Tipico Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Tipico Coffee
Location: Buffalo, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]

Twelve years ago, my first impression of Buffalo was a resounding "bleh." Maybe it was because I visited in late winter and the chilly winds coming off Lake Erie made the trip less enjoyable, or maybe it was because my first taste of authentic buffalo wings was not nearly as euphoric as I had hoped (to this day, I have still not had amazing wings within Buffalo). But whatever it was, it was compounded by the fact that my first trip to Buffalo definitely lacked amazing coffee finds, and overall proved a sorry prospect for good brews.

Fast forward to the present day and things exist quite differently. The city has further matured and the coffee scene has richly blossomed, specifically with a small host of coffee establishments that have made Buffalo a western NY coffee destination. Per a recent trip, I found my way to a cozy coffeehouse and roastery called Tipico Coffee. Located on a quiet residential street, Tipico boasts a single-story brick shop with tall ceilings and giant front windows. Inside, there's even more light coming in from a skylight as well as a wood-burning stove to stave off the Buffalo winter chill.

Looking towards the coffee, I ultimately settled upon an espresso of their Coordinates blend and a drip coffee of a single origin from Costa Rica. The espresso, pulled short/medium with brown crema, smacked of chocolate, molasses, ginger, hibiscus tea, tangerine and raspberry cream, proving bright, sweet and delicious. The filtered Costa Rica also bestowed a fanfare of flavor, with smooth notes of honey, sweet milk, wheat, apple, elderberry, birch beer and a little black tea.

While I definitely could have stuck around Tipico for hours, I had a few more stops beckoning me and sadly had to make an exit. Thus, the next time you are even remotely near Buffalo, make sure to make a detour for a stop at Tipico Coffee. Also, if you do find good buffalo wings (I like mine a little vinegary), let me know.

These wonderful folks made this visit possible in part. Make sure to check them out!