I am a huge supporter of the small business coffee shops and local roasters in Philly. While other people may prefer Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts coffee, I love finding new and unique places to get my daily caffeine fix. From bubble tea shops to the classic coffee shop, these Instagram friendly shops are a must visit for any traveler looking for their fix in Philadelphia. MIUCHA - CHINATOWNMiucha is a more unique shop on this list. This bubble tea shop operates in Chinatown and has an unassuming exterior. They pride themselves on having many Instagram worthy spots in their shop. From their pink and yellow seating to the tasteful art on the walls, there are so many places to take pictures. There is even a wall of vanity mirrors where you can fix up your make up after drinking tea or eating an egg waffle. The drinks they offer are both typical and atypical of traditional bubble tea shops. For one, they offer marshmallows as a topping and boast a large collection of different milk foams including cheese and matcha. Price wise they are a little more expensive than typical bubble tea places but they take their time in making drinks and are attentive to details. They do offer a small collection of Hong Kong style egg puff waffles with Franklin Fountain ice cream that are sweet and delicious. Typically they’re not too crowded so it’s easy to see why they’re on my list. Be mindful though, you’ll definitely want to get one of their drinks before you take photos, because even their drinks are very pretty. They take Venmo, cash, and credit ($10 minimum for the latter). A LA MOUSSE - CHINATOWNThis was one of the first cafes that I fell in love with in Philly. It’s smaller than others but what they lack in space they make up in flavor. The interior is clean and rustic with accents along the walls. They have a huge picture window where you can people watch in high top tables. The color scheme is quite neutral and the decor welcoming to anyone and everyone. Their claim to fame is delicious desserts and a creative matcha menu, paired with a calm and welcoming environment with quiet music. The staff are very kind and typically won’t bother you much so if you come to spend time reading or working they’re out of your hair. The drink and dessert menu have rotating specials that you will definitely want to entertain. Half of the time when I visit I’m going specifically for whatever dessert special they’ve promoted. Their menu has a lot of options for matcha desserts and drinks, including matcha lattes! Their matcha is usually really well prepared and is not powdery. Their prices are a bit higher but that is mostly due to the nature of their desserts, which are handmade daily and sometimes even made to order! KAWAII KITTY CAFE - QUEEN VILLAGEThis is a very different cafe than the others, they are half cafe, half cat adoption agency. They operate with PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) and the cats in their cat room are all available for adoption. They serve inventive drinks and will draw cute cat-themed coffee art. The cafe itself is bright, with adorable art on the walls reminiscent of the pusheen cat. Visitors can come to get just coffee or do coffee and cat visits if they so desire. The cafe suggests that visitors purchase a reservation ahead of time for the cat room to ensure that they are able to control how many people are in the kitty room at any given time. The drinks they serve are on the more expensive side due to the time it takes for them to make them. While a traditional coffee only costs around $4.5, one of their milkshakes may run you $10 or more! This is not to dissuade you however, as the Kawaii Kitty Cafe drink options are quite good and are decent sizes. They offer decadent drinks such as their cold “hot” chocolate that is piled with candies or their vegan hot chocolate which is sure to entice just about anyone! The cost for a reservation in their cat room is $11 per person which is comparable to similar cafes in other countries which cost around $10 US per person. The reservation includes an hour of time with the kitty and does not include drinks. Please consider making a reservation prior to your visit to ensure the best experience. If you’re just here for the coffee, don’t worry about it! HAPPILY EVER AFTER - OLD CITYOut of all of the cafes that I’ve visited on this list, this is the one where I’ve spent most of my time. This is one of my favorites to visit because I can get such a wide array of food and drink while also enjoying their kitschy movie themed decor. The cafe is run by a Korean couple and they sell Korean style ramen along their more sweet options. The shop is part coffee shop, ice cream shop, fro-yo store, and food. Sit in their window seats to use clear display tables with seating for 2-4. They also have a larger table for bigger groups along their wall. Their claim to fame is liquid nitrogen ice cream in crazy flavors like Salmon and Sriracha alongside cookies and cream and other delicious flavors. They also serve drinks such as smoothies, coffee drinks, butter beer and other delicious inventions. In terms of food, they serve awesome fro-yo waffles made with all sorts of toppings, including Reese's and other delicious accouterments. A visit here makes for gorgeous photos as the owners serve dragons breath, a popular snack in Asia, that makes anyone who eats them breathe “smoke”. In terms of expense, they’re average, and slightly on the lower side of the scale with some items being competitively priced while others are slightly lower. KOPI LATTE - FISHTOWNRumored to be named after the Kopi Luwak drink (civet coffee), this cafe is slightly further out from the city center but well worth the trip. Tucked away on Girard Avenue in Fishtown this small coffee shop is one of the few in the area. With a cozy interior (with tons of pillows), books available for your perusal and a few calming fish tanks around the shop. The theme for the most part is cutesy and they have a lot of cool things to offer visitors. They have three unusual drink ingredients on their menu, turmeric, lavender and beets. These ingredients can be used in lattes and are a very flavorful and colorful alternative to traditional lattes. They do not contain coffee so they’re good for people who are not a fan of coffee. The cafe offers a staggering assortment of teas, coffees, and smoothies, including Kyoto Tower cold brew. In the same vein the cafe offers vegan options for those who have dietary needs. The cafe also offers an array of delicious food options on their breakfast and lunch menus including the millennial favorite, avocado toast. Their prices are average for the city and below average for the area that they’re in which is typically higher end due to clientele. This is a cafe for the coffee connoisseur who dreams of having that cup of Kyoto tower coffee (which takes 6-8 hours to brew daily). HONORABLE MENTIONNormally I wouldn’t do an honorable mention, but these three drink shops are very unique. I put them as honorable mentions as I’ve heard about them but have yet to have the chance to visit. From a cafe that is equal parts plant nursery and coffee shop to an upscale utilitarian store such as Elixr you are sure to find something to your tastes. For more information, check out: Vault + Vine, Elixr, and Monkey and Elephant.
29 Comments
10/24/2018 02:14:19 pm
Although I have never been to Philadelphia, I like the way you recommend the coffee shops. I have never been a fan of Starbucks and prefer unique individually owned cafes.
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Jeana - The Voyaging Teacher
10/25/2018 01:34:33 pm
Starbucks can be great in a pinch if they're the only thing around but I would definitely say independent cafes provide people with unique experiences.
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10/24/2018 02:39:27 pm
OMG! I want to go to those so bad. Me and my husband are getting ready to go visit my home (Arizona ) and want to go to different states and I love coffee and always looking for new coffee places to try while I am back out in the states.
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10/24/2018 03:03:05 pm
I would love to go to all of these! Especially the Happily ever after - but that's motsly because I like the name xd
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10/24/2018 06:14:26 pm
I love Instagram worthy cafes! Not only because it's mostly peaceful, but their servings are absolutely gorgeous. I haven't been to Piladelphia before, but maybe one day! I'll definitely check out these cafes. Thanks for sharing!
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amina
10/24/2018 06:16:01 pm
This spots are so beauty and will definitely make good instagram spots!! I have to say that the major challenge every blogger faces is getting the right location for a picture that captures your audience attention. Will be visiting this spots when next i'm in philly!!!
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Bindu Thomas
10/25/2018 08:36:00 am
These all looks like some awesome coffee destinations. I will definitely check a few of them next time i am in Philadelphia. Thank you!
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Hazel
10/25/2018 09:12:00 am
I envy this article so much! Coffee shop hopping is like food for the soul! I’m gonna get my coffee right now! 🤗
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Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
10/25/2018 09:23:39 am
I will definitely have to check out these cafes when I am in Philly
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10/25/2018 09:34:40 am
I have actually been to Elephant + Monkey that name sticks with you, lol.Great list I will have to check these out next time I am in Philly.
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Jeana - The Voyaging Teacher
10/25/2018 01:35:52 pm
I haven't been but so many of my friends suggested it to me so I HAD to include it!
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10/25/2018 02:06:42 pm
We love visiting local cafes. I see Philadelphia has amazing options. My favorite is KAWAII KITTY CAFE - QUEEN VILLAGE, love the drink, so colorful.
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10/25/2018 04:35:57 pm
We love cute little coffee shops! And these look amazing! If we are ever in Philadelphia then we will check these out.
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Catherine Santiago Jose
10/25/2018 09:33:24 pm
Wow, those are nice coffee shop to visit and I am hoping to be there someday to taste their delicious desserts.
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Geraline Batarra
10/25/2018 11:12:06 pm
I have never been in Philadelphia but it looks like that they are a lot of nice cafe's to visit, drinking their delicious coffee and eating their tasty desserts,
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10/26/2018 04:35:12 am
Hi.
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Preet
10/26/2018 07:14:21 am
Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to Philadelphia. Loving the pictures so much.
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10/26/2018 10:08:41 am
OK now I'm craving some seriously sweet things at 10am in the office - That waffle looks delicious. Maybe I'll venture away from Starbucks and see what else is out there!! Thanks for sharing :)
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StuartBrazell
10/31/2018 02:56:54 am
I have got to check out that Kitty cafe and get that pink drink for sure!
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Author“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine Archives
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