Five Leaves

This Brooklyn restaurant not only offers one of the most praiseworthy cups of coffee and Stumptown Organic Espresso, it's also a neighborhood favorite for afterwork cocktails with a fully-stocked bar and vast drink menu. Be sure to order the truffle fries, they are out-of-this-world delicious.
18 Bedford Avenue (near Nassau Avenue); 718-383-5345.

A Hawaii native, Alston has found happiness as a barista at Five Leaves in Greenpoint.