To start, I love Buddy Brew Coffee and have been a loyal customer for years. I was highly anticipating this location's opening and visited during their soft opening. On our first impression, my wife and I agreed that the shop was too unwelcoming. We liked the modern look, just thought that it was too visually bare and cold. I ordered a caramel latte and my wife a vanilla latte and the total came to $11.38 - expensive, but as expected for specialty coffee. I stood by the counter and felt like the baristas ignored me. I watched her prepare the drink and it seemed like the sequencing was wrong. The shots of espresso were brewed first and then left to sit while the milk was steamed. Their coffee is ALWAYS amazing, but this time it tasted bitter and wasn't mixed properly- a lot of foam on top, coffee in the middle and then a lot of flavor on the bottom. In my honest opinion, my visit was not worth the money. Next time I would much rather visit a Buddy Brew where I know the employees are more well trained and consistent (Oxford Exchange). My suggestions: This locations appeal is a 180 from your other more welcoming locations. Consider filling the blank walls with art and add signage outside. The price is expected for specialty coffee, but the customer experience must deliver. Have your employees engage your customers while they wait for their coffee. A simple, "Hi, how is your day going so far?" can make someone's day and have them come back again. Emplace some experienced baristas/supervisors from other locations to watch over things on your soft openings to ensure that things are being done to standard (beverage sequencing, customer service, etc.). When people return their mugs & plates to the counter, ask them "how was everything" to ensure that they had a good drink and experience. I love Buddy Brew, your coffee is amazing but this experience fell far below what I was expecting from your newest location. Update: I sincerely appreciate the response from Dave and his desire to make things right. I will continue to be a loyal customer! Thank you for taking my feedback to heart and hearing what I had to say. I really appreciate your time and your professionalism! - Lawton

Wow! Thrilled with Buddy Brew. I'm from Texas and in Tampa this weekend for a conference. I'm a huge coffee lover and have very high expectations for coffee houses and roasters; typically I'm disappointed when I visit an unfamiliar shop, especially in a new city. The location at Park Tower is within walking distance of most major downtown points of interest. It's clean, modern, and a great place to meet a friend or get some work done. I was greeted by Clark, who was pleasant, helpful, and did a great job explaining the various available roasts to me (I wanted a pour over). I loved the atmosphere and my interactions with the staff. The coffee... amazing. They roast all of their own beans. For starters, my pour over was served in a Kalita glass server and contained a generous helping of brew; I think I filled my coffee cup four times. As for the coffee itself, I went with the Old Florida, a lighter roast with citrus notes. I'm typically a fan of darker coffee, but Clark had talked me into the Old Florida, and I wasn't disappointed. It was aromatic, delicious, and balanced. I plan to come back and try some of their other roasts before leaving town on Sunday. Absolutely nothing I would've changed about this morning's visit. Completely happy. Check out Buddy Brew!

I came into this buddy Brew location for lunch as I have many times in the past. The employees here are nice and friendly, always greet me with a smile. The pros – the sandwiches are great here, they all come with choice of chips or fruit. The cons – they are out of chips a lot; therefore, the choice is fruit. The fruit choice could be much better, I am not sure half an orange counts as a side of fruit. Not exactly a complaint but just wondering, how is it possible for a restaurant or café to be out of chips? When you ask for chips with the sandwich you receive a handful of plain potato chips, this is fine and nice to have. So, how would it be possible to run out of chips? There are 3 supermarkets and a CVS within walking distance of this place, if it looks like I am running out of chips, I will send someone to the store ASAP to buy a few bags. I have gone to this location multiple times when they have been out of chips, someone needs to manage this place. I will return here because the staff members are great, and the sandwiches are good. The chips issue is just interesting and an easy fix. Price for the Kennedy sandwich shown in total was about $13.50
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

This was my 4th visit to this Buddy Brew location. I do love the convenience of having a coffee shop right downstairs in our building however for the price of Buddy Brew coffee, I feel their customer service and coffee blends lack another visit from me. Today my coworkers and I ordered a Cafe Latte and the blend had way too much milk. We felt like we were drinking steamed milk instead of a Latte. Needless to say, we couldn’t get thru half the cup. It was also a little disappointing when we asked for a sample of their Bolt Lemonade that was being advised with buttons and flyers today and were told they had reached their sample limits. Really?? If you’re advertising a new product, there should never be a limit on the samples you give out if you want customers to purchase a new item. However, I’m giving Buddy Brew three stars because the young lady working the register (with the cool nose piercing!) was very friendly and welcoming. Wishing Buddy Brew much luck and success in the Park Tower building.

My boyfriend and I are in Tampa for the week and wanted to try a local coffee place instead of Starbucks. We got the cold brew float and iced latte with mocha, and the bacon biscuit and The TBR to eat. The float was good and the iced latte was just ok. The food was unfortunately underwhelming. My bacon biscuit was supposed to come with a side a fruit but it wasn’t included. We didn’t realize it was left out until we got back to our hotel. The TBR had only 1 small piece of turkey breast and didn’t look anything like the picture shown online. Both sandwiches were good but nothing special. The drinks and food came out to around $35. I don’t think the iced latte or the sandwiches are worth the price. I love the decor. It’s trendy and modern. The staff was really nice. I’d maybe give Buddy Brew another chance if we were local.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

The classic sandwich $9 is ok. It's a little bit dry, but it's enough for breakfast. The bun is soft and warm. Ham, cheese is ok also. Coffee is great.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sandwiches
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Parking
You have to install the app and pay for parking (2 minutes walking)

Best coffee in Tampa. Hands down. I usually add a bit of honey or sugar to my Americano but not needed here. The espresso is so smooth and tasty all by itself. Cozy environment. Beautiful views of the park. Friendly staff. What's not to love? Also, I'm here for a conference and there are so many Starbucks locations around here. It's nice to see a much better and local alternative.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

I always like to hit a local coffee spot when traveling - this was close to my hotel and in the bottom of a bank building, so if you're looking for typical coffee shop ambiance, this isn't it. But they are a legit coffee roaster with a surprisingly delicious/hot breakfast sandwich that came with orange slices on the side. Will be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

They have good coffee but . A lot of flies inside bakery glass box next to check out and around sink where they make coffee. I asked about flies they said they’re trying to get rid of them but but glass box with bakery was closed with 20 flies inside . Also they said bakery for sale + you gonna get flies eggs with that lol . Sorry guys but you should keep it clean Update from April 7 . 2023 .

I was looking for a quite place for my lunch and been gable to work with my laptop, this was the place. I had a BLT and cappuccino 10/10, I even bought the house mix of whole been coffee to take it with me.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Sandwiches

Coffee shop itself is very clean, modern and nice. Cold brew coffee tasted watered down, acidic, and somehow burnt/stale. I realize that does not make sense due to the fact that it is cold brewed. But that is the best way to describe it. With tip, coffee was $7. Rating three stars in hopes the cold brew was just having an off day and it isn’t always that bad.

Stopped here while in town for a conference. Got a cold brew and it was good- not bitter or burnt like some other places. No cream or sugar needed. Very clean and open inside. Great for relaxing or meeting with a friend. Some working on laptops. And across from a nice green space. Recommend.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

First and foremost, great coffee. Locally owned and operated, these people like their coffee. They select and roast their own beans and make their own blends. Cup of coffee $2. They also have croissants, scones(not Larry David Dry) and lots of other delectable for breakfast. Fun place to hang out or do some work. Come check them out.

I always get a cappuccino but I’d like to try the food sometime.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Large vegetarian selection

Atmosphere and vibe was great. Would have given 5 stars but we were told a bottle of Veuve was $75. Given that was a good deal we said absolutely. When the bottle arrived we found out is was a split and totally upset. Bartender should tell you its split when you ask for a bottle.

We got 3 different pastries and all of them were in bad condition. They were old, tasteless, hard
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 2
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Pastries

Great coffee shop. The interior design will surprise you as it's not what you would expect. But I guess it fits the downtown Tampa setting. Great tasting coffee, and the staff is very friendly. Buddy Brew fills an empty void needed be filled in the Downtown scene.

Not much of a coffee drinker but had a couple of meetings I conducted outside of the office. The atmosphere was great, the staff were courteous, and the service was fast. My coffee a Carmel latte was just okay.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I am from out of town and I was looking for a local coffee shop. The staff are so nice and helpful (I had no idea what I wanted to eat) plus I asked for some recommendations (being out of town) for what is in the area. Great place to go.
Service
Dine in

Great lattes and friendly service. I got an iced vanilla latte and my friend got an iced vanilla latte with lavender and honey. No frills spot. Very clean. Easy to walk to from our hotel. It’s nice they’re open a little earlier than other nearby shops. More

Despite being consistently busy they're always polite and get things out very quickly without sacrificing quality. The baked goods from HaleLife Bakery are gluten and dairy free and out of this world good; they're better than donuts with gluten and dairy.

Buddy Brew felt like my own local spot while I was on vacation! The baristas are so nice and make you feel right at home, my avocado toast was *chef’s kiss*, and my latte was delicious! Props to the staff for making the experience so wonderful! More

Great coffee and pastries. Nice staff, but very unfriendly environment.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
Pastries

Outstanding barista, she extracted perfectly the single origin Ethiopian coffee they were offering. We tasted all the notes of the coffee. Absolutely perfect.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10

Cool modernist coffee shop. Love the layout and style. Grabbed some breakfast there while in town for work. Good cortado. Will definitely stop by again before I leave town and grab some unground coffee to take home with me.

Fantastic food and great service, fresh coffee and you can tell everything is made with care. Highly recommend for a quality coffee shop.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Neat little coffee shop tucked in downtown. Coffee and muffins are excellent!!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Love this coffee shop and have been to multiple locations. They do great breakfast sandwiches and the chai latte is great.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Great coffee and service - freshly made biscuits in house too
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great minimalist modern space that serves excellent craft coffee. They even have a few comfortable areas to sit in the back. But really, if you are looking for great coffee downtown, go here!

I wish I lived in Tampa so I could go here more often friendly staff and the coffee was really good
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Great coffee and atmosphere. Right by the water.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I always get the iced Caramel Latte after a nice walk/run on the Riverwalk! Perfect Day!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20

Coffee was absolutely awesome, But, it was cold
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Definitely not a high end coffee shop. Espresso in a paper cup? Not cleaning or properly tamping the pucks in prep. The espresso and cortado were terrible.

Good coffee, it's okay
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

Best coffee house in Tampa finally has a downtown location. Best quality, finely brewed. Cool space and friendly staff. All at reasonable pricing.

The coffee was great. The sandwich was ok. A great place to work. Staff were very friendly!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Awesome hot Latte and The Hyde Park sandwich.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Recommended dishes
Sandwiches

Busy place, nice people, great coffee and atmosphere!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

Good coffee. Watch out for the chocolate bars at the counter that have no price labeled. Terribly good, but terribly expensive.

Coffee was good but don’t understand the hours… what serious coffee shop opens at 8 on the weekdays and not open on weekends???

Absolutely stunning coffees, I also drink a lot coffee from all over the world and this is definitely up there with the best!

Best Latte with great view. Great indoor comfortable seating with charging stations readily available. Watch out Starbucks!

Great coffee and friendly staff!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$20–30

Professional and friendly. Delicious coffee and food.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very good nitro cold brew.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

Great dirty chai. Unacceptable bathroom conditionals. Looks like they haven’t been cleaned in days.

I loved the experience. Customer service amazing I purchased a ice coffee with a hint of honey.

The staff were friendly and attentive. A nice place to come back to. What a lovely experience!

i love the caramel hot drink. so yummy
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

this was $10
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–10

This shop makes a great cortado, and has great merchandise! Wish I were a local.

Nice coffee shop on front of the park. No outside seating. Professional setting.

As a first time customer I didn't realize that the ice cappuccino was so small.

Friendly staff, no wait, quick and prompt service, super tasty cold brew …

The lady's are so nice and friendly. What I've eaten their was always good

Best coffee in Tampa, very friendly staff and nice location. Will be back

Great trendy place, modern decor, awesome coffe! you must try them all!

Excellent coffee and place. The service is EXTREMELY SLOW tho

Iced Oat Milk Latte was Gold! They use a really good bean!

Starbucks wannabe.... everything you would expect. Solid.

Great space, friendly employees, and great pour over.

Service without a smile and under-cooked croissants.

By far the worst espresso ive had. Burned and acidic

Good, strong coffee. Minimalist and hipster vibe

Best coffee in Town and professional Baristas ♠️

Good coffee shop in a nice downtown building.

Great coffee bar and service was outstanding

Great coffee and food. Loved the Dave Salad

Nice place for coffee and rest. Free wifi

Nice place and professional environment!!

Do Recommend! Tasty coffee and deserts!

Coffee was strong, and so was the wifi

Great service! Friendly management.

Nice environment KUST LOVE IT.

Good coffee. High price.

Good food and service.

Very very good coffee

Best coffee downtown

Very tasty coffee

Love this place!

Great coffee

Just fine