So I had no idea the Monocle Building even existed, but I have had my eye on Cafe Bewilderment through Instagram for quite a while. I was thrilled to finally make to it Cafe Bewilderment for lunch yesterday. First and foremost, the Monocle Building itself is stunning with immaculate vibes. Once we found Cafe Bewilderment, I was, in fact, bewildered. It's beautiful, it's wild, and it's a place I already know I'll want to return to again and again. The setup is simple: order at the counter, grab your table marker (a very tiny tree stump - how fun is that?), and your food is brought out to you. All of the employees were friendly and the gentleman at the register helped me decide between the Lox Sandwich and the Hot Honey Burrata. He recommended the lox so I went with that. The Lox Sandwich was more of a lox toast than a sandwich, but whatever it was delicious and surprisingly filling. My mom ordered the Bewild BLT and ended up taking half of it home, so I'd say hers was also filling. To drink, I ordered a hot latte with lavender and cardamom. It was so, so good, and the presentation was chef's kiss. Honestly, though, the decor is mesmerizing. Everywhere you look there's something interesting to admire - even the bathroom. I really, really, really want to come back to try more of the menu as well as their cocktails. Something tells me Cafe Bewilderment is just as magical in the evening as it is during the day!!! read more

See all

Located on the lower floor of this unique multipurpose building, sits Cafe Bewilderment. One of the charms of the cafe is the decor, which is super clean and plants hanging from the ceiling. So you get a comfortable cozy space that's perfect for socializing, and listening to live music playing in the background. The bar area is perfect if you want to enjoy one of their well made cocktails or non alcoholic drinks. The Cafe Bewilderment menu is on the small side, even smaller as the night goes on. But you can find small bites including sandwiches on there. There's even a selection of bake goods that is well worth trying out. Grilled cheese- loaded with the right amount of bacon jam. Had a really good salty sweet flavor profile. Clover & sage cocktail- amazing drink Butter tart- tasted just like pecan pie.. I could eat a dozen of these read more

See all

Always busy! We were able to get seats at the bar on a Sunday. Bartender was very pleasant. They should probably figure out better seating organization, and the front of house probably would benefit from hiring one more person. Many of the Sunday Specials had been sold out by 10:30 am, felt a little early to be sold out with the daily specials but ok. The sandwiches looked terrific! Next time I'll have one of those. Great addition to Hertel. read more

Really cool coffee shop on Hertel! The merchandise is very chic and they are connected to a snazzy barbershop as well. We ordered some iced chai lattes as well as a breakfast sandwich on sourdough. The barista was very friendly and helpful. This place is definitely #1 coffeeshop in the area in my book! read more

See all

What a snazzy, delightful spot! Stopped in with my pups on a Saturday morning. There were two musicians playing some jazzy music and it was busy but not too much. I was able to go right up to the counter and order a matcha and pastries to go. The food coming out to the tables looked delicious. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Glad they didn't give me an issue bringing the dogs in just to snag something to go. I don't know if you could hang out there with your pup but at least it's nice to know you can stop there while on a walk. There is a patio with quite a bit of outside seating (nicely decorated). Prices are a little higher...not too much more than other places, so it's competitive, but $25 for a med matcha and 2 pastries will continue to make me cringe a little With that said, it might not be a daily cafe visit $$$, but I would certainly go back to visit to try more things. It's inside a multi use building, with lovely artwork. When you go inside, head down the stairs to the 1st floor (not ground level). Not entirely sure about off-street parking but there is usually plenty of street parking available. read more

See all

Love the vibe here! Such a cozy yet charming cafe nestled inside of The Monocle on Hertel Ave. The decor is inspired by the beauty of the forest and ignites curiosity. I had the "Bewild BLT" and it was a perfect sandwich on soft sourdough bread with house basil aioli and brown sugar bacon, it was delicious. I also enjoyed the Iced Chai Latte and I honestly think it was the best chai I've had in a very long time. I always appreciate cafes that have milk substitute options and the staff were friendly and welcoming. I would recommend this place for a remote work site, lunch, or catch-up with a friend. read more

Cafe Bewilderment - Bewild BLT - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

Another hidden gem that I stumbled upon. This cafe is located in the lower level of The Monocle on Hertel Ave. Super chill, loungy vibe. Loved the decor and the layout of the place. The staff were super friendly and attentive. Took the time to give recommendations and the backstory on their signature cocktails. Yes, this cafe also has a fully stocked bar, with a list of signature cocktails. I highly recommend the Chai Margarita! We tried a few things off the menu. My fav was the Peach Jam and Prosciutto Sandwhich. Overall, I have no complaints about this place and plan on visiting again read more

See all

Hands down some of the best lattes and sandwiches I've had in a long time. The food is absolutely delicious and beautifully made, and the drinks are amazing. The service is one of a kind everyone is so sweet and fast with everything. And the view, absolutely stunning. I've never seen anything like it and I absolutely love the entire experience inside of the cafe! read more

Cafe Bewilderment - The view - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

Absolutely perfect! From the decor, the welcoming staff , food and drink options . It like walking into a speakeasy the building consists of the cafe in the lower level accompanied by a barbershop, and a shop that allows you to purchase items like art, candles, books ect. A full bar, ans many seating options. The food was absolutely delicious and the drinks so refreshing!!! I can't wait to visit again . I ordered the " Bewild BLT" which is not your normal BLT it was definitely an elevated spin on it. It was sweet and savory . Every bit was trusting with flavor. Seriously was the best BLT I've ever had ( and I make a pretty good one myself). I chased it down with an iced Macha. My friend had the breakfest bagle on a Asiago bagel with a Latte. Also delicious. A must try . Thank you me later. Cant wait to try more of what they have to offer. read more

See all

This is literally one of my favorite low key spots. First of all the bakery is always chock full of things I've never had before and I love that for me lol. Second, I love that there are coffee AND cocktails available. The chai marg has been my go to - you won't be disappointed. If there is an ube cookie is available - GET IT and thank me later. I love that there is an evening of jazz (once a month?) and there are different types of seating available (bar, table, booth, lounge area). I always receive good customer service and they keep the place clean. If you haven't been, check it out and tell them I sent ya! read more

See all

The service was great. I sipped on hot matcha tea! So yummy! The ambiance beautiful. Also you can shop for books and more. Definitely a place to come check out. read more

See all

Highly recommend! The mocha was delicious, loved my breakfast sandwich on a cheddar jalapeño bagel. Super cute inside, the staff was amazing, everyone of them extremely friendly. I feel that's rare nowadays. Definitely will be back. Highly impressed.!!! read more

See all

i've eaten twice at cafe bewilderment (so far) and have really enjoyed it both times! the food i've gotten has all been so delicious, and i'm a big fan of the chia seed pudding made with coconut milk. their pastries are super unique and yummy. i LOVE their coffee and matcha, and it comes in the cutest little cups. it is a super cozy warm atmosphere to sit and chat with friends while enjoying super delicious food, and everyone who works here is very kind! read more

Cafe Bewilderment - iced americano, chia seed pudding, biscotti - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

So cute! In the most calming and beautifully decorated space. I got an iced lavender latte with oat milk. It was a little pricey, but delicious and worth it for the ambiance! The staff were very friendly and the space was clean. I will definitely be back :) read more

Cafe Bewilderment - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Drink is so amazing I ordered hot mocha decaf...coffee the best ever drink I have Atmosphere is so perfect,nice and clean Service is kinda good read more

See all

Went here for drinks! Really delicious options for nonalcoholic beverages and brought cookies home (that were amazing). I saw a bunch of people with coffee beverages that looked gorgeous. They even have decaf espresso. Really cute inside. A few items to purchases like candles (lol one was diesel scented!), books, and other knickknacks. Owners were really accommodating and nice!! read more

See all

Been trying to make into Cafe Bewilderment forever! What an incredibly lovely space with really friendly folks. Great coffee and treats too! Will be back! read more

Cafe Bewilderment - Warm roll and cold brew! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Love the aesthetic, and it's nice to browse around downstairs and upstairs as well. The food is super delicious. Just make sure to stir your drink if you get a latte with syrup, it tends to settle at the bottom. If this cafe had almond milk as a latte option and was a little less pricey, I would go even more often. But it's good for an occasional visit. read more

Cute vibes but definitely smaller than some photos show. Excellent food and coffee. Small menu but I'm ok with that. Cocktails look amazing - will definitely be back to try. Staff were so pleasant and friendly even though we had a big group. Worth it!!!! read more

Cafe Bewilderment - Cottage - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

Cafe Bewilderment is a charming, one-of-a-kind café with a creative menu and a warm, eclectic atmosphere. The coffee and food are thoughtfully prepared, and the space is perfect for meeting friends, getting some work done, or simply relaxing. Friendly service and a welcoming vibe make it a great neighborhood spot that's well worth a visit. read more

the Bewilderment Cafe is somewhat hidden in the downstairs of another building. it's is nicely decorated. The ambience is very nice. the fireplace and lounge chairs are an added touch. the food looks good, but lacks in taste. The people are great; servers (staff) as well as those being served I met 3 individuals in under 1 hr read more

Saw something on TikTok about this place and I was expecting much ado about nothing (which I noticed is a theme with 'TikTok resturants'). But they proved me absolutely wrong! You walk in and the vibe is there. Very sophisticated, beautifully done. The cafe is attached to other businesses but it's a very open space. I had an americano and the honey ricotta toast and both were fantastic. Also, added some of the caramelized bacon and yum! My friend had the turkish eggs and she said they were delicious. We went on a Sunday right when they opened and it wasn't busy at all but toward the end of our meal, it really started to get busy. read more

Cafe Bewilderment - Honey Ricotta Toast, Carmelized Bacon, Americano, Turkish Eggs, and Lavender Lattte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Staff, coffee, baked goods and breakfast toasts could not be better. Absolutely loved everything about the coffee shop and adorable shops inside The Monocle. read more

This place is super busy and you might miss it. Hidden inside a building on the lower level. Super cute, definitely a little more upscale than what's on Hertel. Service is friendly. Unfortunately I can't get past spending $29 on a 12oz latte and single sandwich. A place that's good to go for the experience but don't understand the hype. read more

The Sandwish whete really good sometimes I love the thick as bread! Humphhhh If you wait in line and got patience Great! The Ambience dependes on how hungry you are! read more

I love the bloody Mary's at the bar! but the best part was the food the chef that cooked my food Noah was delightful and his cooking was even better read more

A wonderful environment, delicious food, and a very attentive staff! Inclusive and comfortable!

Service was horrible, fake-nice vibe, food was not worth what was payed. $9 for a small bacon, egg, & cheese

The food is so unique and fresh here. Feels like a sophisticated homemade meal. The service is always fast and personable, the owners are lovely and kind. The overall feeling in there is inviting and inspiring. read more

Cafe Bewilderment - Chai Cocktail - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Cold brew with their house-made lavender syrup was the best coffee I've ever had someone else make for me. Luxurious space and lovely people 10/10 read more

Cafe Bewilderment is a beautiful little oasis nook in an unexpected location- the lower (subterranean) floor of the painted-all-black building on Hertel, otherwise known as The Monocle- a store most known among my acquaintances for selling expensive furniture (though I also get great, affordable haircuts at their barbershop)! Cafe Bewilderment's look is in keeping with the carefully designed beauty of the rest of the building's interior (a deliberate throwback to the old-school department store, only elevated), only with more whimsy. There are a good number of little tables in the banquette-walled cafe, well-spaced from each other, and the space includes lots of artful little touches, like the fact that the chairs are each cushioned with a fur cover, an interestingly wallpapered accent wall, sconces with diffusers- and most admired by me, are the gatherings of high quality faux-ferns and other similar greenery hanging from the ceiling beside the modern chandeliers and sections of crafted cardboard tree. It's hard to describe, but it's giving definite Narnia vibes. Or maybe Through the Looking Glass. The end result is immersive- it feels calming just stepping away from the rest of the room's priced couches and coffee tables books, and past the light wooden divider into the lush, peaceful "cafe space." There is also a bar against the far wall of the cafe, small but appropriately-sized for the space, and also beautiful, of course. A handful of guests can sit there and enjoy a well-made cocktail or mocktail while facing their mirrored wall and shelving- or anyone can bring their drink to one of the tables, to enjoy alongside friends. Now that the Cafe is officially open for regular hours as of yesterday, there's also a limited but delicious menu. Like everything else, it is well considered and high quality, featuring local/farm-to-table and B-Corp Certified ingredients whenever possible. The coffee drinks are all fantastic, with all syrups made from scratch- my favorite order is the lavender latte, which always has a few fresh buds in the bottom of the mug when I'm finished, a nice reminder of how real it is. In addition to cow milk, they offer Minor Figures Oat Milk (no additives) and Macadamia Nut Milk (sustainable). All of the alcoholic drinks are made with small-batch spirits, wine and beers, rather than the big box brands. But the best part of the Cafe Bewilderment experience is the owners! Paris and Avery are both lovely people who always seem to be brimming over with genuine smiles and positive energy. Anyone who's worked in the food industry or customer service knows how draining it can be- you'd never know it chatting with these two. They definitely set the tone and reflect the welcoming, peaceful vibes of the physical space. I think it's pretty clear that I'm obsessed with Cafe Bewilderment, and plan to essentially live there now. Y'all should come check it out! read more

Was excited to try this place on one of my visits to Buffalo from NYC, where I live. My fiancee and I went and got a cappuccino, cold brew, and two sandwiches. The total was $60. Quality was fine, but absolutely not worth that price. And I'm used to NYC prices. Go to Red Otter instead. read more