At Frontside Coffee Roasters in North Conway, coffee is more than just caffeine. It’s ritual, fuel for adventure, and a reason to slow down and connect for a minute.

Traveling always gives me perspective on how different places experience coffee, and nowhere feels more different from the U.S. than Italy.

As a mountain biker, I’ve spent a good amount of time in Finale Ligure, a town known for world-class trails and equally serious espresso culture. Every time I go back, I’m reminded how differently Italians approach coffee compared to how we do it here in the States.

And honestly? I love both for different reasons.

Espresso Is the Standard

In Italy, coffee is simple.

Walk into a café and order “un caffè,” and you’ll get a single espresso shot. No sizes. No endless modifications. Just espresso, usually served standing at the bar for about a euro.

Meanwhile in the U.S., coffee is all about options. Cold brew, maple lattes, oat milk flat whites, giant iced coffees, we treat coffee like a choose-your-own-adventure.

One of my favorite things in Finale is stopping mid-ride for a quick espresso before heading back onto the trails. Spots like Caffè Borgo are constantly buzzing with locals walking in, throwing back a shot, chatting for a minute, then heading back to work or out toward the mountains.

Back home, post-ride coffee usually looks very different. Bigger drinks, slower pace, hanging out for awhile.

Coffee Stops Are Fast

One thing that still surprises me in Italy is how quick coffee culture is.

People stop in multiple times a day, drink an espresso in two sips, exchange a few words, and move on. Coffee is woven into the rhythm of the day, but it’s rarely an hours-long event.

In the U.S., cafés are more like gathering spaces. People work remotely, meet friends, answer emails, or settle in for a couple hours.

In Finale, riders grab a shot at the bar and head straight back to the shuttle. In North Conway, our café is usually more of a landing zone after the ride, somewhere to hang out, refuel, and talk trails for awhile.

Tradition vs. Creativity

Italian coffee culture is deeply rooted in tradition.

There are unwritten rules:

• Cappuccinos are for mornings.

• A macchiato is just espresso with a touch of milk.

• Syrups and over-the-top customizations aren’t really part of the experience.

And honestly, there’s something refreshing about that simplicity.

At the same time, American coffee culture is fun because it’s constantly evolving. Seasonal drinks, different brew methods, experimental roasts, plant-based milks.  There’s always room for creativity.

That balance is something we think about a lot at Frontside. We care deeply about dialing in espresso properly and respecting the craft, but we also love building seasonal drinks and trying new coffees that keep things interesting.

Community vs. Individuality

One thing I really admire in Italy is how communal coffee feels.

Groups of riders will walk into a café, order the exact same espresso, drink it together, then head back out. The drink itself almost feels secondary to the ritual.

In the U.S., coffee tends to be a little more personal. Everyone has their order. And honestly, that’s fun too.

If ten riders walked into Frontside after a ride, we’d probably end up making ten completely different drinks, and that kind of variety is part of American café culture.

Tips for Ordering Coffee in Italy

If you ever find yourself in Finale or traveling through Italy, here are a few quick tips:

• Order “un caffè” if you want espresso.

• Drink at the bar if you want the local experience (and the cheaper price).

• Don’t order a cappuccino in the afternoon unless you want tourist status immediately.

• Carry small bills or coins — coffee is usually only €1–2.

• Don’t expect endless customizations. Simplicity is kind of the whole point.

The Best of Both Worlds

What I love most about coffee in Italy is the reminder that coffee doesn’t have to be complicated. There’s something special about standing at the bar, drinking a perfect espresso in two sips, and heading off toward the trails.

But I also love the creativity of American coffee culture. A maple latte on a cold fall morning, a bright single-origin pour over, or an ice-cold brew after a summer ride, those experiences matter too.

At Frontside Coffee Roasters, we try to bring a little bit of both worlds together: respecting tradition while still keeping things creative, approachable, and fun.

Whether you’re looking for a classic cappuccino or a cold brew before your next adventure, stop by the café in North Conway or check out our coffees online.