Cento is one of those places when you're old and gray and run into someone somewhere and you both worked south of market "back in the day" and connect with "omigod of course Cento was the best ever!"
Not too important when going in to get great coffee, but they played awesome music on my last visit. Had a happy retro rockabilly vibe and that made my experience more warm and welcoming.
While the baristas here tend to be less friendly and talkative than folks at other shops, they make excellent espresso drinks and their prices are affordable compared to other places.
Nifty little alley coffee shop. Detach from your desk, take a stroll and grab a mid-afternoon boost, get back to the office to enjoy that tasty beverage while being all productivey.
in the morning, when we're busy, paying when you order works better--best to wait till we tell you how much your order costs and our hands are free. no need for awkwardness!