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Heroes & Legends

We've added a set of links at the bottom right for our customers who travel. 

It's a list of the most respected independent espresso shops and small chains in major metro areas throughout the country.  These shops represent the best owners, roasters and baristas in the business, based on opinions of other owners, roasters, baristas and espresso enthusiasts.

It's a short list at the moment, but one we hope to build on as the demand for remarkable coffee experiences expands beyond the Northwest, Northeast and Chicago.

Demitasse_spoon Hopefully you'll have a chance to meet the award-winning roasters, owners and baristas from these shops during your travels.  At the very least, because of the ingrained quality at these shops, you know you'll have an excellent espresso,  cappuccino or macchiato regardless who's doing the pouring.

And if you do visit, please let us know what you enjoyed about your experiences.  We can't get to all of these shops ourselves, so your observations will help us get better. 

Our goal is to offer espresso, service and amenities at least as good as the best in the business.  It's a very high bar and one we may never reach, but we'll never stop trying.

Today Washington Road.  Tomorrow...

June 23, 2005 in Zeitgeist |

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What's Goin' On

  • Hey there... if you're looking for our physical store, we closed as of November 15, 2011. The space is under new ownership as Orbis Caffe, still serving delicious coffee and food with great service. We hope you'll give them a try. For info on Melanie and Rich, follow @aldo_mel or @richwesterfield or visit accidentalroaster.com.
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  • Murky Coffee (NoVa)
    Retailer (non-roaster) who's one of the best indie shops on the East Coast. Features selection of top roasters and pulls only ristrettos. No drip - Americanos and press pots only.
  • Stumptown (Portland, OR)
    Along with Intelligentsia, probably the most acclaimed coffee roaster in the US. A certifiable Coffee Mecca that's turned Portland into the quality coffee capital of the Pacific Northwest.
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  • Caffe Vittoria (Boston)
    OK, maybe it's not the best espresso in Boston. But Vittoria is a great North End experience. A riot of noise, cappuccino, cannoli and sambuca. This is Rich's dream joint. Except with better coffee.
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    Beans microroasted fresh daily and whatever doesn't sell today is tossed. Has raised the bar for every other joint in the Bay Area.
  • Peets (Berkeley/SF)
    Alfred Peet is often called "the grandfather of the specialty coffee industry". Started in 1966, Peets continues to have a loyal following, despite tons of regional competition.
  • George Howell's Terroir (Boston)
    George's Coffee Connection was specialty coffee in New England for years. Then he sold out to the dark empire. Now he's back with Terroir, identifying and promoting single source coffees. No stores yet, only whole bean sales.
  • The Roasterie (Kansas City)
    Reginal powerhouse coffee buyer, roaster, trainer and local retail chain in KC, Missouri.
  • Ninth St. Espresso (NYC)
    King of espresso on Manhattan's Lower East Side.
  • Gimme! Coffee (Ithaca/NYC)
    Gimme! was among the first Eastern shops to rival the best in the PNW. Born in Ithaca, they're now in Brooklyn, Chelsea Market and LES.
  • Simon's (Boston)
    Cambridge, MA, used to be home to Jaime VanSchyndel, barista provocateur. Not sure if they're still what they were when Jaime was on bar, but it's likely still the best cup in Boston.
  • Caffe Artigiano (Vancouver, BC)
    Two time Canadian Barista Champ Sammy Piccolo and his roaster brother Vince have put Artigiano in the heads of espresso geeks worldwide. They cornered the market on 2005 Brazil CoE Santa Ines to ensure their proper place on the quality map.
  • Ritual Coffee (SF)
    Ask for Gabe or Baca. Lines usually out the door. For good reason.
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    In the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn and now with a Lower West Side storefront. Top equipment and beans from Ecco and Counter Culture.
  • Octane (Atlanta)
    Hotlanta's cool kids of coffee, led by M'lissa. Great skills, great training, great coffee.
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    One of our favorite macchiatos was served here. Scott and Justin rock. The espresso stands up to milk like few others.
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    One of the largest and best macroroasters in the Pacific Northwest. Numerous barista champions worked on bar for Zoka.

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