07/15/07

Best Americano in the City

by guarnacci

Hands down the best Americano in the city. From the beautiful,aromatic and tasty crema to the actual brew for which you can taste all the nuances of coffee flavor! I know I sound like an advertisement but what you will actually taste in your cup is actually what "over the counter" super market coffee makers purport. I never really understood what they were speaking of until I had this cup of java.

I enjoy a cup whenever I can...even if I have already had too much caffeine!

• Pros: Great Coffee

07/01/07

Overpriced average coffee.

by scrillas

For the price I paid for my latte, I would have expected it to be the best latte I ever had. I ordered a small latte ($3.70), which was about 10-12 oz. and added vanilla flavoring ($0.75) for a total of $4.45. What I am looking for when I take my first sip is how strong and flavorful the espresso is. What I tasted was something along the lines of steamed vanilla milk with a hint of espresso. Now I'm not saying I'm a coffee expert, but I do know what a good latte should taste like and this was not it. If I had to compare, I would say this was something I could get from a Starbucks, but at alomst double the price. So I decided to walk down the street to Caffe Trieste and order the same drink for comparison. (about a $1 cheaper and same size) The latte from Caffe Trieste was what I was looking for in taste and quality. It had bold, flavorful espresso taste and was piping hot. If this was any indication of better quality, there was a line at Caffe Trieste with about five people in front of me and then started growing behind me, but no line at Caffe Roma. I believe the coffee is only as good as the person making it. I was disappointed and recommend you try other coffee houses around North Beach first.

• Pros: No waiting in line
• Cons: Mediocre latte and way overpriced

01/29/07

Coffee and the Mayor

by glowstyxx

This place had a good vibe the minute I entered. In this rather political city, the patrons and the staff were talking about the frequent weekday visits by the mayor for his caffeine fix. The staff were young, spirited and up-beat. My double cappucino, served in an oversized mug, and almond croissant (why didn't I get the pastry in the case?@#!...next time) were quickly served and tasty. The cappucino was rich and flavorful. Next time, skip the croissant (it was not a unique Caffe Roma treat) and order an eye-pleasing pastry from the glass case.

• Pros: Pefect cappucino and upbeat staff
• Cons: The camera crew in the back, wrapping up a Q&A session with city staff