco by 7x7 magazine
Heather CasteelDecember 18, 2013Password required. Available on website. Super talented bartenders and excellent drink menu.
Jarret WeinrichAugust 11, 2012I feel like I just walked into Bioshock, but minus the murderous zombies and plus better bartenders. Worth the wait for reservations.
Ankush NarulaApril 20, 2010My favorite off-menu cocktail as recommended by one of these fine bar chefs: "Remember the Maine" circa 1933. The library is steamy so make a reservation in advance.
Morgan LintonNovember 18, 2013Make sure to order the Lucas Pucus, it's not on the menu but it's amazing!
Natalie RayJanuary 6, 2013Try the cucumber gimlet. Be sure to call ahead or make a reservation online for the password.
Marissa CoughlinAugust 20, 2011Cucumber gimlet is super delicious and refreshing. The splash of sparkling wine adds just the right amount of fun.
Chris GarciaOctober 18, 2012The Bobbie Burns (scotch, sweet vermouth, benedictine) was delightful. Just sweet enough.
Sujatha Krishnan-BarmanNovember 26, 2012Lively and lovely. Ask the bartenders for recommendations, they're pros. And if you like whiskey, get the Laphroaig project.- Markus AarstadOctober 28, 2013Designed to resemble a speak-easy (one stood here in the 1920s) this is among the city’s hippest bars.
Charbay Winery and DistilleryJune 24, 2010Amazing cocktails, fabulous bartenders and hard to find libations (read: Charbay Whiskey II, Doubled & Twisted, etc). Always a good time!
Tell the bartender what you feel like having and they can stir up something special for you
- Aaron DraczynskiNovember 27, 2012This place is tricky to find; look for the non-descript wooden door. Make sure you know the password.
Men's Health MagNovember 15, 2011These old-timers are keeping things on the hush-hush, and not just with the lack of a marquee. No cell phones. No cosmos. No standing around at the bar. Get a Buffalo Trace bourbon. Taste the history.
Regina WaltonMarch 4, 2016Know the password. Don't cut in line. Leave the bar staff a nice tip for the great cocktails.
Guillaume FlandreNovember 7, 2014Cocktail bar kinda hidden. The second room seems to be kinda VIP. Overall kinda cool!
572 Photos
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Bourbon & Branch is a glimpse back to the 1920's, the era of Prohibition, when sale of alcohol was outlawed. You'll experience the ambiance of a speakeasy that operated illegally here from 1921-33. Then, our address was listed in the Telephone Directory as "The Ipswitch - A Beverage Parlor".
Closed until 6:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 6:00 PM–2:00 AM
(415) 346-1735
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 7.8
"This is my favorite bar in the city. Great cocktails at $11 a piece. Get whatever the special is and take it upstairs or out to Dalva. I will probably be there too."
Will Bertelsen - 8.6
"Private, speakeasy-style backroom at The Cavalier (?). Very nice space for a small party or swanky get together."
Chris Lake - 7.6
"That beef noodle soup tho"
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Ali Anderson - 6.6
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