The Erie Canal specialty coffee scene ranks among the unexpected and unique experiences to discover along the navigable National Historic Landmark in Upstate New York.
Indeed, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor offers something special to discover everywhere. As it was true two centuries ago, so is it true today.
In the 19th century, the Erie Canal, the 8th wonder of the world, put the “empire” in Empire State.
Opening on October 26, 1825, and operating continuously ever since it transformed not only the state but also the continent and indeed the world.
But it’s more than a world-changing waterway. It’s more than an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
This liquid path of blue across Upstate New York is a rare and remarkable resource found nowhere else.
Its arts, culture, and community are resilient and relevant.
Its hospitable folks in villages, small towns, and big cities are enduring and innovative.
The Erie Canal’s outstanding Third Wave Coffee scene illustrates this point. Especially in remote rural areas along the Canalway off the beaten path.
Because artisanal excellence surprisingly flows along the canal corridor from Albany to Buffalo.
Let’s discover the very best of these high-quality cafes across Upstate New York, traveling from Eastern New York to Western New York.
You’ll also find an interactive custom map showing all these outstanding specialty coffee shops along the Erie Canal.
All coffee shops are hand-selected, taste-tested, reviewed, and photographed by us, independently.
So let’s dive into this one-of-a-kind coffee journey along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Ready? Grab your coffee travel mug, and let’s go!
Table of contents
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Best Erie Canal Specialty Coffee Shops
Erie Canal Specialty Coffee Shops: Eastern New York
STACKS ESPRESSO BAR
488 Broadway, 260 Lark Street
Albany, Albany County
A capital cuppa.
Stacks serves Capitol City with multi-roasted beans, minimalist design, and a multi-faceted community.
Enjoy their signature pour-over in two locations: Bright and airy Broadway. Intimate and cozy Lark Street cafe.
JACOB ALEJANDRO
274 River Street
Troy, Rensselaer County
Urban luxe.
Come for coffee culture from international award-winning latte artist Alejandro. And for house-made delights from Culinary Institute of America grad Jacob.
Come for a sophisticated design inside. And for artistic inspiration outside on Franklin Alley.
Erie Canal Specialty Coffee Shops: Central New York
HIGHWHEELER COFFEE
84 Canal Street
Fort Plain, Montgomery County
World-class wonder.
Discover the biggest hidden gem of the Erie Canal 3rd Wave Coffee scene: off the beaten path in tiny Fort Plain (pop. 2,202 per the 2020 U.S. Census).
To find such quality in a tiny village took us by complete (and happy) surprise.
Highwheeler’s cortado compares in balance and taste to the best we’ve had anywhere.
Gather in its airy ambiance. Enjoy the local craft, cuisine, and character.
Do jot down an uplifting quote for the community wall, too. Because now you’re a local, too.
UTICA COFFEE ROASTING COMPANY
92 Genesee Street
Utica, Oneida County
The vanguard.
Utica Coffee leads the way in the historic downtown near the Erie Canal. This 3rd Wave Coffee shop represents the city’s dynamic revival and diversity.
Plan noble deeds and meaningful pursuits in the bustling interior. On the front patio. And overlooking the vibrant muralscape created by local artists.
Then go forth, give back, and do good.
Erie Canal Specialty Coffee Shops: Finger Lakes
FAIRPOUR COFFEE ROASTERS
25 Parce Avenue, Suite 160
Fairport, Monroe County
Contemporary classic.
FairPour Coffee crafts small-batch specialty coffee and kombucha in the Erie Canal’s “sweet spot.
To find this sleek and chic cafe, look for the 199 foot (61 m) tall smokestack. The stack marks the spot of the circa 1908 American Can Company complex.
UGLY DUCK COFFEE
89 Charlotte Street
Rochester, Monroe County
Start today the ugly way.
The art of espresso, conversation, and camaraderie is Ugly Duck Coffee.
Choose a seat inside, washed with natural light. Or outside under the “Til We Meet Again” mural by Erich Lehman and St. Monci.
Taste why Tasting Table named Ugly Duck as THE best coffee shop in New York State.
We’d say this quiet oasis in the East End hubbub is a more lovely swan than an ugly duck.
Erie Canal Specialty Coffee Shops: Western New York
STEAMWORKS COFFEE ROASTERS
51 Canal Street
Lockport, Niagara County
Old traditions. New innovations.
Popular since opening day at Locktoberfest 2016, Steamworks Coffee anchors the revitalized Locks Heritage District. Find this 3rd Wave hot spot right in front of Erie Canal Lock 35.
Games, a chalkboard wall, and friendly folks welcome you to linger.
Then, with espresso to go, take a stroll. Admire the restored Flight of Five Locks. Visit the life-size Lock Tenders Statues and the Lock District Museum. Explore charming Main Street.
OVERWINTER COFFEE
9 Genesee Street, 814 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, Erie County
5548 Main Street
Williamsville, Erie County
Singularly delicious.
On our inaugural visit to Overwinter Coffee’s original Genesee Street location, the owner himself personally supervised the barista in preparing the very first off-the-menu cortado.
The single-origin goodness keeps flowing. The Overwinter locations keep growing.
Map to the Best Canalway Coffee Shops
More Specialty Coffee Shops on the Canal
The Erie Canal specialty coffee shops and its dynamic Third Wave Coffee scene will surely satisfy discerning coffee drinkers.
Although, if you prefer tea, then you’ll be happy to know these cafés also offer artisanal teas.
And there’s even more awesome specialty coffee to discover along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
So get your exclusive curated Erie Canal Third Wave Coffee Guide to the top hot spots and hidden gems.
All have been independently selected, taste-tested, reviewed, and photographed by us.
Cheers!
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Recommendations
Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Travel Mug by Takeya (the 17-ounce and 24-ounce versions fit most cupholders).
Moldvaer, Anette, The Coffee Book: Barista Tips, Recipes, Beans From Around the World. DK, 2021.
Rardon, Candace Rose, Stuff Every Coffee Lover Should Know. Quirk Publishing, 2021.
Weinberg, Bennett Alan and Bealer, Bonnie K., The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World’s Most Popular Drug. Taylor & Francis, 2000.
Wild, Antony, Coffee: A Dark History. W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 2005.
Check Out More Recommendations
What is Third Wave Coffee? Craft and the Specialty Coffee Journey
Erie Canalway: Add This to Your Travel Bucket List
Best Places to Stay on the Erie Canal
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The Best Cafes in Vienna: Guide to Famous Coffee Houses and Hidden Gems
Route 66 Start to Finish: The Ultimate Epic Road Trip
All opinions expressed are Spotlight Sojourns’ own.
All content and images are original, created with care by yours truly, Marilee Kostadimas and Paul Kostadimas, not AI. We’re the Hidden Gemologists of Spotlight Sojourns: Award-winning travel experts, storytellers, and advocates of meaningful travel. Because meaningful travel is part of a meaningful life. And stories enrich the meaning.