I first stopped into the Victorian building turned coffee shop a couple of years ago. Returning to Buffalo and needing a spot to work from for the morning, I texted the friend who had first brought me here. Thankfully, she has a good memory and knew exactly which spot I had in mind – Sweet_ness 7.

            Sitting down to work from the café for the day, I snapchatted a picture of Sweet_ness 7’s interior to friends in DC and Boston with the caption “Brooklyn or Buffalo? You tell me.” A cozy bohemian vibe and incredibly tasty breakfasts (read: homemade English muffins smothered in butter) make this one of my favorite spots in Buffalo.

            This bustling café is a neighborhood gem. Families and hipsters alike pass through or settle in. Stopping in on a Sunday morning, a family seated themselves next to my sister and I and they were able to find both a booster seat and high chair (this seems to be important to mothers, based on my sister’s approving glances). It’s a perfect spot to sit and work on a laptop or grab a meal with a friend to catch up. The music is minimal and the only other sounds are light chatter and the occasional clash of pans from the open kitchen. Eggs are sizzling and bright orange yolks served in perpetuum land on the pick-up counter.

            The workers are not the friendliest. None have shown a penchant for small talk, though they are by no means rude. On my most recent visit, the café was staffed by a teeny girl with thick bangs and a pink skirt, a cashier with giant dreads, a bearded line cook in a baseball cap and black tee, and the cook—a beanied man with round glasses and a loose pair of farmer’s suspenders. A motley crew. I approve. 

            The silver LaMarzocco is the only shining thing in the room. In the center of the cafe stands a large worn table with 4 seats on either side. Purple flowers and leaves cascade from a giant pot in the middle of the table. A pile of Worker’s World newspapers is set up in front of an old fashioned typewriter and a chess set (really striving for the Marxist vibe). Most of the walls are brick (who doesn’t love brick walls?) and chalkboards line the wall behind the counter, displaying the menu options. The white wall facing the entrance hosts a simple street scene picture, reminding you of the community that the cafe strives to foster. 

            For $6.25, my sister and I split a French press, enough coffee for two mugs of coffee and the pleasure of slowly pressing down the filter.

            Board games are available and brunch is served all day everyday. Pastry deals (a pastry and coffee for $3.50) and student deals for a discounted breakfast are also available. Their pastries are made in house and all the food is so good. Adult beverages are also available, as are many vegan options.

STATS

Price of a 12oz coffee: $1.75

Adult beverages: Yes.

Vibe: Bohemian.

Music: Quiet.

Work/Study Spot?: Yes.

Wifi: Available with password.

Food: Full menu (serving breakfast, lunch, and all day brunch)

Punch Card: No.

Coffee Sourcing: Public Coffee and Plume Coffee

Milk Options: Soy or almond milk

Website: http://sweetness7.com/

Hours:

Mon – Fri (7AM-6PM)

Sat – Sun (8AM-6PM)

Location:

220 Grant Street (at Lafayette Ave)

Buffalo, NY 14213