Sweetleaf (CLOSED)

Coffee ace Rich Nieto brings the game-changing La Marzocco Strada EP, the Porsche of espresso machines, to his first Brooklyn outpost. Most machines blast out highly pressurized water automatically, but this sleek gadget features an "EP"—a state-of-the-art electronic paddle, similar to a handheld gas pedal, that allows baristas to adjust the pressure as they pull a shot, resulting in a smoother, fuller espresso. While the Strada EP offers more control, it's much harder to master, and Nieto spent a few hair-pulling months tinkering with it. He thinks the effort is worth it: Baristas can tailor the pressure, as well as the temperature, to every single coffee, whether it's a delicate, floral variety or a robust, chocolaty brew. Brooklynite bean nerds can also get a cup of joe from the Hario V60 pour-over bar, or pick up top-notch tools (Bartaza Virtuoso grinders, press pots) and java from roasters like Ritual and Stumptown. But it's not all about serious coffee geekery: The laid-back, 30-seat spot also features a foosball table, comfy chairs and a communal wood table, plus home-baked goodies, like ham-and-cheese croissants and carrot cake.