foam should be dialed in, dense not airy — that's the test of a real espresso bar

ask the bartender what they're proud of right now, that's usually the move

a safe order at almost any place — if this is bad, the menu has bigger problems

the kitchen's dessert menu tells you a lot — order this and find out

1:1 espresso to milk, the perfect midday pick-me-up without the bloat of a latte