Having a real love for coffee, my first taste of espresso was in Rome, Italy.  The real thing.  It was true bliss.  I came back to the states and I had several espresso coffee machines, some expensive and some not and I was always disappointed.  Although a good decade ago now, I presume there have been some improvements, I still would opt for the good old cone filter drip method that sits on top of the cup.  Of course this only applies if you use some real good dark real espresso roast coffee beans (just ground) of your choice.  Steam your own version of cream, milk, or soy (for the health  nuts out there).  I suppose the savings is a real advantage as well as the flavor and there is something very organic about the method, it is certainly not for everyone.  You can almost put aside what you might have spent on one of those top dollar espresso coffee machines in a separate bank account toward transportation costs. 

I say, when time permits enjoy the ambiance at your local coffee house and enjoy being served up your favorite coffee drink.  I find things always taste better when I don't have to make them and clean up afterward.  Of course in most café, their espresso coffee machines are commercial espresso machines, and you can probably find more to do than drink great coffee, like relax, chat, listen to music, read and possibly even enjoy wireless internet connection as well.  You can't beat that.