The seven best coffee shops in Philadelphia
Whether you’re looking for your daily caffeine intake or you just want to try a signature drink, there’s no shortage of stellar coffee shops in Philadelphia.
End your day with a coffee cocktail or grab the perfect pick-me-up with a matcha latte. Either way, here are our can’t-miss coffee shops, espresso bars and cafés.
1. Gran Cafe L’Aquila: 1716 Chestnut St.
Transport yourself to Italy while sitting just a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square when you sip on an exclusive blend from award winning Italian coffee roaster Michele Morelli. With coffee beans from three different continents, this Italian eatery makes a perfectly balanced espresso.
2. Elixr Coffee Roasters: 207 S Sydenham St.
In the few short years this popular coffee house has been open, it’s managed to win national awards for its cold brew, café and roasting. Elixr Coffee Roasters specializes in lighter roast coffees, so be sure to try the Guatemala-sourced El Injerto Maragogype when you stop in at one of the three cafés.
3. Rival Bros. Coffee Roasters: 2400 Lombard St.
You may never be able to enjoy a cup of regular drip coffee again after experiencing the flavor that comes from the Chemex brewer at Rival Bros. Coffee Roasters, owned by Philly natives and long-time friends Jonathan Adams and Damien Pileggi. Be sure to try one of the fresh pastries or toast options that pair perfectly with your freshly brewed cup.
4. La Colombe Coffee Roasters: 1335 Frankford Ave.│1414 S Penn Square│130 S 19th St.│100 S Independence Mall W
Stop in for the signature cornerstone blends or the seasonal single-origin coffees on drip, espresso and pourover and sample a variety of fresh baked cookies, Danishes, muffins and tarts in the cafe. Take the coffee flavor of your choice – chocolate, nutty, sweet, citrus—with you as you go with freshly packed coffee beans from a variety of blends.
5. Menagerie Coffee: 18 S 3rd St.
When in Old City, don’t miss Menagerie Coffee. You’ll come for the espresso bar and variety of coffee brands available, but the locally-sourced small eats will keep you coming back as the menu changes often.
6. Shot Tower Coffee: 542 Christian St.
Just as awesome as this coffee house’s old world charm are its special events like the Chalk-In, where the community comes together to draw on the concrete near the shop with sidewalk chalk. Inside, there’s a reading nook provided by the Free Library of Philadelphia that makes this business must more than a great cup of coffee (which it most certainly is!).
7. Ultimo Coffee: 2149 Catharine St.
From working in a D.C. coffee shop to owning their own in Philly, Aaron and Elizabeth Ultimo select and roast only the best coffees, making your cup even better. With rich flavors like lime and lavender, this coffee is no ordinary cup of joe.