Chef David Barzelay and Bar Director Nicolas Torres have partnered on True Laurel.  True Laurel is an allusion to the bay laurel tree’s ancient and modern applications, a botanical reference to the common Bay Area flora as well as a poetic reference to authenticity and strength.

About True Laurel

True Laurel offers ingredient-driven cocktails crafted with an eye to both seasonality and reducing waste, served alongside a selection of creative and shareable bar food in a cool setting you will never want to leave. Taking inspiration from the nose-to-tail culinary ethos so prevalent in Northern California, Torres applies a similar philosophy with whole fruit in his cocktails, ranging from creating a house amaretto with stone fruit pits to utilizing the juice, peel, and pith of a lemon so no element goes unused.

Dining room views overlooking the back bar. The bar’s interior was created by San Francisco artist and designer Nicholas Roberto in collaboration with Torres and Barzelay. The team was heavily influenced by early modern artists, and includes highlights like a back bar inspired by Josef and Anni Albers, and a photo series by Barzelay and Torres, inspired by the still life images of Irving Penn.

True Laurel offers the quality and creativity found at Lazy Bear in a more laid back, casual environment. Reservations are not accepted and the a la carte menu of cocktails and dishes can accommodate a group looking for drinks and snacks, or a couple looking for a full dinner. All tables and bar seats will offer the full selection of drinks and food offerings.

The incredible Crab Cheese Fondue I enjoyed during my visit. I loved how it was served with buttered bread AND fruit and vegetables. 

This was the first drink I enjoyed, the Mai O Mai which had rum, pistachio orgeat, curacao, and coffee-rum float which gave a delicious coffee flavor to the cocktail.

Photos by Wes Rowe Photography