The Buena Vista at Fisherman's Wharf claims to have introduced Irish coffee to America in 1952, and it still pours them by the tray. It's touristy and often packed, but the drink is genuinely great and the old-school bar is the real deal. Come for coffee, not the food.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 9:00am-11:00pm Tue 9:00am-11:00pm Wed 9:00am-11:00pm Thu 9:00am-11:00pm Fri 9:00am-12:00am Sat 8:00am-12:00am Sun 8:00am-11:00pm |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Powell-Hyde cable car terminus (right outside); Muni bus 30 nearby |
| Time needed | 45-60 minutes |
| Best time to go | Weekday late morning or mid-afternoon to dodge the tour-bus rush |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.2/10- Value7.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.0
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is the food any good?
- Honestly, the food is fine but not the reason to come. It's classic American diner and pub fare. Order breakfast or a burger if you're hungry, but the Irish coffee is the star.
- Do they take reservations?
- No, it's walk-in only for both the bar and the dining room. During busy periods you may wait for a table, but the bar turns over fast. Belly up to the counter if seats are open.
- Is it cash only?
- No, they accept cards. It's an old-school spot but not cash-only like some SF institutions. Tip your bartender well, especially given how many drinks they crank out.
- What time does it get crowded?
- Weekend midday and late afternoon are the busiest, when tour groups and cable-car crowds pile in. Early morning right at open or a weekday afternoon is calmest. It's open late if you want an evening nightcap.
- Is it too touristy for locals?
- It leans touristy given the Wharf location, but plenty of San Franciscans still come, especially for a cold-morning Irish coffee. Go on a weekday and it feels more like a neighborhood bar. The history is real.
- Did Irish coffee really start here?
- The Buena Vista credits itself with popularizing Irish coffee in the US in 1952, after owner Jack Koeppler worked with a travel writer to recreate one from Shannon Airport in Ireland. It's a widely repeated origin story. Whether or not it's the literal first in America, this is the bar that made it famous stateside.
- How do I get there?
- Take the Powell-Hyde cable car to its final stop and you'll step off practically at the door, which is part of the fun. It's in Fisherman's Wharf near Ghirardelli Square and the Hyde Street Pier. Driving and parking here is a headache.
- How much is an Irish coffee?
- Expect around $16 for one, and they're poured strong. The bartenders line up rows of glasses and assemble them assembly-line style. Most people order at least two.
Nearby in Ask San Francisco
- Cartoon Art MuseumMuseum0.13 km · 2 min walk
- Aquatic Park BeachBeach0.28 km · 3 min walk
- Fisherman's WharfNeighborhood0.35 km · 4 min walk
- Lombard StreetAttraction0.44 km · 6 min walk
- Museo Italo AmericanoMuseum0.97 km · 12 min walk
Where to stay near Buena Vista Cafe
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