You might be looking at this the wrong way. To make a good espresso in America, all you need is a machine of European design and the right type of grind. The reason you can't get one as a traveler is likely because the market doesn't reward them here. After walking a long way for my first coffee in the UK, I thought what I got was a bad joke because it was gone so quickly and took so long to take effect. Most Americans use their morning coffee as a source of hydration as well as caffeine. It's my guess that the water in Americano helps the caffeine to take effect more quickly. One lurking variable, of course, is that you can hide many "extra shots" in a venti Americano. At home, though, you can make as many espressos as you want without being impractical.
I have not found a good one in public either. A possible exception is an espresso flight I had some years ago, but I don't remember where I was or which one I preferred. It was flavored, though.
You might be looking at this the wrong way. To make a good espresso in America, all you need is a machine of European design and the right type of grind. The reason you can't get one as a traveler is likely because the market doesn't reward them here. After walking a long way for my first coffee in the UK, I thought what I got was a bad joke because it was gone so quickly and took so long to take effect. Most Americans use their morning coffee as a source of hydration as well as caffeine. It's my guess that the water in Americano helps the caffeine to take effect more quickly. One lurking variable, of course, is that you can hide many "extra shots" in a venti Americano. At home, though, you can make as many espressos as you want without being impractical.
I've been to many cafes in the US both in suburbs, airports and city centres. Virtually none have a proper espresso. It's bewildering
I have not found a good one in public either. A possible exception is an espresso flight I had some years ago, but I don't remember where I was or which one I preferred. It was flavored, though.