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Buena Vista Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Nightlife Bars Restaurants, Bars [Edit]
2765 Hyde St(between North Point St & Beach St)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
(415) 474-5044
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
778 reviews for Buena Vista Cafe
Review Highlights
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"The Irish coffee alone is worth the trip." In 498 reviews -
"Easy to get to via MUNI or Cable Car." In 56 reviews -
"When a Man Loves a Woman" has movie scene at the beginning..." In 9 reviews
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778 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa N.
San Francisco, CA
We (my husband and I) came here on our quest to try 52 new places in 52 weeks.
April 27th was my four year anniversary of living in SF (yea!!) and I celebrated by going to the world renowned Buena Vista Cafe. We had spent the earlier part of that Friday evening at the de Young Museum (which was fabulous) and then made the trek from GG park over to the Buena Vista (I believe we took the 43-Masonic all the way into the Marina and then caught another bus on Fillmore and Chestnut and went down Chestnut). Needless to say...by the time we got there (maybe 10ish??) the kitchen was CLOSED. I was crushed. We were starving. Quickly losing speed. So they sent us down to the Pub on Ghiradelli Square (touristy, BBQ spot) where we ate and then returned to have a nightcap.
The irish coffees are very good (although the hubs says the ones he makes are better). And yes, it's expensive for your very tiny little glass. But you're paying for the atmosphere and the history (the history in that place!) and that sense of recognition from those sitting around you, that yes, you do in fact live in the most beautiful place in the country. -
Review from Sophie C.
5/12/2012
We decided to play tourists and stopped by BVC to try the infamous Irish Coffee.
Oh my, the potency creeps up on you and knocks your socks off! All you need is one, but if you're of the capricious nature, have another.
Great vibe with lots of tourists. We shared a table with European out-of-towners and happily discussed the history and good eats of San Francisco. Definitely a tasty way to kick off a night of mischief and merriment. -
Review from Francine L.
Los Angeles, CA
I guess I am the only person that has never had Irish Coffee ever!! When I was walking around this area I noticed it was packed with so many people. Ended up coming here for breakfast and ordered and amazing meal.
Had the famous Irish Coffee and guess what...I didn't know it had alcohol in it!! FML I am special...
I got pretty hammered and it was only morning...Had one and I was good !! I noticed a lot of others having a few more glasses and was just thinking to myself how is that possible!!!
The environment of this place is filled with love and just happiness that I came to appreciate and felt like I should move in! When I do go back to SF this is one of the places I would come and visit for sure.Listed in: San Francisco
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Review from David C.
Super quick stop at Buena Vista to try the Irish Coffee. Looks like a cool spot to meet up for drinks or grab a bit to eat with a great location near Fishermans Wharf. If you like whiskey you will love the Irish coffee as it adds a nice kick! I thought it was pretty good, but I am not really a fan of whiskey. Four stars because I didn't get to try the food but the Irish coffee is a must for anyone who loves whiskey or coffee.
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Review from Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because my irish coffee seal was broken here and it felt right.
--- --- ---
Buena Vista was on my "make it here if you have time, but no big deal if you don't" list of things to do in San Francisco. Luckily, I just kind of stumbled upon it and it was ON!
My first reaction to the Irish Coffee was: "mmmm good stuff"
My second reaction was: "holy balls, that is strong."
So, like a tourist wandering the city alone, I awkwardly stood in the restaurant (because the bar area was overly-packed) and drank my Irish Coffee. It seemed to get stronger as it went along.
I left with an appreciation for the taste, as well as a clouded mind full of liquor. Good thing I had just eaten dinner, or that would have been trouble for my blood stream.Listed in: The OTHER Bay Area, San Francisco Bars
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Review from Hob B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Irish Coffee was great!
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Review from Nick C.
Hinsdale, IL
5/22/2012
Great Irish Coffee. Tourist spot.
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Review from Brian L.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Definitely a hot tourist spot, but come during an off hour to witness the making of Irish coffees. A bit expensive - $8 with tip but at least they're strong. Worth the wait and trip just to see the guy behind the bar make a line of 15 Irish coffees at once.
This is THE place to get an Irish coffee. -
Review from Stine H.
4/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
2 words: Irish coffee.
Oh, and the clam chowder is good too! Nice hearty chowder with meaty clams, potatoes, celery, and corn. Mmm... -
Review from Leila H.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2012
Maybe rude service is part of their schtick, but it's not cute. Walked in, was blatantly ignored by a few waitstaff when trying to get a table, so we decided to sit at the bar. Bartender was also incredibly rude, so we left before ordering. What a waste of time.
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Review from David H.
4/26/2012 1 photo
If you like Irish Coffee take a few mins at have one at its birthplace. It lives up to its reputation and it is made right in front of you in seconds if you sit at the bar.
It's a good break to warm up in the middle of the tourist area. -
Review from Lindsey F.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/9/2012
Be prepared because this is the ultimate tourist hotspot. However if you are a tourist, or just feel like acting like one for the day, spike your day with an Irish Coffee from Buena Vista. When I was growing up in the Bay Area, I never made my way to Buena Vista because I hadn't quite reached drinking age. However, I would walk past and listen to the stories about this being the founding location of Irish Coffee in the US. Fast forward many years and I stepped through the doors to try this famous Irish Coffee.
The atmosphere is cozy, crowded and vibrant. The bar is filled with history and it just takes one foot through the doors to know you're walking into history. It's true: Irish Coffee in the US was created here. The owner set out to perfect Irish Coffee and several decades later, I'll say it: By golly, I think he did it! The coffee and whiskey is combined perfectly and the cream sits on the top without sinking into the coffee. I read in the history of Buena Vista that this perfection of the cream took a lot of time, thought and help from a dairy farmer.
This is definitely a must-do if you are in SF for a visit, if you live there and want to live like a tourist for a day, or if you just feel like a tasty Irish Coffee to get you through the day!Listed in: Nor Cal
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Review from Jay K.
Austin, TX
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Simple the best Irish Coffee
Every trip to San Francisco, I have to do three things: Eat some street food at Fisherman's Wharf, dine at Scoma's and have Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista.
You get to watch it being made before your eyes and it's always, always excellent.
Get it made with decaf is you are worried about the caffeine.
After the smooth liquid courses down your throat and relaxes all your muscles, you will make it one of your essential stops in San Francisco too. -
Review from Bam B.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2012
Thank you Manager Larry!
I was there for a quick drop-in with a friend and my twin babies...ok, maybe a mistake, but I had a gift card.
Herein lies the problem...the gift card machine verification thingy was not working and my 15 min drop in for a drink added 30 minutes of WAITING with 2 fussy babies.
The hostess came back 3 times, seemingly annoyed with ME for using the card and she even mentioned she thought they didn't take them anymore (big sign on the wall literally behind her says to 'buy a Buena Vista giftcard'). I asked for a manager.
Larry was considerate and handled it properly and later sent a nice note.
I don't come here often but I do like to bring visiting friends and family.
I was about to give up on them but Larry took care of me a professional and considerate manner and this went from a 1-start to 4-star review.
The drinks are a 5-star, give it try. ;) -
Review from John S.
Ahwatukee, AZ
4/11/2012
Okay, First off, this is a place to drink and get MC HAMMERED! Nothing else, which is fine because that's what I go for. Second, to the folks complaining about the food and crowded atmosphere; please see the first off portion.
Here.. we .. go..
Get the Irish coffee, get another and perhaps a third. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the folks coming in and out, but try to get a table across from the bar to sit at for the best people watching around, as the bar spots are often crowded and pushy (its a bar, so duh..)
anyways, great place for drinks and to take in an SF mainstay. -
Review from Nancy K.
4/16/2012
Frommer's includes a stop here as part of Day 1 in San Francisco and Drinking Made Easy confirmed that an Irish Whiskey was a must do. We would have done it just based on Frommer's but two recommendations are great.
Sit at the bar and order Irish Whiskey. Watch it being made by the master. Do your research and make sure you do it right:
Order
Ask no questions/make no comments
Drink
Pay
Leave tip
A fun break in exploring - delicious and expertly made. The only downfall were the two idiots making out next to us. Early forties, on a date or first weekend away. Luckily the bartender scared them away :) -
Review from L G.
Sherman Oaks, CA
Awesome, awesome, awesome place to chit chat with a few buddies, have an Irish coffee, and just sit and people watch!
The staff were friendly and attentive. Good customer service and atmosphere. Wanted to stay a bit longer but street parking around this area is a serious rip off! But definitely a place to at least stop by when near the Fisherman's Wharf. -
Review from Amanda R.
Seattle, WA
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's an institution, we had to try it out! Of course we ordered Irish coffees. What the, prepare yourself, for they are strong. And then you really get rolling after two or three. You end up stumbling out the door and around the corner to the gift shop where you drop almost $30 on a Buena Vista t shirt which you think is a good deal because there's a handwritten post it stating that it sells for more at Nordstrom. Now, in my sober mind, I realize my folly. Well, at least I got a t shirt I guess. The bartender got kind of irritated (not by us!) but by this Asian tourist who literally left him a nickel and a dime as a tip. I would have been pissed too and thrown my "tip" at the back of the bar. I made sure to leave a nice tip lest I face the wrath of that young man in the white coat. It must be sucky to have to serve stupid ass tourists all day long.
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Review from Joanna S.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/31/2012
Irish Coffee is not my thing. OK, now I have confessed and I can get on with the restaurant review.
This place is a real SF landmark, located right where the Hyde St. cable car ends, at Aquatic Park. It's in an old building, which is very stately and attractive, but not wheelchair accessible. The interior has loads of character. Seating is self service at round tables that are shared. Be prepared to join others, or have them join you, if you are a twosome. It's part of the charm of the place and you meet really nice people. There's a nice view out to the Golden Gate, too.
One great thing about the BV is that you can have breakfast any time, so we did (Friday at 1 p.m.). The service was efficient (though she never cracked a smile), the egg dishes fresh and well prepared, and the coffee delicious. Prices are super reasonable. Lots of other choices--soups, sandwiches, salads. This is a great alternative to the super expensive Fisherman's Wharf places down the street. Served with a little piece of San Francisco history, too. And, I say, if you like Irish Coffee, go for it! -
Review from Dee B.
Santee, CA
5/14/2012
Was on a trip to SF for a few days and while wandering around the area we decided to stop in here. We were so happy we did because those irish coffees we amazing. I think we saw the bartender make at least 50 of them while i was sittign at the bar. They have them down to a science.
The staff was super friendly. Even one of the regulars started talking to me and was super nice. Although pretty touristy, it's very warm and welcoming here. -
Review from Rachel A.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
Occasionally, given a cold rainy day and a need for a serious pick me up, I'll brave the hoards of tourists for the best Irish Coffee in the city. Four stars for the booze and the big communal tables. Less one star for location and overall guest vibe.
That being said, you've definitely gotta come here at least once. -
Review from Ashley S.
Schoolcraft, MI
Buena Vista is awesome! The Irish coffee is worth the $7.50 price tag, trust me. The environment is great and it is very cool to watch the bartenders work. This is the first irish coffee bar in the U.S. and definitely worth a stop!
http://comeoneileen86.... -
Review from James S.
5/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Equal parts tourist and locals. We stopped in here for an irish coffee (two sugar cubes, hot coffee and a splash of whiskey) and it's a great night cap after a meal along Fisherman's Wharf.
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Review from Annie P.
St Paul, MN
4/28/2012
Fantastic Crab Cake Benedict! Charming little place by the Wharf.
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Review from mayhem x.
Oakland, CA
4/1/2012
I have been here a handful of times and forget to make a mental note to self - dont come here unless just for a drink. The food subpar
Had lunch here on Tuesday with family from out of town and we were going to the Maritime museum. Had french dip sandwich, spaghetti meatballs, rueben sandwich...everything tasted like it came from Dennys no love in the food. The meatballs has more meal than beef.
The service is good but the food needs improvement -
Review from Brian P.
San Francisco, CA
5/12/2012
Best breakfast we had on our trip in San Francisco. We had the bacon and egg omelet with the sourdough toast. It was so good we came back twice.
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Review from Lisa H.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2012
My friends and I decided to go bar hopping on St.Patrick's Day and decided to go to Buena Vista for their Irish Coffee's. We arrived around 3PM and could hardly move inside the bar because there were so many people waiting to get their Irish coffee's for St.Patrick's Day.
We got up to the bar and ordered 5 Irish Coffee's. I was impressed. It was very entertaining to watch the bartender make so many drinks in such a short amount of time. Aside from the packed bar, I would definitely recommend the Irish coffee's at Buena Vista! -
Review from Susan F.
3/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Coming in as a tourist, I only have to say good things.
The Irish coffee was delicious and the locals were super friendly. Such a great location and it's not uncommon to share the big round tables with people you don't know, so don't be shy!Listed in: San Francisco
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Review from Loren H.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Loved it!!!
Recommendation (besides just coming here all the time):
Order a bread pudding with your Irish Coffee. You'll not be disappointed. -
Review from laura w.
2/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Yay for my first ever Irish coffee! Even more yay that some random couple paid for it because they could see I was having trouble getting to the bar.
Fun atmosphere, fairly nice service and an amazing Irish coffee! Whooo!
Minus a star because it was definitely not the cleanest place I've been. -
Review from Brad H.
Monrovia, CA
3/18/2012
Another stop when we are in SF.
Actually this was our first stop after arriving.
You can't eat at the bar we found out, so we just drank our way through lunch, that works! Of course you have to try the Irish coffee. I had 2 and I don't even drink coffee!! That'a how good they are. I got lots of video of the bartender making them. That's worth the price of admission in itself. Just sit on the west side of the bar to watch him make them. Its really cool/hot! -
Review from Allison M.
San Francisco, CA
There's no SF chill warm-up like a Buena Vista Irish Coffee warm-up!
But it's not just the magnificent irish whiskey, sugar, and coffee. It's not just the inch of liquid heaven whipped cream floating on top.
It's also the sense of tradition- the white-haired bar tender who will B.S. with you about bar glasses. He will also bust out about 20 at a time, in the most efficient, flashiest of drink-crafting (or maybe just the most entertaining) you've ever seen.
It's also the fact that there are families at the tables, couples at the bar, and a single, old man at the end of the restaurant. There are tourists, locals, day drinkers, late breakfast eaters, early dinner eaters, and everything in between. The hustle inside is not off-putting, though the service can be a little slow at times, because it's a happy environment, in a beautiful, albeit touristy part of town. The coffees will run you $7.50, but I think it's worth it. You can share a table with strangers if you can't wait for one of your own.
Next time you are feeling cold and you're on this side of town, I highly recommend the Buena Vista experience!Listed in: Yay! I'm a fan!, 'Scuse me please, one more…
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Review from Terin C.
2/24/2012
I'm told that it's blasphemy to come here and order any drink other than their Irish coffee. So, I did what any other person who doesn't particularly care for coffee would do; I ordered the sweet potato fries. Unless you don't like coffee or sweet potato fries... in which case, I don't know what you would do. That would also be kind of sad, because from what I understand, the coffee is amazing, and the fries were pretty good. You should have at least one of those things while you're here. All 4 of the people I was with had 2 coffees each, I believe. Even though I didn't have one, I'll let that speak for itself.
Other than that, while sitting in my quaint wooden chair at the quaint wooden table, I got the distinct feeling of being in Southampton, England circa 1912. You may be wondering how I could get the distinct feeling of being in a time and place I've never experienced... but I've seen Titanic. If there'd been a blonde guy off in the corner winning cruise tickets in a game of cards, I might have been concerned for him. This place was old and interesting, and there was history all over the walls.
I enjoyed hanging out here. The service was fast, but I understand that it gets super busy and crowded, and that we were lucky to be there at a time when there was actually a place to sit. My only regret was that Dan was off in a work meeting, and I didn't get to experience the bar with him. Just means I'll have to go back, I suppose. Poor me. -
Review from Ana G.
San Francisco, CA
4/10/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I just care for the coffee omg so good!!!! ask for Paul he has a special hand for it, enjoy!!! (damn i can use one right now)
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Review from Daphne B.
2/21/2012
Did someone say Irish Coffee? The best part of waking up is Irish in your cup, right?
Ok so there are some definite events that you need to make your first stop here for. #1 blue angels #2 any time you plan to spend the day at a tourist trap (aka fisherman's wharf)
Occasionally I have to play tourist in the city and this is the first place to stop. Don't be scared if the place is packed join a table and make some friends.
I usually get their eggs benedict and of course an Irish coffee. I also hear they can give you your Irish in a to-go cup as well. I actually love to eat here in the morning just to talk to the tourists, hear where their from and their stories of their vacation so far. It almost makes me feel like I'm on vacation or in another country myself. -
Review from Shannon M.
Campbell, CA
3/16/2012
Not really wheelchair accessible, step at front door and inside the bathroom is upstairs. The other bathroom is too narrow. If you call ahead they'll bring a portable ramp to get in, but if you've got to go, go somewhere else!
Adapt the employee bathroom! -
Review from Sarah G.
North Park, San Diego, CA
4/26/2012
good selection of food. strong drinks. BUSY place around 2 pm on a Monday afternoon. Found one open table (seat yourself). Most staff was friendly, our waitress seemed preoccupied. Food came out quick. Good portions. You can see out to the streets of the square from pretty much everywhere in the restaurant.
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Review from Lynne D.
2/10/2012
I am another tourist that had to go here and have one of their famous Irish Coffee's.
The bartender doesn't talk to you. Not friendly.. Doesn't like tourists.
The drink is expensive.
I didn't bother eating here. The Irish Coffee was fine enough.
Did 1 Irish Coffee here and then moved on.... -
Review from Brandon S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/18/2012
We started out with the potato skins. They are great. I love the thin crisp slices. For my meal I ordered a patty melt. It was good, tasty. The fries are ok.
The bartenders are excellent. They are the real deal.
My one issue is the fact you can not eat at the bar, inconvenient. -
Review from christine l.
Oakland, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you don't want a swift kick in the ass from the original Irish Coffee, get the super tasty but far less severe Baileys Frangelico Coffee instead.
Which is great cause I love the karate kicks to my sobriety, while lightweights like my sister likes whispers of it. We get what we want, and how we want it. What more can you ask for?
