Philadelphia’s Coffee Culture: Cafes, Roasteries, and Barista Creations
One Shot Cafe
Latte lovers – rise! One Shot Cafe allows you to enter the vast world of exceptional latte art masterpieces, which exist here in different variations:
- Matcha Pistachio & Rose;
- Salted Caramel;
- Brown Sugar Pistachio;
- Classic with a choice of milk.
Come every day from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm to experience barista magic while enjoying an astonishing brunch option. The cafe’s orientation is New American cuisine, so expect to satisfy your hunger with a tasty Philly Cheesesteak Burrito or mouth-watering Baked Apple French Toast. By the way, One Shot Cafe has a catering service, so if you have an anniversary, graduation, bachelor party, or similar, you may make a reservation to suit your occasion.
Elixr
This cafe’s title is similar to “elixir,” and we can say that yes – their drinks 100% feel like magical potions which heal you and warm your heart. Elixr’s story starts in 2011, when a group of enthusiasts stepped onto the path of the coffee business, and we, their clients, can see the result today. The cafe’s staff is quick, attentive, and likable, and when you look at the menu, it feels as if you are at the gates of a coffee lover’s paradise:
- Strawberry Matcha Latte;
- Cold Brew Iced Coffee;
- Dirty Chai Lattes;
- Oat Milk Latte;
- Drip Coffee.
They say the ambiance plays a significant role in every food institution, and Elixr does the job well: the interior is eye-catching, the sofas are comfy, and pleasant music plays in the background. You can enjoy it all straight after arriving at the PHL, and if you rent a car or take a taxi, the road will take around 30 minutes.
Càphê Roasters
An exceptional roaster operates in the Kensington neighborhood, offering patrons Vietnamese-inspired coffee. Every drop of their drinks conveys the traditions not only from the country itself but from the other regions of East Asia! The workers of the cafe use beans native to the Pa Miang and Lam Dom regions, which are in Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. Through the dedication and labor of workers, the beans transform into some of these rich-in-flavor drinks:
- PhaT Xỉu;
- Vietnamese Latte;
- Cà Phê Sữa;
- Mi-Xiu;
- Egg Coffee.
The cafe is spacious and comfortable, serving as a perfect spot for studying and working, so come every day from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (except Tuesdays). If you plan to visit and travel to other places afterward, consider booking a van rental in Philadelphia from the PHL Airport. With a comfy 7-seater, the road will take less than an hour, you will avoid crowded mass transit or expensive taxis.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books
“Cool People. Dope Books. Great Coffee.” – this is Uncle Bobbie’s slogan, and it describes the coffee shop wonderfully. The staff members are polite and attentive, the available literature for sale suits all ages, and the coffee here is superb. Uncle Bobbie’s can brighten up your pastime with diverse drinks, starting with espresso and finishing with juices, hot chocolate, and lemonade. The food menu is super yummy and includes:
- Sweet Potato Pie;
- Oatmeal;
- Bagels;
- Vegan brownies and cookies;
- Croissants.
With a cheap van rental from the PHL Airport, you can travel around Philly and stop by Uncle Bobbie’s whenever you wish. Mind that their working hours depend on the day of the week, so check it beforehand!
Vamo Coffee Co.
When you do not feel like going outside for a cup of a refreshing coffee but the urge torments you – just order it online. Vamo Coffee Co. roastery offers a rich assortment of coffee bags, including:
- Nicaragua Nueva Segovia;
- Colombino Nariño Honey Princess;
- Brazil Minas Gerais;
- Mexico Veracruz;
- Colombia Decaf de Caña.
The coffee bag is at home, great, now what about learning how to transform its content into a brilliant hot drink? Some would do it in their own way, but if you wish to learn from a professional, try your best at Vamo Coffee workshops. They are currently available every Thursday, Saturday, Sunday throughout August with a $75/ticket admission.