The Buena Vista

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, California 94109 USA

3,171 Reviews

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Reasonable

Closed Now

Opens Thu 10a

Independent
Credit Cards
Accepted
Pet Friendly
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms

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“mixing up hard drinks since 1916”

The original building where the Buena Vista sits today was a boarding house until 1916 when the landlord converted the first floor into a saloon. That saloon was named the Buena Vista. ("Good View" in Spanish) The view was good indeed and it served as a warm meeting place for hundreds of fishermen and handlers who worked for the nearby Sardine Cannery. There they could take in a whiskey while scouting the bay for incoming fishing boats which would mean, "Quick! Finish your drink and back to meet the boats!" In 1952, with the help of a Pulitzer-Prize winning writer, the Buena Vista introduced to the world it's now famous Irish Coffee. The recipe has never changed and the view is still quite good.

Reviewed by
Char B.

March 23, 2024

A can't miss when you are in San Francisco. This is where I learned to love the Irish Coffee! We make them at home now with the historic Buena Vista recipe. Be sure to watch at the bar at how the... Read more

Reviewed by
H G.

March 17, 2024

Got up early on St Patty's day and made our way to the Buena Vista! We got there before opening & waited in line, doubt it's the norm but totally assume it's due to the holiday, as soon as the... Read more

Reviewed by
Carolyn M.

March 15, 2024

The Irish coffee is actually amazing and as good as advertised, holy moly. It's so warm and toasty but also has that strong coffee flavor tempered by sweet cream. I've been here a couple of times... Read more

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