Four Outstanding Coffee Shops to Try in Philadelphia

Whenever I’m traveling, I feel like I tend to keep things pretty low-key (it doesn’t really take much to make me happy when I’m already doing my favorite thing!). But I do have one non-negotiable, and that’s a great cup of coffee from a local shop.

Sure, I could visit the mermaid for a pretty consistent brew worldwide, taking the pressure off of finding a cup of caffeine to keep me going, but then I’d miss out on the opportunity to support a local business and have an only-in-that-city experience. Of course, this can be a gamble, and it’s true that on occasion I’m left a little disappointed. But overall, a stop at a city’s coffee shops can be a wonderfully immersive experience in the local culture.

Though I spent just 36 hours in Philadelphia recently, I consumed a fair amount of coffee over the course of two days – some of it not so good (and thus, not on this list), but most of it great. To help you get your caffeine fix risk-free, I’m rounding up my four favorite cups from this visit*, in alphabetical order:

WHERE TO FIND GREAT COFFEE IN PHILADELPHIA

Habitat Coffee House

Formerly Greenstreet Coffee Co., this corner coffee shop just a quick stroll around the block from 9/10th & Locust Street Station is now run by a duo with a history of friendship spanning decades. The sense of community is real here in these cozy, close quarters, and the space is wonderfully flooded with natural light. Your regular coffee order is bound to be on the menu, but likely with a single-origin twist. Staff are super knowledgeable without being pretentious, so fire away with all your coffee questions before ordering. Just don’t expect to receive your drink in a hurry – max efficiency isn’t the goal here (but a good cup of coffee that begs lingering over is).

→Habitat Coffee House // 1101 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Jiggy Coffee

This cute shop in Washington Square West earns an A+ for its fun branding (it’s very Bouba, wouldn’t you say?) and for its great coffee and tea offerings. Of the shops on this list, Jiggy Coffee is the most likely to have something fun on the menu, like a sesame latte or a lavender matcha latte. It’s also the place to grab a nibble if you’re a little hungry – you might find sourdough bagels, pastries, donuts, and more when you visit.

→Jiggy Coffee // 1000 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Persimmon Coffee

Persimmon Coffee is both a coffee shop and lifestyle brand in Fishtown, drawing groups of hipsters to sit on their low-slung seats while sipping on expertly executed espresso and matcha beverages. My one deep regret from this visit is they had run out of syrup for their treasured Foolish Tiger (espresso, house-made persimmon and ginger syrup, cinnamon, black walnut bitters, maple syrup, and steamed milk – doesn’t that sound divine? Have one for me!). While in the shop, pick up a sweet persimmon pin or uniform shirt as a souvenir.

→Persimmon Coffee // 11 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Thank You Thank You

Seriously into coffee? Thank You Thank You is the place for you. Find an impeccably curated selection of beans lining the shelves and being brewed behind the counter, along with a staff who are ready to chat all day about the subtle flavors that emerge. Curious what’s on the menu? Head here to check out what’s brewing. And for folks like me who don’t live anywhere near this cafe off Washington Square, thankfully there’s a subscription service.

→Thank You Thank You // 700 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING PHILLY’S COFFEE SHOPS

Visiting a modern-day coffee shop is so much more than just a wake-up call – it’s a way to take in the local culture and gain a deeper understanding of the community. From picking out fun linguistic differences to sitting out the window and watching how the city moves, these spaces offer travelers immense value (not to mention the fuel to keep exploring!). Even if you’re not “into coffee”, I think it’s well worth a stop at one of these spots next time you visit Philadelphia.

*As much as I'd love to say these are definitively the best coffee shops in Philly, I didn't have the funds or time to visit each and every coffee shop in the city (or the strength of heart - can you imagine?). Have a favorite spot to add to this list? Feel free to share it in the comments!