624738 Wed Jun 03 04:57:49 -0700 2009 8 12 Greater Boston Area 0 4738170 Anyone have any recs for a European style coffee bar where I can sit and have good espresso? I live in Wakefield and would like someplace in Medford, Malden, Melrose, Saugus or Wakefield. Every day I drive by Caffe Toscana in Wellington Circle and from what I have read- this is the type of place I am looking for. I will be trying it soon, but anyone have any other places? Wed Jun 03 04:57:49 -0700 2009 269976 mwbachta 1 4739183 For actual caffes you have Caffe Toscana, Caffe di Calabria on Rt 1 in Saugus, Lil n Chicks also in Saugus. I have been fairly happy with Calabria for espresso but haven't been back in a while, Toscana and Lil less so in that order of preference. Abbondanza in Everett is more of a sit down place, but does have an espresso machine and 3 or so bar seats. I've been to the Italian club in Everett which is pretty old world and good for Espresso, but not a public restaurant. Caffe Feliciano in Medford (may have been another name) recently closed, Bocelli's nearby does have espresso but dunno how good it is. Modern in Medford Square might have espresso, but very minimal seating. TC's closed their espresso bar a long time ago, but if you were in the market for a machine they might make one for you. There has gotta be something decent in Revere, Manne's has some seating and certainly coffee (not certain about espresso), but is my least favorite of the bakeries in Revere. Wed Jun 03 10:54:42 -0700 2009 4738170 12962 itaunas 1 4743744 Hands down Paradiso in the North End. Best espresso in the city. Worth the trip Thu Jun 04 18:58:45 -0700 2009 4738170 578353 xtrabacon 2 4744501 In Wakefield I just had a great cup at Cafe Jags by the train station. They're new and maybe still trying to find their niche so I'm not sure about a table by the window to sip a cup. It's probably worth asking. Also, second for Paradiso. I got a cup to go a couple of weeks ago and as soon as I sipped it I knew I should have grabbed a seat to savor it - but the place was full. And don't forget the Cafe Paradiso in Lowell - same owners. Fri Jun 05 06:03:05 -0700 2009 4743744 65708 powerfulpierre 2 4744584 My original post had suggested "pulling the Lincoln onto Rt 93 or Rt1 south and double parking on Hanover" but I was afraid someone might take offense and it was out of the area so I edited my post to delete it. In any case, I consider Luiz (Portuguese) from Paradiso in Boston the best Italian Barista around if he is still there 6 days a week. For Powerful Pierre the founder of Caffe Paradiso Oscar passed away several years ago, although his sister (who played a large role in the Lowell branch) was continuing to run it and a long time manager of the Boston store stayed on along with some employees including Luiz. There always have been some differences with the other stores (Cambridge sometimes used different Espresso blends and the North End has a few extra options), so the Lowell experience isn't exactly the same, despite being started by the same people. Fri Jun 05 06:29:57 -0700 2009 4743744 12962 itaunas 3 4744642 Thank you for the Paradiso history lesson. You are correct that there are obviously differences, however I have enjoyed the Lowell location as it is often less hectic and a sidewalk seat is usually available. Fri Jun 05 06:45:35 -0700 2009 4744584 65708 powerfulpierre 1 4744875 When I'm looking for a caffe with both good espresso and an authentically Italian feel, I agree Paradiso is my favorite; bonus points for being open after midnight. Setting atmosphere aside, a few American-style places that I think pull outstanding espresso: Crema in Harvard Square (which just so happens to have some of the best pastries in town), Simon's between Harvard and Porter, Diesel and Bloc 11 in Somerville on a good day, Flat Black in Boston/Dorchester on a good day, any Peet's Coffee. Fri Jun 05 07:45:34 -0700 2009 4738170 11344 finlero 2 4745641 a big part of the espresso thing too is getting to know the baristas at a cafe. i don't mean on a first-name basis, but just learning to recognize which ones are the old hands and which ones are still learning. this is one area where i think skill and experience make a real difference. if you can gauge who's manning the espresso machine, you can order accordingly. Fri Jun 05 11:03:36 -0700 2009 4744875 22634 autopi 1 4746020 Creations - downtown Wakefield Fri Jun 05 12:38:34 -0700 2009 4738170 165442 ebpizza