Penny's Coffee Shop

You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.

Set in Buffalo, NY, Penny's Coffee Shop has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

The eggs Benedict here is a study in restraint: a properly toasted English muffin, paper-thin Canadian bacon, and a hollandaise that's lemony enough to cut through the richness.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Penny's Coffee Shop. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• Single-origin pour-over coffee from a local roaster
• Two eggs any style with thick-cut bacon and crispy hash
• Brioche French toast dusted with powdered sugar and seasonal berries
• Breakfast burrito with eggs, chorizo, beans, cheese, and salsa roja
• Veggie scramble with spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese
• Crab cake Benedict with old-bay hollandaise (regional specialty)
• Acai bowl with granola, banana, coconut, and honey drizzle
• House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables

The space leans casual — exposed brick, mismatched chairs, a chalkboard menu that changes with the seasons — but the cooking is dialed in.

Avocado toast at a place like this is not a meme — it's smashed in front of you, seasoned with flaky salt, lime, and chili crisp, and built on a slab of grilled sourdough.

Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Buffalo, Penny's Coffee Shop is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. By the time you walk out, you'll already be planning a return visit — and probably a long walk to work off the second cup of coffee.

Tips from the regulars

• Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
• Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Penny's Coffee Shop.
• Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
• Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Penny's Coffee Shop open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo-Fr 07:00-16:00; Sa 08:00-16:00; Su 08:00-14:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Penny's Coffee Shop take reservations?

Most brunch spots in Buffalo are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is Penny's Coffee Shop kid-friendly?

Yes — Penny's Coffee Shop welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does Penny's Coffee Shop serve?

It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Buffalo.

Is there outdoor seating at Penny's Coffee Shop?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 916 Main Street. Coordinates: 42.8989, -78.8703. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.