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Opened in 1916, this corner spot serves its signature Irish coffee alongside American staples.
Hours
| Friday | 9 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–11 PM |
| Monday | 9 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–11 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 474-5044
Website: http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html
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The Buena Vista
THE BUENA VISTA CAFE. Address: 2765 Hyde St (@ Beach), San Francisco, CA 94109. Phone: 415-474-5044. Email: [email protected]. Hours: Christmas Day …
The Buena Vista Cafe (@thebuenavistasf) – Instagram
36K followers · 1.6K+ posts · Comfort Food and Cocktails, World-Famous Irish Coffee ☕ Open Mon-Fri 9AM, Sat/Sun 8AM #irishcoffee #giftshop.
The Guide to San Francisco’s Historic Buena Vista Cafe
Since 1952, visitors have come for Buena Vista Café’s Irish Coffee, a recipe perfected right here in San Francisco.
Reviews
Sharlene Simon
Known for their Irish coffees. Kind of a tourist trap, due to location right next to Ghirardelli square. But also a SF staple!
Space- old school bar. Eat at tables only drink at bars. Lots of staff. Gets busy.
Menu- we got the crab omelette and salmon sandwich. Both tasty. Love that you can substitute boudin sourdough.
Drinks- full bar offerings. Ppl have no shame drinking at 9am. Myself included.
… moreSpace- old school bar. Eat at tables only drink at bars. Lots of staff. Gets busy.
Menu- we got the crab omelette and salmon sandwich. Both tasty. Love that you can substitute boudin sourdough.
Drinks- full bar offerings. Ppl have no shame drinking at 9am. Myself included.
Christopher T
Alright, I had a great time here. Known this place for ages but finally went, especially for the Irish Coffee. We went around an hr after they open and waited for 10mins to get in. It packed and they have 2 sections, bar (for drinks only – no foods serve), and shares or community tables. We got the community table and we shared with another group. The service is great from the hostess to server, they did a terrific job of explaining how things work and so forth. I got the Irish coffee (which was good but I had better) and my friend got the non alcohol Irish coffee plus the claim chowder, the pastrami sandwich, and the Vista burger. Which all are delish, we ate them all while chatting with the other folks. The decor is simple and filled with old articles and pics of the historical place so it nice. The bartender dressed in a white coat to make it more of the oldie feeling. We all really enjoyed it and left with new friends and great memories. Check out if you’re in the area and the wait line can be long so come early. Plus very convenient since it right across from the cable car and the Ghirardelli square.
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Shane J
Visited for breakfast with my family and really enjoyed the experience. The café has a cosy, welcoming feel with a menu that offers plenty of great options to choose from.
What really stood out was the staff, they seemed like they’d worked there forever, were genuinely proud of the place, and carried a real sense of tradition.
The food was delicious with generous portions and definitely didn’t disappoint. A memorable and charming spot for breakfast!
… moreWhat really stood out was the staff, they seemed like they’d worked there forever, were genuinely proud of the place, and carried a real sense of tradition.
The food was delicious with generous portions and definitely didn’t disappoint. A memorable and charming spot for breakfast!
Helen S
Popped in here for lunch after needing a caffeine fix after an early start. It seems like this spot is busy at all times, with some people having to share tables, so just keep that in mind if you are looking for a romantic meal.
We were seated quickly and I ordered the Irish coffee (my husband just had a beer). Being from the UK originally we are used to Irish coffees but this was a very nice version (albeit small, especially for $16). For food we ordered the lobster roll and the club sandwich, which both arrived very quickly. The lobster roll was great, with a generous portion of lobster. My husbands club sandwich looked good as well, and he said it was very tasty. His food did come with fries, which weren’t mentioned on the menu or asked for, which he was ultimately charged for. It wasn’t a huge amount (something like $1.50) and I would like to think it was just a mistake, but something to be aware of.
We finished our food and our server recommended a Mexican coffee, so I had to give that a try. I actually think I preferred the Mexican coffee to the Irish coffee, so if you are a Kailua fan I recommend giving it a try). In total our bill came to $130 (including tax and tip) so is a little expensive for a lunch spot. The food is good though and I would recommend if you are in the area.
… moreWe were seated quickly and I ordered the Irish coffee (my husband just had a beer). Being from the UK originally we are used to Irish coffees but this was a very nice version (albeit small, especially for $16). For food we ordered the lobster roll and the club sandwich, which both arrived very quickly. The lobster roll was great, with a generous portion of lobster. My husbands club sandwich looked good as well, and he said it was very tasty. His food did come with fries, which weren’t mentioned on the menu or asked for, which he was ultimately charged for. It wasn’t a huge amount (something like $1.50) and I would like to think it was just a mistake, but something to be aware of.
We finished our food and our server recommended a Mexican coffee, so I had to give that a try. I actually think I preferred the Mexican coffee to the Irish coffee, so if you are a Kailua fan I recommend giving it a try). In total our bill came to $130 (including tax and tip) so is a little expensive for a lunch spot. The food is good though and I would recommend if you are in the area.
Martin S
If you’re in San Francisco and love a good cocktail experience, The Buena Vista is an absolute must-see – especially for anyone craving an iconic Irish Coffee. This legendary spot has perfected the art of the drink, and watching the bartenders line up glasses and craft each Irish Coffee with precision is truly mesmerizing. Make sure to grab a spot near the bar so you can enjoy the show.
That said, don’t expect a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The Buena Vista is lively and often packed, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared to wait a while for a table or even a spot at the bar during peak times. The energy and buzz are part of the charm, though—it’s all part of the experience.
Bottom line: Come for the history, stay for the Irish Coffee, and soak in the vibrant vibe of this San Francisco classic.
… moreThat said, don’t expect a quiet, cozy atmosphere. The Buena Vista is lively and often packed, especially on weekends and holidays. Be prepared to wait a while for a table or even a spot at the bar during peak times. The energy and buzz are part of the charm, though—it’s all part of the experience.
Bottom line: Come for the history, stay for the Irish Coffee, and soak in the vibrant vibe of this San Francisco classic.
Neal Mueller
Iconic San Francisco bar that invented the Irish coffee and still serves it with precision. The team moves fast and keeps service efficient even during peak hours. The room stays loud and energized, with big picture windows facing the Bay and steady foot traffic from tourists who treat it as a must-visit stop. Locals mix in because the product quality is consistent and the staff is experienced. Seating runs both bar and table, and turnover is quick enough that waits are manageable. The menu is broad, and the execution stays tight even when it is crowded. A reliable stop for a classic drink made where it originated.
… moreMelissa Eisner
Happened upon this place purely by chance (and a recommendation from the trolly driver), and can I just say, the Irish Coffee was epic! I didn’t even know it was a thing, but now that I know, I can’t unknow it. I’m lucky I no longer live in SF, because I’d be there every weekend drinking the coffees. Also had breakfast and the corned beef hash was a smash. Full of flavor and very filling. Definitely with a visit!
… moreKyler DuVall
This is a great place, full of life and usually busy. Had a BLT and 2 Irish coffees. The Irish coffees are about $15 each but they are really good and the food was amazing too. A great historical place to eat beside the wharf and the views are good too! 5/5, though a little pricey it’s worth trying out atleast once.
… moreDan Melanson
This place is a must visit on so many fronts when on the waterfront in San Francisco. A couple is the food for breakfast or lunch and their Irish Coffee experience. The Irish Coffees are a special free pour and is served hot with quite the bite. The places buzzes all day long with patrons for a meal and a beverage. The staff are well tuned to the atmosphere and remain engaged and friendly. Glad we visited, and had a bite to eat and a special coffee. It was instrumental to the enjoyment had at Fishermen’s Wharf and the Embarcadero waterfront promenade.
… moreKevin Drost
The Irish coffee here totally lives up to the hype. Watching the bartenders line up the glasses and pour everything with perfect timing is half the fun—it’s like its own show. The cream floats perfectly, you get that kick of whiskey, and it’s super smooth and rich.
The place has that classic San Francisco bar vibe—old-school wood interior, bar stools, warm lighting. Yeah, it’s a tourist spot, but it’s got real character and history (it’s been around since 1916!).
Plus, the location is great—right by Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square—so it’s an easy stop while you’re walking around the area. Definitely worth it for the drink and the atmosphere.
Oh and don’t forget to ask for one Togo
… moreThe place has that classic San Francisco bar vibe—old-school wood interior, bar stools, warm lighting. Yeah, it’s a tourist spot, but it’s got real character and history (it’s been around since 1916!).
Plus, the location is great—right by Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square—so it’s an easy stop while you’re walking around the area. Definitely worth it for the drink and the atmosphere.
Oh and don’t forget to ask for one Togo