Palio Paninoteca

Location: 505 Montgomery Street, San Francisco

Reviewed: August 1, 2007

Espresso: My request was for a single, and I had to repeat "for here" two or three times to make sure they figured it out. I was ultimately given probably 1.25-1.5oz. of liquid in a cup with a capacity of about twice that volume. The crema was of moderate thickness and was even in color, darker than hazelnut, but not to a medium-brown. It was fairly well balanced, full-bodied, and tasted of a simple milk chocolate.

Atmosphere: This is really more of a deli with a separate counter for coffee service. As such, it is appointed a bit more like a deli inasmuch as the tables and chairs are concerned, etc. It's large, light, and open.

Verdict: Since it's not actually a coffeeshop per se, it's among the best in its class.