Russells Room @ Bourbon and Branch

No photos, so Cosmos, No password? No entrance.
This place has a cool vibe. It feels like a secret exclusive club, because you need to have reservations, and know the password. When they are ready, they will take you through the bookshelf entrance. The lighting is dim and intimate. The drinks are tasty. It isn’t crowded. There are no weirdos. You can just talk, enjoy drink and good company, and speak easy.

Awesome awesome awesome!
I came here with a group for a private party, and didn’t know that there was a whole separate Unilocal entry for this particular room. This is a room that is connected to Bourbon & Branch by a secret (or maybe not so secret) door way that looks like a book shelf.
Once inside, the area is quite large like a large living space with a bar at the very end. During this event, they setup a table top in the middle of the room because we could make our own manhattans! The staff were extremely knowledgable on their liquors, and all of the drinks were absolutely delicious.
I love this whole 1920s prohibition feel, and they even allowed outside food to be brought in since my friends’ party featured her very own cupcakes. Awesome.

Password to this room is on the website (generally ‘books’) and offers a great glimpse to newbies of this particular speakeasy on what it has to offer. Smooth jazz, a shortened list of the more popular cocktails going and an expert bartender with the knowledge of a thousand more. The cucumber gimlet is a different and refreshing palet to most other martinis and the range of bourbon is vast enough to excite any whiskey traveller.

So I crashed a party here. Sort of. Tagged along is the more appropriate term. And I just remembered that I did. That’s how good of a party it was. My experience is from quite awhile back, so if the times have changed since then I’d be really surprised as their team is a committed bunch. If you haven’t noticed they do something very specific and they do it very well.
I tagged along with a couple I had never met before, who were on a private birthday list for this room. I put a lot of faith in this guy I met at a dinner. His name was Cliff, and as far as trustworthy names go, that one is at the top of the list, right next to Hank. Not to mention he talked about going shooting the next day, and I know he’s in the whole hog business, and then stood at the bar taking shots and challenging the bartender with bizarre requests.
My memories of Bourbon & Branch are sorted: from just that awfully crowded front room to the quiet table setting to this raucous back room where there was plenty of space for this party.
Really, if you’re looking for a room for a private event of 50 or so people, this is a room for a night you’ll certainly forget.

I’m sure that this place is fancy and awesome, but the time we went… we didn’t get the most fancy and awesome experience. Maybe it was because we were there for a bachelor party and we wanted to have a good time paired with some boisterous conversation, but that was clearly not appreciated that night. We were in the upper level, 10 of us. Everyone had a drink and have a good time, but then we were greeted with a, ‘could you guys keep it down?’ because the lower level could hear us. Anyway, password to get in, cool. Keep the noise level down, don’t need that… or find a classier way to let us know.

I got on a speakeasy kick after I went to NYC and found so many awesome spots. I thought how in the world are there none in California!
Found Bourbon and Branch to my delight, but I have to say I was disappointed.
It was cool entering through the book shelf. But the online reservations did not work at all and we couldn’t call anyone to find out how to get in.
Luckily my friend knew the secret password which I’m sure you really don’t need.
The space itself is pretty awesome.
Minus stars because the drinks were blah and it was a pain to reach people.
I’d prefer Local Edition.

I give it a «Meh».
It’s a cool novelty to have to give a password, and then be lead back to a secret room behind a bookshelf, but the service didn’t blow me away.
I definitely can’t say the staff were rude, but they weren’t exactly friendly either. I guess I’d use the word «sterile».
Hell of a great selection of top shelf bourbon (And I’d hope so!) and I had my first taste of Bookers. Oooh man… I won’t ever be the same… buuut…it was very slightly higher priced than other places that carry it. A couple bucks is a couple bucks. Form your own opinion on that.
Where this place makes up a couple stars is in their design. The room is very cool. Awesome ceiling detail, exposed brick, real books on the shelves, and a fine collection of rare and antique spirits on display. I was very impressed and would love to have a «man cave» styled like this some day.
I might bring friends here some time for the cool factor, but I wouldn’t go back just to go.

Good but not as good as the whole experience at the Bourbon & Branch main room which you need to make reservations online for.

Best-​kept secret in San Francisco! I love Bourbon and Branch, and was intrigued to discover they had a back room by reservation only. Been there twice now by reservation and loved it both times. The 1930s ambience and costumery are great. The waitresses and bartenders know their shit– like, the whole huge freakin menu and more! I recommend telling them what kind of liquor and what kind of flavor you like and they will rattle off your best options like the A B C s. Amazing. And they are always right– they’ve never recommended a drink I didn’t like (and I can be rather picky about my drinks). It’s always the perfect drink.

the only reason i knew about this place was because while we were entering bourbon and branch, someone without a reservation was told to go here instead. so a couple nights later after some dinner and bar hopping, we ended up here.
we were let right in, and i love that its similar to B&B but also the library theme sets it apart.
the cucumber gimlet was sooo refreshing, and i also liked the spice market drink i had (i think thats what it was called)
had a great time and would return

DRINKS:
for some reason the drink I had here was yummier: P forget what I ordered though
SERVICE:
oOooh friendly nice cocktail waitress :) someone who answered the door an checkmarked me into the private party reserved in the upstairs section after I revealed privy knowledge of the secret password of course
ATMOSPHERE:
dim, enchanting, romantic, blast into the past, so awesome. nice, enjoyable, quiet: D I like the rules of no cellphone use allowed n no making like Brick n making loud noises. Went to the upstairs mezanine but the other section of the bar was very quaint n cute, n nice for intimate private parties, with their compartmentalized booth seatings. overall not too big of a place, an not crowded since it’s only reservations only :) it’s nice that way

Super exclusive! You need a reservation and a password to get into the speakeasy room.
I love love the secret room with books that totally mimicks a secret room in the speak easy era. I guess sometimes they ask you for a password and sometimes they don’t. Tonight they didn’t ask for one. I was so ready to say the magic word.:(
The drinks ranges from $ 11 to $$$. It’s worth the hole in your wallet that you will feel. Or the cash paying customers would feel the thinning of their wallet as the night goes on.
This is worth a visit if you’re in the city. Since I love bourbon I started with the revolver and had two of that and then the Paloma plus whatever else company handed over to me:)
Here time seem to stand still. Chill and really awesome bartender that I’d love to take home with me or bring along to parties like a UYE or a YEE:) I can dream can’t I?

My husband and I heard of this lounge by word of mouth and were beyond excited to check it out. It was a wednesday night and was the last day of our vacation. We wanted to make sure the last night was special so we took a taxi over to this area specifically to enjoy this bar.
Overall a let down.
First off it is in a really sketchy neighborhood. Homeless people everywhere and the area looked run down.
Second off… we arrived and it was not very crowded (at first). So I sat on a stool at a side wall while my husband waited at the bar. While I was sitting I read the «rule» on the wall. Here are a couple. «no talking on the cell phone» «be patient, our drinks are complex to make.» Ok… fine with me, my phone was dead and I was really excited for a great drink. AFTER 40 min, no joke, my patients was at ZERO!!! They apparently can not manage their staffing. There was ONE bartender and if you know your drinks are complex, hmmm maybe hire a second?! He continually skipped over my husband and served several people before him! My theory is because the other people were wearing suits and looked important. So tip, if you think you want to come here and hope to get a drink, were a darn suit. That should help.
Third… The bartender was rude. After 40min of patiently waiting we were both annoyed and he finally decided to help us. My husband orders me the cucumber gimlet and he asks for some drink with run in it. The waiter then said in a sarcastic tone, «You don’t know what drink you want? You said you have been waiting here for 40 min.» By that point we had enough.
Fourth– No windows and apparently no ventilation. needless to say the place was stuffy and hot. They had one fan in the right corner by the bar that just blew around the stuffy air. Not worth it.
Overall not a good experience at all and just made us leave from our trip with a horrible taste in our mouth from San Fran. The décor is great and the drinks looked tasty up on the menu, but unfortunately we never were able to try them.

Wish I could speak highly of this place, but after the BS I was put through with a stolen purse I can’t.
Within 15 minutes of being escorted in this neat hidden place, someone had the nerve to sneak next to me (within inches) and steal my purse which was next to me on a bar stool at a table (I was even sitting at the table with a friend). It was so quick and random I actually wonder if it was an inside job, especially after the lack of concern and helpfulness from the staff. Seriously no security, no owner, no manager! I was in the back by the exit, so either someone swiped it and kept walking out the back or maybe a secret shelf opens & someone steals your purse… who knows. We asked if someone could look at the exit camera to see if they saw anything considering I realized it was gone within a 5 min window and everyone said they couldn’t do that… that we would have to «email» the owner. Really??? No phone number no immediate concern… they actually could care less that they had a thief in their bar who stole my purse. Yea its been weeks and no response from the owner. And this place was pretty empty when it happened. Good thing a police station is 2 blocks down the street… who informed me we were in a very dangerous area… nice!
Needless to say watch out here… I’m no naïve clueless carefree girl so lesson is watch your back or purse here… maybe your pockets too.

My husband and I have been frequent guests and fans of B&B for over 5 years. We had never been into any of the additional rooms until our last visit into the city. We had already been into B&B a few nights before, but when we found ourselves in the same neighborhood again, we thought it would be fun to hit up the Library for one last Citizen Cane before leaving the city. As we made our way toward the door, an unknown door swung open. Like something out a movie a girl hung out of the doorway and waved a group a friends in. They scurried across the street and bounded in with laughter and smiles. Naturally, we slipped right in after them. The place had only about 15 other people inside. The dim light made way to a small bar tucked in the back being tended by one female. My husband got right in line. My girlfriend and I sat down on the large velvet red couch and instantly felt transformed back to the 20’s. Our boys enjoyed chatting up the bartender about all things whiskey and bourbon, got other bar recommendations, and swapped knowledge about craft beer. Soon my drink was in hand. It was just as tasty and sweet as any libation I have had next door. We all sat glowing in our feeling of secretive consumption, like we ourselves had cheated the speakeasy. A few times a faux cigar merchandise case along side the wall would open to allow a couple or two to venture in for cocktails, but no one for the rest of our visit came in through the same door as we had squeezed into, or so we would like to think.
Russells Room did exactly what it was meant to do for us. It was a spectacular time and made, once again, a lasting impression on us. Our next mission is to try Wilson & Wilson, naturally. Good luck on getting into all these places as we have, it is so worth the trouble.

I guess at times they ask for a password, and if they happen to ask you, it is «BOOKS.»
It’s very neat where they take you towards the back of the bar, where suddenly there is a bunch of books on a bookshelf. He smiles at you then opens up the bookshelf to another room, The Library! It’s a very dark and intimate open space, where limited drinks are served only. From other reviews, it seems like this room can be rented out, be a room for people that don’t have reservations since it is a «first come first served» basis, and lastly just a place to stand and enjoy the company. The décor is genuine with its books and old liquor. Few tall chairs and a couple of tables in the back of the room, otherwise there are some spots to stand at the bar and side of the library.
Ordered the Cucumber Gimlet with gin, which was not strong for me at all! It was like I was drinking juice :). Maybe I’ll try the vodka version next time, even though the gin one is supposedly better! My friend tried the Citizen Cane, which she enjoyed also. We were only there to wait until our table got ready @ Wilson & Wilson. The waiter took us to the next room, where we were able to finish off our drinks at the table. Awesome service!
Great place to just hang out in but I can see how it can get stuffy since theres no windows in the room…

One of the coolest bars in San Francisco. How do you make it cooler? Well, how about a secret bar behind the bar? That’s what the Russells Room is!
As you walk through the secret bookcase door you realize that you’re not only stepping into a secret bar but you’re also stepping into history. As a true speakeasy back in the day, Bourbon & Branch really tried their best to keep everything as authentic as possible. The drinks are great and the bartenders are really nice. I would say that our bartender that night at the Russells room was particularly nice and very cute.
My only complaint about the Russells Room is that it gets really stuffy, warm, and humid.

Russell’s Room manages to be intimate and lively all at once. It’s smaller than the library, but not as claustrophobic. My friend and I were able to walk right up to the bar and only had to wait for the bartender to finish another customer’s drink before it was our turn. I went with my standard, a bourbon-​based cocktail. My Revolver (bourbon, Tia Maria and orange bitters) was slightly sweeter than I thought it would be, but still quite delicious and perfect for sipping. My friend’s Paloma (Tequila and lots of yummy things including grapefruit bitters and a splash of grapfruit soda) tasted just like summer in a glass and was incredibly refreshing. The décor and the buzz of conversation from the other patrons make it a great place to hang out. I highly recommend it.

So here it is: My 1,500^th Unilocal review is for one of coolest spots in the city I left my heart in, and it’s dedicated to my best friend in the whole world, Betty N.
Bourbon and Branch itself has become an institution in SF, a place where some of the most perfectly crafted cocktails have touched my lips. The best bartenders in the entire bay area — heck, in the entire world — have had their name attached to this speakeasy bar. But it wasn’t until my BFF’s recent «Roaring 20’s» themed birthday party that I was able to experience these finely made drinks in B&B’s secret side room, the Russells Room, where she threw her private event. The entrance was through a secret passage behind a bookcase in the wall. Once inside, my friends and I found ourselves in an old cigar shop fashioned after the one that operated in the same exact spot back in the Prohibition days. SO cool.
A special drink menu was put together just for the party, as was a fun Manhattan making class put on B&B’s Beverage Academy instructor, Tony, who also was our personal bartender throughout the night. Guests broke out into mini hands-​on sessions and created the perfect Manhattans. Mmm… mine turned out so good!
Tony, our bouncer and the rest of the staff were extremely nice and helped make our party that much more enjoyable. It was definitely an epic night — not just for the beautiful flapper birthday girl, but for our entire party of 50. There’s really no place like this around, and it made for one of the most memorable nights I’ve ever had in SF.

**SPEAK EASY FEEL AND BOURBON THRILLS**
I hosted my Prohibition birthday party here with my fabulous friends on a Friday night.
The event coordinator, Andrea B., was a PEACH to deal with from beginning to end.
The Russell Room was freakin awesome. It was behind a book case. There were a lot of oohs and ahhs upon entering. Old wood, cigar posters, and chalk boards. It did feel like we were in the 1920’s Prohibition Period, drinking illegal whiskey.
The Russell Room allowed catered food and offered Beverage Academy Tasting station and presentations as part of the evening rental.
Tony, our Beverage Academy instructor, gave us mini-​presentations and showed us how to make our own Manhattans. He was BAD-​ASS. We were blessed to have him as our bartender too.
The party was a complete success and everyone loved their experience and cocktails in the Russell Room.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND for events.