Caffe Luxxe

Contributor

Citysearch

In Short
Imported straight from Milan, this shop employs a northern Italian technique that is meticulously carried out by baristas whose overwhelming knowledge is a far cry from the fast-coffee chain gang. Using espresso methodologies that range from old Italy to Seattle, the staff at this cool, tri-toned cafe extract rich and velvety espressos into petite eight-ounce cups--the way it should be. The ristretto ("restricted" short espresso) experts factor in temperature, extraction rate and coarseness to create an intense "God Shot." The walls are bare, the decorations are minimal and even the pastries, which are made by Breadbar, are limited, but all are done intentionally so as to not lose focus on their specialty, a bella tazza di espresso.

Hits: Perfect for an afternoon tete-a-tete with a friend or a much-needed break from a day of shopping on Montana, the simple, but chic cafe is comfortable and cool (in both senses) with its metal tables and chairs.

Misses: Other than coffee and some pastries, the shop doesn't offer any lunch options.