The Buena Vista

"The Buena Vista, which opened in 1916, has the kind of charm that only a century-old bar can provide. The bar’s famous Irish Coffee has been a thing since it was first concocted in 1952 and, allegedly, it still serves the exact same recipe of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and aged cream. Sure, it’s a tourist destination but you’ll also find plenty of locals hanging out at the bar." - Eater Staff, Laura Smith Borrman

"You come to Buena Vista for one thing and one thing only: exceptional Irish coffee. When you're in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, head here for whiskey-spiked sweet coffee topped with a thick, luscious layer of whipped cream. If you want to take your beverage over to Aquatic Park, you can even ask for a build-your-own version to take to-go." - Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff

"Though mostly (and justly) known for its Irish coffees, the Buena Vista Cafe also has a decent breakfast and lunch offering, with views of the Bay. It’s right off the Powell/Hyde cable car’s last stop, making it a tourist destination for many. Locals, however, still flock there regularly for a boozy, caffeinated pick-me-up, clam chowder in bread bowls, and old-school fare purveyed by white-jacketed bartenders. (It opened in 1916, though its famous beverage didn’t come along until 1952, according to the restaurant.)" - Dianne de Guzman, Paolo Bicchieri

"The Buena Vista can’t take credit for inventing the Irish coffee, but it is the bar that popularized the drink in the States, which is almost the same thing. They still sell hundreds of the world-famous Irish coffees everyday, and they’re made with a dash of theatricaity. Grab a seat at the bar for a front-row view as the staff combine Tullamore Dew whiskey, coffee, sugar, and heavy whipped cream." - Lauren Saria

"You go to The Buena Vista for Irish coffee. In fact, the caffeinated cocktail was reportedly first recreated in the United States at this century-old saloon near Ghirardelli Square in 1952. The long wooden bar is the best seat to watch all the action. Bartenders in white lab coats line up glasses, plop in sugar cubes, and fill them up with coffee, whiskey, and whipped cream. Whether you actually enjoy guzzling down a glass will depend on how much you like sweet and creamy drinks, and/or just enjoy checking out San Francisco tourist traps that are also classic institutions. This place also serves wine, beer, and non-coffee-based cocktails, and has a dinner and brunch menu of decent burgers, clam chowder, Dungeness crab omelets, and more. " - lani conway, julia chen 1