Encompass Coffee Bar and Café has opened just off Hertel Avenue, and with it has come a super quaint, specialty cafe and baked goods shop. Owner April Ersing (formerly of Caz Coffee Café in South Buffalo) told me that she wanted to create an atmosphere that was comfortable and relaxing, where customers could sit back and enjoy the experience. Even though customers can still come in and grab a coffee to go, April feels that the café surroundings and the offerings are better enjoyed in-house.
While the Encompass facade does not face Hertel, the business is visible from the main drag. If you’re looking for it, find Parker Avenue, which is just a few blocks from Main Street. Once you’ve located Encompass, you’re in for a few treats. First off, all of the baked goods are from scratch and made daily. Then, the coffee experience changes by the week, with different pour-overs gracing the menu. Same with the espresso and the homemade chai tee. The “house” is most definitely into the unique flavor offerings and the customer experience. At this point, Encompass is serving up soups, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, and fresh baked goods. But come January the menu kicks into high gear with paninis, wraps and the like.
April is hoping to become a neighborhood coffee shop, where people become familiar with her staff and the offerings. It won’t be long before she hosts acoustic musicians and poets weekly – something that will certainly add to the café’s endearing West Coast, and slighty Bohemian vibe.
Encompass Coffee Bar and Café – Facebook
1862 Hertel Avenue (Enter on Parker Ave.)
Buffalo, NY 14216
(716) 768-1785
Mon – Thu: 7:00 am – 7:30 pm
Fri – Sat: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sun: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm