Full Steam Ahead With Latte Art

Latte art, that magic intersection of espresso and foamed milk poured into creamy designs, can turn your morning coffee into a masterpiece. Especially if one of these talented baristas takes your order.

Mitchell Tellstrom, Milktooth

534 Virginia Ave., (317) 986-5131

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“People have become more conscious of coffee as a great expressive beverage on its own,” says Tellstrom, who worked at cafes in Austin and Los Angeles before running the coffee operation at Milktooth. “The fact that you can make it look pretty is a bonus.”

Ross Bemis, Quills Coffee

335 W. 9th St., (317) 426-1431

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Bemis sees a direct correlation between fancy foam and a piqued interest in all things coffee. “When a barista starts caring about latte art, they start caring about the quality of the beverage,” he says.

Joanna Greves, Bee Coffee Roasters

5510 Lafayette Rd., (317) 280-1236;

201 S. Capitol Ave., (317) 426-2504

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When Greves started working as a barista three years ago, she admits to being a nervous wreck. “Then I began to understand the science of coffee,” she says. “That changed everything.” 

Andy Gilman, Bee Coffee Roasters

5510 Lafayette Rd., (317) 280-1236;

201 S. Capitol Ave., (317) 426-2504

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Co-owner of this local coffee roaster and tasting room, Gilman also founded the League of Lattes, a friendly monthly competition that participants say raised the game of every coffee shop in town.

Daniel Carr, Strange Brew Coffee House

4800 W. Smith

Valley Rd., Greenwood, (317) 881-5282

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“You have to balance speed with quality,” says Carr, who has played with latte art since he and his wife, Toni, opened Strange Brew 12 years ago.