Tucked into a strip mall off Tanque Verde, Le Buzz Caffe is a dream come true for coffee lovers and foodies alike.

Stepping through the door is like stepping into a coffee shop in Europe, with a gleaming pastry case and the smell of roasting beans in the air.

“Dennis and Margaret Hadley wanted a high energy coffee place,” Nick Hoenig says, speaking of Le Buzz’s owners. “They really focused on the ambiance.”

Buzzing with a dedicated following

Hoenig, Le Buzz’s general manager, has worked for the cafe for ten years. Le Buzz itself has been around for 22 years, and in that time has built a dedicated following of customers.

Many of the clientele who walk in every morning are greeted by name. A group of twenty or so people who come for breakfast every morning are referred to as the Breakfast Club.

“I know people’s kids’ names, I know their dogs’ names, I know their usual order,” Hoenig said. “The community that comes in here is awesome. You become friends.”

An air of French flair

Le Buzz’s menu is decidedly French, with quiche and tartines among their most popular items.

The Applewood-Smoked Bacon, Housemade Tomato Marmalade & Fried Egg Tartine is served with a honey balsamic reduction, providing an eating experience that is both deeply savory and sweet.

The Artichoke, Sundried Tomato, Caramelized Onions, and Parmesan Quiche is cheesy and creamy, with an incredible depth of flavor. Everything is made in-house, and the dedication to high-quality ingredients and technique shows.

Fresh pastries are a must

The pastries are another must-try part of Le Buzz. The Morning Buns — a swirled roll of puffy, buttery dough — are a customer favorite, as is the House Cookie, stuffed with Heath bar, chocolate chips, pecans, and oatmeal.

Their scones are baked fresh every day, and pair perfectly with a cup of coffee.

And that coffee.

Roasted in house, the beans are ethically-sourced and combined in a custom blend made by both the late Dennis Hadley and Hoenig. “Dennis taught me there needs to be some sweetness,” Hoenig said. “There’s no bitterness to our coffee; it is juicy, bright, and fruity – the perfect balance between the sweetness and chocolate notes.”

Quality draws people in

The quality of the coffee and the food is what makes Le Buzz’s customers so loyal.

From outdoorsy people heading to Sabino Canyon for a hike and morning cyclists to families with visiting relatives, there is a wide range of people who find themselves returning to Le Buzz. For Hoenig, that’s the best part of the job, and something he’s excited to see grow.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmJeZEFjSc0/

Exciting growth in the near future

Le Buzz is looking to open a second location in Plaza Palomino this summer, complete with a new liquor license. Watch this space.

Le Buzz Caffe, located at 9121 E. Tanque Verde Rd., is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit lebuzzcaffe.com.