Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Santa Barbara

I went in for a quick espresso and some computer time on the alleyway.

The espresso was officially "sniffed" by the barista before it was presented to me. I have never witnessed a sniffing before. She said that she wants to pick up the different smells that each batch that is roasted produces and this was evidently a new batch.

I can tell you from the look that the espresso was drawn properly. From the taste, nice mid-palate and lean, with more citrus flavors than mocha. The temperature was exactly right. 

The picture above is one of the owners, cyclist turned coffee roaster/barista. They roast on a regular if not daily basis in small lots. I'd come back here.