I just began dabbling in the art of the espresso and have always had this place in the back of my head for when I got a machine of my own. They have sacks of beans that are roasted for that week only and will grind the beans for you to the consistency you desire.
I'm a newbie when it comes to coffee and espresso so I came into the store a few days ago with a bunch of questions. The girl there was very helpful and pointed me away from the espresso beans on display and said for a really good espresso they blend three beans on request. I told her I'd be back in a few days when I got my new machine.
Today I biked down and spoke to the manager of the store who was just as helpful. She made the blend for me which was something smooth, something mocha, and something dark. I can't remember the actual names. She ground the beans for me in a burr grinder (the only way to grind espresso nicely) and told me they were fresh enough that I could maaaybe squeeze a month out of them. The connoisseurs out there might disagree with that statement but a beginner like me would never know the difference. Knowing the special flavor you get out of a freshly ground espresso I made a cup, unadulterated, the second I got home. It created a nice caramel colored crema that was about 1/4" thick and was the darkest espresso I think I'd ever had (not saying much but still a compliment!). It was really good and really bitter in only the way a great espresso can be. Those of you who enjoy IPAs and really hoppy beers will understand how "bitter" can be used in a good way.
I'll definitely be back since it's a quick ride down the street. I'm sorry to say I haven't really tasted their in-house drinks except once a year ago. I honestly can't remember what I had or how it tasted but a place that roasts and grinds their own beans should definitely know how to make a killer coffee drink. Lemme know if I'm wrong!