Buena Vista Cafe

See How a Proper Irish Coffee is Made, Buena Vista Style

San Francisco's Buena Vista Café has been making the classic Irish whiskey drink since 1952. Watch how the pros build a line of perfect Irish Coffees.

• story: Eric Wolfinger
• photo: Eric Wolfinger

The Buena Vista Café: America’s Irish Coffee Mecca

At San Francisco's historic Buena Vista Café, the Irish Coffee has become its own American ritual.

• story: Leslie Pariseau
• photos: Eric Wolfinger

Irish Coffee

First introduced to the United States by way of San Francisco’s Buena Vista Café, the Irish Coffee was invented at the Foynes Airport’s restaurant in 1943.