Last Spring a friend and I set out to study for our first board exam and to find the best coffee shops in the great city of Philadelphia. Since then I have visited many more, but am always on the lookout for the perfect place to study, people watch, and enjoy a good cup of coffee... and a scone if possible.
Here is a recreation of the list we created then.
Cafe Ole: 147 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-627-2140
our impression: "Good sturdy study tables - none of that tippy stuff. The street is not loud but the duck tour passes by so watch out for intermittent quacking. Dog-watchers dream spot. Excellent cookies - very moist. The iced tea is fantastic and you may add fresh lemon and mint for no extra charge."
Jouvay Java Coffee Shop: 1512 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 215-545-0667
our impression: "Real lively Caribbean music, otherwise quiet spot with comfy couches and few other customers. Excellent coffee. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from home (Jefferson Med) Bob & Barbara's, Pico de Gallo, and other South St. West favorite spots."
Pink Rose Pastry Shop: 630 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia PA 19147 215-592-0565
our impression: "Not good for studying! Excellent scones and fresh fruit but this is a sit down and eat restaurant especially on weekend mornings. The sous chef was very entertaining - dancing, singing, and wearing a pink hat. We had to move on to the 4th Street Starbucks where there is study space upstairs but you have to sell-out. :("
Double Shots Espresso Bar: 211 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-351-5171
our impression: "Yummy bagels (surprisingly hard to find in Philly) but freezing cold when it is freezing cold outside. Random music, hopefully you love emo. Nice big executive table to spread out on in the back."
Walnut Bridge Coffee House: 2319 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19103
our impression: "Coffee was very good, especially for decaf. The barista gave very caring directions on how to steep tea and avoid bitterness. Well lit, cozy and comfy but difficult to study due to limited table space, it would be great spot to go if you just want to sit and read the paper. Specializing in beautiful, interesting chocolate pieces and petite-fours. (Inside scoop and inside joke... if you are older than 24 and you happen to be here on or near your birthday you will have to buy 2 boxes of birthday candles which will make you feel old, but there are two varieties available so that's at least something...)"
Cafe Loftus: 136 South 15th Street Philadelphia PA 19102 215-988-9486
our impression: "Warm and quiet with panoramic vistas. Good scones, bagels and gourmet PB&J. No bathroom, which is a problem when you are planning to sit and study and drink coffee all day. Small tables, also a problem. On the other hand, the music is unimposing."
Philadelphia Java Company: 518 S. 4th Street. Philadelphia PA, 19147 215-928-1811
our impression: (this is very un-helpful) "Great for dog watching, good bagels, good mix of people, and small tables."
La Colombe: 130 South 19th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-426-2011
our impression: "LOUD. A tearful old man and a very graceful, statuesque woman distracted me... which you should take to mean that this is a busy coffee shop with lots of dramatic people to watch so you might not get too much work done. They serve solid coffee and if you can get a table near the window in the southeast corner you'll be ok."
Black and Brew: 1523 E. Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-764-5582
our impression: "DISCLAIMER: Comments may be off as Sameem and I were not functioning well due to excessive birthday celebrations. Interesting music and feminine ambiance. There is a nice chalkboard menu with the brunch selections. Lots of hipsters and pretentious conversations. Great coffee. Nice to visit this up and coming neighborhood."
The Latte Lounge: 816 N. 4th Street Philadelphia PA 19123 215-629-9808
our impression: "Website lied, there are NO couches here. They play new age music and it is a very colorful place. Great coffee and they have a featured flavor, today it was creme brulee flavor. Hypertrophic tea bags can be overwhelming. Quiet but many phone calls to the barista. Loooooooooooooong walk but you are close to Honey's Sit and Eat which is yummy."
Last Drop: 13th and Pine Philadelphia
our impression: "Dark and dirty. Good coffee, vegan treats and hipster crowd. Great place to overhear ridiculous conversations and interviews. Music is generally not distracting."
La Citadelle: 1600 Pine Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215-546-0820
our impression: "New coffee shop in a great location. Strange music and even stranger people. Minimal decor but floor to ceiling windows. There is no menu but the coffee is solid. Very European."
The Green Line Cafe: West Philadelphia
our impression: "OMG good bagel - Apple-cherry-walnut with butter. Wow! Playing calming music. This youthful neighborhood is good for people watching, kid watching, and dog watching. Take a lovely scenic trolley ride over and spend the day! Better than average Joe."
