Aldo Coffee Co

We'd read about this place online and we love our cappuccinos. So we found our way to Mt. Lebanon and Aldos where we met John. John is a master of all things coffee. While you can get the usual tall and venti to-go cups with a larger chain-style (John called it ""American"") cappuccino here, what John (and we understand all the baristas) will recommend a traditional Italian-style cappuccino in a 6 ounce ceramic cup. Even though the larger cappuccino drink costs more and probably has a bigger profit margin, the baristas here will tell you every time that the bigger drink is on the menu just because people have come to expect a to-go cappuccino. But cappuccinos are much better when sipped from a smaller ceramic cup while still warm. Of course we knew this, but it was rad hearing it from a barman who's job is supposed to be to sell me the most expensive thing, isn't it? Not here. And the foam? The best we've seen in town. No dry spoon-fed big bubbly foam - it's all sweet microfoam poured right from the pitcher. We went back for seconds and added a couple of sfogliatelles (imported from Jersey and finished here). It's a bit out of the way for us to make it a regular stop, but whenever we're in Mt. Lebanon, we'll make it a point to stop by in the future. more

I've yet to have a better traditional espresso or cappuccino in Pittsburgh - or all of PA for that matter. Nobody else in town does milkfoam as well as the bar staff here. Other Pittsburgh shops seem to rely on baristas looks, attitiudes and sweet drinks (and you can find syrupy stuff here too), but really the Aldo baristas have the best skills in the region and get the details. Belle and some other baristas there compete regionally and nationally. IMO, they're every bit as good as top espresso shops from bigger cities with more established cafe cultures... but it's in a business district in a sleepy suburb. Move downtown or Oakland or Shadyside so more people can find you and taste the goods! Pros: espresso, cappuccino, free wireless, desserts Cons: mt. lebanon more

You want a good cup of coffee? You've come to the right place! Aldo coffee rocks! The house blend, French Roast, Varietal of the day, or the Decaf ..... all in a word: fabulous! And the baristas are first class! Talk about friendly! Have them pour you a vanilla latte and you'll be thrilled to find a ""rosetta"" or a ""heart."" And the chicken caesar wrap - yum!! Visit their web-site for a great blog!!! Pros: latte art, free internet service, great customer service more

Espresso fanatics talk about the four ""Ms"": macchina (espresso maker), macinazione (grind), miscela (espresso blend) and mano (the barista's hand). Aldo's has all four down pat: a two-group LaMarzocco Linea, both Swift and Mazzer grinders, Black Cat from Intelligentsia and the only baristas in Pittsburgh to have competed nationally in both skills and latte art competitions.\r \r The result is the best espresso drinks we've had between NY and Chicago.\r \r And the panini ain't bad either. The North Beach is a good veggie option - 1/2 a ciabattina with mozz, red & yellow peppers, balsamic, fresh basil, mashed artichoke spread and a tomato aioli. Pros: Espresso drinks made with Black Cat, mad barista skills Cons: Wireless isn't free yet. more