Bean it Up - Philadelphia Coffee Shops - VOL 1

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and that means one thing — a fresh cup of coffee. YES. (Did you think I was going to say Pumpkin Spice Lattes?!) I mean it kind of is coffee but I prefer a nice cold brew or nitro brew to that of a psl. Sorry, not sorry. But to each their own. I always had a soft spot for coffee but it took a global pandemic for me to actually take the time to learn how to make a nice, fresh cup of coffee. I have always used a coffee pot or a Keurig machine but there’s something about making coffee from grinding beans to letting the coffee bloom that makes it oh so special. Starting from a french press in early 2020, to that of a pour over method to now learning how to pull a perfect shot of espresso in 2022. I knew that was the start of something special. I have always wanted to expand the operations here at the HQ, and create a space where you can grab a hot cup of coffee, come together with like-minded individuals and be their true genuine selves. So it is no surprise to anyone who knows me that I am an avid lover of coffee and all things coffee. I have recently also ventured into matcha, but I am saving that for a special post here. 

I am really excited for the New York City Coffee Festival held at the Metropolitan Pavilion on October 6-8, 2023.

And I am truly excited to also build a space in my new home for friends and loved ones to come together to share a cup and catch up on life and it’s wonders. So throughout the month of September, I will be posting about my favorite coffee shops in Philadelphia, visiting some beloved favorites (and a new one) in Lancaster, PA and then high-tailing it over to New York City (with a few pit stops in New Jersey) for all of the coffee (and matcha) options. 

Welcome to Bean It Up! This a new series where we share all of our favorite coffee shops in the tri-state area. 

Philadelphia, PA - Volume One 

Càphê Roasters- Kensington neighborhood.

This is a Vietnamese-owned coffee shop that pays homage to the coffee scene in Vietnam. From the iconic red stools, to the walls and decor painted in gold and red, to the wall of fame with photos and community notes. It is a staple of the Kensington neighborhood, it brings a nice flair to the community that is already booming with so much pride. 

Highly recommended. 

• CÀ PHÊ SỮA
• VIETNAMESE LATTE
• GRITTY MATCHA
• BÁNH MÌ
• J ST. SANDO 

Persimmon Coffee, Fishtown Neighborhood 

Around the same time as my discovery of Càphê Roasters, I saw that another AAPI owned shop had become the talk of the Fishtown Neighborhood. Being named after the persimmon fruit, this is a really delicious take on an Asian fruit that is so revered that my peers who have never enjoyed this fruit, actually have grown up to enjoy every bite. Persimmon, like Càphê Roasters - exemplifies community and camaraderie within the neighborhood and the necessity for human connection. Which is something I long for with this brand and the legacy I hope to create and nurture throughout the years to come. 

Highly recommended. 

• Latte
• Japanese Flash Brewed Iced Coffee
• Cloud Dancer
• Emerald City
• Matcha 

Herman’s Coffee - South Philadelphia neighborhood 

This amazing coffee shop is steps away from my old stomping grounds and is a market and cafe in one building that was a car repair garage/shop renovated. This is an amazing example of bringing new life to old South Philadelphia buildings. I have been wanting to grab coffee from here for a long time and I was so excited to grab some amazing coffee. I got the house brewed coffee, which was bold yet delightful and then upon recommendation I got my first ever espresso tonic which is a double shot of espresso over tonic water. Which is stunning. 

Highly recommended. 

• Espresso Tonic 
• Specialty Latte
• Espresso Shandy
• Pennsport Fog
• Matcha Lemonade

Shot Tower Coffee - South Philadelphia neighborhood 

Stumbled upon this quaint coffee shop on one of my last days of my time off from my day job and I walked in at the right time because a torrential downpour had just happened. Grabbing a latte with oat milk and a hot loose green tea. It was the perfect amount of caffeine and cozy for a rainy day in South Philly. I had gotten a ton of writing down, edited a gallery or two of photos and did some general admin work and then finished my banana and went on my merry way. 

(insert highly recommended list) 

Join us next week, this time for volume two and this time we will travel to Rival Bro’s (24th Street location), Knockbox Cafe (West Philadelphia), La Colombe (Fishtown) and Grindcore Coffee House (South Philadelphia). Then we take a road trip to Lancaster, PA to revisit some old favorites and grab some coffee from some new ones too. See you then.