The Buena Vista Café is a bar located in San Francisco, California. Originally opened in 1916, the bar would become famous across the United States in the 1950s when it introduced its popular take on the Irish Coffee cocktail.

The Buena Vista began operations over 100 years ago when the bottom floor of a boarding house was converted into a saloon style café bar. The café still occupies the same space today and has managed to maintain much of its timeless, old-world charm whilst becoming a landmark of the city’s gastronomic offerings.

Much of its notoriety is due to the efforts of the cafe’s owner and travel writer Stanton Delaplane who were able to successfully replicate the taste of the unique taste of the Irish Coffees. Since its introduction, the café claims to have served over 30 million Buena Vista Café style Irish Coffees.

When visiting be sure to grab a stool at the bar and marvel at the skills of the talented bartenders, dressed in classic white jackets and black ties, as they work their magic serving up dozens of Irish Coffees at a time.