Naima K.
Yelp
Many changes since my previous review. Buzz used to be open late and over the years had become one of my favorite spots to casually meet people. I met both of my doulas here. Now that they close at 6 pm, I don't get to spend a lot of time hanging out, but it is still a comfortable venue to hang out earlier in the day, although it tends to be more crowded on weekends and they tend to run out of the most sought after bakery items. They have ample seating outside but the intersection tends to be busy with construction and trucks, so it can be a little loud for a Zoom meeting or even a phone conversation. Parking in the lots can get harder around lunchtime but lots of people are doing a quick rush to Tropical Smoothie and taking food to go, so spaces might open up quickly. There is also street parking in the area if you don't mind walking a block or two.
The baked goods have improved. I won't give a lot of recommendations because everything I like tends to be sold out by the time I arrive (good for them I guess) but I always enjoy the cookies and tea. If you get a scone, biscuit, or sandwich with cheeses, please consider requesting that they heat it. The cupcakes have improved and are generally moist (I don't get vanilla) and I would imagine the cakes and other items are at least decent too. Not better than Lavender Moon but Lavender Moon isn't a place where you can comfortably lounge and sip tea with your dessert. If you come later in the day, do not despair because whatever they have left, should be pretty good.
My favorite thing about Buzz is the customer service. I always feel welcome here and they remember that I like honey in my tea, though I am not a daily customer. I also appreciate their diverse workforce and they have several people who have worked there for a while - seems like a good business to support. And yes, while Misha's is closer to me and has better coffee, it's also much harder to find (free) parking, dimly lit (not a great place for reading), and generally not comfortable and/or quiet enough for me to concentrate like Buzz. I can finish my work at Buzz (during the week). Even the conversations at the big table seem unobtrusive and not disruptive - even if they were, I can always go sit at a table outside.