Visiting Shamballa Cafe today really makes me wonder: why do I even bother with chain coffee shops? First and foremost: the coffee is awesome! I went with what was in the vat today: a medium roast that I believe was called blue moon. I forget the provenance of said roast (I remember it was South American), but my oh my was it good! Exactly what you want a medium roast to be: balanced, with notes of whatever chocolate or berries or leather is in there. I couldn't put the cup down! Whereas getting the sludge from the big chains down the gullet sometimes feels like a morning chore. Why is the coffee so good here? It turns out that the owner (a very friendly guy named Emmett) roasts it himself. He had several varieties on offer that were roasted within the last 24 hours, maybe even this morning. That particular minutiae is a blur as I wasn't caffeinated yet when we discussed this. But it's yet another huge benefit a local cafe provides: freshness! Another thing: Shamballa is a great restorer of faith in community and our fellow humans. Emmett and I discussed many things in my fairly brief time in his shop, but I'll never forget the empathy he displayed when discussing some current trials & tribulations. It turns out he's been down the same road, and his well-wishes and kindness made for an even finer accompaniment to the coffee than the coffee cake muffin pairing that was purchased on impulse. A double espresso was consumed on-site while 2 large coffees were taken to go. The espresso was awesome, 100x better than Sbux or Dunkin'. Total for 3 beverages? Less than $8! For later, I grabbed a 1/2 lb. of whole bean Guatemalan medium roast on Emmett's recommendation, and the coffee cake muffin was moist and delicious without being too crumbly or cloyingly saccharine. Drake's it was not! A ten spot covered the latter purchase. If I lived in Baldwinsville, I'd probably stop by here every morning! Except Sunday and Monday when they're closed. Be sure to arrive early, closing time is now noon. Please swing by Shamballa and see for yourself! Perhaps you too will ponder why we make grabbing coffee a chore, when it can be a true morning delight? read more

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Great coffee. Great owner. Great vibe. Upon closing in the afternoon, the owner asked if I wanted one for the road at no charge. While I had had enough caffeine for the day, the offer was nice. Great for a remote office for a few hours, or a spot to hanging with some friends. read more

The owner is super nice and the coffee has a very unique taste. There is not a lot of seating. If you don't find parking in the front, drive down the alley as there is a parking lot in the back along the river. read more

Great coffee with a comfortable atmosphere. Every morning you can find the Shamballa loyalist enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation. They and Emmett will welcome you with a smile and good morning. read more

Shamballa Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Baldwinsville, New York

Had 15min available in between showing appointments for clients this morning and stopped by here to pick something quick up. Cozy indoor feel with plenty of seating, easy parking, and kind staff. Ordered a vanilla chai latte with oatmilk and it was exactly what I needed for a quick work break!! read more

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I had not been here in years, since they didn't open early enough for me to get in before work. Last week I discovered they open at 6:30 am on week days! I'm always happy to support a small business, so I stopped in for coffee. The owner roasts his own beans, and had just roasted his batch of Mexican coffee the day before! It's a mellow medium roast with hints of almond and citrus. While I asked for milk and sugar, I found I didn't need the normal amount I typically use. Bonus! A pound of Mexican beans followed me home! I'm a fan! My only suggestion is to add some baked goods! read more

Love this spot, and Emmett has such a great vibe. Tasty coffee and a casual atmosphere right in the heart of Baldwinsville.

A lovely place to cozy up with your favorite latte in the quaint village of Baldwinsville.

Came here after a disappointing brunch at a another local restaurant and let me tell you it was like a breath of fresh air. The gentleman behind the counter was fantastic, very attentive and when our food took a little longer he was very kind and apologetic. The breakfast sandwiches were very fresh and eggs were nice and fluffy. The English muffin was fresh and nicely crisp. The coffee was fantastic as well. We will definitely be back again! read more

I really like the coffee house book store vibe. The owner roasts the beans for his coffee selections and you can buy his coffee by the lb. The prices are fair and I love to shop local so why only 3 stars you ask? I find it a bitter brew to swallow that a coffee shop does not open until 7am. The hours are wonky and even when it says open at 7 often the coffee is not ready. Sorry to say that unless I can make it in there to buy a pound of whole bean I rarely get to enjoy the fine coffee. Earlier and regular hours would go along way to my upping my rating to 4 stars!! If you dont have to be at work until later...this shop should be a must stop. read more

Local roasted coffee Rich flavor, well balanced, neither to acidic nor to bitter Fantastic Chai latte Esspresso is great The owner/operator, Emmett is excellent read more

I met Emmett, the owner, this morning. We chatted as he made me two fantastic lattes. He let me smell the various coffees, all which he roasted himself and smelled just wonderful. Nice little shop with comfy places to sit, friendly staff and excellent product. What more would you like? Enjoy this place and support a great local business. read more

This cafe is honestly the best I have found since moving to New York, from Seattle Wa! I owned and operated my own cafe, and have over 20 years working in the coffee industry, and couldn't give this enough stars! Support small, craft and artisan tastes! It does make a difference in quality!!! Cheers ! read more

Great little coffee shop my daughter painted on the window here for Halloween & the owner came out & offered us a free beverage!! Thank you

The best coffee roaster in CNY. Friendly, Clean, comfortable, cozy and convenient. If you can't park on the street, there is a huge lot in the back. Fresh brewed or buying beans, you can't go wrong. And better prices than those lame chains, too. read more

Emmits shop isn't fancy but he gets his coffee beans from around the world and roasts the himself. You'll never have a better cup of coffee. We have him grind special coffees for our French Press. We're addicted to the quality of our own morning coffee at home too. Nice relaxed community feel, plus you can talk a short walk to the locks and river. Catch him early, he plays in a band and closes up often by 2 or earlier. Great breakfast sandwich. read more

Espresso drinks crafted on a Nuova Simonelli (rather than on one of the 'super automatics' common at the coffee chains), by hand, by an artisan, using beans roasted freshly on site. Good variety of beans sold by the pound (mostly African and South American, whole bean, or ground on demand) for those who subscribe to the notion that "Life's too short to drink bad coffee ...(at home)!" This place isn't about atmosphere, it's about coffee, and this is coffee the way coffee's supposed to be! read more

This rivals the best shops in the area! More or less comes down to your preference in atmosphere and location. This is more of a quiet/quaint atmosphere when comparing to the lively atmosphere at the other great shops in Syracuse. I personally prefer the atmosphere of Recess/Strong Hearts/Cafe Kubal. But I live closer to Shamballa, so I will continue to get my daily coffee and ground coffee here. Great beans, great roasting, great knowledge!! read more

Great chai, very local / small business. Owner is extremely nice, small crowd, intimate and great view. I like it.

Great café, they have excellent coffee and the service was spectacular. I got the latte and boy was it delicious! I will definitely be going back often! read more