The cafe-factor in Florence is rather low, in the perception that coffee culture is more about a quick espresso while standing up in a 'snack bar' than hanging around for hours in some lounge, or relaxing on a terrace in a leafy square. Instead, the few terraces tend to be rather sad efforts perched on the pavement in narrow traffic-heavy streets, outside bad restaurants that serve tourists who want to eat outside and do not otherwise recognize poor and overpriced pizza and pasta. Sitting inside, meanwhile, has little to tempt the idle cafe lover, since comfortable furniture is nowhere to be found. All we could do was hope for a decent bite to eat, a glass of drinkable Chianti classico, and a reasonable spot for a morning espresso and croissant.

The word "bar," maybe an English word, has a much different meaning in Italy than in the United States. Besides drinks from cappuccino to whiskey, you can find pastries for breakfast, or sandwiches, pasta, and pizza for lunch. Bars that display the black or white "T" on the outside often have cigarettes, bus and lottery tickets, stamps, and phone cards.

Italians go to the "bar" also to meet up with friends or colleagues daily to discuss everything from politics to the latest soccer games. The offerings at each bar vary, and you will know quickly which ones you prefer. You may also establish a relationship with the bar staff and become a regular yourself!

In Italy, and generally in important tourist cities like Florence, there are two different prices for things consumed standing al banco (at the bar) and a tavola (seated at a table). An espresso served by a waiter at a table can be trip the price of one consumed while standing at the bar. When you are seated at a table, you are paying not only for your coffee, but you are also "renting" the table.

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