331949 Fri Oct 06 15:36:29 -0700 2006 5 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 1927457 I'm only here for a few days and would greatly appreciate recommendations for good espresso. I've tried a few--Martha and Bros. was exceptionally friendly and their coffee was good and strong--but I really wouldn't rate it as great (overroasted beans and not much care with milk steaming). Thanks. Fri Oct 06 15:36:29 -0700 2006 11801 BGRose 1 1927754 Martha's is actually the best espresso I've had in the hood, but as you pointed out it still leaves a lot to be desired. Though it's a bit outside of Noe, I highly recommend heading over to Ritual Roasters at Valenica and 21st. It's extraordinary and very much worth the few extra blocks. -Nick Fri Oct 06 17:08:14 -0700 2006 1927457 10343 nja 1 1927935 Ritual has the best coffe in the city, so it is worth the trip Fri Oct 06 17:56:14 -0700 2006 1927457 12735 rotefuchs 1 1927968 What do you classify as Noe Valley? I personally think that XO coffee at Church and 30th is fantastic and a very comfy coffee shop to boot. Fri Oct 06 18:05:05 -0700 2006 1927457 14459 jupiter 1 1928252 There's an Illy place on the southwest corner of Sanchez or Noe & 24th. They also do nice gelato and designer chocolates, unless they've gone out of business. The guy who runs it is an espresso fanatic and went to Italy to be trained and get his Illy machine. Haven't been there in awhile though. These kinds of places often come & go on 24th. Fri Oct 06 19:19:42 -0700 2006 1927457 11737 NoeMan 2 1928829 I agree that this is your best bet in the 24th St. corridor. Noe Valley Bakery also makes a good capuccino. Martha Bros is way too variable, Tully's blends are dull and Starbucks is Starbucks. It's a coffe wasteland. Fri Oct 06 22:45:29 -0700 2006 1928252 14494 bernalgirl