Public Espresso + Coffee
| Address: | 391 Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA |
| Phone: | +1 716-341-2150 |
| Site: | publicespresso.com |
| Rating: | 4.8 |
| Working: | 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
A
A Cartier
Just hidden in the lobby of the historical Hotel at the LaFayette, you can find some very good coffee and several great little baked bites from Butter Block. Our slight detour from the I90, we were minute to getting some much needed caffeine kick. If it wasnt for the small sidewalk signage, we may not realize public was found inside the lobby ... theres nothing on the actual hotel building that lets you know they are there. The small but open coffee place has lots of seating as it shares the space with the hotel lobby. You first walk in and you notice how nice the historical brass details have been restored to their shining original state and how theres enough muted metallic gleam to just update the space as well. I love the long glass enclosed space showing all the great baked items from Butter Block. One thing that is quite amazing here in addition to their own signature coffee is that they offer hazelnut milk! Never had it before and after trying it here, I found the richer and thicker texture far better than the soy or almond milk alternative Ive been drinking. Baristas here are pleasant and helpful enough to offer you advice on best choices here. They still have that chill demeanour that reminds you of all the 3rd wave coffee is still the only choice to go for getting caffeinated. Lavender latte with hazelnut - rich, smooth, and creamy. Oh this was nice as the espresso pull was bold and assertive without being overpowering on the lavender syrup or too acidic. Great balance with the creamier hazelnut milk ... now where the heck do I find this?? The lavender was incredibly mild .. only offering a subtle sweetness. Truth by told, I didnt smell or taste any Lavender floral note but still a great espresso drink nevertheless. It is pricey though 4/5 Iced Chai latte - a lightly sweet and spiced chai. This one seemed to be a nice refreshing drink but nothing of the chai stood out as a wow as it tasted like a subtle tea mix with very muted spices. The hazelnut milk made it richer than an almond milk one and that was nicer 3.5/5 Butter Block Almond Croissant - oh... Ive got to hunt this down to the source. I was offered a snip of an end but if anyone left any crumbs or turned their head, my paws would be on this. Buttery, crispy flakey layers with a rich fragrant and creamy frangipani delivering sweet almonds bursts in every bite. Yeah its very good but it feels a bit hours old (aka not as flakey as it could be) as its brought in. The ends were starting to dry out while the inner layers were just starting to wilt a bit. Still an impressive croissant and worthy to buy and hunt down 4.5/5 Great spot but two little items that I raise my brows on ... parking is not easy. No fault of the place but be aware theres limited paid street parking. The other item is the price ... for 3 items it came close to US$20 with tip. Definitely on the steeper end comparing pure numbers (no conversion) to the 3rd wave good coffee in Toronto. Yes its good but its a definite splurge.
ST
Steve Josa
A few months back, I finally stopped at the Hotel @ Lafayette location. I had wanted to try it for a while, but even though I work a few blocks away, my procrastination gene seemed to always be kicking in. Ive been grinding beans from Starbucks, Wegmans or Premier at home for well over a year now, and noticed the difference in quality compared to the ground coffee. Ive never had coffee like publics though, it was a game changer. A few more times later, I decided to buy a share, because its that good. Not to mention, the money stays in the community. Its well worth the price for the quality and opportunity to support a growing local business.
JU
juan harris
Stopped in quickly when I arrived in Buffalo on a daytrip with a friend. Id planned on taking it to go, but ended up ordering to stay there because the ambiance was so nice. I love the hotel building and décor. I ordered an americano and shared a pain au chocolat with my friend. The coffee was wonderful and I enjoyed the pain au chocolat quite a bit too--I always consider ordering a croissant or pain au chocolat in a café somewhat of a risk, because they sometimes disappoint. Not the case here fortunately! The staff were also very friendly and warm though they were very busy when I arrived.
AM
Amanda Zebrun
If you want real coffee go to Public Espresso. If you want real pastries go to Public Espresso (theyre made by local bakery Butterblock Bakery, Public is one of the only locations as far as I know that sells their baked goods). The employees here know their stuff and theyre proud of the products they sell. Everything is made with love. My only suggestion is making a better seal on their pastry case. I always see a few flies or fruit flies in the case, which isnt appealing. Maybe replace the case or put a better seal on it to prevent flies from getting in.
AI
Aimee Metzger
My husband and I love this place! We buy bags of Revolution beans from them to make our own brew at home and we go there often to grab a cup too! There hasnt been anything I dont like! Even my daughter raves about their hot chocolate and shes only 2.5! And they make it a perfect temp for her to drink right away. The sweets they offer from the local bakeries is a nice addon too!
JE
Jerry Tidd
Exceptional, though I wish it was open longer. Not sure what to try? The macchiato & biscotti are a good place to start. In addition to this gem, enjoy the visual beauty of the Lafayette Hotel. Enter coffee shop from Washington Street, but free parking after 5 and on weekends from Ellicott Street side.
JU
Justin Smith
Seriously great espresso and pastries. Delicious (savory) scones and almond croissants. Friendly staff. Some of the best espresso Ive had anywhere.Its refreshing to visit places like Public Espresso where people are really serious about their coffee! If I were a local, Id essentially live here.
PA
Patricia Davis
Seriously great espresso and pastries. Delicious (savoy) scones and almond croissants. Friendly staff. Some of the best espresso Ive had anywhere.Its refreshing to visit places like Public Espresso where people are really serious about their coffee! If I were a local, Id essentially live here.
LA
Lauren Sohee Cremean
I love the atmosphere of this place; nice for meetings or reading. The Public convinced me that I didnt dislike COFFEE...I just dislike mediocre coffee! Their stuff is great. Today I got a delicious (tho quite salty) rosemary bagel & autumn leaf tea from Public.
MI
Miad Hoque
This is a downtown gem! The atmosphere is both relaxed and sophisticated, the person working the bar its always attentive. Their nitro cold brew it a must try! Good luck finding parking downtown though.
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Kenneth DeMarree
Some of the best coffee in town, and great pastries from Butter Block. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Atmosphere is a lot more cool than youd expect in a hotel lobby!
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Leo Schultz
The revolution blend pour over is the best coffee Ive ever had. If you are a milk and cream coffee person go somewhere else. Youre meant to drink this coffee black.
JO
Joseph Krencik
Felt historic sitting in their lounge area in Lafayette hotel which was a nice area to enjoy your coffee and I had the chicory + chocolate which was really good.
