10 Top Philly Coffee Shops

Saxbys – I don’t care what anyone says, Saxbys has become my favorite coffee! A brand built and evolving right from Philly serves the best almond milk lattes, espresso, caffeinated smoothies (get the daily grind!!), and customer service ever. I personally frequent the 18th& Chestnut Street one most – I am obsessed with the open, all-window concept. Natural light makes a huge difference when having to do hours of work. And when I need a 10-minute break it’s a prime location for people watching. I also love the Temple Fox café – all the students are so friendly and excited to be working. Good luck finding that attitude and vibe anywhere else! They also have a newly designed app that not only has a rewards system (gotta love that), but the ability to order ahead (yessss, cut the line)!

United by Blue – founded by a Temple grad I already am a fan ;) The store at 2ndand Race is not only gorgeous, but spacious and also perfect for natural light. I love their smoothies (my favorite is the tropical), salads, and long list of coffee + tea options. I order an almond milk latte almost every time I go! It’s a great spot for both a one-on-one client meeting and a catch up with an old friend. What sets United by Blue apart is their IMMENSE push on sustainability. They are extremely environmentally conscious which makes me feel good supporting a brand like that. Oh and make sure you use their bathroom. It’s an experience.

One Shot – Shhhh, don’t talk. Prime spot to post up for a morning or afternoon if you’re in need of caffeine alongside peace and quiet. The two-story establishment doesn’t mess around when it comes to its hipster vibes, delish menu, and vintage upstairs. You’ll find a mish mosh of furniture, unique art, stacks of books, and the ability to hear a pin drop. Last time I was in with Daniel, we sat downstairs (where talking is totally acceptable) and I ordered the Beyond Burger with a fried egg. It was sooooo good I still, to this day, talk about it. Daniel ordered the huevos rancheros — the only place he says it’s 10/10!

Bluestone Lane – Philly has two locations, but the one I love more (and honestly the only one I go to) is at 17th& locust. This place is an Australian inspired café with a full breakfast & lunch menu, coffee + tea drinks galore, and a beachy themed atmosphere which immediately creates relaxing vibes. On weekends, you can expect a serious wait, but weekdays most people there are either tourists (staying in the connected hotel, The Warwick), professionals who are working from home, or young mom’s with strollers catching up over green juice and breki board. Bluestone is also BYO so you can have a mimosa or two with your cappuccino. What Bluestone Lane is most famous for is their perfected avocado toast. I always order it with a poached egg and lox. Mmmmm SO good! Also, they offer a couple “special” drinks like the butterfly drink, but honestly it’s just super sugary lemonade with matcha powder.

Good Karma – Let me be totally honest, I’m not a huge fan of Good Karma’s vibes or food (quite possibly the worst bagel I’ve ever had), BUT each time I go I get an iced almond milk latte with a dash of cinnamon and some honey and it is perfectly satisfying! There are multiple locations which makes this place convenient. Oh and I can almost always find a table or two to work from.

La Colombe – Safe to say this is like the holy grail of all coffee shops in Philly? Three locations, but don’t go to work from the Rittenhouse or City Hall ones – no WiFi! It’s 2019, what are they thinking?! They’re smart though and they KNOW how good their coffee, black & tans, pastries, etc are. No gimmicks or incentives are needed. Perfect place to post up, read a book, people watch, or just enjoy the perfectly roasted coffee beans. The Fishtown location is HUGE and has a full kitchen. It’s an awesome experience and their egg sandwiches are divine.

Parliament – So central to City Hall this makes for a great place to meet up for business meetings or solo study sessions. They have a variety of pre-made salads + sandwiches, solid wifi, really good hot chocolate (random, I know), and wonderful espresso! I will say there have been countless times that I’ve gone, asked for almond milk, aaaand they’re out. BUT when they do have it in stock their beverages are great!

FRIEDA – Unlike any other place in Philly, HANDS DOWN! I don’t even know if a mini description here will give this place the justice it deserves. It’s the most adorable, spacious, clean space I’ve ever seen. Located in Old City this place has a full (and DELISH) lunch menu (the portions are large), an extensive tea list, matcha (yay!), and of course alllll the coffee drinks. FRIEDA is all about fair-wage jobs for people of all generations – many of them retired, so don’t be shocked when you seen the majority of the people there 60 years of age or older! It’s a big enough place to get together with friends or a study group, but also totally fine for solo work.

Square One – A few locations, all always crowded because the vibes and coffee are THAT good. This is a place that is normally more quiet than loud so I wouldn’t opt for a group gathering, but it’s perfect for studying, working, reading, or just people watching if you score a seat outside or by the windows.

Joe’s Coffee – My favorite place to go in late Spring and summer because it’s right off the park in Rittenhouse! The staff is always very helpful, they do have wifi, the matcha lattes are so good, there are very delish baked goods if that’s your thing, and the BEST coffee shop to people watch because of the generous amount of outdoor seating! And I loooove that they have umbrellas out and open so even when it’s 85 and super sunny you’re protected and in the shade!