Buena Vista Cafe
28 people recommendvia r/AskSF, r/sanfrancisco, r/Tiki29 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Many people recommend the Buena Vista, a bar best known for its Irish coffee, which many name as the draw. One local says they still really love it, one enjoys chatting with visitors there, one recommends it mainly for Irish coffees, and one liked it for breakfast. One who has been there on a date calls it a normal, okay experience, somewhere between a bar and a diner.
Address
The Buena Vista, 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
At a glance
- Known for
- Irish coffee
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/nattylite100 in r/AskSF · Feb 2024
Says they're a local who still really loves this bar.
- Recommendsu/Previous-Grape-712 in r/sanfrancisco · Nov 2024
Listed among the commenter's notable places, with no description.
- Recommendsu/Anti-Charm-Quark in r/AskSF · Feb 2024taste
Agrees with the suggestion and urges ordering the Irish coffee, calling it notable.
- Recommendsu/Aggravating-Writer80 in r/AskSF · Feb 2025
Recommends it, mainly for its Irish coffee.
- Recommendsu/G_DK_ in r/AskSF · Jul 2024
Suggests it as a good starting point.
- Recommendsu/kallisti_gold in r/AskSF · Feb 2024ambience
Enjoys chatting with visitors there and rates the Irish coffee very highly.
- Recommendsu/Major_Track7488 in r/AskSF · Mar 2024
Recommends getting an Irish coffee there.
- Recommendsu/jimmyjah in r/AskSF · Mar 2025
Recommends this bar for a pint, noting it's known for Irish coffees despite not seeming Irish.
Show all 29 cited comments
- Recommendsu/cowgoesrowr in r/AskSF · Jun 2024taste
Recommends Buena Vista as a bonus pick for its Irish coffees.
- Recommendsu/s4m2o0k6e9d in r/sanfrancisco · Feb 2024taste
Recommends it mainly for Irish coffees and says relatives often go when visiting.
- Recommendsu/violetecp03 in r/AskSF · Nov 2024taste
Liked it for breakfast and its Irish coffee; seating puts diners together with others.
- Recommendsu/desertplatypus in r/Tiki · Mar 2026taste
Calls it historic and praises its Irish coffees; also mentions its chowder.
- Recommendsu/RedditFact-Checker in r/AskSF · Apr 2026ambience
Says the name itself points to a nice view, supporting the suggestion.
- Recommendsu/Kkimp1955 in r/sanfrancisco · Feb 2024service
Likes the French toast.
- Recommendsu/Academic-Camel-9538 in r/AskSF · Nov 2024taste
Recommends the original Buena Vista for its Irish coffee during a sightseeing day.
- Mixedu/MochingPet in r/AskSF · Aug 2026ambience
Has been here on a date; calls it a normal, okay experience, somewhere between a bar and a diner.
- Recommendsu/paininthebutt12223 in r/AskSF · Apr 2026
Agrees with the Buena Vista Cafe suggestion.
- Recommendsu/MajorAd3363 in r/AskSF · Jan 2026
Recommends stopping at Buena Vista Cafe for a classic whiskey drink.
- Recommendsu/21five in r/AskSF · May 2025taste
Recommends it, especially for its Irish coffee, and says it works for breakfast.
- Recommendsu/coleman57 in r/AskSF · Feb 2025taste
Recommends Buena Vista mainly for its Irish coffee.
- Recommendsu/MogKupo in r/Tiki · Oct 2024
Suggests pairing a meal there with Irish coffee; calls it iconic despite not being tiki.
- Recommendsu/WesternBlueberry67 in r/AskSF · Mar 2024
Suggests Buena Vista for drinks.
- Recommendsu/dddddddddaaaaaaaan in r/sanfrancisco · Feb 2024
Calls it iconic, agreeing with the parent's bare pick.
- Recommendsu/Imaginary_Doughnut27 in r/AskSF · Mar 2026taste
Points to its well-known Irish coffee, despite mostly diner-style food.
- Recommendsu/Parking-Cress-4661 in r/AskSF · Feb 2026
Suggests this spot for its Irish-American history.
- Recommendsu/Horror_415 in r/AskSF · Jun 2025taste
Suggests a counter seat for an Irish coffee and a country Benedict, calling the food delicious.
- Recommendsu/Left-Key-7399 in r/cocktails · Jun 2025
Lists it among bars suited to an experience.
- Recommendsu/LatestLurkingHandle in r/AskSF · Feb 2025taste
Recommends Buena Vista for its Irish coffee.
- Recommendsu/johnnydaggers in r/bayarea · Apr 2024ambience
Praises the theatrical way this cafe makes Irish coffee.
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Freshness
Details last checked 14 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.