Before laptops glowed ubiquitously in cafes throughout the city, at a time when the visionary Mr. Peet was roasting coffee beans for his Vine Street shop, Berkeley’s Caffé Espresso (the official name had two “f’s”) operated beside a small alley on Hearst Avenue on the north side of campus. One of the first espresso cafes in Berkeley, Caffé Espresso was founded by three Italian brothers: Enzo, being the eldest, was manager. He was the embodiment of what the Italians call, La Bella Figura, “the beautiful figure.” It connotes a way of life that embodies grace and beauty and presents a good image in proper form. Whether behind the counter or bringing in the morning pastries, Enzo was always impeccably dressed.

The fifties-style café had a stark, cool, uncluttered Mediterranean feel: brick walls, a Spanish tile roof trim, and exposed steel girders traversing the high ceiling. When a spoon or cup fell, it echoed. The sole graphic on the exterior was a gold circular saw-toothed sign that hung out over the sidewalk. The entrance was floor to-ceiling glass set back far enough to allow for a small outdoor seating area covered by a purple and red striped awning.

A long, bright red bar with faux Roman columns running lengthwise supported the espresso machine, pastry display case, and cash register. Behind the bar was a hand-painted large menu board. Various flags and paintings decorated the white brick walls. The table tops, made of Travertine marble, were complemented by black bentwood- style chairs. Enzo’s small second story office was accessed by a hanging wrought iron staircase.

Caffé Espresso was a hang-out for artists and writers creating in their notebooks and sketch pads, students reading books or writing papers, and assorted intellectuals engaging in intense discussion. Graduate seminars and classes were at times held here during the student strikes of the ’70s that shut down the campus.