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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.