The thread discussing the merits (or otherwise) of coffee chains made me think that a more interesting topic would be a discussion of the best independent coffee bars, where coffee is a labor of love and where the world's best espresso and cappuccino are served.

Here are a few to get started:

New York City (E. 73rd St): Via Quadronno. IMHO serves the best cappuccino outside Milan.

Boston: Caffe Vittoria (Hannover St). Great espresso.

London: Bar Italia (Frith St, Soho). The archetypal Italian coffee bar, serving the best cappuccino in London

London: Caffe Vergnano 1882 (Charing Cross Rd). the best espresso in London. The have have an incredible Elektra Bell Epoque Q1-C espresso machine, of which only a handful are made a year.

Boulder, CO: Joe's Espresso (30th St). Joe is one of those guys who lives and breathes coffee. Best latte (and latte art) in Colorado.