Philly Cafés That Brighten Your Day

Philadelphia has no shortage of good coffee shops, but what sets a truly great one apart? For me, it’s a space that blends community, charm, and excellent caffeinated beverages. These four deliver just that.

Thank You Thank You
 700 Sansom St

​​Situated on Jewelers Row, Thank You Thank You is a snug coffee shop with a big following, thanks to its specialty brews. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., they’ve built a warm, welcoming community, one drink at a time. The space is bright and inviting, filled with natural light and decorative plants.

They source beans from around the world, including right here in Philadelphia from local favorites like Poem Roasting. Their kind baristas craft each drink with care, creating an inviting experience. One of their standout beverages is the Honey Bear Cappuccino, made with milk sweetened with honey and topped with orange zest and cinnamon, resulting in a drink that’s both refreshing and comforting. Looking to try something new? Go for the hojicha latte. If you’re unfamiliar, hojicha is a Japanese green tea, similar to matcha. However, instead of steaming the leaves like most green teas, hojicha is made by roasting them, giving it a warm, nutty flavor and lower caffeine content.

On their website, you’ll find a list of what they’re brewing, along with their Bean Head Concierge Service, where the team handpicks a bag of beans and has it delivered straight to your door. Of course, you’re also welcome to stop by and grab your preferred roast in person. A trip to Thank You Thank You is sure to brighten your day.

Café Walnut
703 Walnut St

Just steps from Washington Square Park, Café Walnut is a Korean café founded by a trio of siblings inspired by their mother’s dream. Their menu features Korean-inspired dishes like the bulgogi egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, a unique twist on the American classic made with tender, marinated bulgogi beef. You also won’t want to miss their flavorful bibimbap salads, with irresistible options like spicy pork bulgogi.

When it comes to drinks, they offer just as much variety, from bold coffees to refreshing smoothies, with my personal favorite being the matcha latte. They also have a wide selection of syrups to customize your drink. My go-to is adding coconut syrup to an iced matcha latte for the perfect touch of sweetness.

This inviting two-story cafe offers plenty of seating, making it an amazing spot to study or catch up with friends. They also welcome furry friends and even have a bulletin board full of Polaroid pictures featuring their doggie customers.

Café Walnut is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by with your furry companion and experience this must-try spot!

Mr. Rabbit Coffee
 2301 Spruce St

Nestled in Graduate Hospital, Mr. Rabbit Coffee is a charming coffee shop that’s been winning over locals since opening in 2024. Known for their mouthwatering drinks and homemade breakfast and lunch options, it’s become a go-to spot for coffee lovers.

Choose from one of their featured lattes, like the decadent mocha latte with dark chocolate mocha syrup, or the sweet and nutty honey almond maple latte. If you’re looking for something less sweet, the lavender matcha latte offers a subtle floral note. Of course, you can always customize your latte with a selection of flavored syrups to suit your taste.

Don’t miss out on their homemade pop tart, which rotates through flavors like blackberry and strawberry, filled with fresh fruit preserves and topped with sugary sweet icing. They also offer a sourdough focaccia open-faced sandwich and a breakfast toast made with fresh sourdough focaccia from their neighboring pizza restaurant, Sally, which is a great example of two local businesses supporting each other.

Located on a quiet corner, their outdoor seating area is the ideal spot to enjoy a sunny day while sipping on your favorite drink. Although weekends often bring a line, their friendly baristas ensure that your coffee and food are served promptly. Hop on over to Mr. Rabbit Coffee between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for your next pick-me-up!

Elixr Coffee Roasters
207 S Sydenham St (other locations across the city)

Founded in 2010, Elixr Coffee Roasters has become a staple in Philadelphia’s coffee scene, with their blends featured in cafés and restaurants across the city. They offer a diverse selection of roasts and even serve ceremonial grade matcha.

Elixr actively supports artists by organizing public events and art installations at their Center City location. They commission six mural installations annually, and yours could be next. If you’re interested, you can apply through their website. A great example of Elixr’s commitment to uplifting the community came in 2023 with their winter-long initiative, Heart on Your Sleeve. This initiative focused on care and renewal for Philadelphians and featured works displayed on coffee sleeves. Enjoying one of their beverages feels even better knowing you’re supporting a company that cares about its community.

A highlight on their menu is the iced strawberry latte, which also comes in a matcha version. Elixr has been perfecting these for years, long before strawberry lattes were a trend, and honestly, they single-handedly powered me through college. You truly can’t go wrong with a trip to Elixr.

It’s places like these that undoubtedly capture what makes Philadelphia so special. Whether you’re on the go or looking for a spot to unwind, you’ll feel right at home at each of these incredible places. I hope you’ll take a moment to stop by and show them some love.

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