The 3 Best Independent Coffee Shops in Philadelphia, PA

If you're thirsty for coffee, cappuccino, or any other hot caffeinated beverage in Philadelphia, you don't need to step into a Starbucks or Cosi. The best coffee spots in town are locally owned and operated. Here's a look at my top 3 favorite places in Philly to sit with a hot drink and chat, read, or people watch.

#1 Philadelphia Java Company, 518 S. 4^th St.

This is a longtime favorite of mine. Situated at the edge of Old City only a block from the famous South Street, this shop is in the heart of a busy shopping district. Features both indoor and outdoor seating, cheap prices, and a just out-of-the-way enough location to chat without having to yell over the din of South St.. Great for those people who like to plunk down for hours, I've never had any bad experiences with the staff trying to rush you away. Ideal spot for students or telecommuters to sit and get some work done, or to get together and chat with friends.

#2 Espresso Yourself, 6441 Frankford Ave.

This shop is across town from the Java Co., in the heart of the Northeast's Mayfair district. This is much more Central Perk than the shop in the #1 spot as well - Espresso Yourself is as much community hangout as coffee shop. Regular Quizzo and Open Mic nights are held here in addition to the serving of delicious hot beverages - something like 75 different types of coffee blends and flavors. There is some outdoor seating - like most of Frankford Avenue, the surrounding street is dotted with shops and businesses of all kinds. A great spot to stop for a drink if you happen to be out shopping in the Northeast, or just don't feel like trekking all the way downtown.

#3 Mugshots, 2106 Fairmount Ave.

Mugshots is back downtown, in the Art Museum section of Center City - and directly across the street from the historic Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that's now a museum. This coffeehouse is strictly fair-trade, and quite green - preferring local, organic products and even donating their juice pulp and coffee grounds for compost. The shop's vibe is classically hip coffee shop - good lighting, comfortable couches, and a full-range menu. As one of the city's most popular and beloved coffee shops, Mugshots is not to be missed. This would be a great place to stop before or after a trip to one of the museums in the area - not only Eastern State, but the Art Museum, Franklin Institute, or the main branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

http://www.mugshotscoffeehouse.com/our_philosophy.cfm