One of our favorite places to have a casual breakfast (served all day) or lunch is the BV, a San Francisco institution since 1916, located at the end of the Powell and Hyde Street Cable Car. In 1952 they introduced their "Irish Coffee" which is a must although good beers and wines are available. The hamburgers are great and the crab salad is delicious and there are many other tempting items. The atmosphere is busy and noisy (but not too), very festive.

We visited with friends and started each day with a hearty breakfast (corn-beef hash and eggs are my favorite) and a couple of Irish coffees each. I can't find a better start to the day!

Lunch during our stint at Fisherman's Wharf was at the famous Buena Vista Cafe, known for its yummy Irish cream coffee. With a menu loaded with American fare (plenty of seafood, of course) and a friendly pub atmosphere, this popular hot spot is a good refuge from the bay breeze.

This place is an institution. The Buena Vista invented the Irish Coffee and they are very good here. The restaurant is at the end of the cable car line and it has many great views of the bay from its windows. The seating is family style and the nice thing is you will probably end up sitting next to somebody who is from out of town. The last time I was there I sat next to a Norweigan couple. Please rate my entry, I need the points. Thanks!

I would not THINK of visiting San Francisco and NOT coming here several times. THIS is where Irish coffee was invented and they do it Right! Real whipped cream, real stout Irish whiskey, real he-man coffee. They have got it DOWN! On the cable car line.