Look, I get it. When you’re standing in that coffee aisle staring at grinders ranging from $25 to $300, finding the best coffee grinder under $100 feels impossible. I’m James, and three years ago I was in your exact shoes—working as a barista in NYC, making decent coffee at work but drinking terrible coffee…

My name is James, and for nearly a decade, I worked as a barista in a bustling café in downtown New York City. The café life was fast-paced, filled with long lines of customers, endless espresso shots, and the constant hum of conversation. Coffee was more than my job—it was my passion. I studied…

My name’s James, and for years I worked as a barista in the heart of New York City. If you’ve ever been in a café during the morning rush, you know the madness: steam wands hissing, grinders whirring, and customers lined up with one thing on their mind—coffee. I lived off espresso shots, not…

By James – Former NYC Café Professional & Coffee Expert When I first started working behind the espresso machine at a bustling Manhattan café back in 2018, I’ll admit I was one of those coffee snobs who scoffed at decaf orders. “Why bother?” I’d think, as I pulled shots of what I considered “fake…