The Buena Vista

2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
+1 415-474-5044
$$$ Bar , American restaurant , Irish restaurant , Restaurant
(7402 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you're searching for a quintessential San Francisco experience that blends history, ambiance, and delightful culinary offerings, look no further than The Buena Vista. Nestled at 2765 Hyde St, this iconic bar is not just known for its breathtaking views of the bay but also for its legendary Irish Coffee, considered the original in the United States.

The moment you step inside, you're enveloped by a warm and inviting atmosphere filled with the buzz of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The bartenders, true masters of their craft, create a spectacle with each Irish Coffee they prepare, blending rich hot coffee, smooth Irish whiskey, and decadently whipped cream to perfection. As noted by visitors like Tensai Genius, the skillful preparation of these drinks adds an engaging energy to the experience.

But The Buena Vista isn't just about the drinks. The menu is a delicious exploration of classic American cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. Start your meal with their renowned clam chowder served in a freshly baked bread bowl—rich, creamy, and comforting, it's the perfect way to set the tone for your visit. If you're craving something heartier, don't miss the mouthwatering crab omelette or the delicious Cable Car Meatloaf, both praised for their generous portions and comforting flavors. As one delighted customer, Jordan Diaz, aptly put it, "the food came out quickly and was delicious."

The Buena Vista offers more than just a dining experience; it provides a taste of history. Customers like Michael Guynn and Joseph Abraham have echoed the sentiment that this establishment is a must-visit, particularly for those eager to relish an authentic Irish Coffee while admiring the skilled bartenders at work. Here, every corner seems to hold a story, and the lively ambiance invites guests to let their worries melt away as they sip on their drinks.

Whether you're a tourist seeking a genuine San Francisco gem or a local looking for a cozy spot to enjoy great food and drinks, The Buena Vista shines brightly as a beacon of hospitality and culinary delight. Just be sure to plan ahead, as this bustling bar often draws crowds eager to experience its famous offerings. With its superb service, warm setting, and legendary drinks, a visit to The Buena Vista is not just a meal—it's an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible car park
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Openings Hours

Monday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 11:00 PM

7402 Reviews
Jordan Diaz

19 Sep 2025

My supervisor recommended i stop by and try the Irish Coffee and it was amazing. Bold and not overly sweet, it was just right. It was packed, but service was still friendly and fast. The food came out quickly and was delicious. I had the corned beef hash with poached eggs and it was perfect. The sourdough toast was the best. I stop by if you get the chance, it's worth it.

Kristen G

14 Aug 2025

Cute spot for great views, excellent service, and delicious food. We all got the clam chowder in the bread bowl and gobbled up the whole thing. I love the whole vibe of the place and it is very reasonably priced for the area. Doesn’t feel too touristy while so many things around the area do. It’s always packed so you know it’s probably pretty good. Will be back when I’m in town again!

Tensai Genius

19 Jul 2025

If you’re looking for a historic San Francisco experience, The Buena Vista is an absolute must-visit. This place is legendary for a reason, they serve the original Irish Coffee, and it's a perfect blend of rich, hot coffee, sweet whiskey, and a decadent cream top. The atmosphere is always buzzing with people from all over the world, and the bartenders are masters of their craft, making a show out of every drink. It’s more than just a drink; it's a tradition, a warm and comforting treat that perfectly captures the city's charm. This place is a true San Francisco institution.

jack wong

15 Jul 2025

Food was great! We got the crab omelette and the clam chowder. Perfect meal for a cold morning. The Irish whiskey makes it a whole lot better! They do pour a decent amount of whiskey in there. We got there about 9:45am on a Sunday and we didn’t have to wait at all.

Stephanie Davis

09 Jul 2025

Love this place! The food is delicious, the Irish coffee is perfect, the history is neat and makes for a great dining experience. I could watch them make Irish coffees all day. For food, we tired the clam chowder bread bowl and the crab cakes entree. Both delicious! The crab cakes were a very generous portion and the veggies were good but nothing out of this world. They have Tullamore Dew mini bottles and Irish coffee to-go.

Michael Guynn

15 Jun 2025

I have been looking forward to trying an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista for years. It's just coffee, sugar, cream, and whiskey. It really shouldn't be anything special. But I guess after you make 10,000 of them you really do perfect it, because it was a damn fine cup of coffee. The servers were so nice. The bartenders make a spectacle out of making rows of Irish coffees. It's nice to see an establishment be so proud of something - still - and keep tradition alive and not just coast on a name. Stop in for a cup, and check out the gift shop next door. P.S. the non-alcoholic version is $4.75 and is also absolutely delectable...

Ivan Zarate

06 Jun 2025

The Irish Coffee is excellent, highly recommended. If you're just here for a drink, you'll easily find a place to sit. However, if you plan to eat, be prepared to wait. The food is good, classic American cuisine, though nothing special. What really stands out is the service: the staff are very friendly and will make sure you're well taken care of.

Joseph Abraham

28 May 2025

Loved our visit to Buena Vista in San Francisco! We tried the original Irish coffee (first served in the US here) and it was amazing. Sat right by the bar and enjoyed watching the bartender make them with such flair. They use Tullamore D.E.W whiskey — smooth and perfect. Definitely worth the stop!

Join the The Buena Vista Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.