As the country’s coffee culture evolves, so do the number of spots to enjoy a great cup of java in Philadelphia. The city has seen an explosion of third wave coffee, where sustainable ethos, single origin sourcing, and attention to detail in the cup translates to a whole new world of caffeinating. Cafes embracing that ethos take their brews seriously, not unlike sommeliers with wine. A number of new coffee shops have opened during the pandemic, giving Philadelphians even more to love about the city’s coffee scene. Here are the decidedly excellent spots to drink coffee right now.
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The Best Coffee Spots in Philly
Specialty lattes, drip coffee, and beans to-go are just some of the highlights at these neighborhood coffee destinations

Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books is the destination for folks in Northwest Philly (and beyond) who are looking for books written by people of color, and the wide selection on offer — for adults, teens, and kids — is inspiring. While browsing the shelves, customers can grab drip coffee, espresso, specialty lattes, and lemonades, plus baked goods from Au Fournil and Crust Vegan Bakery.
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Ultimo Coffee (multiple locations)
There’s the original Ultimo shop in Point Breeze, plus locations in Graduate Hospital, Germantown, and Rittenhouse, the latter being home to a custom powder-coated espresso machine. That machine isn’t just for looks — these coffee experts know how to pull a shot, and are among the best-trained baristas in the city. Pre-order online for pickup.
Càphê Roasters
Thu Pham has been roasting her specialty Vietnamese coffee to sell wholesale on J Street for over three years, but her full-service cafe was always the goal. There, coffee drinkers can indulge in strong Vietnamese lattes and co-work in a lovely space, while also ordering banh mi, breakfast sandwiches, and all kinds of magnificent lunch options, helmed by Jacob Trinh of Trinh Eats.
ReAnimator Coffee
With five destinations around Philly, Reanimator Coffee is a favorite of many of the city’s residents. The Port Richmond shop is just as airy and light as all of Reanimator’s cafes. Prefer to brew at home? Fans can order beans and merch to be delivered straight to their doors. Check social media for the rotating list of seasonal beans.
The Ground Coffee
The “CPG” in The Ground CPG stands for coffee, plants, and gifts — and that’s exactly what’s blooming at this beloved coffee shop near Norris Square at the Gotham. Pistachio mochas served with creamy cocoa is one of the fabulous options they have on their menu.
Persimmon Coffee
After starting out as a coffee pop-up during the pandemic, Persimmon Coffee finally opened a brick-and-mortar in June of 2022. The space is calming and intimate, and the specialty drinks — like the seasonal Foolish Tiger, made with espresso, homemade persimmon and ginger syrup, cinnamon, black walnut bitters, maple syrup, and steamed oat milk — are delicious and inventive.
Vernick Coffee Bar
James Beard award-winning owner/chef Greg Vernick continues his passion for New American dining with an impressive coffee shop that’s respected its seasonal lattes and espressos. Located steps away from Logan Square on the 2nd floor of the Comcast Technology Center, diners can enjoy Caffe Umbria coffee alongside Vernick’s full-service café of baked goods and bountiful lunch entrées.
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Menagerie Coffee
Opened by an Elixr and Bodhi Coffee alum in 2014, this airy-yet-cozy cafe serves Dogwood Coffee out of Minneapolis to adoring fans in Old City. It’s an outpost of good java in the tourist zone, and locals flock there for chill vibes and good sandwiches. You can preorder online.
Elixr (multiple locations)
Center City oasis Elixr is still kicking out some of the best pour overs in the city. The original shop on Sydenham Street is a go-to spot for high-quality cups. Find a stunner of a second shop, complete with an onsite roastery, in Callowhill, and a third location at 16th and Market. Order online for pickup.
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Talula's Daily
For years, diners have enjoyed the comfort of this grab and go spot in the heart of Washington Square West. Talula’s Daily serve up consistently robust lattes, cold brews and drip coffees that compliment their remarkable café that serves up hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, savory pastries and more.
Greenstreet Cafe
Sustainability and responsible sourcing are the buzz at Greenstreet, a cozy and funky roaster that goes to great lengths to secure the most ethical beans directly from producers. All that work and care translates to some of the best cups Philadelphia has to offer and should be on every coffeehead’s list. Even the shop’s website is thoughtful, offering useful how-tos and tips. There are two locations — one in Washington Square West and one in Point Breeze.
OX Coffee
This coffee shop is more than just a café that serves lattes and cold brews (that’s produced sustainably and organically) — but a creative hub for artists, musicians, and creatives to express themselves. Come for their beverages (such as the brown roser latte made with brown sugar and the rosemary) and stay for the tasty treats from Crust Vegan Bakery and the Bagel Place.
Function Coffee Labs
Bella Vista hasn’t been the same with this lively cafe that proclaims they are where “coffee meets science.” With featured specials (such as a fruity Costa Rica Las Lajas SL28 Natural that’s now being made in their single origin espresso hopper), there’s no reason to make this a one-time stop.
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Herman's Coffee
This is a destination for those who love ice coffee and lattes. Whether served with ice or hot, vegan or with milk — there’s no denying their strawberry rhubarb and passion fruit matcha lattes, Pennsport fog made with Earl Grey and lavender, and chai lattes. Yes, they taste as delightful as they sound.
Grindcore House (multiple locations)
A vegan pioneer, Grindcore is a long-running hangout for South Philadelphians. The concept is simple: great coffee and a fantastic selection of vegan food in a cozy space, all set to an unusual soundtrack mixing grindcore, punk, and whatever else the baristas are in the mood for. There’s a second location, in partnership with Crust Vegan Bakery, in West Philly. Order online.