Espresso and the sort..

Good evening folks, I hope all of you are doing well. I am currently on the hunt for a nice cafe that I can go to, read a book, and have a nice cup of espresso, or maybe a cappucino. I used to go to Starbucks, but they were too busy and didn't make a great espresso. Mimi's is nice for the price, but the restaurant side of it makes me not want to sit for too long without ordering something new. Now I am just sitting at home with a cup of homemade Joe, but it doesn't compare on a Saturday morning at a cafe with my new favorite book. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

Day's in the Highlands (1420 Bardstown Road) is my go-to place. Best iced lattes of any place, anywhere. Decent WiFi. Never too loud. Can rotate spots between tables and couches. Ample parking in back.

[Robin Garr]

Noticing that you're in the South End, didn't Sunergos recently open a spot on Woodlawn? Their original spot near Preston and Eastern Parkway is nice, too. And further east, the various Heine Bros. shops seem like they'd meet your needs. The one on Frankfort Avenue is our clubhouse.

Noticing that you're in the South End, didn't Sunergos recently open a spot on Woodlawn? Their original spot near Preston and Eastern Parkway is nice, too. And further east, the various Heine Bros. shops seem like they'd meet your needs. The one on Frankfort Avenue is our clubhouse.

I am indeed in southern Louisville, but I don't mind a drive to the east side/downtown if it means a nice place. Thanks both of you for your suggestions, I'll have to try these places out. =)

I'll also have to make a stop at the Frankfort Ave. Heine Brothers, I typically stop at the one in the Highlands if I go to one, it's pretty nice but that one is usually filled with loud teenagers.

I typically stop at the one in the Highlands if I go to one, it's pretty nice but that one is usually filled with loud teenagers.

The Frankfort Ave location is much quieter than either of the Highlands locations. I'm in there a lot and the M.O. seems to be either people getting their coffee to go or sitting and working or reading.

I'll give another thumbs up to Heine Bros on Frankfort. At any of them just go before the teenagers wake up, say before 3 pm.

[Robin Garr]

The Frankfort Ave location is much quieter than either of the Highlands locations. I'm in there a lot and the M.O. seems to be either people getting their coffee to go or sitting and working or reading.

Due to its proximity to both the Presbyterian/Mainline and the Baptist seminaries, it is also often nicknamed "Seminary Heine's". Don't be surprised if you see a lot of people sitting around studying Hebrew or Greek or talking about Dietrich Bonhoffer.

If it's not too far from you, the Vint on Hwy 22 by Holiday Manor is a great space. I've heard good things about Sister Bean's out by Iroquois park, but I've not been there.

For the money, I think Highland Coffee makes the best lattes. They are in the now named Urban Outfitters Plaza in the Highlands, across from Lilly's and Keith's Hardware.

It would be a haul for you, but I've always really liked Java Brewing Company in Landis Lakes (Shelbyville/Gene Snyder). They have a nice indoor area and a patio too. Always very relaxed in there.

[Robin Garr]

Still thinking about Frankfort Avenue, the neighborhood outlet of Vint (near Irish Rover) has a very pleasant atmosphere. I'm a little wary of Vint, which somehow comes across as just a little more corporate/Starbucksy than the Heine's/Days/Sunergos/etc indies, but based on your description, I think you might like it for relaxing with a book. Especially when cooler weather returns and the fireplace is on.

Also, Cafe Classico on Frankfort at Clifton has evolved from a coffeehouse into a restaurant, but it still does outstanding espresso service and has an attractive atmosphere, not so much crunchy granola as a cool Madrid/Buenos Aires vibe. I like it a lot.

I'm pretty exclusively a Heine Bros person but I'll have to give Vint a try. I haven't been in there since it was Allo Spiedo and I want to give a very, very belated thumbs up to Giampaolo Bianconcini (I hope I spelled that right) who turned a once KFC (can you believe that?) into that great space.

[Robin Garr]

I want to give a very, very belated thumbs up to Giampaolo Bianconcini (I hope I spelled that right) who turned a once KFC (can you believe that?) into that great space.

I believe you did! It should be noted, though, that Bim Deitrich (mabye with Giampaolo?) turned the KFC into a great space as the late, lamented Allo Spiedo long before Java Brewing (Father of Vint) cut a lease deal and drove him out.

Sunergos on Woodlawn next to Annie Cafe - we like their coffee and Java's the best for espresso. We pull our shots at home as I have not found really good espresso anywhere in Louisville. The Italians will spoil you.

Sunergos on Woodlawn next to Annie Cafe - we like their coffee and Java's the best for espresso. We pull our shots at home as I have not found really good espresso anywhere in Louisville. The Italians will spoil you.

Just out of curiosity, what is it you don't like about Sunergos' espresso?

I like Java on the corner of Murray and Bardstown Rd. Nice spot plus you can walk to the shops and whatnot on Bardstown if you get bored.

I get espresso and crepes there often. They sell beer & wine too.