If you could take just one photo: Toper coffee roaster and sample roaster

Café Brioso is a true leader in Central Ohio specialty coffee. If you are fortunate enough to have previously enjoyed craft-roasted coffee from some of the best third-wave roasters in the U.S., then Brioso's brews will contend with these standards. All coffee is roasted onsite. Roastmaster Jeff Davis tweaks out the finest flavors from some of the best beans currently on the international market. Unique to Café Brioso, several of the same coffees are roasted to different levels—both “full city” and “Vienna.” This offers a chance to taste the cup characteristics imparted by the roast level. Café Brioso offers two different proprietary espresso blends and impressive latte art. While there, buy a half-pound of coffee to take with you—especially if the Full City Ethiopian Sidama is available.

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If you could take just one photo: Coffee pour-over bar and espresso

Luck Bros. deserves a mention in any discussion of Third Wave coffee in Columbus. No one in Central Ohio serves better coffee and espresso. No one is Central Ohio is more passionate about outstanding specialty coffee. Several of the roasters are on par with Luck Bros. in coffee and passion, but none surpass them. The staff will delight in growing your coffee knowledge and appreciation. They offer coffees freshly roasted by many of the best Third Wave roasters in the country (Intelligentsia, Counter Culture Coffee, Ritual Coffee, Gimmee! Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters and others) and locally. Ask the barista what coffees are offered on their Brew Bar. Start with a Brew Bar pour-over of your choice and then get a shot of espresso.

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If you could take just one photo: closeup:swirling milk atop mug of latte

Quirky characters take your order, pouring the best coffee this side of the Hudson. You take your steaming mug over to a small brown table, or if it's crowded, to the stools near the window ledge. You can read, plug in your devices, conduct a meeting, admire the artwork on the walls or just vege. On warm days, you can sit outside the store on a bench and watch people lining up for Tarrytown Hall, strolling in and out of antique stores, buying wool, shopping for specialty food items. On certain weekend nights, a musician or two provides a musical backdrop to your reveries about the people around you.

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If you could take just one photo: Pour over, vacuum pot, Chemex... oh my!

Baltimore's Spro is two parts test kitchen to one part coffee house, and with no music other than the buzzing of the burr grinders, the reverent atmosphere is also part church. You come to Spro if you take coffee seriously. When you place your order, not only do you specify the roast, you'll also choose from one of seven brew methods. All these methods are brew to order and guarantee that you're tasting these beans at their most glorious. This could all be intimidating if you don't have a Barista Arts degree from Intelligentsia, but the staff will guide you through this blown-glass jungle. When you hear a barista passionately explaining to a group of old ladies why their cup of coffee cost seven dollars, you're going to want to quit your day job to join the team at Spro.

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If you could take just one photo: A shot from the arcade

Joe Coffee in Grand Central is a caffeine oasis in midtown. Whether you're catching a train, headed to the Apple Store upstairs, or just happen to be in this wasteland for great coffee, Joe beckons. You'll find the same high quality as at the other seven Joe locations, baristas who know their brews, and Ecco coffee on the Fetco tap and pulled on a La Marzocco GS3.

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If you could take just one photo: The general store's shelves

Five minutes away from the lively scene on Bedford Street, Marlow and Sons in South Williamsburg features some of the best roasters in the nation—notably, Four Barrel Coffee, Terroir, Handsome Roasters, and George Howell. The leading barista behind the bar is easily remembered because he remembers you, even after just one visit, and provides top-notch service. What people could perceive as cramped could also be viewed as cozy, as you pull up a stool in the cafe-turned-general store in front of shelves of handmade leather bags, high-quality denim jeans, or whatever strikes Marlow and Sons' fancy. The general store setup encourages you to browse their offerings. Beyond clothing, they have local artisan foods such as chocolate, and most importantly, bags of their selected coffee to take home. Sip on one of the carefully chosen espressos as you browse the items, or pair it with a homemade biscuit with cream and blood-orange marmalade.

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If you could take just one photo: The long bar and cappuccino maker

It's hip and trendy—but not so hip it hurts. This popular casual haunt offers up strong espresso drinks as well as artisanal chocolate and pastries. It's the ideal stop on a Saturday morning, a place to refuel between errands. The large wooden table at the back offers a safe haven for wifi users. There are always plenty of people sitting there, lingering over coffee and leaning over their iPads, BlackBerries ,or other devices.

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If you could take just one photo: Long shot of counter and seating

There is a special magic in the atmosphere of Espresso Bueno. You step off Main Street into calm with an underlying mood to spark creativity. Great music is playing. The staff serve exceptional coffee and pastries. A rotating art show graces the pumpkin walls. Stop in anytime and choose from a variety of seating options. Watch the vagabond street life of Barre from the large windows. New additions include a breakfast menu and evening entertainment several times a month featuring live music and games. Small plates and beer and wine are served on those nights.

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