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Bourbon & Branch
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 6 pm - 2 am
- Music:
- Background
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
1800 reviews for Bourbon & Branch
Review Highlights
"The cucumber gimlet here is my current favorite drink."
(in 204 reviews)
"Talk about super schwanky seductive speak-easy ecstasy."
(in 105 reviews)
"the library room is absolutely gorgeous."
(in 580 reviews)
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1800 reviews in English
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Review from Albert H.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Reservation difficulty level: meh. We booked online for two on a Wednesday evening at 10:30 because it was what was available, but we got a call the day of asking if we'd like to move it earlier. We showed up fifteen minutes early for our 8:30 reservation - the door is on the corner with a little intercom next to it. For some reason ( perhaps the hostess was away from her station ) the intercom didn't work, but the door opened and we were asked for the secret password & our ID's shortly after the buzzer was pressed.
It's not a big space - a couple bartenders and a couple servers work a selection of booths, a bar, and an upstairs balcony area. We were seated quickly, brought water, and informed of the cocktail special of the day called Malibu Barbie - a rum/mango/coconut/mint thing. The menu is extensive, even if you only consider the cocktail list, and they offer a good selection of spirits including flights of whisk(e)y.
Prices are reasonable, especially for the quality, running around $11. We had four drinks in the end, all well-made, though a tall concoction of bourbon, Averna, ginger syrup, egg white and peach bitters whose name I forget ( maybe the Imperial Eagle? ) left a rather dry aftertaste. Flavors were clean and clear in all our concoctions. The Franco American was nicely boozy with bright citrus and herbal flavors. J. Serra's Sour again emphasized its tequila base, but left plenty of room for the fruity bits. The above-mentioned Malibu Barbie was once more cleanly and clearly flavored ... whether you like that sort of thing or not.
We had no problems with pacing, finishing our drinks within an hour. Our charming server, though busy with many tables, was easily summoned by simple eye contact. Drinks did take a while to be made, but nothing extraordinary, and we were even asked preemptively whether we'd like to line up a second round before we finished our first.
Despite admonitions for low voices ( speak easy, after all ) and a far from full house, it was not exactly a quiet experience. The room isn't big, and larger groups tended to be a little less subdued than suited the space. Additionally, there was significant traffic through the bar, as you must pass that way to access the quieter Russel Room.
It was a good speakeasy experience for a small group or couple, and they are mixing the drinks right. We had a good time. -
Review from Jessica H.
San Diego, CA
2/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
While the location was hard to find, the slightly freaky walk to find the place was well worth it once we got inside.
Upon reaching the door, we offered the hostess our password and she brought us inside - it was like stepping back to the 1920's. There are little hidden rooms off the main one, which is dimly lit with candles and low lights and has a great, swanky vibe. I had a Medicine Man, which had sage, paprika, lemon, and unaged rum which was absolutely delicious - the flavors hit one at a time in a very interesting way.
The library (first come first serve standing room only bar) was not nearly as cool as the reservations only area - but that depends upon what you're looking for. I loved that it was mellow enough that I could carry on a conversation with my friends while we sipped drinks without having to raise my voice.
All in all? Fantastic spot for a classy night of conversation and old-school drinks. -
Review from Elaine C.
Irvine, CA
2/8/2012 2 Check-ins Here
A star given just for the "ooh" factor of the whole password/closed door/ prohibition theme.
Ive been to the first come first serve portion and the password portion of this bar:
First come first serve "library"- hard to get drinks, crowded, had to wait a while and push and get cut in front of to get a drink, which really takes away from the "classy" vibe. This place is louder in comparison to the other main part of this bar, and is more social in that respect
The main room/password required part:
You definitely need to come here with friends, or else it's boring. It's quiet in here and is more of a classy hangout with a huge drink menu, don't look to come here to party. Service here was "meh". It took 30 minutes to get first rounds of drinks out and it wasn't even that busy -
Review from Ali D.
Minneapolis, MN
2/7/2012
Dear Bourbon & Branch,
I had the privilege of visiting your establishment last night. I was very excited to come here since you have received such great reviews and were recently featured on an episode of The Bachelor (which I am ashamed to admit that I watch). It was a cold rainy night and we were anxious to get inside, once giving the password, of course.
The ambiance and music were fantastic once we settled in at our table. The place was busy, but not packed. It was a Monday evening so we were not expecting to have to wait for such a long time to be served. I had read that you need to be patient here to get your drinks, but I find 45 minutes quite ridiculous. It's not THAT cool...maybe Ben Flajnik was in the secret room with a date again and he needed all the server's time.
I was really hoping for a great experience but was highly disappointed. Anyone thinking about going, skip it and go somewhere you will be served some drinks before you turn into a pumpkin. -
Review from Linh D.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Reservations are always a must to ensure entrance and seatings. During the call for reservations to be made don't forget the "word" or you'll definitely be denied for entrance. Witnessed myself! These two girls wanted to steal my password and claim its one of the girls Bday. Sorry! She even gave a made up word to the hostess in hoping it's correct but access denied! Felt sorry for her if it's really her Bday but they do have sisters lounges a few blocks away!
I wasn't able to be seated or go thru the mysterious bookcases they said it was open in the beginning of the week till the mid week. By then reservations are not necessary but it's still best to be able to be seated in the better areas.
Drinks are definitely strong so sip wisely, had the specials and man that kicked me in the behind after I finished it but so delicious! Such a creeper! -
Review from ariel r.
Santa Clara, CA
2/7/2012
I don't know how to be objective about this place because our "adventure" here fell flat due to logistics....
We got hooked up a table for our friends birthday, but the problem was that the table only sat 6 and there were 10 of us. So some of us fell on our swords and went to the "other side" of the bar, which is standing room only (for the most part.)
When we lined up like cattle to get our drinks, i noticed that there was only 1 bartender to service the entire herd!!! Awesome for him because he made tons of tips, but bad for us because we had to wait in line forever to get 1 round of drinks. I ordered some drink that had way to much bourbon in it and switched it with someone else who ordered a cucumber gimlet or something like that... that was pretty good.
Anyways, personally i don't like to go to packed places for drinks. I am a big guy with broad shoulders and going to packed bars makes me feel like im playing football with everyone hitting me and spilling my drink. i want to be hit ON and not just hit.. but that's me.. the people that got to sit down enjoyed their time.
Personally, i rather go to Singlebarrel in SJ. They have a strict limit of people that can get in which can suck for larger groups but at least people aren't packed in like the sheep we are.. -
Review from Jenn C.
1/29/2012
Great bar with amazing mixed drinks - they have opened another "secret" room - so it's really like 3 bars in one. You have to do this complicated reservations/password thing which I always fail - but when I go there alone or with another female friend, they are always extraordinarily helpful and seat us at the front bar... I guess they enjoy having more ladies in the house, so at least I have that going for me!
You just can't beat the drinks - and the other thing which I positively ADORE is that they do not have any televisions creating additional visual or auditory noise. Fantastic Drinks + No Televisions = totally worth the slightly higher costs of drinks.
Fun and classy spot for special drinkies, solo or with the girls. -
Review from Julie B.
Denver, CO
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Why not 5 stars? Well, Bourbon and Branch was the #5 "speakeasy" I have tried in the last 12 months so I have to compair it to the competition. In the end, 4 stars for you! Which is still a good review.
First, I will say what went well. We got a reservation, a password and a table was waiting for us when we arrived. The decor was swanky and fun. The drink menu was well thought out. Just find the booze you like and they have a cocktail expertly prepared that you will enjoy. I picked a bourbon cocktail, then vodka and tried one of the 'specials' of the evening.... whoooo um, drunk! They dont serve food.
So, no 5th star because while our service was adorable and well dressed. She wasn't the expert mixologists I have enjoyed chatting it up with in Violet Hour (Chicago) or Bradstreet (Minneapolis). Next time I hope to get a seat at the bar and see the magic happen up close.
It would have also been nice if they had something to snack on so you aren't stumbling out. -
Review from Christine A.
Berkeley, CA
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Before coming here for the first time I told some people that I was going to check it out- and the majority of the people replied "Oh! They went there on The Bachelor!!!" I think I should have taken it as a bad omen.
Bourbon and Branch has been on my radar for quite awhile, and their website is incredibly alluring so my expectations we're pretty high. And I was disappointed....
They have "House Rules" posted inside, as well online, but they were quickly dismissed by the girl passive agressively pushing to get in front of me to get a drink, and by the group of fratty looking guys making loud chants.
Although underwhelming overall, the ambiance (minus the crowd of people) was really unique and sexy and their drinks were delicious and meticulously hand crafted. The wait was long since they put so much effort into each one (also preventing you from abiding by rule "no standing at the bar") but the bartenders are truly skilled. And cute!Listed in: Bay Area
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Review from Victor C.
1/27/2012
I would probably have given this place 5 stars, because:
- I like fun, thematic venues.
- I like feeling special b/c I know the password.
- I like how when we were there, some chump who didn't know the password flashed his "Black Card" and BOOM, still turned down and wasn't allowed entry (+1 for the 99%).
But why oh why did I skimp on the 1 star?
Because I was forced to watch "The Bachelor" and witnessed them allowing some trashy reality tv show stars contaminate their venue. BOO on them. -
Review from David J.
Memphis, TN
2/7/2012
Take lots of money but if you love high end bourbons or scotch this is the place to go.
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Review from Colin Z.
San Jose, CA
2/5/2012
Bourbon & Branch was my first speakeasy experience and it certainly did not disappoint.
Everything about this place makes you feel like you are in the 1920's prohibition era. The facade is inconspicuous and the indoor is dim and low-key as to not draw too much attention. Patrons require a password to gain entry, and they are surprisingly strict about that.
There are three rooms that I know of. The main room with tables requires a reservation. The booths themselves are quite small so it's not good for big groups or really tall people.
I personally prefer the library, which can be accessed with the password "books" at the front door. The library has 20's music, with shelves full of books. We checked the printing dates on some of the books and some were indeed from the 20's!
Another advantage about the library is that you get to watch the bartenders make the drinks. It's quite entertaining and some times they even blow fire! All the drinks are delicious and quite "labor intensive".
The down side is the wait time on a busy night. It's best to order some drinks and get to the back of the line. By the time you are done with your first drink, you should be at the bar again!
My personal favorite is the French 75 and the Cucumber Gimlet. The Delirium beer is also quite good.
If you want to relive the 20's prohibition experience, go to Bourbon & Branch. -
Review from Sandy T.
Oakland, CA
1/22/2012
Yeah, I guess I'm a fan.
It really doesn't matter what cocktail you order; it will be good. Like, was so caught up in how disarmingly delicious they were, completely forgot I even came into the bar with anything, and left it all (clutch, wallet, credit cards, ID, cash, everything) there good.
Not a bad cocktail to be had.
Dammit, B&B, I love you and hate you at the same time.
And to person who stole my alligator clutch: Enjoy, you a-hole. But wouldn't you enjoy it more if it weren't stolen goods? Grow a conscience. It helps with self-respect. Next time you forget something you love, you'll wish there were less people like you in the world. -
Review from Anthony C.
Richmond, CA
2/5/2012
Bourbon and Branch is a "speakeasy" style cocktail bar. To get in you must make reservations far in advance. After you make you reservations you will receive a password via email which you will need to get in. When you finally do get in the drinks are guaranteed to please.
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Review from Julia P.
1/22/2012
Stars mainly for the whole "prohibition" style location and setup. Very creative guys.
Hard to get a reservation but said to be worth it. I happened to go to the library since I had no reservation and it was great! Old books piled on dusty bookshelves, patrons getting there drink on, and one bathroom.
Drinks take a while and when there are people lining up, it can be a long wait. They serve 7-8 specialty drinks of which the Cucumber gimlet seems to be a favorite. I ended up trying that, the citizen cane, the revolver, and ending with a gin n tonic. Needless to say the drinks were sweet and tasted relish without the taste of alcohol. The gin n tonic though did me in...lol.
Great place to take visitors. -
Review from Alyssa P.
Long Beach, CA
1/24/2012
Love this place! The experience alone gets it 5 stars. I really feel like i'm hiding out from the cops and doing something illegal...but in a classy way haha
Reservations are hard to come by but hanging out in the library is just as cool. Talk to the bartenders, they know their stuff and make some damn good drinks (which reflects in price) -
Review from Gary R.
With a national reputation stretching all the way to NYC this was a much try! I first heard of the B&B while having a few drinks at PDT NYC.
I logged in online to get those coveted reservations and the more coveted password to enter... Shhhh.
Cautionary note: As we made are way through Tenderloin we passed some interesting characters along the way. It is important to mention that at night, there are numerous homeless people hovering around and lots of open drug use In the surrounding couple blocks (think crack and heroin).
The B&B has no windows that let into what's inside. All that you see is an old sign reading "Anti-Saloon League" as a coy reference to the 1920's prohibition.
We buzz in, give the passcode and the door opens... Ahhhh, the contrast of worlds inside and out. You enter into a very dimly lit, ultra classy lounge. The tables are designed so you cannot see anyone else sitting nearby, but yet you can see the open area around the bar with beautiful chandeliers hanging. The table tops are long and thin, forcing you to be right on top the special person seated across from you. 1920's Paul Whiteman jazz plays in the background.
The menu is vast and impressive, with a lots of Bourbons that would make Kentucky proud! I had the Revolver and then the Runway. Both were fantastic, ultra high quality and smooth.
This venue actually has speakeasies within the lounge. The scotch and whisky shelves open ever slightly into the Wilson and Wilson detective agency, and the book shelf in back opens into the "library room" of the B&B.
This place is quality at it's finest!Listed in: Shhhhh! Speakeasy and please…
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Review from Shai G.
Culver City, CA
1/11/2012
You need to make reservations or have a large party in order to get into the main door, otherwise you have to go in through the corner door with the rest of the rejects.
Bourbon & Branch is really small, at least the reject corner is. They have a pretty cool of drinks from back in the day like "The Old Fashioned" and a few others.
Bartenders are epically slow, but they take their time working on your drinks which makes it acceptable.
Next time I come here I'll definitely make reservations. -
Review from Dexter A.
American Canyon, CA
1/6/2012
Ok so this is a Speakeasy.
If you don't know what that is then go find out first.
You need a password to get in with or without a reservation.
If you don't like Bourbon don't go.
Its a bar not a club, its a bar not a restaurant, its a bar not your TV room.
They don't serve any food.
Its dark, very dark, I mean there's more light in your garage at night (kidding).
Its expensive. But that's to be expected based on the very rare Spirits they serve, and the skill of the bartenders mixing the drinks.
When its busy service slows when its not busy service is metered (slow) you need time to drink your drink so this is how its suppose to be. No beer chugging here, hell I don't think they sell beer.
So I loved this place. Have been here several times and brought friends. Good times. Have made reservations and had the Bourbon tastings. Have been here for classes to learn how to make drinks and learn more about Bourbon.
If you like Bourbon and a speakeasy atmosphere than you must check it out. At least once if your in the city.
Call for reservations to get your password. -
Review from Enrico P.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Worth it just for decor and the experience. The drinks were excellent as well if you are into mixology. Favorite drinks were Dirty Summer Dress and Sazerac.
Getting the reservation and having a quiet hour and a half versus dealing with the din of most bars/lounges makes it memorable...especially since after our time ran out we were escorted to the Library which seemed a perfect ending and raised the tempo enough that if we were heading to another place we had sufficiently perked up.
Only complaint regarding decor is in first main room they need to lower the wattage on small table lights one degree...we turned ours off and requested candles instead. -
Review from Anne K.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2012
Excellent cocktails, but only the back room is accessible to wheelchairs; you'll have to go around to the other EVEN MORE SEKRIT entrance, and that's if you can get in at all without a reservation. There's not much in the way of a table or shelf available to wheelies, or if there is, it's blocked by crowds. It's also very dark; low-vision types, bring your extra flashlight and hope they don't yell at you for ruining the ambiance as you try to read the menu.
Mention the wheelchair when you make a reservation (seriously, reservations for a bar? I'm not that inclined to plan my drinking) and maybe that will work; otherwise, slope around the corner to Rye for cocktails nearly as good (same management) and a bit less crowding. -
Review from Claire L.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
I just joined Yelp because I needed to warn other people about this place. It is great for going with 1 or maybe, maybe 2 other people who you like, who know their liquor, and want to pay 13 dollars for a 3 oz drink. This is the place for that.
This is definitely NOT the place for a larger group. The hostesses here can't really handle the high volume, and they are very uncomfortable with people walking around or moving in/out of their reserved space. At the end of the day, it's still a bar!! I don't know, I just didn't like going out with so many rules to follow!
But when you're craving an "absinthe-rinsed glass," it's the right place for you. But fair warning! -
Review from Phyu A.
Irvine, CA
1/5/2012
I wish I was able to sneak in a check-in on yelp but I'm not sly enough. They have a strict no pictures or cell phone policy and I didn't want to risk getting kicked out. So you have to make a reservation and get a password to get in. Very creative idea.
Anyways, I thought the atmosphere was very ambient. Their theme is prohibition era and I wish I dressed up like them that night because everyone looked so cute. The servers knew their drinks and after getting a recommendation from her, I thought the drink was delicious! I'm not much of a drinker but I was a fan of it. I wish I remembered what I ordered though. Maybe next time I'll write it down. -
Review from Jean c. M.
Laguna Beach, CA
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm missing something about this place.
Came here on a relatively off night. I would say it wasn't busy at all. The front room had about six people in it.
For some reason the whole knock on the door with a password and a reservation for a bar is annoying to me...especially when it's 6:15 PM. It just seems pretentious.
Took a seat and couldn't get a waiter to come by for a drink order for about ten minutes. Took another ten minutes to get the drinks. They offer typical prohibition era cocktails...the drinks were decent but not exceptional. There is a great selection of cocktails and my favorite - bourbon.
I will say I enjoyed the rooms and the setting. Service can be improved though....
I prefer its sister bar - Rickhouse. It just offered much better and friendlier service and was a bit more relaxed. -
Review from Tracey F.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
We arrived 5 minutes before our reservation time and told in a very superior voice, dispite freezing temps, that we were early and would have to wait outside to be admitted.5 miniutes after our reservation time, they were allowing other guests in but still not us. It was at this point, we decided we were way too cold to stand for this bullshit, knock on the door, informed the hosted we had waited long enough, and left. No place, no matter how good the drinks are, is worth being treated with such arrogance.
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Review from Jade W.
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I felt super secret and cool whispering the "password" and entering through the hidden bookcase. And also relieved to no longer be walking through the heart of the tenderloin.
Citizen Cane ($11) was delicious and perfectly made. One of the best cocktails I've ever had - I didn't realize the kick it had until I sat down.
People aren't very friendly in the space so best to come with a good friend or date and get immersed in a great convo. And like others have mentioned it gets incredibly hot in the library - like make-up melts and hair deflates kind of hot. Not cute.
Next time I want to get a reservation so that I can enter the other rooms and not deal with poor ventilation. -
Review from Ann V.
Irvine, CA
1/1/2012
Our friend who recently moved to SF had insisted that we make a visit to Bourbon and Branch to try at least one amazing cocktail...and amazing it was!
Unfortunately we didn't make the cut to get a reservation for a table, so we were escorted to the Library in the back. It was ridiculously hot in there! It felt like a pressure cooker; after about 30 minutes they finally opened the door to allow some fresh air to come through.
There is little space inside so be prepared to stand, as well as waiting in line to order a drink. Each cocktail is crafted with care, each drink taking around 5 minutes to make, but worth the wait! I ordered the French 75 which is gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling wine. It was delicious and refreshing. My girlfriend had a cucumber gimlet which was the best I had ever tasted!
We only stuck around to have one drink due to the long wait, but I'm glad we made the stop. Next time I'll be sure to get a reservation as to not get stuck in the stifling library. -
Review from Andrew L.
Cupertino, CA
1/7/2012
I really like the atmosphere here as it's a new kind of bar experience for me - give the host the secret password and he'll take you to one of the bars behind a hidden door. Being my first time, we ended up in the library. The decor was very much an old, almost cobb webby style, with just enough light to be able to see who you're talking to.
We paid roughly $11 per cocktail, the drinks were very good for the most part. Had the "mixologists" made our drinks with consistency, I would have given this place a 5/5. One of our drinks came with an extra ingredient - cinnamon - for round 2. I had the French 75 and the gimmlet with gin, which I liked a little better. I will return to this place again to try the other rooms. -
Review from Veronica S.
Fremont, CA
Updated - 12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bourbon & Branch is probably San Francisco's most recognized speakeasy. From 1921 to 1933, this location actually operated illegally, which makes it for an authentic and historical mark!
Up to 2011, Bourbon & Branch required reservations made online ahead of time, and upon confirmation, you would receive a PassWord that you recite at the door to check in. I hear that come 2012, they will eliminate the need of a password and grant you entrance beginning 9:30PM. However, House Rules still stand, meaning - no standing at bar, no photography, and don't even dare to order cliche cocktails like Cosmos.
The drinks here are phenomenal and embrace the "Mixologista" methodology. Plenty of care and thought goes into making each cocktail, and each bartender can actually come up with their own creations and enter to get them in the Bourbon & Branch menu!
Come with great company and plenty of time for good conversation. Relax and enjoy the ambiance!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/1/2010
An excellent "speakeasy" lounge for San Francisco, however I still think the joints in NYC (think… Read more »
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Review from Alex W.
1/24/2012
This place is awesome, except that you can't get in without a reservation. But when you do you'll be taken aback by the amount of detail paid to everything. Nothing has been overlooked, from asking for a password at the entrance to the decor which includes a hidden door, a nice throwback to the speakeasies in the Prohibition days. They have an impressive selection of spirits and mix perfectly balanced classic and craft cocktails. The prices are very reasonable, about $11-12 for top quality vs. here in LA where it's $12-14 for crap.
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Review from Stephanie F.
San Francisco, CA
Of course I had to see what all the hype was about... I've heard of this place in passing about 37 times now... being that Philadelphia has tons of incredible bars similar to how this was described to me, a prohibition styled speakeasy of sorts, I was interested.
The ambience is incredible. They did a fantastic job with the details. From the wood etched menu to the copper ceilings, the hidden door that looks like a liquor shelf... they really went all out in the details. With the exterior door, they went a little overboard with the details, making it an obvious entrance to a bar... a little cliche and overplayed, but not a big deal.
The cocktails knock you off your feet, so if you like remembering the night, drink cautiously. All in all, an experience worth revisiting. -
Review from Jen K.
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been wanting to try this place for a looooong time. I decided a nice night out with the boy would be topped of with surprising him with a nightcap here. He's a whiskey fan, so I knew this would be right up his alley.
I made reservations (recommended) and used our secret password to get in. It can be a touch hard to find as its unmarked, but thats part of the fun and appeal.
We were lead through a hallway with many turns and were brought to a bar where we were introduced to our server for the night. The boy decided to try a few whskeys, I took a "flight". You can pick three drinks off the menu. The mixed drinks are legit! Its amazing to watch them mix old school, classic cocktails like my grandparents would have had. And MAN they are STRONG! Its expensive, but at least you aren't getting watered down drinks. The menu is like a dossier, adding some bonus fun to the experience. Our bartender was very friendly, answering all of my questions about everything. He was very knowledgeable and his recommendations for whiskies for the boy were dead on. This is def a place you need to go to once in your life. -
Review from Mike G.
Moreno Valley, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
4 stars for the classic speakeasy style ambience,nostalgia all written all over this place,if walls could only speak,a little over priced,and kinda weird you can only drink "certain drinks" but worthwhile to checkout,our waitress made a mistake and handled herself well with free drinks! "Always a good mistake!" I recommend but make sure you take extra dough,and prepare yourself for strict rules,and strong drinks,and good times! P.S nice 40's jazz in the background.
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Review from Andrew G.
East Bay, CA
1/20/2012
NYE 2011 was awesome! Until I sat in someone's puke!!
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Review from J E.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2012
Awesome. I mean what place that you need a password to get into wouldn't be awesome? We made reservations and had a leisurely time sipping and sitting in the dim light. My bf came once before on a packed Saturday night and noted the library can get pretty packed and the line a bit long for a drink. Their specialty of the night was sweet and delicious and I could have drank them all night long. Average about $12 for a cocktail with awesome service and high quality everything. What's better than that? Besides having fun using a password to get in of course...
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Review from Nathan P.
11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Want to be apart of a secret society that drinks in a discrete building disguised with dim lighting and shelves and shelves of books that also open up to more secret rooms?
I do!
It's a different place to enjoy a hard drink. It's not loud, there's no DJ with blaring music, and it's not crowded.
You need a password to get in. I felt important having being screened with a password.
I enjoyed the whole experience of a speakeasy and it's worth trying out because Burbon and Branch goes out of its way to make it authentic. -
Review from Kelly N.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2012
I truly love this bar. It's a nice place to just hang with friends or go on a date, where it doesn't feel sleezy at all. It has a very classy feel to it yet not snobby. I only wish that it was in a better neighborhood. Also, while I appreciate that they only let certain numbers of folks in, it also makes it hard to plan a big group outing there especially if your friends are all coming at different times. But I highly recommend this place for a very small group...or a date!
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Review from Darnelle R.
Philadelphia, PA
1/11/2012
This is my first speak easy. I love this place. You have to know the secret phrase to get in and you should have a reservation or they may not let you in. The drinks were so eclectic and I love the theme of the whole place. I felt like I was on the set of Boardwalk Empire! We need more speak easies!!
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Review from Nho H.
12/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is interesting but not that special. You can enter thru the non reservation door without needing a password. I found this bar to be a little overrated.
Interior has a 1950s theme. Drinks are delicious tho! I forget all the ones I tried but the cucumber gimlet was fantastic. Now if you're looking to get shizwasted, this may not be the place for you cuz it takes awhile to order a drink and they are more on the expensive side ($11-$14). However, if you're looking for a low key night with a bunch of good friends, this is a pretty good spot.
I prefer Blackbird. -
Review from Nick K.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011
***Good***
The drink menu here is way cool. The bar tenders are nice and knowledgeable and will explain stuff to you.
***Bad***
Annoying that you have to do the whole secret password online reservation thing.
***Recommendation***
Anything with bourbon, obviously.
