“I don’t know if I like the look of this place.”

That was my initial comment as my father and I strolled up to Caffeology on a not so cold spring morning.

Boy, was I wrong. This place, though not totally yuppy approved, is delightful.

Unfussy and well-lit (multiple times, my father commented on the fact that the lighting was very good), this is the type of coffee shop you wish was at the corner of your own block.

Caffeology opened in October of 2016 and offers coffee options for serious coffee drinkers, as well as options for those more into sweet or non-caffeinated options (think teas, tea lattes, smoothies, and coffee based foofy drinks ). My father ordered his usual “whatever is most popular”, meaning he was given a drip of the Brazilian coffee they were currently featuring and I ordered a flat white with almond milk. On a rotating list are two espresso options, two coffee options, and two cold brew options. Only a few people stopped in during our visit, one being a customer seeking chili (must be very good chili; it was literally 8AM).

Flat white and coffee in hand, the good-natured cashier prepared a breakfast sandwich for my father. Not one to give compliments, mein vater took a bite before noting “This is really good…. Nate is a good cook.” [By this point, we knew the name of the cashier/cook who we’d been pestering with questions since we arrived.]

Nate proved to be very patient with us, and he was the perfect example of
the nerdy side of coffee, complete with a man bun, polo shirt, and wire rimmed glasses. Eventually other staff members also arrived. One even allowed me to sample their cold brew in an adorable mini jam jar—the surest way to any millenial’s heart. They use Public espresso beans for it, and it tastes straight nastay (like nastay in the cool hip sense of the word). Even more fun is the giant contraption it drips through which transports me back to Dexter’s lab.

Aesthetically, it’s not the Tahj Mahal in size or appeal. Caffeology is a small room with 6 tables and a few bar seats available alongside the bar. Corrugated metal runs along the bottom of the counter area and coffee bean sacks have been used to decorate as well. My favorite piece is a gorgeous set of drawers beneath the menu, which serves as the cream/milk/sugar/napkins area.

We did puzzle at the bulletin board’s placement. It hangs almost directly behind a table, making it impossible to look at the postings while other customers are seated. Parking is another drawback. Street parking is the only option for drivers, so remember to have some quarters on hand!

Overall, this place certainly surprised me in the best of ways. I hate to play favorites, but favoritism is human nature. So I admit, I have 11 nieces and nephews, but my goddaughter is my favorite. Likewise, I might visit a lot of Buffalo coffee shops, but Caffeology is my favorite.

Stats

Price of a 12oz coffee: $2.25

Adult beverages: No.

Vibe: Brainy coffee addict’s hangout.

Music: David Bowie playing gently in the background. On another visit, the music was quite loud. 

Work/Study Spot?: Yes.

Wifi: Yes.

Food: Full Menu (serving breakfast, sandwiches, and other light fare, e.g. salads)

Coffee Sourcing: Joe Bean and Public

Milk Options: Almond, coconut, or soymilk

Website

Hours: Mon-Fri (7AM-7PM)

             Sat-Sun (8AM-6PM)

Location:

23 Allen Street

Buffalo, NY 14202