Okay, I know that since I live here it’s technically not ‘traveling’, so sue me. But if you’re reading this, that means you’re likely about to travel to Philly yourself! Now according to Yelp, there are over 200 coffee shops scattered throughout the city of Philadelphia. If you take a look at my google maps, it is just riddled with places I want to try. Now that I’ve been to over a dozen, I thought it was time to start compiling them all into one place from here on out. I’ve sorted them by neighborhood, and you’ll probably notice I spend quite a lot of time in Northwest Philly. But don’t worry! I’m slowly exploring what the rest of the city has to offer. Be sure to check out the rest of my Philadelphia content for ideas on how to use all that coffee-induced energy!
Manayunk
Located in Northwest Philly (about 15-20 minutes outside Center City) you’ll find the suburban-esque neighborhood of Manayunk. Because of this suburban vibe, you might even hear some people say it (and neighboring Roxborough) aren’t even part of Philly. But don’t tell that to anyone that lives there, they have to pay Philadelphia city taxes just like everyone else! It’s mostly residential, with Main Street being the trendy commercial center along the river – full of shops and restaurants. I’ve hit all of the ‘big 4’ coffee shops in the neighborhood.
Artesano Cafe
Part coffee shop, part plant/gift store – Artesano is one of the most relaxing coffee shops I’ve been to so far in Philadelphia. In the front you’ll find all the plants and the coffee counter, then seating in the back plus outside during the warm months. Their espresso drinks use beans from ReAnimator, a local roaster I haven’t been to…yet, and are solid but not necessarily anything I go out of my way for. I tend to avoid stopping here on the weekends, as the line can take forever. And this is a huge bummer because of course that’s when they have their brunch truck open! That also unfortunately means I can’t speak to the food quality. As of early 2025 they also opened a bar space.
Go-To Order: Maple Cinnamon Oatmilk Latte
109 Green Lane
Volo Coffeehouse
If you head about a 5 minute walk back down Main Street you’ll end up at Volo Coffeehouse. Like many other coffee shops in the city, they use beans from La Colombe which is a Philly staple. The coffee isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s decent. The big draw is they’re one of the few coffee shops in the area with breakfast sandwiches on the menu. My personal favorite is the ham, egg and creamed onion panini.
Go-To Order: Cold Brew with Caramel and Oatmilk
4360 Main St
I’ve heard some people call La Colombe, “Philly’s Dunkin” – which I personally take offense to.
Dunkin is basically bitter dirty water and you can’t convince me otherwise!
Pilgrim Roasters
If you’re looking for a specialty roaster with a variety of beans and flavor profiles to choose from – Pilgrim Roasters may be the spot for you. I once saw a bag that said “Notes of cantalope and key lime pie”! I’d say they probably aren’t for the casual coffee drinker. I love a strong coffee, but sometimes the cold brew is a bit much even for my own taste. You’ll often see bikes parked outside, as they’re very popular with cyclists in the area. That being said, they’re still usually a bit less crowded than the other coffee shops down the street since they are a bit further away from the main commercial area. Like many other cafes in Philadelphia, they source their pastries from Au Fournil in nearby Narberth, PA (they make a great cinnamon roll!).
Go-To Order: Iced Vanilla Oatmilk Latte
4120 Main St
Valerio Coffee Roasters
Located just across the street from Volo is Valerio. Which one is the better choice honestly just depends on if you’re in the mood for food or not! Volo has better food, but Valerio has the better flavored coffee specials. They switch up their menu every season based on social media polls, but a few favorites (like mine) tend to stay in the rotation year-round. They also have a second Philly location in Fishtown.
Go-To Order: Beach Bum Cold Brew
Favorite Specialty: Peppermint Mocha (Called: Get Lit)
4373 Main St
Roxborough
Manayunk’s neighbor to the north, Roxborough, is situated on a major hill. Getting around the neighborhood after a snowstorm is definitely an adventure (and one I’d recommend avoiding)! It’s set up similarly to Manayunk in that it’s mostly residential, except for one main commercial corridor along Ridge Ave. Most of the coffee shops in Roxborough are situated along Ridge.
Eremita Cafe
Roxborough had been craving a decent cappuccino for a while, and in early 2024 Eremita Cafe delivered. I love not having to specify that I want (at a minimum) a double shot in my espresso-based drinks – that’s their starting point! And the caramel flavoring they use isn’t overly sweet like at some other places. They unfortunately don’t have breakfast sandwiches, but they do have plenty of pastry options and you can also occasionally grab a full loaf of Dead King bread to take home. There is plenty of seating inside, as well as a patio area out back for warmer days. Every month they feature a different local artist on the walls, and they occasionally host after-hours music acts or open mics.
Go-To Order: Extra Shot Caramel Oatmilk Latte
Favorite Specialty: Vietnamese Iced Coffee
5548 Ridge Ave
Unity Java
I really wanted to love Unity Java, because I like the premise behind what they do – hiring those in recovery or returning from being incarcerated. Unfortunately the coffee just isn’t consistent, except in that it’s not great. Some other people apparently like it, because Unity opened a second location in the summer of 2024 near the Ivy Ridge SEPTA station. While I don’t love the coffee, I’ll sometimes have a craving for their spicy breakfast sandwich. It’s nothing fancy (think fast-food quality) but I love anything super spicy and they use a ghost pepper jack cheese.
5312 Ridge Ave
Flying Sowth Coffee
A cortado has slowly become my standard order when I want a hot coffee, thanks to its perfect 1:1 espresso to milk ratio. So when I heard people start raving about the cortados at Flying Sowth I knew I had to check them out. This minimalist coffee shop opened in November of 2024 along the main/central stretch of Roxborough’s business district, in an area that was surprisingly lacking a traditional coffee spot. Inside it’s bright and open, and they have a few tables in the front along with some cute cubbies in the back that looked like they’d be a perfect spot to get some work or studying done. Unfortunately I wasn’t all that impressed with my coffee as the flavor was just a little bland. While I wouldn’t go out of my way to stop here again, if I was already in the area I’d maybe give a latte or cappuccino a try.
6155 Ridge Ave
Chestnut Hill
If Philly neighborhoods could be described as family members, it’s safe to say that Chestnut Hill would be the snobby rich aunt. When we were first looking at moving to Philly, this is where I thought I wanted to be…until I saw the rent prices. We might as well have stayed in the New York City metro at that point! It’s definitely one of the more affluent neighborhoods, known for its historic building facades and cobblestone streets.
Char & Stave
I’m a huge proponent of all-day cafes: places that serve coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening. I really wish they were more prominent in the United States! That’s exactly what you’ll find Char & Stave – a coffee shop and cocktail bar owned by Bluebird Distilling in Phoenixville, PA. Char & Stave’s beans are roasted at the distillery. Their Whiskey Smash Latte is probably my favorite coffee drink I’ve had in Philly thus far. I still need to go back one evening to try the espresso martini – using their own espresso and coffee liquor. They also have a second location in Ardmore, PA.
Go-To Order: Whiskey Smash Latte
8441 Germantown Ave
Chestnut Hill Coffee Co.
I wasn’t all that impressed by Chestnut Hill Coffee Co. I liked my cappuccino well enough, but it didn’t taste much like the salted caramel that I ordered. So if you’re a flavored coffee girlie this maybe isn’t the place for you. Maybe we stopped by on an off day, but it took so long to get drinks (15-20 minutes). It didn’t seem to be run very efficiently: only one person made drinks for 4 waiting groups while the other staff just stood around chatting or occasionally handing out mobile orders to regulars. Not sure I’d go here again when there are other options nearby.
8620 Germantown Ave
East Falls
Another neighborhood in the Northwest part of the city is East Falls. It is bordered by the Schuylkill River to the south and my favorite local hiking spot, Wissahickon Valley Park, to the west. Home to Drexel’s College of Medicine and Thomas Jefferson University, it’s a quiet unassuming neighborhood with lots of small restaurants, cafes, and a weekly Saturday farmers market. The area is popular with young families looking for more space while still staying in the city limits.
Thunder Mug Cafe
It doesn’t look like much from the outside (or when you first walk in, to be honest) but Thunder Mug Cafe was a pleasant surprise. This cute little neighborhood coffee shop had a barista that was super friendly and regulars who you could tell love the place. Walk into the second room and you’ll find a comfy seating area that I bet would be a great spot to read on a rainy day. While I really enjoyed my coffee, it tasted more like a mocha than the salted caramel cappuccino I ordered! They have a slightly larger food menu than some of the others I’ve tried in the area. I only had a toasted bagel, but they also have pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
4233 Ridge Ave
Whirlybird Coffee
Another coffee shop associated with a local alcohol brand is Whirlybird Coffee. They’re located inside Wissahickon Brewing (which is one of my favorite breweries in Philly), so you can get a coffee in the morning and then a beer in the afternoon! They serve Moonraker Coffee, which is another local roaster in the Kensington/Fishtown area. They’re constantly switching up their menu with monthly specials – from a Mint Matcha to a Birthday Cake Latte. While they only serve pastries inside, there is often some kind of brunch food truck out front.
3705 W School House Lane
Vault + Vine
Like Artesano in Manayunk, Vault + Vine is part plant store/gift shop and part café. It was pretty chilly outside on the morning we visited, but you’d never know it while drinking your coffee in their greenhouse seating area! They serve an assortment of pastries from nearby bakeries, including Au Fournil and Dotties Donuts (one of my favorite treat spots in Philly). I tried the spiced brown sugar latte off their fall menu and it was perfection. I’ve ordered similar flavored coffees from other places in the past and generally one flavor always overwhelms the other, but this time the cinnamon/clove and brown sugar were perfectly balanced. Jasper wasn’t quite as thrilled with his hot chocolate, which used syrup over his preferred chopped up chocolate, but the blondie and cinnamon coffee muffin we got were both delicious. I can’t wait to go back in different seasons and try more of their specials!
3507 Midvale Ave
Washington Square West
You’ll find this neighborhood situated between Rittenhouse Square and Society Hill. It gets its name from Washington Square, an open-space park located in the neighborhood that is one of Philadelphia’s five original public squares. It’s home to Midtown Village, the Gayborhood, and Jewelers Row.
Cafe Walnut
I wish I lived in walking distance of Cafe Walnut so that I could go every day. This sibling-run cafe has a Korean inspired food menu that includes one of my favorite breakfast sandwiches, the spicy pork bulgogi egg and cheese. It’s possibly the best one I’ve ever had! So it makes sense why they’re on so many “Best Breakfast Sandwiches in Philly” lists – the hype is justified. They also make a solid caramel cappuccino, but the food is definitely the star. They serve coffee made with Càphê Roasters beans – a local Vietnamese specialty roaster in Fishtown. You might miss it if you didn’t know where to look, as the entrance isn’t at street level. After grabbing your order head upstairs to find an open, airy seating area great for reading or getting some work done.
703 Walnut St
Jiggy Coffee
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen Jiggy included on “Best Coffee Shops in Philadelphia” lists (or people complaining that it was excluded from a list), so of course I had to check it out. Honestly, I don’t understand the hype. My caramel oatmilk cappuccino didn’t taste at all like caramel, and in my opinion the coffee itself wasn’t all that memorable. I’ve had equally good coffee from my home machine, and that’s saying something because I’m not all that great at pulling espresso shots! I wouldn’t go out of my way to stop here again.
1000 Pine St
Talula’s Daily
Following in neighboring restaurant Talula’s Garden’s farm-to-table footsteps is Talula’s Daily. They’re an all-day cafe, so besides coffee you can also get breakfast sandwiches, quiche, scones, and danishes, as well as lunch or dinner, beer, and wine. It’s a homey space that also includes a small market with all your charcuterie board needs. They use beans from La Colombe, which I usually like, so I’m honestly surprised I didn’t care for my coffee. I had an iced ‘Charleston’ – aka a Salted Caramel Latte and it was just really plain. I don’t know what it is about salted caramel drinks I’ve tried in Philly, but for some reason the flavor just never seems to come across! Jasper did like the hot chocolate he ordered though.
208 W Washington Square
Everywhere Else
You’ll find that there is no definitive list of neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Depending on who you ask, the number can range from 120 – 150! That being said, I’m hoping to eventually expand my reach in each of these neighborhoods but for now they’re just one-offs.
One Shot Coffee & Cafe
If I had to pick a coffee shop that has a special place in my heart, this would definitely be the one. I discovered One Shot after we decided to move to Philadelphia during the height of covid in August of 2020. It was less than a block down the street from our apartment, and one of the few places I felt comfortable going thanks to their to-go window. While they carry multiple coffee brands for purchase, they use their own One Shot Blend from Ox Coffee for their drinks. I don’t think I’ve had a single coffee I didn’t like, and they make pretty great flavored lemonades as well! On the weekends they get pretty busy for their delicious BYOB brunch menu items.
Go-To Order: Oatmilk Honey Vanilla Cold Brew
Northern Liberties || 217 W George St
Old City Coffee
No trip to Reading Terminal Market is complete for me without a stop at Old City Coffee. I know what you’re probably thinking – it must be a tourist trap. But they easily serve one of my favorite cups of coffee in Philadelphia (so far). The espresso is never burnt or too watery, I’ve never had a bad experience. And since I’m the only one in our house that drinks coffee, I love that I can buy smaller bags of their freshly roasted beans and not worry about them going bad. They also have a stand-alone location on Church Street in Old City that I’m hoping to visit soon. Unfortunately I’m going to have to find a new go-to breakfast pairing during my next visit, now that Kismet Bialys has closed.
Go-To Order: Caramel Oatmilk Cappuccino.
Favorite Specialty: Gingerbread Latte.
Inside Reading Terminal Market || 51 N 12th St
Rowhome Coffee
I’m sure people get tired of how often I recommend Rowhome Coffee, but I just love it so much. This is another spot that serves La Colombe – and they’re one of my go-to places that I constantly forget doesn’t have caramel as an option! Their Philly pretzel breakfast sandwiches are why they made it onto my list of favorite places to eat and drink in the city. My favorite thing to do is eat breakfast and then walk it off along the Schuylkill River Park trail nearby. They also have a second location on Front Street on the border of Fishtown and East Kensington.
Go-To Order: Vanilla Oatmilk Cappuccino or Iced Latte.
Fitler Square || 2536 Pine St
Ultimo Coffee
On the corner of Wayne and Rittenhouse, nestled between a picturesque residential area and a large commercial strip, you’ll find Ultimo Coffee. This is a pretty busy spot on the weekends – even with all the seating inside it was entirely full when we stopped in. We got lucky that a spot opened up outside right before our drinks were ready. They have two other locations in Graduate Hospital and Newbold, the latter of which is where they roast their beans. I’m honestly not sure why I haven’t been back more than the one time, my cappuccino was really good!
Germantown || 5901 Wayne Ave
Elixr Coffee Roasters
Elixr is a local roaster with multiple locations throughout the city, plus spots in State College (near the Penn State campus) and Nashville, TN as well! The Rittenhouse Square location I visited is tucked away on a side street and I nearly walked right by the entrance as there isn’t a sign outside, just text on the door. Inside is an eclectic mix of wood, murals, and a mishmash of tables and booth seating that somehow works together. My caramel black salt iced latte, while it tasted good and the salt toned down the caramel sweetness just the right amount, was a whole lot lighter and oat-forward than I prefer. Based on the photos of darker iced lattes I’ve seen other people post online, it seems like they’re normally not quite as heavy-handed with the milk. So I’d like to go again when they’re maybe a little less busy, as the line when we went late on a Saturday morning was 15+ people deep and nearly out the door. I will say that even with how busy it was the line still moved pretty quickly!
Rittenhouse Square || 207 S Sydenham St
La Colombe – Flagship Location
La Colombe is a Philly staple, like Dunkin is for Boston. Though in my opinion there’s no comparison – Philly wins this battle easily. This coffee roaster was founded in Philadelphia in 1994, and while it was acquired by Chobani in 2023 it still operates as its own separate brand with its headquarters remaining in the Fishtown neighborhood. La Colombe has locations all over the city, but the Fishtown flagship is the largest. Unlike at some of their smaller spots, the food menu here consists of more than just pastries. You’ll find things like breakfast sandwiches, french toast, and even shakshuka!
I only ever drink hot La Colombe coffee if I’m ordering it from a shop that just uses their beans. This is because I am obsessed with their draft lattes, which you can only get at their cafes. One downside to getting an iced coffee? I get super jealous when my husband gets to drink his hot chocolate out of one of their signature cup and saucers! They are all handmade and painted in Deruta, Italy. I really wish more places had ‘for here’ cups for iced coffee. We grabbed some breakfast sandwiches here as well, but I wasn’t really impressed as they’re apparently pre-made and meant more for to-go orders.
Go-To Order: Oat Draft Latte or Cold Brew.
Fishtown || 1335 Frankford Ave
Next Up
Last I checked, I have nearly 40 Philly coffee shops still on my “want to try” list. Try as I might the list just never seems to get shorter! For every one I check off, a new one pops up to take its place. That being said, these are the ones I’m most looking forward to visiting next!
- Càphê Roasters – 3400 J St G1, Kensington
- Thank You Thank You – 700 Sansom St, Washington Square West
- Ray’s Cafe & Tea House – 141 N 9th St, Chinatown
- Herman’s Coffee – 1313 S 3rd St, Pennsport
- ReAnimator Coffee – Multiple Locations
- Coffee Zeit – 246 Race St, Old City
- The Ground Rittenhouse – 120 S 18th St, Rittenhouse
- Rival Bros – 2400 Lombard St, Fitler Square
Do you have a favorite Philadelphia coffee shop? Let me know in the comments!
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