Best Places to Get an Irish Coffee in San Francisco
When it comes to classic cocktails, few drinks have the same legendary status as Irish coffee. San Francisco has a special connection to this delicious drink, thanks to The Buena Vista, the bar that introduced Irish coffee to America. But while The Buena Vista remains the most famous, there are plenty of other spots in the city serving up excellent versions of this beloved drink. If you are looking for Irish drinks to get in the spirit for St. Patrick’s Day or just looking for an amazing cocktail on a Saturday afternoon, you can find Irish Coffees all over the city.
The Buena Vista
This is where it all started. The Buena Vista is credited with bringing Irish coffee to the U.S. in 1952. Their Irish coffee is perfect. It’s made with hot coffee, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey, two sugar cubes, and a perfectly floated layer of heavy cream. It’s smooth, warming, and served in their signature glasses.
When you walk into the Buena Vista, you can just tell that the Irish Coffee is something that stands out. You can see the bartenders lining up a whole bunch of glasses on the bar and creating drink after drink with precision. If you are visiting San Francisco and will only be making one stop at the Buena Vista, make sure to wait for a seat at the bar (even if it takes a long time). Part of the experience is watching the Irish Coffees being made and it is definitely worth the wait. It’s also important to remember that these drinks are pretty strong. They taste delicious and are fairly small, so it is easy to settle into your bar seat and throw back a bunch of them in a short period of time. There is usually a moment when you get up from the bar and walk down the steep stairs to the bathroom and start to realize that the day has taken a turn in a slightly different direction. We have had quite a few “chill” Saturday afternoons turn into unintended pre-party’s that usually ended in some bad decisions thanks to the unassuming Irish Coffees at the Buena Vista.
The history of Buena Vista is also a reason why this spot is at the top of our list. While they didn’t actually invent the Irish Coffee, they are credited with bringing the drink to America. It was first created in the early 1940s by Joe Sheridan, a chef at Foynes Airbase in County Limerick, Ireland. Sheridan came up with the drink to comfort passengers on a chilly, storm-delayed flight. Luckily, a travel writer named Stanton Delaplane, happened to be one of the passengers at the airport (which was now called Shannon Airport) in the early 1950s. After really enjoying Joe’s drink, he ended up telling Jack Koeppler (the owner of the Buena Vista Cafe at the time) In late 1952, they decided that they were going to re-create the Irish Coffee and after many tries (and a little help), they finally got it perfect.
So, if you live in the Bay Area, you should take advantage of this legendary place and stop by for an Irish Coffee when you get a chance. If you are visiting, we would rank a visit to the Buena Vista in the top 10 things to do in San Francisco, right along Alcatraz and driving over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Although the Buena Vista gets most of the attention when it comes to Irish coffees in the San Francisco Bay Area (for good reason) it doesn’t mean that there aren’t a lot of other great places to enjoy one. Due to its popularity, it is usually crowded (and hard to get a spot at the bar) so if you just want to head out with a few friends for a drink, you can’t go wrong with any other place on the list below.
Casements
Casements is a modern Irish bar that brings a fresh take to traditional drinks. Their Irish coffee is rich and flavorful, featuring high-quality coffee and a carefully whipped cream topping. The lively atmosphere and frequent live music make this a fun spot to enjoy your drink.
The Irish Bank
A hidden gem down a narrow alleyway, The Irish Bank is one of SF’s most authentic Irish pubs. Their Irish coffee has just the right balance of whiskey and sweetness, making it a go-to spot for those looking to escape the downtown shoppers.
The Chieftain Irish Pub & Restaurant
Located near Moscone Center, The Chieftain is a great place to grab an Irish coffee before or after a big event. Their version is smooth and well-balanced, with a strong whiskey kick. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly SF evening.
Johnny Foley’s Irish House
Union Square
Johnny Foley’s is known for its lively atmosphere, with live music and a true Irish pub vibe. Their Irish coffee is one of the best in the city, made with a rich coffee base and a velvety cream layer that’s poured with precision.
La Rocca’s Corner Tavern
This historic North Beach bar has been around for over 80 years, and their Irish coffee keeps customers coming back. The secret is in their strong coffee base and the generous pour of whiskey, making it a favorite among locals who want a no-frills, strong drink. This is a popular place to watch sports, so keep this in mind if you don’t want a place that is too busy.
The Abbey Tavern
Outer Richmond
If you’re looking for a neighborhood spot with a laid-back vibe, The Abbey Tavern delivers. Their Irish coffee is a standout, with a robust coffee blend and a thick cream topping that stays intact with every sip. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink without the tourist crowds.
Honorable Mentions
The Homestead
Mission District
A cozy, historic bar with a great whiskey selection that makes for an excellent Irish coffee.
O’Brien’s Irish Pub
Inner Sunset
A small but classic Irish pub that serves up a solid, no-nonsense Irish coffee.
Did we miss anything? Since it can be difficult to try every Irish coffee in the city (although that sounds like a great challenge), there is a chance that we missed a few great spots. If so, feel free to shoot us an email at info (at) crawlsf.com.
