Third Space Cafe

On a slow weekday morning the room feels almost private — but on weekends, every seat is earned.

Set in Buffalo, NY, Third Space Cafe 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.

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.

Menu highlights

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

• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
• Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
• Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
• Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
• Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel

There's a small patio out back that fills up the moment the weather turns, and a wait list that moves faster than it looks.

If you only order one thing, make it the shakshuka — a bubbling cast-iron pan of tomatoes, peppers, and softly poached eggs, served with warm pita for sopping.

Local tip: they take walk-ins only, but the host will quote you a realistic time and call your phone — go grab a coffee and explore the block.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Buffalo, Third Space Cafe 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. It is not the cheapest brunch in town, nor the trendiest — but it might be the most consistent, and that counts for a lot on a Sunday morning.

Tips from the regulars

• 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.
• Vegetarian and gluten-free diners have real options, not just sad fruit cups.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Third Space Cafe open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Tu, Th-Fr 07:30-21:00; Sa 08:30-21:00; Mo 07:30-15:00; We 07:30-15:00, 17:00-21:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Third Space Cafe 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 Third Space Cafe kid-friendly?

Yes — Third Space Cafe 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 Third Space Cafe 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 Third Space Cafe?

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

Location

Located at 775 Main Street. Coordinates: 42.8950, -78.8710. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.