Saturdays require a refined sort fuel, a job for espresso masters. I have a fear of putting my caffeine addiction at the mercy of a slapdash barista, but at Ninth Street Espresso I can relax, because I know I’m in good hands. Don’t try to order a highly-customized half-decaf non-fat extra-foam something-or-other with an extra shot in a venti cup. Simply order “a cappuccino” ($3.50) and perfection results. A perfectly-poured cup with just the right amount of rich foam in relation to bold, sweet espresso, with a design of a heart, or a leaf, dribbled into the top.

If that’s not reward enough for your week’s labor, there’s visual stimulation as well. The clientele is mostly young-ish, stylish, and chatting quietly or reading something that looks like it has more words than pictures. Maybe it’s the not-exactly kid-friendly rules posted over the bar (“Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free dog”) or the location (avenue C) but this place attracts some of the yummiest, potentially-single eyecandy this side of the East River. Frequently the music pumping through the speakers of this little corner of the universe is awesome.

And there you are, revived and sailing forth from the far East Village to take on your weekend.

Update Feb ’08: I see they’re now serving baked goods from Balthazar at the counter!

The art of cupping at Ninth Street

Ninth Street Espresso, 700 East Ninth Street at Avenue C
7 am – 8 pm