Introduction
True Laurel is an elegant and welcoming cocktail bar situated at 753 Alabama Street in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District. Launched in late 2017 by renowned chef David Barzelay, founder of the two-Michelin-starred Lazy Bear, together with bar director Nicolas Torres, True Laurel represents their inaugural step beyond formal tasting menus into a more casual yet refined neighborhood setting. The venue harmoniously merges culinary sophistication with inventive mixology, maintaining high standards of creativity, precision, and attention to detail while fostering an inviting local atmosphere. The bar’s design draws inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics infused with the Bay Area’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Custom-built booths and geometric installations frame a striking bar top crafted from a locally salvaged bay laurel tree, while soft lighting and natural materials create an intimate environment that encourages guests to linger and engage. Every element of the space is curated to nurture a sense of community and comfort, offering an immersive experience that invites exploration and return visits. Central to True Laurel’s identity is its ingredient-driven cocktail philosophy. Under Nicolas Torres’s leadership, the bar pioneers the use of fermentation, foraging, and seasonal Californian produce to develop cocktails that are both experimental and eminently drinkable. Many drinks incorporate house-made or locally sourced components such as redwood tips, preserved citrus, pine liqueur, and miso-infused spirits. This thoughtful approach results in a continually evolving menu that celebrates distinctive regional flavors alongside nuanced mixological techniques. Signature creations like “In the Pines,” which combines toasted cocoa rye and gin with redwood and absinthe, exemplify the bar’s dedication to balanced, multi-layered compositions rich in storytelling. Complementing the cocktail program is an exceptional food menu that transcends typical bar fare. Instead of simple snacks, True Laurel offers elevated small plates inspired by regional and international cuisines. Dishes such as Nashville-fried green tomatoes, mushroom croquettes, aged cheddar with pickled onion dip, and the acclaimed TL Patty Melt blur the lines between casual bar bites and refined culinary offerings, each executed with meticulous attention to flavor and presentation. Sustainability is deeply embedded in True Laurel’s ethos, not merely as a trend but as a foundational principle. The team rigorously minimizes waste by reusing citrus rinds, repurposing leftover ingredients into shrubs and tinctures, and sourcing energy responsibly to maintain a low environmental impact. This commitment earned True Laurel the Sustainable Bar Award within North America’s 50 Best Bars, underscoring its leadership in ecological responsibility alongside culinary innovation. Service at True Laurel is expertly balanced—knowledgeable yet approachable. Staff engage warmly with guests, sharing insights about the cocktails and the narratives woven into each drink and dish without pretension. Whether catering to cocktail enthusiasts or local regulars seeking a relaxed evening, the hospitality feels personal, polished, and attentive. Celebrated within North America’s cocktail scene, True Laurel continues to rise in acclaim, climbing from No. 30 in 2024 to No. 17 in 2025 on the region’s 50 Best Bars list. Beyond these honors, its true distinction lies in delivering a complete sensory experience—where bold, inventive flavors meet thoughtful craftsmanship, and neighborhood intimacy converges with world-class execution. In a city renowned for innovation and culinary depth, True Laurel stands out as a place where every detail, from its sustainably sourced ingredients to its evocative ambiance, tells a compelling story of place, passion, and purpose.
