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! <\/p>\n
Before we dive into the caf\u00e9s 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 caf\u00e9s 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. <\/p>\n
Bean there, sipped that? Not yet! Follow along our BNMC caf\u00e9 guide and find your fix! <\/p>\n
Coffee 101 <\/h3>\n
Origins <\/strong><\/p>\n Coffee didn’t just show up one morning fully formed. It has centuries of history<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n Taste <\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n Fun facts <\/strong><\/p>\n Coffee beans are actually seeds, often called “coffee cherries”; <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n A coffee plant can live up to 100 years;<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Instant coffee?<\/a> It’s a Japanese invention from 1901. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Coffee <\/a>grounds can be recycled. You can use them in compost, scrubs, and even as natural deodorizer for fridges. <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Atmosphere<\/strong>: Penny’s is your classic BNMC go-to, with some of the best coffee near Roswell Park<\/a>. 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. <\/p>\n Must-Try<\/strong>: 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. <\/p>\n Best For<\/strong>: People-watching or pretending you’re in a European caf\u00e9 for a while. You can also place it on your roster of quiet places to work on the BNMC. <\/p>\n Opening Hours<\/strong>: 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<\/a>”. <\/p>\n Address<\/strong>: Find one of the Buffalo Medical Campus Wi-Fi caf\u00e9s at 916 Main Street. <\/p>\n Atmosphere<\/strong>: Unapologetically authentic, this minority-owned spot takes a special place in our BNMC caf\u00e9 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<\/a> and the Child Advocacy Center<\/a> are located in the same building. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Best For<\/strong>: Mid-morning refuels or afternoon reboots. <\/p>\n Opening Hours<\/strong>: 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! <\/p>\n Address<\/strong>: Nestled at 899 Main Street, it’s another spot competing for the best coffee near Roswell Park. <\/p>\n Atmosphere<\/strong>: A great choice among BNMC’s lunch spots, Caf\u00e9 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. <\/p>\n Must-Try:<\/strong> Their menu<\/a> is extensive, to say the least. Pair the 59 Grilled Cheese, Burgundy Burger, and Caf\u00e9 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. <\/p>\n Best For<\/strong>: Delicious meals with fellow students or coworkers and leisurely brunches on weekends. <\/p>\n Opening Hours<\/strong>: Enjoy one of the Buffalo Medical District coffee shops that’s open every day, from 11 AM to 10 PM. <\/p>\n Address<\/strong>: 62 Allen Street. <\/p>\n Atmosphere<\/strong>: Yes, not a caf\u00e9, 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. <\/p>\n Must-Try<\/strong>: Food trucks are usually available in the warmer months. Last<\/a> year’s events were a hit. <\/p>\n Best For<\/strong>: Hitting pause on a busy day. The BNMC specifically designed the outdoor seating areas of Pocket Park, so you can do just that. <\/p>\n\n
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Stop 1: Penny’s Coffee Shop<\/a> <\/h3>\n
Stop 2: Unapologetic Coffee<\/a> <\/h3>\n
Stop 3: Caf\u00e9 59<\/a> <\/h3>\n
Spot 4: Pocket Park @ 589 Ellicott Street <\/h3>\n