ELIO, Wharfside St, Mailbox

Located inside the Mailbox complex, Elio is a cozy and lovely-looking spot, perfect for lounging. Unfortunately, it’s not so perfect for espresso, which is classic acidic La Marzocco, though definitely not the worst I’ve tried in this peculiar niche. You…

Ciaro Italian Coffee Shop, Gas Street, Birmingham

CIARO, Gas Street

Ciaro is a little Italian coffee shop by the canal, not far from Brindleyplace. With just a few tables inside and a handful more outside, it’s a cozy spot worth visiting (off-topic: they recently opened a deli restaurant next door…

Espresso Station coffee shop, Moor Street, Birmingham

ESPRESSO STATION, Moor Street

Man, that is flagrant false advertising. When you name your business “Espresso Station,” you’re setting expectations high. The problem is that even if the store had a different name and you approached their coffee with modest anticipation, you would still…

E L & N coffee shop in Birmingham

E L & N, New Street

The triumph of the form. Stepping over the threshold feels like entering a flowery world of pastel colors. They put great effort into every tiny detail at EL&N, making everything cute, from the cutlery holders to the bags of sugar.…