a review for this place has been sitting in my drafts for over a year. i love this place, i usually ride up here for my morning coffee, and in the evening for a beer, i've never had a bad experience. i've been coming here for years so maybe it's bias, but it's always popping. it gets a little crowded when college is in season, my least favourite time of the year. but two for one peronni's on tuesdays! read more

Caffe Aroma - Cafes Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is my cafe of choice while visiting Buffalo. The espresso drinks are always on point, their tea selection is delicious, and their house coffee is pretty decent, too. The clientele has basically remained the same - families on weekends, intellectuals and grad students perched at all other times. Their baristas are top-notch and friendly, too. Heck, you can even spike your coffee or grab a glass of wine/beer and pontificate about the Buffalo of yesteryear - and what's to come. Prior to moving out of Buffalo, I spent quiet a bit of time (and money) coming to this coffee shop - now that I'm no longer in the area, it's one of the first stops I make whenever I am back in town. Some reviewers have noted that the cafe can get crowded and loud - and to be honest, sure, it gets busy on weekends and it's tough to get a spot. However, it's a small space, and high traffic is expected on weekends. Just come with an open mind and a craving for coffee to experience a part of the Elmwood strip. If it's snowing as you sip your coffee and think about life, it'll make your experience magical and Buffalonian. read more

Wow, I really wanted to like this place. I spent my formative years as a high school student in Buffalo at Cafe Aaroma. I've been away from Buffalo for the past 18 years, and just moved back to the Elmwood Village from Brooklyn, and was excited to have a great local coffee spot. On my first visit with my one year old daughter at about 7:30am on a Saturday morning, we were treated extremely rudely by the staff. Without getting into lengthy detail, It was made very clear that we were not regulars, and were therefore unwelcome. I left feeling very upset and vowed not to go back, but gave it one more try several weeks later. Again, remarkably poor service and a botched order, so I am done. For a small business that is competing with Starbucks, they really need to open their eyes and embrace the community that they cater to. Time to get with the times. read more

Horrible coffee, horrible baristas (specifically the one with the nose piercing and red/yellow tattoo)/service and they had the audacity to sell us cupcakes that were hard as rocks. Barista is publicly eating while making drinks and makes smart ass remarks when reminded of an order. Took them 20 minutes to make one drink because they were too busy talking to their friends instead of doing what they are paid to do. Won't come back. read more

This is a great hangout spot during the day and at night. It's part of the Aroma Group, of which they have another amazing restaurant close by on Bryant. Good ambience for studying or reading and also one hell of a sangria. It can be busy so finding a table can be tough at times. Great location on Bidwell and Elmwood and perfect for people-watching. Food is reasonable as well, not too pricey and tastes fine. Good coffee as well, and it's nice to support the local business. Overall, great place! read more

I can't say anything about the food--I've never had it, but as far as coffee, it's my favorite in Buffalo. Just delicious! So much better than Spot or Starbucks or Coffee Culture. I love it. Most of the coffee snobs I know agree that this is the best coffee in Buffalo. It's just delicious and flavorful, perfect intensity. Plus, it's right next to Talking Leaves. I just wish there were more seats open. Generally it's pretty crowded and it's small, so you're sitting very close to your neighbors, but I won't dock them for that because their coffee is THAT good. read more

Very rude staff. We were calling just for check if we can order a pizza for take out, the person hanged up without saying anything. Very disappointed with rudeness and poor service. NEVER try it again! read more

The best cappuccino in the city. Excellent house brew: mocha java, also sold by the pound. Tasty vegetarian pannini, pizza and pasta. Wonderful wine selection. Connected to a bookstore. Outdoor seating. Friendly staff. read more

Where do you stop on the way to the office for a deeply flavorful and aromatic cup of coffee? Here. Good straight forward cafe. Lots of regulars who chat up the morning at tables just the right distance away to turn on and off their chatter. Nice to listen to what is going on in the World from their perspective. Nice to have what can become just background noise while my mind gets a coffee giddy yap. I am one of those regulars who quietly slide from dim awareness to go getter, greased by the bean. Easy to park on Bidwell. read more

We stop here once a week or so for breakfast (bagels, scones, and muffins) on the way to work. The scones are the best in Buffalo (at least since the old Solid Grounds) and the coffee is excellent. It can be crowded and noisy in the mornings, but that's what happens with a place where the regulars really enjoy spending time. read more

It is a cute place. I ordered a panini with Procuitto with Buffalo Mozzarella , Procuitto is either very good or very bad. Their,s is bad, salty and hot, lousy combination. I got a chocolate chip muffin to go, it had chips on top but none inside. read more

Cafe Aroma is on my way to work every morning, and today driving to work I had the urge for a cup of Chai. So I pulled over and walked in. This location is primo. Lot of outdoor seating (and indoor seating) to people watch. I walked in around 7:45am, and walked right up to the counter. The inside was clean and spiffy....ready for the day. I ordered a Grande chai latte and a Vegan banana bread to go. The woman waiting on me handed me the banana bread, and I opened it up right away. Moist, good texture and the smell of bananas had me gobbling it up before I even got my Chai. The Chai took several minutes (honestly seemed like 10, but I was kinda in a hurry since it was a last minute coffee urge). I actually had to ask (remind) the woman of I asked for it "to go" (subtle enough hint?? So passive aggressive, I know). Finally it came out and I walked out to my car. Driving in I took my first sip and, not sure what happened, but it sort of hand a strong metallic taste to it. I tried to sip my WY through it but I couldnt. It was too strange. I really hope it was a fluke and I'm sure it probably was, but I still feel like I needed to mention it. Don't let this deter you. Cafe Aroma is a cute little shop right on Elmwood, that I will be back to. Points for the Vegan bread, I almost wanted to ask for the recipe!! That's a keeper for sure. read more

What is the difference between having dessert on a airplane (coach seating) and Caffe Aroma- none. This squishy little place is where there is no privacy at all. Okay drinks- okay desserts- nothing will blow you over. read more

Here last Monday and had the tuna wrap with house coffee.. Yum! The place itself is perfect for small talk, studying and alone time with a good book. The food and service are nothing out of this world and it's a bit pricey. But I think it really is a great spot for small snack and coffee. read more

A great spot to stop for happy hour if you believe it or not. They have a happy hour everyday from 7-9. They have $3 Peroni drafts and on Tuesdays they have two for one beers! You cant beat the people watching either. The corner or Elmwood and Bidwell is always busy which makes sitting out on their patio very enjoyable. This is a great spot to go to if you are in the elmwood village area and looking for a nice cold beer or a great cup of coffee. read more

Probably my favorite coffee shop in Buffalo for the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.

Great atmosphere, good food, comfortable seating, friendly staff. Ideal for people reading or writing, or chatting with friends, or for families with children... The patio is amazing in the Summer. The coffee is good, and they also offer a nice selection of wine and beer. read more

Locally owned, locally operated. These are the best types of places to be! It's connected to "Talking Leaves" bookstore which is even better for the avid reader! Hey have great drip coffee, you can order French press, and a wide variety of espresso drinks, (lattes, cappuccino, etc). They do have canned and bottle beer along with a limited cafe food menu. I haven't eaten here but everything looks good and fresh. read more

Great coffee, food, and people. It's small but cozy, and I always leave feeling a little happier than when I walked in. Plus those enormous cookies are delicious. read more

I was thrilled to discover Caffe Aroma during a walk around the neighborhood. The coffee is great and the food is delicious. We've had their breakfast sandwich and a few different pastries which were all very tasty. I've always walked over with my kids in a stroller and the only negative is that it's a bit of a squeeze with a stroller, but that is pretty expected with an older building. It's a very popular coffee shop and for good reason. read more

Very good drinks and decent food, but all are overpriced and portions keep getting skimpier. Last I knew they were up to something like $10 for a panini with only mushrooms, a small amount of cheese and some gourmet mayo spread, no drink or side included. Staff is hit or miss with friendliness like most coffee shops, location is very good but seating is limited. I prefer Spot 100% over this place - the only advantage this place has it is (I believe) locally owned. On an aside, more often than not you will get snob all over you listening to the conversation. Example: one gentleman loudly brought up that college should never be subsidized in any way, because poor people are less worthy than other people to be educated and their kids won't turn out to be anything anyway. When I argued that my poor, farmer parents produced me (who graduated with a 3.89 from my BS and masters - both semi-subsidized- and has an IQ of 140) he argued that we need people to fill crappy jobs people like him and his kids (who are entitled to better because their ancestors WEREN'T broke) don't want to do, so we should keep poor people in a permanent underclass to fill that void. He's a semi-regular customer, along with a lot of other people who can't shut up about their opinions long enough for me to enjoy a drink and read my book. It seems more and more the urban yuppie population behave like the suburban population, who don't think a dime of their tax money should go to anything to help the less fortunate and look down on people who don't live their lifestyle. Have whatever conversation you want, just don't involve me - you won't like my (usually) unpopular opinions. read more

Going to caffe aroma is a highlight of my mornings and afternoons. Service is friendly and quick. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy. Easily the best place to get a cup of coffee on elmwood. I look forward to spending more of my time here. read more

Excellent staff, great location, top notch. They've done a great job of updating their menu with light and healthy fare. My recommendation: pesto-pasta salad or garbanzo beans with pumpkin and celery bits. In my opinion, best cafe in Buffalo, hands down. read more

Absolutely love this place. Staff are super friendly. Internet is always reliable. I can just spend my entire day at Aroma!

I had hot flavor latte here in the begging of spring. To feel relaxed, it was the best choice for me. I added Irish flavor, and it was the best latte in my life. I enjoyed the cozy atmosphere, too :) read more

I usually don't have a problem with this place, except that it has pretty high prices for their drinks. Today I got a chai latte though, and it was very unpleasant. I don't like to say this about caffe aroma, but the chai latte was very watery and I was really disappointed. It also cost me almost 5 dollars. I would really love to keep shopping here but I think I will go somewhere else because of this chai. read more

Friendly staff give this place a small town atmosphere. Not too many options for food but there are a few wraps and paninis. Food was good, coffee was pretty good. Nice spot if you're looking for a hip place to take someone out. read more

I discovered Caffe Aroma over 2 years ago. At that time I would have rated them a solid 5 Stars. A true European Caffe in the middle of Buffalo's hottest sections of town. Beer, Wine, Coffey, Food, Desert etc. A place to relax and unwind after a busy day at work. Unfortunately the past 4 months Aroma staff have been BITTER, RUDE, NASTY and many times they REFUSE to serve customers. Staff will think nothing of making a customer wait a good 10-minutes (all the time they are fully aware you are there) to place your order. I've seen countless people just give up and walk out. If you are one of the lucky customers who are there at closing time fasten your seat belt. Minutes before the scheduled closing time the music is turned up and BLARING (to drive you out) and the wifi is turned off. Tables are thrown around (one night an employee threw a table across the floor which almost hit me - had I been a few inches closer he would have) chairs are slammed and the employee's start throwing tantrums. It's sad to see that a few BAD EMPLOYEE'S have ruined this oasis in the middle of Buffalo. STAY AWAY. Support local businesses who treat their customers with respect! read more

You're looking to become a member of the Buffalo hipster elite, are you? Then Caffe Aroma is the place to be. After paying over $20 for 2 teas and 2 panini's, I was expecting something at least edible. The teas were bagged, not loose leaf - ok, not the biggest offense. However, the panini's were literally inedible. My "caprese" panini consisted of burnt bread (and so hard I swear I could have broken a tooth), mealy pinkish tomatoes, tasteless mozzarella, and the equivalent of 1/2 leaf of basil total. These people should have the good sense to take a caprese off of the menu if they can't source good tomatoes.My companion's portobello panini had strangely oily lettuce, two crumbles of goat cheese, and the same ridiculously concrete-hard crostini bread. There wasn't a speck of salt or pepper on either of our sandwiches. Bland, burned, hard, and served with a pinch of 'holier-than-thou' trendiness. No thanks. The whole jaunt was a massive waste of money. We threw out both paninis and left. Overhyped, over-trendy, and overly crappy waste of dinner. read more

The service and coffee were fantastic! I'm pretty sure that they give free refills on coffee, or the barista thought that I was cute... hahaha read more

Lovely European style cafe to enjoy your cup of coffee and chat with friends. Always busy. I could not find a seat many times. Would not recommend to eat there but definitely worth having a cup of coffee or tea! Perfect seating outside when its warm! read more

Great place to grab a coffee and browse in the talking leaves. It's also a low-key spot for a beer in the evening. The quality of the fancier drinks is highly variable. read more

I personally really enjoy this little place. I go to UB just a few minutes away, and me and my two best friends go here often to eat, sit , and talk. I love the paninis they are my favorite in buffalo, and the drink choices are always good as well. I would recommend this place if you want a cute little cafe to drink and talk in that isnt starbucks, only issue is you may or may not find a seat because the place is small read more

I had the Cafe Noir to start and it was a marvelous cup. The place had quite an assortment of characters and laptops all over, but it was excellent Buffalo scramble with lots of noise and lots of alternative views. I know it probably isn't fair of me, but I did take a star away for the limited seating area, not fair I know, but not much area to sit in to begin with. read more

Best cup of black coffee around. Their decadent chocolate cake wasnt too shabby either! It was pretty crowded though, so a little tough to find a seat. read more

Super nice staff! My friend and I were driving through town en route to Toronto and used yelp to find this place. Staff was super helpful in pointing us in the right direction and my latte was great! read more

Whether I'm unwinding after work or stopping by with my devilishly good- looking date (!) after wandering around the Albright Knox, Caffe Aroma can always provide a lovely atmosphere. Giant pitchers of water are always welcome on hot summer days, and the cappuccinos and Americanos, as well as iced coffees are always flavorful and nicely textured. Aroma has both indoor and outdoor seating with a view of Bidwell's grassy area. Service is always super-friendly. read more

Not impressed at all. Small seating area mostly consumed by book readers and WIFI sponges that buy a cup of coffee and park at a table for hours on end while using two chairs and a table. The sandwich was OK but not at all worth the wait time. read more

Had a great latte and tiramisu. Service was laid back but not rude at all. We were actually offered extra dessert since the previous piece was cut wrong. read more

My go-to coffee shop. This is your standard coffee shop. The house coffee is good, and there is always something to nibble on that is delicious. The crowd tends to be a mix of Elmwood Village locals, and hipsters on the latest apple product googling ironic mustache images. The best part of this place is the outdoor seating, and its location in a he heart of the EV. I love to sit here on a Saturday morning and people watch as the farmer's market takes place across the street. read more