Best Irish Coffee

A step into the Buena Vista is a step back in time. The bartenders are formally attired and dutiful, pouring one magnificent Irish coffee after another, lining them up on the bar so that a patron at this extremely popular (and yes, touristy) establishment will never have to wait for the Buena Vista's signature drink. Originally conceived by Joe Sheridan at Ireland's Shannon Airport, Irish coffee was discovered there by travel writer Stanton Delaplane and, with the help of then-Buena Vista owner Jack Koeppler, faithfully re-created here in 1952. The secret? We suggest you come try to figure it out for yourself. Except for tourist consumption, any other Irish coffee in San Francisco is a mockery in comparison.