Best 3 Coffee Shops in Philadelphia, PA

When it comes to finding the greatest cup of coffee, I am something of a connoisseur. I love coffee, I live on coffee and I know the taste of a great coffee made by a great little "hole in the wall" coffee shop. Just because the bigger and better known chains are more popular does not mean they are better when it comes to their cups of coffee. In my time here in Philadelphia, I have come across some of the better coffee shops in town. I have been in the Philadelphia area for about 13 years and have tasted just about every coffee these shops have to offer. Sometimes, just a simple cup o' Joe says a lot about where you live, too. These are my picks for the best tasting coffee in the area.

Espresso Yourself

I found this shop a little over two years ago when I first moved to this area of Philadelphia. It is right across from the Mayfair Shopping Center at 6441 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia. The greatest thing about this little shop is the atmosphere. It is laid back and relaxing, and everyone knows everyone else. There is not a single customer who walks in that the barrista (person who makes and serves espresso and other coffee drinks) does not know by name. Just like a shop in a little out of the way town would be like but in the middle of a big city. The first time I walked in there, the barrista on duty at the time was so nice and knew I had never been in before. She took about 20 minutes out of her day to show me everything they offered, and all of the coffee flavors of the day. Not something you come to expect in the busy bustling of a big city like Philadelphia. He made others wait so she could familiarize me with everything the shop had, as well as how certain confections were made.

OK, so let's get to what they got. They offer free Wi-Fi, the largest selection of coffee drinks and flavors in the Greater Philly area, live entertainment on weekends, host meetings of any kind any day of the week, sandwiches, desserts, and much more. This is absolutely one of my favorite places to go when I need a quiet place to get some writing done. It is also an awesome place to hear some of the greatest people talking about anything-everyone gets along here. People come to drink coffee form all races, backgrounds and styles from Goths to Bikers to Hip Hop and R& B'rs, everyone gets along leaves their troubles and has a friend here. The next time you are in the Mayfair area and need a good cup of coffee and a friendly face, come to Espresso Yourself and I promise you will not regret it. For more information and hours of operation, contact 215-333-1212 or visit their website at WeGotTheBeans.com

Essene's Natural Food Market

This is not a coffee shop per see, however does qualify because they serve the best organic coffee ever. They are located slightly South of the corner of Bainbridge Street and Fourth Street at 719 S. Fourth Street Philadelphia. Just a few blocks walking distance form South Street. Believe me when I say I abhor natural and organic foods-I am a junk food junkie and I live on chocolate and Diet Pepsi-but their coffee really is on the top of my list as the best ever. It is just plain ole coffee, caffeinated or decaffeinated, your choice. It is served with soymilk and natural unbleached sugar. The allure here is the atmosphere. It is a lunch spot in the middle of a natural food market. They offer different specials every day, all organically or otherwise naturally grown and prepared. It is located in the back of the store, behind the produce section.

They have about 10 booth like tables and a separate section in the back if you want to hold a meeting of some kind. I met my husband here at a metaphysics meeting we both attend. While the prices are a little more expensive than normal, it is definitely worth it. The coffee is strong, fresh and in demand. In fact, it is one of the only reasons I keep returning to Essene's since I seem to have an aversion to natural food. For more information, contact 215-922-1146 or visit their website at EsseneMarket.com

InFusion Coffee & Tea

This café is located in the heart of Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia at 7133 Germantown Avenue. This is a little quiet out of the way place in the heart of town. Yes, I know I just contradicted myself, but if you could go inside you would understand. Not only do they offer the best caffeinated concoctions like a Cubano or Espresso, InFusion style, they have some of the best natural Gluten free foods in the area. Like I said, I am a junk food junkie and even I love their confections, so they have to be good. They also have a honey stand. You can purchase natural honey and beeswax-hive and all.

In the back, you can sit in the enclosed patio with covered tables in the quiet of the town and relax sipping your natural coffee. They also allow the holding of small meetings as well as other get togethers like birthday parties and such, most times for free. The people are friendly, the desserts and sandwiches are great, and the coffee outstanding, what more could you ask for? For more information and store hours, please call 215.248.1718 or visit their website at InFusionCoffeeandTea.com

Well, there you have it, some of the best places to get a great cup of coffee, no matter which part of Philadelphia you happen to be in. Just sit back relax and enjoy because once you taste any of the coffee offered at any of these shops, you will have spoiled yourself rotten.

InFusion Coffee & Tea
Essene's natural Food Market
Espresso Yourself