Six Bogenbay

Six is where I actually buy my beans. They roast their own, and they also carry imported lots you can take home or try at the bar first — which is how I decide what to grind for V60 at home.

The quality holds across everything, which is rarer than it sounds: batch, espresso, and one of the best cold brews in the city. The breakfast and the main menu are solid too.

That said, I rarely eat here on a weekday. The format feels fancier than a Tuesday morning asks for. What I actually do is drink espresso at the bar, or take a batch brew away with me.

The room is what it is known for — the interior is vibrant, and it is the reason people photograph the place. In the evening, the seating outside is the better half of it.

I have scored espresso here a 10 twice, in June and August. I have not done that anywhere else in Almaty.