This literal hole-in-the-wall cafe is one of Pitts...
This literal hole-in-the-wall cafe is one of Pittsburgh's bright hidden gems. As a former Seattle-area native, I have an appreciation for--and certain loyalty to--the Starbucks brand. That said, 21st Street Coffee blows them out of the water.
It is a little more expensive than a chain coffee shop, and portion sizes are smaller. As far as I can tell, this is because they are more concerned with the quality of your coffee experience than the volume of coffee they serve. And boy, do they deliver. My first visit, I had a simple cup of coffee: it was fruity and complex, hot but not scalding, and easily some of the best coffee I've ever had. My second visit, I had a cappuccino. This is an *actual* cappuccino, not the cinnamon-flavored sugar punch you get some places. The perfect combination of foamed milk and espresso, coming together in a flavor profile like an ultra-dark chocolate bar.
The baristas are friendly and skilled, and the shop is cozy. This will definitely become my go-to downtown coffee stop. My only disappointment: I rarely have enough time to sit and stay awhile.