Where should I buy fresh coffee beans for espresso?

Best options for fresh espresso beans: (1) local specialty roasters — you can verify roast dates and get expert recommendations, (2) direct-from-roaster online subscriptions (Blue Bottle, Onyx, Counter Culture, Heart), (3) coffee-focused subscription services. Avoid grocery store coffee unless it has a clear roast date — most grocery store beans are weeks or months old. Fresh beans make a significant, immediately noticeable difference in shot quality.