Big dinner party Friday night. On business in NYC until I fly out just hours before then. I would very much appreciate some suggestions about where in mid-town Manhattan I'd find some great espresso beans. Been ordering from Paradise and Klatch if that helps with taste.
Thanks.

In Midtown your only choice is Joe: The Art of Coffee (beans from Barrington Roasters) in Grand Central Terminal. However, if you can make it to 20th Street and 7th Ave (at most, a 10 minute ride on the 1 train) to Cafe Grumpy (their own Heartbreaker Espresso blend from Novo and a rotating guest espresso) you can try what some consider to be the best cafe on the island. Another amazing option is Ninth Street Espresso (their own Alphabet City espresso blend roasted by Intelligentsia) in Chelsea Market on 15th Street and 9th Ave. Any of these three will give you delicious shots and should have a 1lb (or in the case of Grumpy, 12oz) bag of espresso available to take home. If you want to be picky you can call ahead and find out roast dates available.

For some reason I assumed that you're trapped on the west side: you should also check out Everyman Espresso (Counter Culture's Espresso Toscano) at 13th Street between 3rd and 4th Ave for a delicious shot (beans should be available).

This blog post is an excellent reference for great cafes in Manhattan.

I haven't come close to listing everything. One more that I'll plug off the top of my head is Kaffe 1668 (Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic and a rotating guest espresso) way downtown in Tribeca for an impressive cafe with two of everything (Synessos, Roburs, Clovers, etc.).

Good luck and let us know where you go!

Also see Best Espresso Shot and Beans in NYC?

My goodness. While it was significantly out of my way, at your suggestion I went to Cafe Grumpy on 20th Street at opening (7 a.m.), and I cannot remember a better cup. Also, the two baristas were friendly and were interested in talking coffee.

Back in Texas tonight, with four bags of beans ready to roll.

Thanks.

Glad you enjoyed it! It's always great to "talk shop" with the baristas in the serious NYC cafes. Hope you have a good flight back and get good results from the beans at home.