Ace Buagas is on an exciting journey to explore every coffee shop in Baltimore City and share his experiences on social media.
The 30-year-old account manager and content creator got this creative idea during a date at Kneads Bakeshop & Café with his girlfriend.
“She ordered a matcha while I opted for a coffee. I asked her to rate it on a scale from 1 to 10, and she gave me her score. I responded with my own,” Buagas recalled. “That’s when I became curious about the number of coffee shops in Baltimore.”
After a quick search on Google and Yelp, he discovered there were over 100 coffee shops scattered throughout the city. This revelation solidified his plan for a new social media venture.
“I think I’ll visit every single one,” he told his girlfriend, to which she replied, “That sounds like a great idea!”
Buagas launched his social media adventure in 2023, initially posting on his original TikTok account to document his weight-loss progress.
“I ran three miles every day for a month, and it started to gain some traction,” Buagas mentioned. “One day, I went off on a tangent, and suddenly, I found myself just talking to a camera. That approach gained me 55,000 followers.”
After several months of sharing casual rants on various topics, Buagas decided to shift his focus to lifestyle content.
“I created an Instagram account and a new TikTok. Now, my content reflects many of my interests. I’m recognized as the running enthusiast, the cat lover, the fitness buff, and recently, the coffee connoisseur,” Buagas revealed.
In October, he embarked on his coffee shop exploration, starting with Ovenbird in Highlandtown. Since that first visit, he has sampled coffee from 26 additional shops. Each video features his rating of the shop’s signature coffee, the barista’s favorite snack or pastry, and the overall atmosphere of the place.
When it comes to his favorite coffee shop, Buagas admits it’s a tough choice.
“That’s the million-dollar question everyone asks. And my answer is, I genuinely don’t know,” he said. “Some shops have a wonderful vibe, while others excel in coffee quality or pastries.”
Regardless of his favorites, he’s developed a deeper appreciation for coffee, the craftsmanship behind it, and the small businesses he visits.
“I’m a caffeine enthusiast; I truly love coffee. It’s a big part of my daily routine,” he shared. “My fascination with coffee has evolved into a passion as I explore.”
A self-proclaimed type-A personality, Buagas maintains “an extensive Excel sheet” that tracks his coffee shop visits. The list is a mix of recommendations from viewers and his own findings, organized in a fun and spontaneous manner.
“I don’t follow a strict plan when it comes to hitting neighborhoods for coffee. I find it more enjoyable when it’s a bit random,” he explained.
Depending on his full-time job, Buagas visits coffee shops several times a week, usually in the morning or afternoon. This project has broadened his understanding of Baltimore’s neighborhoods.
“It encourages me to explore different areas every single day. I enjoy discovering these new neighborhoods,” Buagas mentioned.
He doesn’t announce himself as a content creator when visiting the shops, nor does he keep track of how much he spends on this project. Buagas emphasized he always pays full price for his coffee.
“Coffee prices can vary, typically $8 to $10, but I don’t really track it,” he joked. “If I did, that might deter me from continuing.”
With an open mind, he approaches each coffee shop experience—something his mother taught him early in life.
“She always encouraged me to approach new experiences with an open heart. I take that philosophy with me,” Buagas said. “Many food influencers seem to believe they deserve a better experience just because of their platform. That’s not how I was raised.”
Looking ahead, Buagas is excited to continue creating genuine content, building connections, and exploring potential partnerships with coffee brands.
“The networking opportunities have been the most rewarding aspect of this journey, and I plan to keep that momentum going, whether it’s coffee-related or not,” he stated.
Feedback on social media has been remarkably positive.
“It looks and sounds fantastic! That slurping noise indicates you’re really enjoying it, lol,” commented Laura Magsamen (@laura.magsamen) on one of Buagas’s videos at Koba Café.
Another viewer, Noah Rogofsky (@noahrogofsky), remarked, “This has become my new favorite content!”
@brandoncouncil1 chimed in, “Thanks for doing this—please keep it going!”
While unsure how long this project will take, Buagas cherishes each moment spent in Baltimore’s shops that foster community.
“Coffee shops serve as spaces for studying, working, relaxing, and connecting. By sharing these locations and their stories, I hope to help people feel more connected to Baltimore and inspire them to explore their neighborhoods anew.”
Follow Buagas on his journey through coffee culture on TikTok and Instagram.
