Buena Vista San Francisco World Famous Cafe in Fisherman's Wharf

The Buena Vista San Francisco is a legendary cafe in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood. This cafe is famous for bringing Irish Coffee to the US.

It's a great place for a late breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They serve their breakfast dishes until 1:30 pm daily.

Their menu includes mostly comfort food. Some of my favorites here include their Benedicts, the Rueben on rye, and the fried chicken and waffle for dinner. 

The other thing that's so great about this place is the friendly staff and the welcoming environment! 

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Buena Vista History

Now that you know a little about what to expect for your visit, here is a bit more on their history and how they became so famous.

The Buena Vista San Francisco opened as a saloon in 1916.

In Spanish, the words 'buena vista' translate to 'good view'. The café is just a block from the San Francisco Bay and was named for its great views of the water.

For years, it was a popular spot for the local fishermen and others working along the San Francisco Bay. However, the introduction of the Irish Coffee here was what made it famous throughout the US.

Irish Coffee was originally created by Joe Sheridan at the Shannon Airport in Ireland. In 1952, the owner of the Buena Vista San Francisco, Jack Koeppler, wanted to serve it in his cafe.

He enlisted Stan Delaplane, an international travel writer and another lover of the famed cocktail, to help him recreate the recipe.

For months, the two worked together without success. After one more visit to the Shannon Airport, the two had what they needed. Their Irish Coffee recipe was officially introduced in November of 1952.

People loved the new cocktail and the reputation of the cafe grew. Today, people still flock to the Buena Vista to try its famous Irish Coffee.

This plaque near the front doors of the cafe states, "America's First Irish Coffee was made here in 1952. It was an inspiration invented at Shannon Airport by Joe Sheridan. It was fortuitously introduced here by Stan Delaplane. It was nurtured to a national institution by Jack Koeppler."

Eating & Drinking at the Buena Vista Cafe

When you step into the Buena Vista Cafe, you are greeted by a beautiful wooden bar. It still feels like an old-fashioned saloon.

There are a couple of rules for seating at the cafe. The bar stools are just for those wanting to sample one of their Irish Coffees (or other cocktails).

The shared tables throughout the café are for those also wanting to grab a bite to eat. You don't need to wait for an empty table, just grab any seat that is available.

Any time of the day is a good time to try their famous Irish Coffees. Below is a picture of my drink from my last visit! 

Not only do they use the original recipe from decades ago, but they serve it in these fun, old-fashioned glasses.

One other good thing is that there is usually a a little more 'Irish' than 'Coffee' in it! All I can say is, you won't be disappointed.

The Buena Vista San Francisco also has some great food. I recommend trying a dish with crab. When it's in season, it's caught fresh everyday by local fisherman from the waters around San Francisco.

As I mentioned above, I love their benedicts and my favorite is their crab benedict, It's simply amazing! They also don't skimp on the portions. As you can see, my plate had enough food to fill me up for both breakfast and lunch.

If you are not a fan of crab, you will still find plenty of options on the menu. For breakfast, you will find favorites such as scrambled eggs, corn beef hash, cinnamon French toast, and a variety of omelettes.

The lunch and dinner menus include everything from burgers to pasta to steaks. You will not leave here hungry!

>> More great restaurants to try in Fisherman's Wharf

Where is the Buena Vista Cafe Located?

The Buena Vista San Francisco is on the corner of Hyde and Beach Streets. This is on the western side of Fisherman's Wharf near the Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround. 

The blue star below is the Buena Vista Café. The red star is Pier 39. They are less than a mile apart.

Hours for the Buena Vista Cafe

The Buena Vista stays open late, but take note that the kitchen closes at 9:30 pm.

• Hours: Daily from 9 am to 11 pm (Fridays and Saturdays until 12 midnight)

Hotels Near Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco

Argonaut

This 4-star hotel has over 250 rooms with incredible views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the more stylish hotels in the city, the Argonaut was originally a brick warehouse which as been remodeled into a luxury hotel with a spa, restaurant, and more.

Some of the amenities include extra long beds, walk-in showers, and complimentary bicycles. You will love staying here, just a few minutes from Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and Lombard Street. They also have valet parking.

495 Jefferson Street

>> Check for availability and reviews of rooms at Argonaut

Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf

Another 4-star hotel in this area is the Hyatt Centric. Depending which room you have, you can get amazing views since you are in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf and there is so much to do here.

The hotel has over 300 rooms, an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and a full gym onsite. You are basically within walking distance to everything, but they also provide free bicycles.

Their restaurant, the Brick & Beam, has been voted the #1 sports bar in the whole city!

555 North Point Street

>> Check for availability of rooms at the Hyatt during your stay in San Francisco

San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf

Another one of the 4-star hotels in this area includes this beauty, which has almost 300 rooms on five floors. Features include a 24-hour fitness center. In case you want a bite to eat, they also have a full restaurant.

It is easy to get to many of the favorite places such as Ghirardelli Square, Lombard Street, or Fisherman’s Wharf. You can also easily hop on one of the cable cars that stop by this hotel if you want to venture further into the city.

1250 Columbus Avenue

>> Click to read reviews and find rooms at the Marriott Fisherman's Wharf

Apart from Union Square, this waterfront district offers the most lodging options for visitors, from budget-friendly to luxury. It's a great choice for those who want to be close to all the attractions.

>> Find additional great places to stay in Fisherman's Wharf

Things to Do Near the Buena Vista

Cartoon Art Museum

You may think this is only for youngsters, but it is for people of all ages. This museum houses over 7,000 original pieces so you can always find something new to see no matter how many times you visit it.

The exhibitions allow you to learn more about the cartoons, the artists who drew them, and what was happening during the time to inspire them.

Some are political, some are just to laugh at, and some others highlight specific artists so you can see more of their work. 781 Beach Street.

Ghirardelli Square

This is always a great place to hang out and just have fun when you are in the city. One of the reasons San Francisco is famous is because it is home to Ghirardelli Chocolate.

The Square offers visitors numerous places to eat, shop, and play. And, of course, to indulge in chocolate! 900 North Point at the corner of Beach & Larkin Street.

>> Learn more about Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco Tours Near the Buena Vista

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