Ace Buagas is on a mission—to visit every single coffee shop in Baltimore City and document the journey on social media.  The 30-year-old account manager and social media content creator said the idea came to him while on a date with his girlfriend at Kneads Bakeshop Café.  “She g ot a matcha. I got a coffee. I asked her, ‘If you could rank it, you know, 1 out of 10, what would you rank yours?’ And she gave me a number. I gave her a number,” Buagas said. “Then I was like, ‘I wonder how many coffee shops there are in Baltimore.’”  Buagas headed to Google and Yelp, which revealed that there were more than 100 shops across the city. And with that information, he was sold on his next social media project. “I think I’m going to go to every single one,” Buagas remembered saying to his girlfriend. “And she was like, ‘I think you should, too.’”  Buagas’s social media journey started in 2023, when he began posting on his original TikTok account to keep himself accountable during his weight-loss journey. “I ran three miles every day for 30 days. It gained a little bit of traction,” Buagas said. “And then one day I went on a rant. And then it just was me talking to a camera. I garnered 55,000 followers just doing that.”  After spending months posting casual rant-like videos about a range of random topics, Buagas said he wanted to focus more on lifestyle content. So, he changed his approach.  “I made an Instagram, a new TikTok. And now it’s mainly just my many interests. I’m known as the running guy, the cat guy, the fitness guy. And now more recently, the coffee guy,” Buagas said.  In October, Buagas hit the ground running with his coffee-testing project, his first stop being Ovenbird in Highlandtown. Since starting the series, he has tried 26 other shops. Each video consists of him rating the shop’s best-selling coffee, the barista’s favorite food item/pastry, and checking out the overall vibe.  @ace.buagas DAILY VLOG // There are over 100 coffee shops in Baltimore, Maryland and I plan to visit every single one. Episode 1 Today’s stop: OvenBird Tucked right in the heart of the city, this cozy little spot feels like the kind of place where mornings start slow and good conversations linger. I tried their most popular coffee, the barista’s favorite pastry (the almond croissant), and spent a few quiet minutes just soaking in the atmosphere. Caramel Latte: 8/10, Flavor’s strong but balanced, nothing harsh, just a nice finish. Almond Croissant: 8.5/10. You get that crisp outer layer, soft center, and the almond paste isn’t overpowering, just melts perfectly with each bite. Environment: Super welcoming very cozy. A place l’d do work at or read. Had a quiet vibe which I liked but it could have been the hour I went. I liked it though There’s something about watching a barista craft a latte, the sound of steaming milk, the smell of fresh espresso, the little piece of art on top, that makes the world slow down a bit. What I love about Baltimore’s coffee scene is that every shop has its own story. Different beans, different baristas, different energy, but the same goal: to make someone’s day just a little better. #trending #fyp #CoffeeSeries #BaltimoreCoffee #coffeecrawl ♬ Coffe and Jazz – Baby thug His favorite shop so far? Buagas said it’s impossible to pick.  “That’s the million-dollar question that everyone asked me everywhere. And I’m going to give you the same politician’s answer. I’m genuine when I say this, I don’t know,” Buagas said. “Some coffee shops have a better vibe. Other coffee shops have better coffee. And then other coffee shops have better food and pastries.”  Regardless of favorites, he said, since starting the series he’s grown an even greater appreciation for coffee, the coffee-making process, and small businesses.  “I am a caffeine addict, like I love caffeine. Coffee is a pretty big part of my life. I look forward to drinking coffee every single day,” he said. “I’ve grown a fascination for coffee and now it’s sort of becoming a passion because I’m exploring.”  As a self-proclaimed type-A person, Buagas said he has “a giant Excel sheet of everything” in his life–including his coffee shop endeavors. Compiled of his own searches and recommendations from viewers, the list has no rhyme or reason.  “I don’t have a specific format of like hitting this neighborhood to get to these coffee shops, X, Y, and Z. I think it’s a lot more fun when it’s a little bit more randomized,” he said.  Buagas tries to visit the shops multiple times a week depending on his full-time work schedule, usually going in the mornings or afternoons. The project, he said, has allowed him to expand his horizons in terms of Baltimore geography.  “It makes me go to different neighborhoods every single day. It’s nice to be able to go to those neighborhoods and explore that aspect,” Buagas said.  Buagas said he never announces himself as creating the TikTok videos, nor has he kept track of the financial investment of the project. He also said he never takes anything free or discounted from the shops.  “I pay full price for everything. Coffee can range from like $8 to $10 depending on where. I’m not entirely too sure of the number. If I find out, it could be the reason why I stopped” Buagas said, laughing.  He said that as a content creator, he makes a point to walk into every shop with an open mind—something his mother instilled in him early on. “She was the one that preached, always going into something with an open mind. And so my experience has been to go there, to take it all in.” Buagas said. “I think a lot of food influencers and just influencers in general think that they’re entitled to a better experience just because they do something. I wasn’t raised that way,” he said.  In the future, Buagas is excited to continue making authentic content, creating meaningful connections, and potentially partnering with coffee brands.  “The networking aspect has been the most beautiful part of this process. And I wanna continue to do that regardless of its coffee or whatever activity,” he said.  Reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive.  “Looks and sounds great! That slurping sound means you’re really enjoying it, lol,” wrote Laura Magsamen (@laura.magsamen) under Buagas’s video of him trying Koba Café. Another user, Noah Rogofsky (@noahrogofsky), commented, “New favorite content.” “Thank you for doing this. Keep it going please,” added @brandoncouncil1. Buagas is unsure how much longer the project will take, but he is enjoying every minute of visiting Baltimore shops that bring people together.   “Coffee shops are where people study, work, rest, and connect. Sharing these places and the stories behind them helps people feel more rooted in Baltimore and hopefully encourages them to explore their own neighborhoods in a new way.”  Users can follow his journey on TikTok and Instagram.  ...read more read less