The Buena Vista

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.

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!

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.

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. Helpful 0 Thanks 0 Love

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.