Sometimes I find myself mulling about a city that is unfamiliar to me. Well, I guess this happens quite often actually. Coupled with that, I usually require coffee all day long, and something I really enjoy is finding a great cup. Unfortunately, its like looking for a needle in a haystack! See, coffee is one thing that is overlooked by far too many. I drink my coffee straight, or black if you will. With the vast majority of coffee drinkers polluting their beverages with various modifiers (read cream and sugar…BLAH!), its not surprising that coffee shops and restaurants have no problem selling the cheapest, crappiest coffees they can. My coffee palate is complex, and therefore it won’t settle for the usual.

Some things I look for when I’m seeking a good….nope, wait a minute, a great cup of coffee are……..

Manual Espresso Machines

First, the overall appearance of the place. I’m not going to walk into a sandwich shop looking for great coffee. Same goes for any eatery really, with the exception of very very few. I look for down home, mom and pop, independent, little guy, whatever coffee shops. Yes, coffee shops, cafes. Thats where you are going to find great coffee if its available. Next, once I’ve decided to give it a go and walk inside, I look for an espresso machine. Without an espresso machine, my brain immediately sends a message to my tongue say “turn around, get out while you can!” So, I’ve found an espresso machine. I’m not necessarily going to order an espresso (which you should also be drinking without pollution!) although I tend to dig into those later in the day. NOW……Is that machine a push button, self tamping, what you see is what you get Starbucks gimmick?

Single Origin Coffees

Next, what is available for coffee by the cup? Am I finding myself staring at a menu that states DARK, MEDIUM and nothing more? I recommend looking for a little more information than that! Something along the lines of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Guatemalan Huehuetanango for instance. Finding coffees that are offered as single origins, with country and region specified usually tells you that the owners have a better understanding of great coffees. Look for tempting descriptions to go along with these coffees, as this will probably tell you that whoever is in charge of sourcing the coffee is probably cupping it as well.

Internet Cafes

I tend to avoid internet cafes, as they are usually extremely busy, noisy and the coffee may not be that great either. But, many cafes are now offering free Wi-Fi to their customers. It may not be advertised in the cafe, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Many coffee shop owners avoid advertising free internet access simply to keep crowds to a minimum.

If you, in your travels manage to find a great cafe offering wonderful, unique coffees. Be sure to let us know so we can list it here at ‘The Best Cup Of Coffee’.