when i was last in rome, i had espresso every morning at the counter of the local coffee joint every morning like a don. ever since i got back the burgh, i have been looking for a spot to get good espresso with no real luck. until i went to espresso a mano.
the first time i ordered espresso there, the barista made it twice and tossed it because she wasn't happy with the quality. the third try? amaaaaazing! gotta love a barista that actually takes pride in her job and is great at it!
add to that the fact that the music is good and there is a nice (although maybe a little too quiet), open-air atmosphere AND there are monks there from time to time AND they hold normal coffee hours, and this is my favorite new spot in my hood.