The espresso macchiato holds a special place on our menu, because it’s elegance in its simplest form. "Macchiato" means "marked" or "stained" in Italian, and that's exactly what this drink is: a shot (or two) of espresso marked with just a dollop of steamed milk foam. 

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Unlike a latte or cappuccino, the espresso macchiato lets the coffee take center stage. The milk is there not to dilute or dominate, but to soften the espresso's intensity just enough.

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We consider every element matters here: the quality of the beans, the precision of the pull, and, of course, the perfect cloud of foam that crowns each shot.

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The Italian Origins

The espresso macchiato was born in Italy, where coffee is simply a way of life. Italian baristas created this drink for customers who wanted something slightly gentler than a straight espresso but without the commitment of a full milk-based drink. It became the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

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Needless to say, this tradition of intentional coffee drinking is something we embrace here at Parkgrounds. 

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Perfect Pairings from Our Menu

We've curated some perfect pairings that complement this classic drink:

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Morning Companions

Start your day by pairing your espresso macchiato with one of our flaky chocolate croissants ($4.25) or a plain croissant ($3.75). The buttery, delicate layers of pastry provide a wonderful contrast to the coffee's intensity, while the subtle sweetness doesn't overpower the espresso's complex notes.

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If you're after something more substantial, try our Holtzclaw breakfast sandwich ($8.50), which features seasoned chicken, fried egg, tomato, and pesto aioli on your choice of bread. The savory, herb-forward flavors of the pesto complement the espresso's brightness incredibly.

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Afternoon Delights

For an afternoon treat, our baklava ($3.25) is a fantastic choice. The honey-sweet, nutty layers of this Mediterranean pastry create a delightful flavor bridge between cultures, pairing the Italian coffee tradition with Greek confectionery artistry. The espresso macchiato cuts through the sweetness while enhancing the baklava's warm spice notes.

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And if you’re craving something heartier, our hummus with pita and cukes ($4.75) offers a protein-rich option that won't weigh you down. The creamy hummus provides a satisfying contrast to the coffee's bright acidity.

Sweet Endings

A classic chocolate chip cookie ($2.50) alongside your espresso macchiato is pure comfort, since the chocolate melts slightly from the steam of your coffee.

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Experience an Exquisite Espresso Macchiato at Parkgrounds Today

So, as you can see, a good espresso macchiato is something you should enjoy every time you can. Stop by and let our baristas prepare an exquisite one for you.

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We're located at 142 Flat Shoals Ave SE in Atlanta, where we've created a cozy space for flavors to blossom!