The Buena Vista — Restaurant in San Francisco

I visited The Buena Vista on July 4th, and while I understand this iconic San Francisco establishment gets incredibly busy, especially on holidays, I was deeply disappointed with the takeout service.

The Experience Upon arrival, I could see the restaurant was packed with customers - which is completely understandable given its reputation for world-famous Irish coffee and the holiday. However, the staff at the entrance immediately pushed us toward takeout rather than offering to put us on a wait list for dine-in service.

Major Issue Here’s where my experience took a turn for the worse: the takeout “Irish coffee” was served in a paper coffee cup with a small whiskey separately. We were essentially told to mix it ourselves.

For a place that prides itself on the craft and presentation of their Irish coffee - where watching the skilled bartenders prepare multiple coffees simultaneously is part of the experience - this felt like a complete betrayal of what makes The Buena Vista special.

Price Problem The most frustrating part? They charged full price for this subpar takeout version.

According to their menu, Irish coffee costs around $15, and we paid the same amount for what was essentially a DIY kit in a disposable cup. The famous Irish coffee experience - with proper glassware, perfectly layered cream, and skilled preparation - was completely absent. What Makes This Particularly Disappointing

The Buena Vista has been serving Irish coffee since 1952 and is known for its authentic preparation with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Peerless Organic Coffee, and heavy cream. The ritual of watching the bartenders line up multiple glasses and expertly prepare each drink is part of the charm that draws both locals and tourists.

While I understand the challenges of serving a high volume of customers, especially during busy periods, there should be a significant price difference between the full restaurant experience and a takeout version that requires self-assembly. Either offer a properly prepared takeout Irish coffee (even if it takes longer) or charge accordingly for the...

Stepping into The Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco is like walking into a lively chapter of the city's history. This place oozes old-world charm and buzzes with the energy of good times past and present. Known far and wide for its famous Irish coffee, The Buena Vista offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels both timeless and instantly welcoming.

The highlight, without a doubt, is their legendary Irish coffee. Perfected since 1952, this concoction is a flawlessly balanced blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream. It's smooth, comforting, and just boozy enough to remind you that you’re indulging in a San Francisco tradition. It’s hard to stop at just one, and why should you? A second—or even a third—only adds to the experience.

Visiting The Buena Vista is more than just a dining stop; it's an event. You can feel the layers of stories and laughter that have filled the space over the decades. The staff contribute to the cafe’s charm, offering warm, friendly service that makes you feel part of the cafe’s extended family. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, stopping by for an Irish coffee here is a must.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, The Buena Vista Cafe promises a delightful experience with each cup of its famous brew. It's the perfect place to soak in the vibes of San Francisco while enjoying a beverage that’s as much a symbol of the city as the Golden Gate Bridge. Don’t just pass by—step in, and find out why a trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without a visit to this...

I came here on the Saturday afternoon of 7/26 with my girlfriend. We had heard about the famous Irish coffees and they were decent, albeit not worth $18 each (ex. tax and tip). What was more shocking was the burrata appetizer they served. They should have served it with a microscope so we could locate the burrata. I genuinely thought they had forgot to put it on or it got lost on the way from the kitchen - when I eventually found it, it was literally no bigger than a quarter of the size of a normal burrata - we essentially paid $18 for a basic tomato salad. When I raised this with our server (who was very nice), he asked the kitchen staff and they confirmed this was indeed our serving. I don’t normally complain, as I’ve seen Road Trip multiple times (I fortunately had a clear view of the kitchen), however this was absolutely scandalous and a complete rip off. Complete and utter daylight robbery - even Dick Turpin wore a mask! After we received the check, the server admitted to us that he was shocked by the portion size (although he should have been more forthright with his colleagues at the time). To be fair the other food we had was half decent but was more like children’s portions. Honestly, give this place a wide berth - it’s a tourist trap & complete ripoff - it’s not worth your time or effort. The kitchen staff don’t give a damn and serve portion sizes that are more akin to rationing in war time Europe. Buena Vista it was not -...