How to find a good espresso coffee shop
We do not rank espresso shops, because we have not visited them. To choose one, check that the menu is clear about shots, ask how big a shot is, and compare recent reviews. USDA lists restaurant-prepared espresso at 212 mg of caffeine and 36 kcal per 100 g, about 63 mg and 11 kcal per fluid ounce.
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In this article
This page used to promise the best espresso shops in a city but named none. We do not rank shops, since we have not visited them. Here is how to choose one and how espresso compares with a cup of coffee.
What to look for in an espresso shop
- Look at the menu. A short menu that lists the espresso, the milk drinks and the sizes (single, double) usually means the shop focuses on coffee.
- Ask what is in the cup. Staff can tell you the size of a shot and whether a drink is a single or a double.
- Check the cup size and extras. Syrups, cream and large milk drinks add calories far beyond the coffee itself.
- Read recent reviews from several sites, not one. Reviews are opinions, so look for the same point repeated.
Espresso vs brewed coffee (USDA, per 100 g)
| Espresso (restaurant-prepared) | Brewed coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | 212 mg | 40 mg |
| Calories | 36 kcal | 2 kcal |
Espresso is more concentrated, but a shot is small. One fluid ounce of espresso (29.6 g) has about 63 mg of caffeine, while an 8 fluid ounce cup (237 g) of brewed coffee has about 95 mg.
How much caffeine is too much?
The FDA cites 400 mg a day for most adults, and advises people who are pregnant or breastfeeding to ask their provider.
Quick summary
- No ranking of shops; use maps and several review sites.
- Espresso is more concentrated, but a cup of brewed coffee can have as much caffeine in total.
General information, not medical advice. If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, ask your doctor about caffeine.
People also ask
What makes a good espresso?
Taste is personal. We found no official standard we could cite. Look for a shop where the shot is made to order and the staff can tell you what they use.
Is espresso stronger than regular coffee?
Per fluid ounce, yes: USDA lists espresso at 212 mg of caffeine per 100 g and brewed coffee at 40 mg per 100 g. A whole cup of brewed coffee is bigger, so it can contain more in total.
How many espresso shots a day is too many?
The FDA cites 400 mg of caffeine a day for most adults. At about 63 mg per fluid ounce (USDA), that is a limit across all your drinks, not only espresso.
Sources
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