True Laurel

True Laurel, located in San Francisco’s Mission District, is a cocktail bar founded by the team behind Michelin-starred Lazy Bear. It opened in 2017 and has since become a beloved destination for both serious cocktail lovers and curious explorers. The design is art-forward and intentional: the bar is fashioned from a fallen laurel tree, lending both character and narrative. You’ll find sunlight filtering through skylights and shadows dancing across concrete walls, soft wood, sculptural shelving, and botanical accents. The space feels both modern and grounded — stylish but not precious. Cocktails here revolve around local and seasonal ingredients. Team members among the bar and service staff have gardens, forage, and work closely with farmers to source ingredients. The rotating menu includes cocktails like “Under the Palms” (coconut-infused rye, gin, vermouth, arāk, redwood tips) and “Pea-Casso”, which features snap pea, vodka/aquavit fusion, citrus, and flat tonic. The drinks lean layered, balanced, and elegant — appealing to both cocktail nerds and those who prefer something more approachable. Although it’s primarily a bar, the food program is no afterthought. Their bar bites & small plates are sophisticated — think loaded baked potatoes, cornmeal pancakes & caviar, hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, gougères with tomato jam, and more. The food complements the drinks, not competes with them. True Laurel’s schedule adapts through the week: Tues & Wed: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Thu: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM Fri: 4:00 PM – Midnight Sat: starts at 11:00 AM (brunch) and goes until Midnight Sun: brunch + evening service until ~10:00 PM Closed on Mondays True Laurel has gained recognition: in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025, it ranked #17. It is also lauded for sustainable practices: renewable energy sources, low waste efforts, and actively working with local growing initiatives. The vibe is warm, curious, artful, and unpretentious. It’s the kind of place to settle in, sip slowly, and let the details — drinks, ingredients, lighting, conversation — speak to you.