Steamworks Coffee

Part of the Fill in the Coffee Map Series

Subject: Steamworks Coffee
Location: Lockport, NY
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 5+ [see key]

If one spends any time in Upstate New York, the Erie Canal must come up at some point. When I lived in Syracuse, there were markers and signs everywhere, showing where the waterway once played so prominent a role in the city life. Sadly (or fortunately depending on your opinion) the canal has largely been covered over in places like Syracuse, but for folks looking to see what used to be, there are still a few towns that have kept their canal heritage and charm, and if you had to pick just one to visit, I would suggest none other than Lockport.

Located in the Buffalo region, Lockport boasts some amazing 19th-century engineering with its canal locks and preserved infrastructure. While I am a fan of all things history, ironically the canals were secondary to my recent visit as I had arrived firstly to try a relatively new (at least to me) coffee roaster called Steamworks Coffee. Located right along the canal in a single brick building, Steamworks established a great first impression with its beautiful landscaping, convenient parking lot and sweeping canal vistas. Inside, the cafe carries a more modern theme, with plenty of seating interspersed throughout the front of the store near the open windows.  

As for coffee, I settled upon an espresso and a drip coffee of their All Day Blend. The espresso, pulled short/medium with brown crema, smacked of chocolate, passion fruit, orange zest, vanilla, 2% milk and a little strawberry, proving smooth and sweet. The drip coffee expressed a tad deeper in flavors yet it still made for a tasty infusion, with notes of root beer, pretzel, fig, cream, apple, nougat, gooseberry and a touch of peppercorn. 

After sipping up my beverages, I had a meeting to drive to and sadly had to bid the shop a farewell. Nonetheless, if you happen to be anywhere in the area and/or canal history is of interest, definitely dock your ship at Lockport for a coffee stop at Steamworks. 

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