Allentown is home to a new Bohemian coffee house that opened this past Friday that suits Allentown to a T, or tea in this case. What I love about Cafféology is the down to earth, simple, understated vibe that is emitted upon walking through the front door. I was immediately taken with the “brain” situated inside the logo on a bean/tea leaf. From there it was the young barista who was as concerned with the music that was playing, when she could have been simply loafing around – the sound selections could not have been more befitting of the “ingenious coffee & tea” house. The other baristas were enjoying a breezy conversation about the types of coffee and teas, and how they should be served. Apparently, this is one of the only coffee shops in the area to be opened and operated by all trained baristas – that was a criteria of the owner who originally hails from Connecticut. If you love coffee then you’re going to love this place.
Since I was not in the mood for another black coffee, I opted to try out the Buffalo Truffle coffee drink, served cold with toffee nut, caramel and white mocha. It was delicious and just what my afternoon mood craved. Cafféology also serves up drip coffee, Turkish coffee, syphon, doppio, macchiato, cortado, a shakerato, a zebra and a gianduia. Between the eclectic music, the sounds of the beans being ground, the whizzing and whirling of the coffee machines, and the congratulatory remarks of the customers, I felt as if I couldn’t have chosen a better place to be for a mid-afternoon adventure.
Cafféology opened up virtually overnight, without any pomp and circumstance from what I can tell. At the same time, any newbie to Allentown would have a hard time guessing that the place hadn’t been around for while. The business has already settled into the corner of North Pearl and Allen Street. Aside from a few spiffy light fixtures and ceiling fans, and a swank new ceiling, the rest of the café is a mishmash of old bar stools (with coffee bean burlap covers), mismatched tables, and a glued on tile floor. The combination gives a sense that “We wanted to make the place nice, but if you’re looking for corporate then you’ve come to the wrong place.” The outside of the building is being painted presently.
For those who love quirky indie music and coffee/tea, without the pomp and circumstance, then Cafféology will be right up your alley. This is how I always pictured Allentown way back in the day – when there was a movement set up shop and get directly down to the business at hand, without over thinking and overbuilding. It’s thoughtful… not over thought.
The café is also a great addition to a section of Allen Street that has always needed some help. Hopefully Cafféology will enjoy a long run in the business, while keeping Allentown grounded at the same time.
Cafféology | 23 Allen Street | Buffalo NY | 716-427-3147 | Facebook | Website