Bean it Up - Philadelphia Coffee Shops - Volume Two

I have been collecting little things to spruce up the coffee bar that will be set up in my dining room and have been following very inspired by all of the recent transitional pieces in the shops lately. I am still on the hunt for a nice piece of furniture to put my espresso machine and all of my coffee making items on. I have been watching a lot of soft, minimalist videos that’s coffee centric and have been so amped to make a cozy, coffee spot in the new house soon.  I am really excited for the New York City Coffee Festival held at the Metropolitan Pavilion on October 6-8, 2023. I plan on taking a day trip up to New York on the weekend to take in all of the sights and smells of the NYC Coffee Festival. Plus I’ll stop by one of my favorite spots to have dinner. I’ll most likely take the train up to the festival so we’ll take you along for the ride. 

Welcome to Bean It Up! This a new series where we share all of our favorite coffee shops in the tri-state area. This is volume two of the series, there’ll be four volumes to this series. 

Philadelphia, PA - Volume Two 

La Colombe Coffee - Fishtown neighborhood 

I wandered into the Bryn Mawr location just by chance and grabbed a latte and sat by the window and have been coming to La Colombe for years now. I walk over to the Fishtown location whenever I am in the neighborhood visiting a friend. I enjoy their draft latte’s and always crave the one with hazelnut and grab the black and tan draft latte whenever I get it. The breads and pastries are to die for and I always go here to grab whole bean coffee for when I make some at home. I bought a coffee grinder for that reason. 

Federal Donuts - Many locations in Philadelphia 

I couldn’t pin-point ONE particular spot but this donut shop has their own blend of coffee and also serve Vietnamese coffee that is a specialty from Caphe Roasters. This place also does juices and lemonades and was the first place that sold me on lavender infused drinks. Definitely try the lavender lemonade and get add a bit of Sprite to it for the zesty kick. They also make incredible donuts, fresh to order, the classic are sprinkled on and then they handcraft a variety of special ones that’s on rotation depending on the season. Right now you can get a pumpkin flavored donut, a cherry cheesecake one and a peach ring one. You can also get sandwiches and I always order two of the chicken sandwiches if you are planning on sharing it. 

Grindcore Coffee -  Pennsport neighborhood.

I went here on a recommendation from a friend who absolutely loves their coffee and breakfast options and was raving about their gluten free bagels and house-made spread were a MUST. Everything here is Vegan and they have two locations; South Philly & West Philly. I got a hot latte (which is like my go-to drink when I go to a new coffee shop. I also got their everything bagel with their scallion cream cheese. Other spreads that were recommended to me was the jalapeno cream cheese and sun-dried tomato and basil cream cheese. There’s also a to go option if you want to order ahead and walk over like we did. 

Rival Bros Coffee House - 24th & Locust 

I stumbled on this gem of a coffee institution when I was on a walk downtown and was just branching out of my usual chain coffee shops (Starbucks, WaWa and Dunkin Donuts). And I am so glad that I did because the coffee is delicious, the pastries are locals and the alternatives to caffeinated beverages are superb. You’ve gotta try the tea and lemonade blend because it is divine; though I must mention it is a seasonal selection. 

Honorable Mentions - The Coffee Shops & Roasteries that kept me caffeinated and afloat during the pandemic in 2020 and beyond. 

Nguyen Coffee Supply Co - When I was researching small business owners that were Vietnamese American (like myself); I was stoked to find that a NYC coffee company was bringing the phin coffee filter to the forefront. Much like Caphe Roasters here in the Philly area. They are a representation of what Vietnamese American dreams can become. This generation of immigrants and citizens are the ones who make a lasting impact on us all. Also they are amongst the ready to drink canned coffees legends in stores and you can find them at Whole Foods now. 

1946 Coffee Co - What a wonderful little roastery and coffee company that was recommended by one of my dear friends and gives back to the farmers and country that gives that company their great coffee beans. My absolute favorite was the Cafe Fermiano Colombiano which was 16 oz of bliss in a medium roast body. Not only is Vincent Moro a rad coffee roaster, he’s also a fantastic photographer, nature lover and friend. 

Roosevelt Coffee Co - Another coffee shop located in Columbus, OH and recommended by dear friends that live there. This coffee company was also one of the first places that I started a coffee subscription with during the pandemic. I learned about roasting, beans, grind size and all of the rest just by trial and error. Starting with a french press made me learn patience and humility and grounded me when the isolation and quarantine made everything come to a halt. The owner Kenny Sipes, is an absolute legend, in the Columbus coffee scene and does so much for the community. 

I hope you have enjoyed this look into the journey I have been on since I have really taken time to truly be more mindful with my morning cup of coffee. On the next and final installment of Bean It Up I will share with you the process of my cafe corner in our new house and a look into how I apply the mindful practice of having a morning cup of coffee (or matcha). Thanks for reading and until next time.