Andrew B.
Yelp
Located on Laurel Street south of Magazine and a few blocks north of the riverbank, Cherry Espresso Bar is situated in a more quiet location compared to other contemporary and "hip" shops in New Orleans, yet still offers an impressive selection of coffees, pastries and food in an relaxing and well-curated space that makes it, so far, one of the better places I've been in the city. I visited for the first time this morning, and will more than likely be back.
The interior of the space is relatively open and simple, with a section devoted to two-seater tables, bar seating along the wall opposite from the barista station, and two cozier seating sections towards the front - one involving a green leather couch and armchairs arranged around a coffee table, the other comprised of a red velvet booth accompanied by two tables for three or four people, respectively. I enjoyed the seating arrangements, as they allowed people to have different options for either doing work, having a meeting, or enjoying one of the espresso bar's food options - like a salad or quiche. Towards the front of the space, a couple of men were conducting some sort of an informal interview, while others worked quietly along the bar, others read on the green couch, and I worked on my laptop at one of the tables for two towards the back. Despite having such a quantity and variety of people in the open space, everyone seemed quite comfortable and at-ease. There was also a collection of art displayed across the walls of the shop from a local painter, which I enjoyed glancing at as I waited for my espresso.
I ordered a cortado made with the house blend and a dark chocolate brownie topped with an espresso-chocolate ganache. Before I even took a sip, the cortado was impressive - filled to the tippy-top with milk in the pattern of a fern leaf. Even though these kinds of aesthetic touches can be found in many espresso bars, I appreciate them nonetheless. The cortado tasted great, and paired nicely with the brownie - which was among the best ready-made pastries that I'd ever had at a coffee shop. The brownie itself was rich and tasty, and the ganache on top had the clear taste of espresso without its overpowering bitterness. I'd consider coming in again just to pick up a few of these and take them home.
The espresso bar also offers tasting flights, in which something like a macchiato made with their house blend will be paired side-by-side with a shot of single-origin espresso - while I didn't try one of these flights on my visit, I'd imagine that a more apt coffee connoisseur would appreciate the ability to try drinks in contrast to one another before deciding on a future drink purchase, or before ordering coffee for their home. When I visited, they had two options available - a house blend and a Huila Especial from Colombia. I also purchased a bag of Cherry's Lagniappe blend, which involves some mysterious - yet admittedly delicious - blend of Colombian and Brazilian coffees that conjure a semblance of peanut butter, mandarin and milk chocolate.
Altogether, I enjoyed Cherry Espresso Bar. I'd visit again, but I'm not quite sure if I would make it a recurrent visit, since it is located a decent distance from the Saint Charles streetcar line - however I think there is a bus route that runs near the shop. I'd also likely visit here when the weather is nicer, since it's located just across the street from a public park that has a basketball court and a walking path that I imagine would be much more enjoyable while not in the peak heat of July. I'd recommend this place to friends and acquaintances or suggest it for interviews or meetings - I'd especially refer Cherry to my more coffee-adept friends.