Philadelphia, PA - South Philly has some great indie coffee shops, from fair-trade Espressos at Chhaya to Ox Coffee's farm fresh milk and locally sourced pastires. Listed below are some of South Philadelphia's best locations to enjoy your next cup of java.
- Chhaya – The organic, fair-trade espressos and lattes here come courtesy of Caffe D’Arte espresso, Reanimator and Philly Fair Trade roasters, available as pour-overs, siphon brews and South Indian filter coffee styles. 1819 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 465-1000, chhayacafe.com
- Rally – Rally’s business model includes a cooperative workspace and a creative agency, but this coffee bar takes its brews seriously. It’s also of the few area establishments to offer sustainable Lancaster/Philly-based Passenger beans. 701 S. 7th Street, (215) 925-3657, heyrally.com
- Ox Coffee – This community-focused shop eschews Wi-Fi to keep the focus on simple goodness: Stumptown beans, farm-fresh milk and local pastries. A backyard courtyard expands the seating in warmer months. 616 S. 3rd Street, (215) 922-2531, oxcoffee.com
- Cinemug – This cafe from a former video store clerk revives the idea that cinephiles should have a collective gathering place to watch and rent movies. In addition to ReAnimator coffee and sandwiches, the store maintains a library of 1,600 titles to borrow. 1607 S. Broad Street, (267) 314-5936, cinemug.coffee
- Federal Donuts – Though this mini-local chain is best known for its inventive fried chicken and donuts, but the house coffee, a proprietary blend from PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., is best enjoyed cold-brewed with a Japanese siphon tower. 1219 S. 2nd Street, (267) 687-8258; 1632 Sansom Street, (215) 665-1101; 3428 Sansom Street, (267) 275-8489; 701 N. 7th Street, (267) 928-3893, federaldonuts.com
- Function Coffee Labs – With Passenger and Sey Coffee beans as a foundation, Bella Vista’s newest hangout for coffee aficionados takes the art and science of beverages very seriously. In addition to the carefully calibrated pour-overs and espresso shots, the spread includes breakfast sandwiches and Essen and High Point pastries. 1001 S. 10th Street, (267) 606-6734, functioncoffeelabs.com
- Grindcore House – Because vegans are serious about coffee, too, this Pennsport hangout stocks a variety of non-dairy creamers (soy, rice, almond, coconut) and a meatless, eggless, milkless menu of pastries and sandwiches. 1515 S. 4th Street, (215) 839-3333, grindcorehouse.com
- Ultimo – Its espresso was rated best in the city by The Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan and best in the country by The Daily Meal, and rightfully so. Counter Culture Coffee, perfectly ground and brewed to order, thrills even the most serious coffee lover. (So do the Friday morning—10-11 a.m.—tastings at the Catharine Street location.) 1900 S. 15th Street, (215) 339-5177; 2149 Catharine Street, (215) 545-3565; 238 S. 20th Street; (267) 804-7972, ultimocoffee.com
- Shot Tower Coffee – Between its Stumptown and PT beans and specially created La Marzocco machine, Queen Village’scaffeine sourceturns out impeccable espressos. It also plays an active role in community engagement, hosting neighborhood events boosted by strong brews. 542 Christian Street, (267) 886-8049
