South Philly’s Spot for Mexican Hot Chocolate and Churros Is Relocating

Cafe y Chocolate is relocating, but the cheery Mexican restaurant and coffee shop near 21st and Snyder with sunflowers painted on the outside wall isn’t going too far. Owner Maricela Tellez is moving operations to 1532 Snyder Avenue, where Snyder, 16th Street, and West Passyunk Avenue meet. It’s only half a mile away, but the new address is more visible, Tellez says.

Cafe y Chocolate is mostly a breakfast, lunch, and brunch spot, closing at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. depending on the day. The menu is a mix of coffee shop fare and savory dishes, from huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos to several types of tortas, tacos, and enchiladas. If you’re craving coffee and sweets, there’s a caramel cappuccino, Mexican hot chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon, an iced mocha made with Mexican chocolate, the “blue awake” drink with blue corn meal, espresso, milk, and honey, and churros served with a house-made chocolate sauce for dipping.

The same menu will be served at the new location, where Melrose Diner, church-themed bar Thirsty Soul, Vietnamese restaurant Cafe Nhan, and Stina Pizzeria are neighbors. “It’s a busier street, with more traffic, but everything else will be the same — same menu, same team, we want to make our customers feel welcome in the same way,” Tellez says. “I think it will be good for business.”

The current location (2100 S. Norwood Street) closes September 16. Tellez and crew will take a couple weeks to get the new cafe ready, and then open it October 1.

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