Caffè — Italy's espresso bar tradition

In Italy, the word caffè refers both to the espresso itself and, informally, to the drink's home — though locals usually call the venue a bar rather than a "caffè." Espresso bars are found on nearly every street in Italian towns and cities, typically compact spaces built around a busy counter rather than rows of tables.

Most Italian coffee bars operate on two tiers of service: drinking standing at the counter (al banco), which is quick and typically the cheaper option, or sitting at a table, which usually costs more and comes with waiter service. The pace at the counter is brisk — many locals drink an espresso in a couple of minutes standing up rather than lingering over it.

Ordering "un caffè" gets you an espresso by default; other drinks are named specifically, such as a caffè macchiato (with a dash of milk foam) or a caffè lungo (pulled with more water for a longer shot). Milky drinks like cappuccino are traditionally treated as a morning order in Italy and are less commonly ordered later in the day — a strong custom rather than an enforced rule.