The Top Independent CoffeeShops in the Philly Metro Region

Indie coffee houses are a bustling business nowadays. Today, tourists and locals alike flock to these unique gems to savor an expertly made drink and fresh homemade pastries, all while enjoying the local charm. Long gone are the days when Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts are the only options when it comes to grabbing a decent cup of coffee while out and about. While you can enjoy a predictably good cup of joe at these chains, there are way too many interesting local shops to support while traveling.

When you go local, you are more often than not treated to higher quality drinks, better presentation (mugs vs. paper cups), friendlier service, and a more eclectic ambiance. Below are my top picks for coffee in both Philly and surrounding Main Line Suburbs.

Menagerie Coffee

• Location: Old City
• Address: 18 S. 3rd Street
• Highlight: Exposed brick walls
• What to do nearby: Hit the ice rink (winter) or roller skating (summer) rink at Penn’s Landing

Menagerie Coffee is the best place to grab a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the Old City region. Not only does this local gem serve high quality Dogwood coffee (a renowned small roaster based in Minnesota & Canada), but as an added bonus the ambiance is also terrific. Food selections include fresh pastries and light sandwiches. There may not be as many food options as other coffeehouses, but the few pastries they do offer are quite tasty.

Housed in a historic building from the 18th century, the exposed brick walls really add a touch of charm not found at other nearby coffee shops. The tree stump coffee table adds a nice natural touch. You can score a prime people watching window seat if you arrive early enough!

Cafe Ole

• Location: Old City
• Address: 147 N. 3rd Street
• Highlight: Excellent Shakshuka
• What to do nearby: Walk Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest inhabited US street

Cafe Ole has long been an Old City staple for local and visiting coffee lovers alike. Conveniently located within walking distance of most of Philly’s best historical attractions, it’s a great place to start your day. Cafe Ole is the best choice when you seek a nice hefty breakfast to go along with your coffee. They serve all sorts of morning fare, from bagels, to omelets, to croissant sandwiches. Lots of vegan and vegetarian entrees on the menu, so this is a great place to consider if you have special dietary concerns.

The best thing on the menu is the Shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern entree consisting of poached eggs in a stewed tomato based sauce. This wonderful vegetarian dish consists of mushrooms, potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, and hummus. And the coffee is fantastic too! The house coffee is really flavorful, although offering mugs as opposed to paper cups would be a nice touch for dine-in customers. Cafe Ole is typically my choice for coffee and a filling breakfast before exploring Old City sights.

ICI Macarons

• Location: Old City
• Address: 230 Arch Street
• Highlight: Homemade macarons in every flavor imaginable
• What to do nearby: Explore the historic Fireman’s Hall museum

ICI Macarons is an often overlooked coffeehouse in the Old City section of Philly. It’s located off on a quiet side street, and thus, does not see as much tourist traffic. ICI is the perfect choice if you are looking to avoid tourist crowds. The ambiance is peaceful and attractively zen-like, and charming despite being located in a touristy part of town. The soft music, miniscule decor, and immaculate cleanliness really set this one apart. And thus, ICI is a great place to read, work, or enjoy a low key date.

They serve delicious coffee from local roaster ReAnimator, along with an enticing selection of homemade pastries (try the peanut butter and jelly croissant!). The best part of all is the tantalizing selection of macarons, available in about every flavor imaginable. Start with a lemon/lavender, matcha green tea, or dark chocolate macaron, although really you can not go wrong with anything here!

La Colombe

• Location: 4 Philadelphia locations and one in suburban Bryn Mawr
• Highlight: Beautiful drink presentation
• What to do nearby: Take your pic by the Liberty Bell

La Colombe is a popular coffee shop which originated in the Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia. Today, you can find La Colombe locations in numerous US cities. Not only is the coffee itself delicious, but the presentation in gorgeous custom hand made mugs is just as appealing. The Americano is by far the best in the area, hands down. The pastry selection is tantalizing. The chocolate croissant and blueberry muffin are both worth splurging calories on. Several GF and vegan options are available.

In Old City, the Independence Mall location is the perfect place to enjoy a light breakfast before embarking on your tourism to-do list. This cafe is particularly spacious with a gorgeous patio looking out at Independence Hall. You will have lots to explore during your time in Old City. Thus, if you are limited on time (no time for a big breakfast), consider treating yourself to a delicious pastry and coffee at La Colombe before hitting the historical sites.

J’aime French Bakery

• Location: Washington Square West
• Address: 212 S. 12th Street
• Highlight: Diverse selection of French pastries & breakfast items
• What to do nearby: See the Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War soldier at Washington Square Park

J’aime is a hidden gem in the Washington Square section of Center City. If you love French pastries & good coffee, this is the place for you. Although a tad overpriced, J’aime is one of the few places in the city where you can indulge in a savory quiche, with the option to choose amongst a traditional Quiche Lorraine or a healthier vegetarian version.

Also on the lineup is an enticing selection of dozens of scratch made French pastries, along with crepes and freshly squeezed juice drinks. They serve coffee from Philly’s La Colombe, so you can count on a delicious drip or espresso to go along with your treat.