Bourbon & Branch

03/15/2008 Posted by rgcooks

I think Boourbon and Branch is superb. Old skool style meets proper cocktails. The way they were intened.

11/02/2007 Posted by cironside

I made a reservation for six via the online form (since B&B doesn' t publish a phone # for reservations) and almost immediately received a confirmation. A couple days before the date I wanted to update the group to 8 and filled out another form. By the day of the reservation I hadn't heard back, so I called and spoke with Kayla (found the number on my inital reservation confirmation). She explained that tables only seat six max and the larger tables were all booked, so I couldn't increase the reservation. When I tried to explain my frustration that no one had responded to my second request, her answer was not an apology but "we're a high volume establishment". She was not in the least bit apologetic, and told me she wouldn't listen to my frustration but would either cancel my reservation or hang up on me! I never swore or did anything to offend her personally. I understand its hard to get a last minute reservation in SF, but when you (1) provide only the web as a way to make initial reservations (2) don't respond to the requests and (3) act snobby when guests express frustrations because your too busy to be concerned with them, this reveals extremely poor customer service skills!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/03/2007 Posted by paul62

B & B is fine for what thier concept is, but we still drink jack & cokes guys. We still drink straight gin martini's. I can't wait to see where this place will be in 2 years.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/17/2007 Posted by bobmatson

Holy...wow. If you are interested in liquor at all and like to talk a lot of baloney at parties like I do, then go to this bar and talk to the bartenders. If there was a doctorate program for bartenders, these guys would have there degrees. ‘Excuse me Dr? I’ll have a…’ you get the picture. There is so much beautiful booze on the walls there. It’s like a museum of glistening bottles. The décor and ambience helps a bit. By a bit I mean it might just be the coolest room available. It would be a regal idea indeed to take someone here to impress. The back room Library is surprising to walk into. The only other place in the states I liked better was the Barber’s Closet at Hotel Washington in Madison, WI. But that was back in the Dalmer days. The Barber’s closet burned to the ground in 94. Bourbon and Branch it is then! You are the coolest speakeasy by default. Granted I have never been to New York soooo…whatever. Go try some awesome whiskey at this place and tell me I’m wrong. I give it an A+. They treat you like a king as well. Or a queen. Whatever fits.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/02/2007 Posted by uphillrun

Ok, so it's hard to get in. Get over it! Yes, it can be difficult to get a reservation but once you are in you will appreciate the obstacles. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday since he is a huge bourbon fan and not only did we get exceptional drinks, we were actually able to have a conversation without screaming at each other. The relaxed vibe is wonderful and the revolver exceptional. Kudos to B&B.

Pros: Drinks, atmosphere, noise level.

Cons: Seedy neighborhood.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

03/30/2007 Posted by canmacann

Bourbon and Branch has a profound collection of cocktails. Even more profound is the ability of the bartenders to deliver on the promises of the menu. Being very well informed the bartenders operate my like mad chemists behind the bar with lab droppers, meticulous measuring of pours, and tediously adhering to the firing of orange peels and crystallization of negroni caviar. You'll have to get a spot at the bar to sample the deconstructed negroni. If you only get to sit in a booth, then don't miss out on the Revolver, a bourbon cocktail, and the elderflower #10, a light and cheery champagne based cocktail that will dance on your buds.

03/28/2007 Posted by tangotraveller

I really wanted to like this place. Very cool concept, and a nice looking room. A little bit of rigamarole to get a password and reservations. We arrived a little bit before our 6:00pm appointment, and were told to come back at 6:00pm. Once in, we were seated in a fairly tiny booth that was extremly uncomfortable and cramped. In spite of the fact that there were only about six customers in the place, our first round didn't get to the table until 6:20pm. While they have a fairly large drink menu, it lacks the classics and observing the bartenders made me feel as though they were making things for the first time. Each shot carefully measured, but none of the smooth fluidity of an expert bartender. These guys looked more like chemists trying an experiment. As a Seattleite, I'm used to some really professional bartenders who know their cocktails, and these guys just aren't in the same league. A nice try, friendly waitress, but not a serious bar.

Pros: Cool idea, nice room

Cons: Not very creative drink menu, lack of professional bartenders, an appointment to have a drink???

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

01/12/2007 Posted by lvyrbdy

My party loved the old fashioned 1920's feel from the tasty cocktails, vintage music, to the mysterious arrival procedure. We arrived an hour early to our Friday night reservations, but the staff was more then friendly to accomodate us. Reservations only to enter assures that everyone in the bar has a seat and a waitress and/or bartender. No having to stand three deep up at the bar for a drink. Located in the heart of the Tenderloin, getting to the bar is the only part that requires attention and care. We came up from LA and could not have found a cooler bar. All of us can't wait to come back.

Pros: Cool ambience, friendly service, reservations only, Tenderloin location,

Cons: Tenderloin location, parking

12/20/2006 Posted by dinkelspieler

I've Been There. I've Been There. I've Been There. I've Been There. But just once. Awesome. Now I can't get in. I can't get in. I can't get in. I can't get in. I can't get in. Give me a reservation. Please.

Pros: The best cocktails ever

Cons: I can't get in

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/19/2006 Posted by hhunter

Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there. Never been there.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful