Irish Coffee! January 16, 2026

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Buena Vista 2765 Hyde Street at Beach Street, San Francisco
• Napper Tandy 3200 24th Street, San Francisco
• Mad Dog in the Fog 1568 Haight Street, San Francisco
• Danny Coyle's 668 Haight Street, San Francisco

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Transcript

Jamie Whitaker: 0:17

Hey there, this is Jamie. You're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Friday, January 16, 2026. Are you happy that it's Friday? I know I am. When people think of Irish coffee in San Francisco, the first name that usually comes up is the Buena Vista. And yes, they helped popularize it here. But today we're giving that tourist magnet a quick nod and then moving on, because if you want a proper Irish coffee with character, there are better, cosier places to sip one like a local. First, a quick refresher. A classic Irish coffee is simple but powerful. Hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and lightly whipped cream floating on top. When it's done right, it's warming, balanced, and just boozy enough to take the edge off a foggy San Francisco night. One great spot to try it is Napper Tandy, a longtime Mission District Irish pub that feels like stepping into a neighborhood living room. There, Irish coffee is no frills and comforting, best enjoyed at the bar while chatting with regulars or easing into the evening after work. Over in the Upper Haight, Mad Dog in the Fog brings a slightly livelier vibe. Known for its whiskey selection and welcoming crowd, this is a solid place to order an Irish coffee if you want yours with a bit of energy around you, perfect before a show or a night out. And then there's Danny Coyle's, a classic neighborhood Irish pub near Civic Center. This is the spot if you're craving something traditional, unpretentious, and heartfelt. Their Irish coffee feels like it was made for lingering, slow sips, quiet conversations, and no rush to leave. So yes, Buena Vista exists, but San Francisco's Irish coffee culture doesn't stop there. Skip the line, find a neighborhood pub, and enjoy this iconic drink the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Warm, relaxed, and a little bit spirited. Today's act of kindness: Wish someone a genuinely good weekend and mean it. Whether it's a coworker, a cashier, or a stranger, letting them feel seen and appreciated as the week winds down. Be kind. Have a great weekend. Remember to subscribe and share the link to all these podcasts on your socials. ToDoSF.buzzsprout.com. Talk to you again on Monday.