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, Public Espresso + Coffee 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.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Public Espresso + Coffee. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
- Lox bagel sandwich with everything seasoning and dill cream cheese
- 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
The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.
The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.
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, Public Espresso + Coffee 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. Save room for one of the pastries on the way out — they bake everything in-house, and the morning buns are legendary among regulars.
Tips from the regulars
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Public Espresso + Coffee.
- 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.
- If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 08:00-14:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Public Espresso + Coffee open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 08:00-14:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Public Espresso + Coffee 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 Public Espresso + Coffee kid-friendly?
Yes — Public Espresso + Coffee 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 Public Espresso + Coffee serve?
It's classified under coffee_shop — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Buffalo.
Is there outdoor seating at Public Espresso + Coffee?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 391 Washington Street. Coordinates: 42.8851, -78.8733. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.