Public is located inside the historic Lafayette Hotel, but this is no mere lobby cafe. It boasts a Bellwether emission-less coffee roaster in one corner, providing standout coffee brewed on equipment from Slayer, Mahlkonig, and Hario. The coffee is great, but the star of the show here are the donuts: classic flavors meet modern riffs like Earl Grey lemon and vegan “cocoa crispy dipped” and much more. Public’s second location in the Shea’s Seneca location is also excellent.

This small, welcoming cafe feels like quintessential Buffalo. Espresso drinks are prepared on a La Marzocco GB5, with support from Mazzer Super Jolly and Robur grinders. Bee House drippers take care of manual brew and a Marco Jet6 Twin brewer serves up batch drip coffee, while food options are provided by local companies—pastries by Fairy Cakes Cupcakery and biscottis by Biscotti For Everybotti. Expect a similar level of quality at Overwinter’s new Elmwood location.

Inspired by the all-day cafes of Paris, Remedy House keeps everybody happy by serving coffee all day and cocktails all night—a customer could conceivably enjoy their morning coffee and end up staying until the last orders. This is a favorite of the Five Points neighborhood since opening in 2017, serving coffee from Toronto-based Propeller Coffee Company and occasional guests, with espresso and filter coffee. Don’t skip the cocktails!

Tipico’s original cafe location on Fargo Avenue helped usher in a new era for coffee quality in Buffalo. That space is now sadly closed, but the brand has built a strong new home to continue their work on Elmwood. Here you’ll find not just some of the best coffee in Buffalo, but all of New York, in a sun-drenched space that pairs professional equipment with homey, colorful vibes. Get a cold brew with housemade coconut milk, or enjoy an espresso brewed on a La Marzocco Linea EE espresso machine.