Absinthe is a good pre and post-symphony/opera option. It serves up traditional French, like steak frites, cassoulet, coq au vin, etc., and can accommodate larger groups.

Cuisine:	French
Price:	Entrees are $15-25.
Dress:	Chic casual and up. Sevens and Diesels are OK, faded 501s and shorts aren’t.
Noise:	Although the place is large and has noise reducers like velvet drapes, it’s loud. You’ll need to raise your voice.
Reservations:	Recommended. (OpenTable)
Payment:	Cash and credit cards.
Parking:	I have not found street parking to be too bad, but it’s one of those neighborhoods where things are fine on one street and then you’ve got drug dealers on the next. Watch where you’re going, particularly if you’re alone. There are a lot of paid lots in the area to accommodate the culture mavens. Also, it’s about a five-minute walk to all of the Van Ness public transit.
Date place?	As soon as you read “velvet drapes”, you should have known that this is a good date place.
Homepage:	www.absinthe.com