Much as we don’t like to admit it, the Irish coffees at the saloon-style Buena Vista are better than those at other San Francisco bars. In fact, they’re damn good! And they ought to be: this San Francisco institution is where the Irish coffee was first served in America. Sit down at one of the long tables in the no-frills saloon and order up the famous drink, made with whiskey, coffee (of course) and an airy float of cream. Although there are some all-American breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and burgers, the real draw at Buena Vista is the libation, served up in a heated goblet. Trust us: If you start your day off with one of these, everything will look a little bit brighter.

Photo: Flickr/david.dames