How do I order a plain US style black coffee?

Oh please everyone.....Allow me =) you would order an Americana. Or you find a nearby McDonalds or Starbucks. But..... I'm told that espresso is not the bitter stuff you get in the states, so you should at least give it a try. I am looking forward to doing just that but because I want the quantity of an american style, I'm not a fan of americanos, I'll have my espresso from the local cafe and then find the starbucks or mcd's and get just a regular cup of coffee. I asked this question a couple months ago. Brace yourself...you'll get plenty of well-meaning responses =) But remember, you are going to Italy for Their culture and the way They do things, so If we never find that 'American' cup of coffee it shouldn't really surprise us, nor disappoint. Enjoy Italy for what it is and gives.
Buon Viaggio

in many places, cafe is either a capucchino in the morning or an expresso or other type cafe. Even McDonalds will have a couple of expresso machines in their shops. American coffee as we know it is known as cafe Americano. In some places, its nothing more than instant coffee. I have experienced that in a few places.

If you think American style coffee is the standard, then you will be disappointed. A pot of brewed coffee is hard to find. Sometimes the B&Bs that have lots of Americans will have brewed coffee. The Americano is often a shot of expresso and a little tea pot of hot water and big cup. If two or three cups in the morning, be prepared to pay for two or three cups. Free refills are unheard of. I am reminded of a posting last year in which the poster encourage people to bring instant coffee so that you can have a cup of good American coffee in the morning, After our first trip to Italy in 72 I came home convinced that Americans really do not know how to make a good cup of coffee. But for others a good cup of instant coffee is important.

I appreciate the replies. We are not, by any means, ugly American tourists-we are happy to indulge in whatever local environments offer. However, there are certain comforts one would like to try to find if they exist. I had heard that Caffe Americano was just that-espresso and a jug of water-and you'd better ask for it hot,too. And that a "Nescafe"was what one ordered when trying to get American coffee. So, I just thought maybe someone with a similar habit might know. BTW, can American make of good cup of coffee? Of course, we can! But, if you think it's from Starbucks,Dunkin Donuts or Micky D's, then you probably like Budweiser beer. A good cup of coffee requires, good,fresh,well roasted beans, good waterm careful preparation and the proper cup. No need for reverse snobism.

Frequent contributor Ron in Rome has a wonderful tutorial here http://www.roninrome.com/%20shopping-dining/coffee-in-italy. Order un caffe americano and you will get as close as you are going to get in an Italian bar. McDonald's? Maybe. Never went to one there (have successfully avoided them here since my kid grew up). Starbucks? They don't exist in Italy. Go native! Enjoy un caffe, un caffe lungo, un caffe americano. You will satisfy your caffeine need, guaranteed, but no huge refillable cup.

Jeff, I also like a cup or two of "American style black coffee" every day, so have some idea what you're looking for. The types of coffee that Laurel listed are your best choices, with Caffé Americano being about the closest. Be prepared to pay for every cup, as there will be NO "bottomless cup". The information in Ron's website provides an excellent idea of what to expect. Note that in many cases you'll have to order at one point, and collect your coffee at another. Also, standing at the Bar to drink your coffee will be cheaper than sitting at a table. Happy travels!

As a last resort, you can try the USO (near the Vatican), they have coffee, drinks, etc. I believe you have to be a military ID card holder officially but nobody asked to see my ID last time I was there. If you make a small donation I'm guessing they won't turn you away, assuming it's not too busy.

Starbucks has single serving packets of instance coffee. Bring a box of those it will be the closest you get to black coffee. As was previously stated "black coffee" in Italy is a watered down shot of espresso, hardly the same thing. The starbucks product is called via, its not too bad. My suggestion is bring a box but only use it if you have to. The coffee guide that is posted above is a great resource. I'm sure you will find something that is more than adequate following that guide.

Jeff, Way too much thought for such a simple subject! I do not drink american coffee. For some reason, I cannot stand the stuff. When I get to Italy, the first thing I ask for is a Caffe Americano. It will be a little stiffer that what you are used too in the US, but just like the wine, the depth and complexity will blow your mind. That being said, everything depends on where you choose to get your fix. Go where the locals go, it should not be hard to tell. You will not be disappointed! My best cup so far, was in a everyday coffe shop in Pienza, filled with people going to work, and so crowded we had to stand. The pasteries were awesome, and the coffee.....Well my coffee loving parents want to go back to Italy just to visit this shop! Go local, when in Rome, and all that. Most of all, ENJOY!!!!
Ciao, Jeff Masters

Yes, please give Italian coffee a try...in fact, try several variations. A cafe correto has grappa in it and is a great jet lag pick me up, especially with a couple sugar packets. I have never seen a Starbucks in Italy....and I think that is because Italians pride themselves on their coffee.

I'll echo what Jeff and Laurie said and urge you to try coffee as Italians drink it. (I'll also add that most people couldn't tell the differnce between brewed "black" coffee and an Americano. I've pulled that trick on several people and no one yet has called me on it.) My golden rule of traveling is this: I don't go overseas to find America. I want foreign when I'm on foreign soil.