Better Buzz

Better Buzz’s flagship location takes over a massive, 7,200-square-foot historic building on the corner of University and 8th Avenue in Hillcrest. The sheer scale of the place is apparent from the moment you walk in. The ground floor is built around a huge horseshoe-shaped coffee bar and a communal quartz table with a tree sculpture growing from its center, its branches strung with Edison bulbs. Nearby, a vintage German Probat roaster sits in plain view, used for the small-batch coffee roasted exclusively at this location. There’s even a glass-walled conference room just off the main floor. More seating is available up on the mezzanine, a space with mid-century inspired armchairs and hanging ferns that feels a bit quieter than the main level. The whole interior is modern and bright, a mix of metals, woods, and playful hexagon tiles. The second floor is actually the company’s headquarters and training bar, which gives you a sense of the building’s multi-purpose design. The menu is extensive, covering both coffee and a full food program. Beyond the standard espresso drinks, there are signature creations like the "Best Drink Ever®" and the "Hazelnut Divinity," plus options like Seraphim pour-overs and Matcha Tea Lattes. For food, expect a full lineup of breakfast and lunch items, from various avocado toasts – like the Elote version – to grilled sandwiches, acai bowls, and pastries. With its ample seating spread across three floors, the space is a popular spot for daytime meetings or for settling in to study. It opens well before 5 a.m., catching the earliest morning crowd, and sells its own line of branded "Buzz swag" by the counter. Coffee served to stay comes in ceramic mugs, often with detailed latte art.