Welcome to your guide to the best coffee shops in Philadelphia! Philadelphia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food; coffee is no exception. Philadelphians, like most Americans, are fond of coffee. The city has seen a blossoming of coffee speciality stores and roasteries in the last decade. According to studies, an average of 3 out of 4 Americans drink coffee every day. In other words, America really does “run on coffee”. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of cafes worth visiting. Get ready for a caffeine-fueled adventure in this city and join us to explore best cafes in Philadelphia.
Elixr Coffee Roasters
As a cool coffee shop in Philadelphia, Elixr Coffee Roasters is a go-to spot for high-quality cups. Though unassuming from the outside, situated on a side street in Downtown Philly, the interior is incredibly creative. Beautifully designed wallpaper, wooden details, and flowers create a cohesive design. One wall frequently changes its artwork, as Elixr invites artists to contribute six times a year, connecting the cafe with the community.
Elixr roasts its own coffee using direct-trade green beans, producing a light, fruity brew with a tea-like quality since 2010. A striking feature is the Cold Drip Coffee apparatus in the back, delivering a rich coffee concentrate with a higher caffeine content every three seconds. Service is always great and friendly. The lines are long during peak hours, so plan ahead. Several branches have been opened in these years.
Address and Opening Hours:
Center City
207 S Sydenham St, Philadelphia, PA 1910, the US
Daily: 7am-7pm
Roastery and Cafe
315 N. 12th St Philadelphia Pa 19107
Mon – Fri: 7am – 4pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 4pm
Speciality
pour-overs, drip coffee, espresso drinks, mochas, butterscotch pink peppercorn latte
Càphê Roasters
Càphê Roasters is the first Vietnamese speciality coffee roastery in Philadelphia, located in Kensington. They offer coffee mainly from Vietnam and other parts of Southeast and East Asia, roasted to perfection for a great taste. Their mission is to bring people together, inspired by the Vietnamese phrase “đi uống cà phê,” meaning “let’s get coffee,” which symbolizes community in Vietnamese culture.
Address and Opening Hours:
3400 J St, G1 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134
Speciality:
Frankie’s Pineapple & Coco Parfait, Pineapple Espresso Tonic, Coco Bạc Xỉu, Vietnamese Latte, Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng)
Reanimator Coffee
With five locations around Philly, Reanimator Coffee is a favorite coffee shop philadelphia has. The Port Richmond shop is as airy and light as all their cafes. Prefer to brew at home? Order beans and merch for delivery. Check social media for the rotating list of seasonal beans. A trendy cafe loved by coffee enthusiasts, its sleek minimalist decor creates a stylish ambience filled with the aroma of freshly roasted beans. Reanimator offers high-quality speciality drinks like pour-overs, espresso shots, and cold brews.
Address and Opening Hours:
1523 E. Susquehanna Ave; 310 W. Master St; 4705 Pine St; 1248 S Clarion St; 3118 Richmond St
Monday-Friday: 07:00 – 18:00
Saturday-Sunday: 08:00 – 18:00
Speciality:
Peppermint Mocha, Rose cardamom oat milk latte, Matcha Latte, Blackberry Sage Tonic, Salted vanilla latte, vanilla iced lattes
La Colombe
La Colombe Coffee Roasters in Philadelphia is a coffee lover’s haven, which boasts best coffee in Philadelphia. It is celebrated for its top-notch drinks and inventive lattes. The cosy, welcoming atmosphere underscores the quality of each cup. Efficient service complements their delicious coffee and reasonable prices. Famous for creating the signature draft latte, La Colombe has expanded from a small roaster to a coffee empire with 30 locations nationwide and a presence in grocery stores. Their flagship Fishtown location attracts both tourists and locals, all craving a premium coffee experience.
Address and Opening Hours:
1335 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19125
Monday-Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Speciality:
chocolate frosted donut, cappuccino, blueberry muffin, cheese croissant, Sourdough bread, nitrous brews, fresh baguette
OX Coffee
Among the best coffee shops in Philadelphia, this coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a latte or cold brew—it’s a creative hub for artists, musicians, and creatives to express themselves. Come for their beverages, like the brown sugar rosemary latte, and stay for the delicious treats from Crust Vegan Bakery and the Bagel Place. They focus on sustainably and organically harvested, processed, and roasted high-quality coffee.
OX offers a compact, inviting, and warm space, aiming to return the coffee shop as a home away from home. It’s a place where neighbours and visitors alike can spend time together and enjoy a great cup of coffee.
Address and Opening Hours:
616 S 3rd St Philadelphia, PA 19147
Mon Closed
Tue 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Wed 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Thu 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Fri 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Sat 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sun 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Speciality:
lced Flavored Latte, lced Strawberry Cream, Strawberry Matcha, lced Americano, Espresso Tonic
Herman's Coffee
Another cool coffee shop in philly is Herman’s Coffee. This is a haven for iced coffee and latte enthusiasts. Whether you prefer your drinks iced or hot, vegan or with milk, you’ll love their strawberry rhubarb and passion fruit matcha lattes, Pennsport fog made with Earl Grey and lavender, and chai lattes. The café, inspired by the owner’s grandfather’s love for coffee and lawn chairs, features an inviting design with lawn chairs out front and a cozy interior in a former auto repair shop.
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, especially on weekends with food trucks, pop-ups, baked goods, pour-over, and espresso drinks. Don’t miss the signature Pennsport Mule, an iced mocktail with ginger beer, honey, and espresso. Explore the shop’s artisanal and locally sourced food products too.
Address and Opening Hours:
1313 S 3rd St Philadelphia, PA 19147
Monday-Friday: 6:00am-6:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: 7:00am-6:00pm
Speciality:
maple ginger latte, maple matca latte, winter shandy, Cran apple spritzhot, hot apple cider, pho spiced chai, chocolate covered strawberry latte
Rally
This café in Bella Vista is one of the best cafes in philly . From black sesame vanilla bean espressos to confetti sugar cookies with champagne buttercream, the options are extraordinary. Their sun teas, made with vanilla lemongrass syrup, and oat cold foam with lemon zest, are just a few highlights. True to its name, this stylish spot fosters community among locals and Philly newcomers alike. Rally hosts pop-up events with vendors like Freelance Pizza and Jezabel’s and supports local causes with Asian American United. Their partnerships with Leave Philly Alone and local bakeries make it all about togetherness and opportunity.
Address and Opening Hours:
701 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Daily: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Speciality:
earl grey, blackberry syrup, orange peel, Amber Moon, solid chai latte, solstice latte, Spring Thyme special drink, Kismet bagel, Okie Dokie donut
Old City Coffee
As another best coffee shop Philadelphia has, Old City Coffee has been a cherished part of Philadelphia, with locations in Old City and Reading Terminal Market. Known for their exceptional coffee made from small batches of premium Arabica beans roasted on-site for ultimate freshness, they also offer delicious house-made pastries alongside your favourite espresso. If you’re looking for beans, their 1893 blend is a superb choice, offering a full-bodied flavour with hints of chocolate and cherry.
Address and Opening Hours:
1136 Arch St Philadelphia, PA 19107
Mon 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Speciality:
Iced Latte, Iced Ginger Oat Milk Matcha, Vanilla Chai Latte, Simple Soy Latte, Strawberry Matcha
Conclusion
From the guide above, you’re sure to get the best cafes in Philadelphia. From the artisanal brews at La Colombe to the warm, community-focused atmosphere at Reanimator Coffee, there’s something for every coffee enthusiast. Old City Coffee stands out with its meticulously sourced beans, while Elixr Coffee’s innovative blends continue to inspire. Herman’s Coffee captures the city’s essence with its robust flavours and welcoming vibe. These establishments serve exceptional coffee and foster a sense of connection and community, making Philadelphia a must-visit city for coffee lovers seeking authenticity and quality in every cup.
Best Coffee Shops in Philadelphia FAQ
What is the coffee capital of America?
Seattle is frequently regarded as the coffee capital of the United States. However, a 2023 WalletHub survey on the Best Coffee Cities in America ranks it third. San Francisco claims the top spot, with Portland securing second place.
What food and drink is Philadelphia known for?
Philadelphia is celebrated for its culinary delights, most notably the iconic Philly cheesesteak—a delicious sandwich featuring thinly sliced beef and melted cheese in a soft roll. Additionally, the city shines with its soft pretzels, a beloved snack, and the refreshing beverage known as Philadelphia water ice. These staples not only highlight the city’s rich food culture but also invite locals and visitors alike to savour its unique flavours.
What is the most expensive coffee in the world?
Kopi Luwak is the world’s most exclusive and expensive coffee. Its high price comes from its unique production method. The coffee beans are partially digested by an Indonesian palm civet and then excreted.
