THERE’S A SECRET, BOOZY COFFEE SHOP HIDDEN AROUND THE CORNER FROM UNION SQUARE

There’s a certain buzz in the air when the weather is pitch-perfect in San Francisco. When puffy vests are no longer necessary and jean jackets get slung over an arm, rather than worn, that’s when San Francisco is at its best. It’s when the sun sets late and a leisurely stroll seems not optional, but required. It’s also the time of year when a walk and snack is inevitable, so if your strolls take you to the edge of Union Square and FiDi, do yourself a favor and stop by Iron Horse Coffee Bar.

Nestled into Maiden Lane, Iron Horse is best known as a proper cocktail bar, the successor to Romper Room and the Iron Horse Restaurant before that. But the bar flies might not realize that during the day, Iron Horse serves Ritual coffee espressos, Americanos, cappuccinos, lattes, and chai in a small alcove at the bar’s entrance. The counter has sold coffee and espresso drinks since 2015, but for the uninitiated, the daytime menu also includes something else: caffeinated cocktails ideal for drinking in the sunshine.

You can go simple and add a shot of Jameson’s or Bailey’s to your iced or hot coffee, or order one of the shop’s six coffee cocktails. There’s the ever-classic Irish coffee, but the drinks get more complex. The About Time folds whiskey, Grand Marnier, and Kahlua into steamed milk with a double shot of espresso and an orange twist. The Monkey Business keeps things on the cooler side with a double shot of espresso, simple syrup, and cream poured over ice alongside dark rum and Kahlua. The Horse Shoe pairs whiskey and Bailey’s with a double shot of espresso and steamed milk. (If you’re sensing a theme here, yes, most drinks come with a double shot of espresso, the only exception being the Irish coffee, which is made with drip coffee.)

Kindly tip the person behind the coffee bar and head outside to enjoy your caffeinated drinks on the quiet, tree-lined street with cafe tables conveniently located outside. Or, stroll away, coffee cup in hand to enjoy the incredible weather while it lasts.

Booze or no booze, you deserve a pick-me-up. And we won’t ask what’s in your cup.

Iron Horse Coffee Bar (25 Maiden Lane) is open 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The bar is open 2 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. to midnight on Saturday and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

2024-05-09T18:31:11Z dg43tfdfdgfd