Call it fuel, liquid energy, or whatever you want. In Buffalo’s Medical District, coffee shops serve the brews everyone in scrubs, lab coats, and student ID badges depends on. Especially when it comes to back-to-back lectures and late-night shifts. Welcome to the tour your taste buds are sure to remember!
Before we dive into the cafés themselves, let’s savor a quick sip of history: coffee’s journey began in the Ethiopian highlands, traveled through Yemen’s Sufi monasteries, and eventually found its way into cafés just like the ones we’re about to explore. An even better sneak peek? Most of these places are steps from our BNMC apartments for rent.
Bean there, sipped that? Not yet! Follow along our BNMC café guide and find your fix!
Coffee 101
Origins
Coffee didn’t just show up one morning fully formed. It has centuries of history fueling our cups. Legend has it that an Ethiopian goat herder first noticed his flock bouncing with energy after nibbling on coffee cherries. From there, it traveled through Yemen’s Sufi monasteries, across the Ottoman Empire, and eventually landed to our very own Buffalo Medical District coffee shops.
Taste
Oh, the flavors. Coffee can be as complex as a med school lecture: think bright and fruity, deep and chocolaty, nutty, or even a touch of floral or smoky. The Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel is a fun guide to help you identify what’s really in your cup. A tool dating back to 1995, it’s considered a cheat sheet anyone can use to become a true coffee connoisseur. Fair warning: you might spend more time organizing brews than your lab or work notes.
Fun facts
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Coffee beans are actually seeds, often called “coffee cherries”;
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Instant coffee? It’s a Japanese invention from 1901.
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Coffee grounds can be recycled. You can use them in compost, scrubs, and even as natural deodorizer for fridges.
Stop 1: Penny’s Coffee Shop
Atmosphere: Penny’s is your classic BNMC go-to, with some of the best coffee near Roswell Park. Nestled just across from Jacobs Medical School, it's the kind of spot that makes you feel like everyone remembers your name (or at least your usual order). The ambiance is casual yet modern.
Must-Try: Penny’s serves Turkish coffee brewed the traditional way (yes, hot sand included), and it’s a Buffalo experience you can’t miss. If you’re early, breakfast classics like bagels, avocado toast, and sandwiches will fuel you through any lecture or meeting.
Best For: People-watching or pretending you’re in a European café for a while. You can also place it on your roster of quiet places to work on the BNMC.
Opening Hours: From 7 AM to 4 PM (8 AM to 3 PM on the weekends), you can indulge in their delicious brews, described by locals as “a taste of Turkey in every sip”.
Address: Find one of the Buffalo Medical Campus Wi-Fi cafés at 916 Main Street.
Stop 2: Unapologetic Coffee
Atmosphere: Unapologetically authentic, this minority-owned spot takes a special place in our BNMC café guide. It’s small but mighty, appreciated for its welcoming, inclusive feel that never disappoints. The offices of The Scott Bieler Center at Best Self and the Child Advocacy Center are located in the same building.
Must-Try: Classic lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites. Don’t skip the baked goods (especially the muffins), they’re the morale boosters you didn’t know you needed.
Best For: Mid-morning refuels or afternoon reboots.
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 4 PM (Mon-Fri), 8 AM to 4 PM (Sat), and 9 AM to 3 PM (Sun). You know what they say—early bird gets the worm!
Address: Nestled at 899 Main Street, it’s another spot competing for the best coffee near Roswell Park.
Stop 3: Café 59
Atmosphere: A great choice among BNMC’s lunch spots, Café 59 turns your caffeine run into a sit-down experience. Warm lighting, friendly staff, and the smell of soups, sandwiches, and espresso make it a near-campus favorite.
Must-Try: Their menu is extensive, to say the least. Pair the 59 Grilled Cheese, Burgundy Burger, and Café Tuna Melt with the Espress Yourself and mochas from the bar. The Medical Campus Buffalo food options don’t run short here, as vegan and vegetarian choices are also available.
Best For: Delicious meals with fellow students or coworkers and leisurely brunches on weekends.
Opening Hours: Enjoy one of the Buffalo Medical District coffee shops that’s open every day, from 11 AM to 10 PM.
Address: 62 Allen Street.
Spot 4: Pocket Park @ 589 Ellicott Street
Atmosphere: Yes, not a café, but a neighborhood landmark – and if you wait for the sun to shine brighter, a gem among BNMC’s study spots. You’ll be surrounded by greenery and a peaceful vibe. It almost feels like you are not in the middle of the city anymore.
Must-Try: Food trucks are usually available in the warmer months. Last year’s events were a hit.
Best For: Hitting pause on a busy day. The BNMC specifically designed the outdoor seating areas of Pocket Park, so you can do just that.
Opening Hours: Generally accessible during daylight hours.
Address: 589 Ellicott Street.
Spot 5: Fugazi
Atmosphere: Dim lighting, comfortable seating, and a calm but lively energy make it ideal for lingering over a drink and playing a round of pool. The layout invites conversation without having to raise your voice.
Must-Try: The espresso martini is a star here: smooth, balanced, and a playful ending to our BNMC café guide.
Best For: Celebrating the end of a long week, small victories, or just a low-key social evening.
Opening Hours: Fugazi serves great drinks between 5 PM and 2 AM every day.
Address: 503 Franklin Street.
Your BNMC café guide is mapped and ready to be tried out. From Turkish coffee at Penny’s to espresso martinis, caffeine here is a kind of lifestyle. Luckily for locals, visitors, and residents of our apartments, there’s always a spot on campus to sneak in and warm up. So, move to one of our communities to keep your cup full, your energy high, and your day just a little more delicious!