Cozy and classy at the Alembic.
Alembic is Magnolia Brewpub's classier and more attractive younger cousin. You like them both just fine, but when the other family members get together to talk in the corners at the reunion, they agree that as likable as Magnolia is, Alembic really just has more going for it.
The bar is made from the benches of the old Kezar stadium. The wooden floors and wainscoting come from a deconstructed barn that was in Pennsylvania. The damn ceiling fans and the light bulbs are even beautiful. The barstools are plush and worthy of being perched upon for hours and hours.
Provided you can afford to stick around for hours and hours. Alembic is not expensive in that hotel bar, Bourbon & Branch kind of way. (You could probably order a drink that would cost you $16, but you'd really have to work at it.) But the joint ain't cheap either, especially if you're going to devote some time to it, which is really the best way to go, because it is an exceedingly pleasant and lovely place.
Do it like this:
Saturday afternoon and you and your friend and/or significant other have blown off all the errands and chores you were supposed to do for a late brunch at a place that had excellent hollandaise sauce. That meal is three hours gone, the nice little buzz you got from the mimosas, the bloodies and/or the beers is turning into a nasty little headache. It's time to hit Alembic.
Roost on one of the aforementioned barstools of great plushiness, and start with the bloody mary that has the homemade beef jerky in it. After that, go with a couple of the fine beers they have. Either the Magnolia and guest brews they have on tap, or delve into the impressive bottle selection. All right! You've got your nice little buzz back. It's time to order some grub.
Start with the deviled duck eggs. Just a buck a pop and they'll whet your appetite for the other goodies. The rabbit and cheese spaetzel, for instance, or the crispy duck and porcini potato cake in a pool of mango coulis. The buffalo cheese steak sandwich is a fabulous little dish that's sure to make your arteries cringe and your taste buds sing. The lamb sliders are stellar as well. They used to have jerk chicken wings that were simply...beyond...
Now you're full and a little drunk. Time for a cocktail. Or perhaps just a nice sipping shot of one of the hundreds of whiskeys they offer. Make your choice wisely. You'll be going to bed before dark at this rate.
Four stars instead of five for the simple reason that the dishes come at entree prices and tapas sizes. They are all fine, delicious, quality things, and perhaps I'm being a little hyper about it. Regardless, go. It's bueno.
The Alembic
1725 Haight Street @ Cole
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 666-0822
http://www.alembicbar.com/
