Rochester Is Becoming an Exceptional Coffee First City
In recent years, I was impressed to learn that John Cena was a flat white connoisseur. In an interview with Bon Appétit, Cena expresses his enthusiasm for the espresso drink, and acknowledges that he judges a coffee shop by their flat white. What stands out in this unique interview is Cena’s perspective on what it means to be a “Coffee First” coffee shop, and even goes as far as to describe Melbourne, Australia as a coffee first people based on the access and quality of exceptional flat whites across the city.
The Reshad Ababulgu Anaerobic Natural pour over from AM:FM Coffee Cocktails Vinyl in Downtown Rochester, New York.
To understand the concept of what it means to be coffee first means understanding the origin of the coffee beans, how they’re processed, the grind size, the water to grounds ratio, and the exact measurements needed to perfectly craft a precise pour over, drip coffee, cold brew, espresso shot, and specialty drink.
Like painting a fascinating work of art, making great coffee takes time, practice, trial and error, and a little chaos from time to time. However, when it is finally locked in, and I mean really locked in it can be an unparalleled experience full of joy, bliss, and satisfaction. Yes, I am still talking about coffee.
A perfectly balanced Cappuccino from Ugly Duck Coffee on the East End in Rochester, NY.
Over the years, I have traveled city to city, and tasted many cups of coffee, from juicy aerobic natural pour overs, and crisp single origin espressos to delicate flat whites, foam layered cappuccinos, satiating lattes, robust cortados and gibraltars, macchiatos (the real macchiatos), and nitro brews layered with flavorful cold foams.
As an avid coffee enthusiast and home brewer I can firmly state that Rochester, New York is becoming an exceptional coffee first city, one that is being elevated by many local shop owners, dedicated coffee connoisseurs bootstrapping mobile carts, and importantly an educated and talented barista scene that has been growing over the past few years.
One of the best flat whites I have had in recent years was from Edgemere Coffee, a mobile espresso bar at the 2026 Rochester Lilac Festival.
What also makes Rochester an exceptional coffee first city is the fact that you can walk into most coffee shops, and find a well-balanced single origin espresso, a shop that uses natural ingredients to produce seasonal syrups for specialty drinks, and importantly baristas that understand the appropriate measurements required for the specific coffee drink you’re searching for and who enthusiastically put care, love, and attention to detail into locking in on each drink they make.
Delicious specialty espresso drinks from Clownboy Coffee in the North Winton Village made with housemade syrups and paired perfectly with Sightseer espresso beans out of Austin, TX.
There are a plethora of great coffee shops across the city of Rochester and more opening that are offering their space as a place to gather in community, study, read, meet with friends, or just have an alternative late night space to hang out. Whichever preference you have for coffee, you can rest assured you will find a high quality coffee first coffee shop in Roc City.
