The Alembic
(415) 666-0822
1725 Haight St
San Francisco,
CA
94117
37.7695
-122.451
Neighborhoods: Central, Haight
What People Are Saying About The Alembic
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This one-room escape feels cozy yet spacious thanks to high ceilings, soft lighting and barren mustard walls. Views of the Upper-Haight hubbub are visible from two tall tables in front, while a dizzying list of liquors, beers, and specialty cocktails is squeezed onto a chalkboard above the stained-wood bar.
The Food
Small plates prepared with local ingredients distinguish Alembic from other Haight Street haunts. House-cured salmon sparkles atop toasted sourdough that's spiked with crispy bacon bits and dressed with sweet orange oil. Mussels bathing in a broth of local Blue Belt Bitter beer are bolstered by diced andouille sausage. Juicy lamb burgers with roasted red peppers are not to be missed, their moist sourdough buns spread with tapenade and harissa aioli. A cup of single-press Blue Bottle java and warm fruit compote brimming with chunky apples and smooth apricots are the perfect way to cap the experience.
User Reviews
Anonymous
February 03, 2009
The Alembic could easily feel pretentious but it's not. The regular cocktail menu is great, there's something for everyone whether you're partial to bourbon, gin, or vodka. If you're lucky enough to catch them on a Savoy Cocktail Book night, you're in for a treat with hundreds of cocktails to choose from. Best Manhattan in SF!
read full reviewAnonymous
January 05, 2009
The alembic is a great bar on Haight that has an interesting assortment of food and snacks. Their drinks are a bit pricey so the bill can add up quickly. It has a great atmosphere though and you feel very welcome
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Monkeyfinch
December 18, 2008
Bad attitude ruins the fantastic food/drink Imagine the surliest, velvet rope guarding, vapid meathead bouncer from some Miami or LA nightclub. Shrink him down to a 5'3'' chick with a bullring nosejob and you got yourself an Alembic hostess. Hey - I understand they need to keep an aisle open to serve those badly situated front tables. I get it that they want to preserve a certain feel to the place. Come on though - learn some class in how you go about it. The hostess at Alembic wrecked a friend's homecoming party with her ridiculous DoorNazi routine. Stranding a returning guest outside without her coat because the bar "is full" (on a Tuesday night - ya right) is never cool. Fantastic food and a great selection of Bourbon and Scotch, but the crazy attitude makes it a 1 star in my book.
read full reviewThe Details on The Alembic
Know Before You Go:
No reservations are accepted.
Parking:
Finding a meter on Haight can be hit-or-miss, but there's also a pay lot at Kezar Stadium (on Stanyan, south of Haight Street).
What to Drink:
Enjoy tap beers made down the street at Magnolia or a Rob Roy and other classic cocktails.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Notable Beer List, Late Night Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
