San Francisco keeps its Irish heritage alive - with food

 

Buena Vista Café

2765 Hyde Street

Fisherman’s Wharf - Ghirardelli Square

(415) 989-6222

So many things draw tourists and locals to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Though better known for the fresh seafood, people also flock to Fisherman’s Wharf for the best Irish coffee around. The Buena Vista Café, a small restaurant famous for its Shannon-style Irish coffee, sticks out amongst the nautical cuisine of the area. But for people looking to taste a bit of the Emerald Isle on the Pacific, you’ll find it at the Buena Vista Café. The story of Buena Vista’s famous Irish coffee dates back to 1952, when then-owner Jack Koeppler, was challenged to make a traditional Irish coffee. After many trial and errors, Koeppler discovered that a combination of frothed cream and strong whiskey made the best Irish coffee. To this date, the Buena Vista Café serves over 2000 Irish coffees a day, and holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest Irish coffee made.

 

Celtic Coffee Company

Civic Center/Tenderloin

142 McAllister St

(415) 255-0208

Though some people think that the best coffee comes from Boston or Seattle, the Celtic Coffee Company in the heart of Civic Center is proving that the Irish are best at the brew. Recently acquired by Irish owners, the small coffee shop features a variety of specialty coffees and teas, direct from Ireland. Along with fresh baked goods and delicious homemade soups, the Celtic Coffee Company is the perfect place to have a bite to eat. People rave about the friendly service and Irish décor, which makes the Celtic Coffee Company a great find. Sorry folks, no Starbuck-ese spoken here, but maybe some Gaelic. Slainte!

 

Crown and Crumpet

Nob Hill

900 North Point

(415) 771-4252

Sugar and spice and everything nice. The Crown and Crumpet tea room in Nob Hill, San Francisco brings a touch of royal elegance to the California coast. Decorated with fancy tea kettles, dainty table clothes and napkins, crystal chandeliers and pink everything, the Crown and Crumpet would be the perfect place to treat your little Irish princess to a real British tea party. The Crown and Crumpet features more than 38 varieties of English and Irish teas and delectable pastries. Finger sandwiches and traditional treats like clotted cream, jam and lemon curd are perfect compliments to the teas.  The Crown and Crumpet is the perfect place to feel pampered like royalty for an afternoon.

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