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Bourbon & Branch

Speakeasy, Cocktail Bar, and Whisky Bar$$$$

Tenderloin, San Francisco

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Bourbon & Branch

8.7^/10

1,347

ratings

Ranked #2 for whiskey in San Francisco
This speakeasy is famous for their whiskey. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"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 reviews

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cocktails
good for dates
trendy
citizen cane
books
imperial eagle
off-menu items
restaurants
hipster
dimly-lit
daily specials
boozy drinks
vodka
library
tequila
rum
takes reservations
staff
gin
good for special occasions
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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 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.
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
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 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.
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 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 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 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' ChoiceJuly 13, 2017
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.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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.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 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 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
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!
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
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!
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!
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”).
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.
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.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 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 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 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 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.
JoanieOctober 23, 2014
Never met a more enthusiastic bartender in my life. Justin makes great cucumber gimlets
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 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. ReedFebruary 17, 2020
Winning atmosphere, ideal date spot, it’s been said before... best cocktails, so far (!) — Mescalifornication, Snickerdoodle one
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 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 Le RollandMay 5, 2017
Very nice place, loved the atmosphere. Drinks were very good. Music is pretty loud tho
˜ ˜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.
Marc SOctober 16, 2014
Craft cocktails. Ask your bartender for suggestions based on the base liquor or tastes you like.
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.
TFebruary 25, 2019
Good vibe and the bartenders know what they’re doing.
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.

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