Irish whiskey and hot coffee- a match made in local San Francisco heaven, or was it? One our most iconic drinks synonymous to the magic of the city is the Irish Coffee, particularly from the legendary Buena Vista Cafe. Since 1952, this Fisherman's Wharf landmark has been consistently flocked to specifically for their world-famous Irish Coffee, with over 2,000 served up in a day.
While many attribute the creation of the drink to San Francisco, some believe it was invented elsewhere a whole decade earlier. We've got the scoop on just how this delightful drink came to be, and where the other best spots are in the city to get them.
See also: 10 Surprising Fun Facts About San Francisco
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First, glasses are all expertly lined up squarely and uniformly, then comes the sugar cubes and hot coffee, precisely poured with a smooth and captivating finesse. The Tullamore Dew is then added to make it Buena Vista's Irish Coffee, finally all dolloped with a generous heap of fluffy heavy cream. For over 50 years, that is how Buena Vista has served the hot concoction up to their loyal patrons, and it all traces back to a man named Stanton Delaplane.
Delaplane was a Chronicle travel writer who became enamored with the beverage after first trying it at Ireland's Foynes airport, as the drink was served as welcome treats to travelers. This welcome beverage was originally created by chef Joe Sheridan, surprising passengers with the pick-me-up, with one even asking if it was Brazilian coffee, to which Sheridan corrected, "no, it was Irish coffee!”
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Back to Delaplane, who then sampled the drink at Shannon airport and sought out to replicate it with Buena Vista owner Jack Koeppler. After several attempts and even visits back to Shannon airport, the two were triumphant in 1952.
Today a plaque still stands at the entrance of Buena Vista that reads, "America's First Irish Coffee was made here in 1952. It was an inspiration invented at Shannon Airport by Joe Sheridan. It was fortuitously introduced here by Stan Delaplane. It was nurtured to a national institution by Jack Koeppler."
While others believe Irish Coffee was created in 1940 at a Dublin pub called the Dolphin during wartime, it is no doubt that Buena Vista helped popularize the drink in America. A consistent crowd can always be found at this vintage speakeasy saloon on 2765 Hyde Street for an energizing taste of history, with many other bars partaking in the tradition with their own variations. See where else you can imbibe in the sweet treat here:
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10 Mark Ln / (415) 788-7152 / Website
The Irish Bank is a historic and eclectic hangout in the heart of downtown with a cozy atmosphere and Irish Coffee made with java from North Beach's own Caffe Trieste.
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255 Columbus Ave / (415) 362-3370 / Website
Vesuvio is a must-visit when in North Beach for its integral role as a gathering spot for luminaries Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg during the pivotal 60's Beat movement. You can channel this progressive artistry by also sitting upstairs and sipping on their Bohemian Coffee, which is perfectly mixed with Brandy, Amaretto, and lemon.
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242 Columbus Ave / (415) 986-9651 / Website
Just across the street from Vesuvio is this other swanky and historic venue. This is a glamorous speakeasy-style restaurant with irresistable pasta, opulent decor, and a scrumptious House Cappuccino, with bourbon, cognac, chocolate, and steamed milk.
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401 Castro St / (415) 864-9470 / Website
Twin Peaks is a Castro District landmark, iconic for its wide glass windows, ritzy interior, and their luscious Irish Coffee best enjoyed at their outdoor patio or chic upstairs balcony.
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3154 Fillmore St / (415) 741-6605 / Website
Wilder is a fun and impressive brunch hotspot in the Marina, highly beloved for their kind service, toasty lodge-like interior, and inventively expansive cocktail menu. While their Espresso Martinis can't be beat here, the Irish Coffee with Jameson and cream will wake you up just as much for a cozy start to your day.
Now you know the energizing story behind this buzzworthy San Francisco staple!
See also: Your Ultimate San Francisco Whiskey Guide
Photography by: Courtesy of yagmradam/Getty Images
