Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square is a vibrant hub, and its coffee scene is just as dynamic. Whether you're a local or a visitor, finding the perfect cup amidst the charming streets requires a little exploration. This guide highlights twelve of the best coffee shops in Rittenhouse Square, each offering a unique experience and brewing style. We'll cover everything from cozy cafes perfect for a quiet morning to bustling spots ideal for people-watching. This list is sure to help you find your new favorite Rittenhouse Square coffee haunt.
Cozy Cafes for a Quiet Morning
La Colombe Coffee Roasters
La Colombe is a Philadelphia institution, known for its high-quality coffee and commitment to sustainable practices. Their Rittenhouse Square location offers a sleek, modern atmosphere perfect for a quiet morning with a book or laptop. They offer a wide variety of single-origin coffees and espresso drinks, ensuring there's something for every palate. Their draft latte is a must-try.
- Specialty: Draft Latte, Single-Origin Coffees
- Ambiance: Modern, sleek, quiet
Rival Bros. Coffee
Rival Bros. is another Philadelphia favorite, renowned for its bold roasts and friendly service. Their Rittenhouse location is smaller and more intimate than some others, making it ideal for a cozy escape. They frequently rotate their single-origin offerings, ensuring a consistently interesting experience. Their pour-over coffee is particularly noteworthy.
- Specialty: Pour-over Coffee, Bold Roasts
- Ambiance: Intimate, friendly
Sabrina's Cafe
Sabrina's is a beloved neighborhood gem, offering not just excellent coffee but also a delightful selection of pastries and light bites. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it perfect for a leisurely brunch or a quick coffee break. They're known for their consistent quality and welcoming staff.
- Specialty: Pastries, Breakfast Sandwiches, Coffee
- Ambiance: Warm, inviting, neighborhood feel
Bustling Spots for People-Watching
Talula's Garden
While known primarily as a restaurant, Talula's Garden also boasts a fantastic coffee program. The outdoor seating area, nestled amongst lush greenery, provides the perfect vantage point for observing the lively Rittenhouse Square scene. Their coffee is sourced ethically and expertly prepared.
- Specialty: Outdoor seating, ethically sourced coffee
- Ambiance: Lively, outdoor seating
Green Street Coffee Co.
Green Street is a local favorite, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a consistently strong cup of coffee. Their menu features a range of espresso drinks, brewed coffees, and teas, alongside a selection of pastries. The shop's location near the square makes it perfect for a quick caffeine fix before exploring the area.
- Specialty: Espresso drinks, pastries
- Ambiance: Vibrant, bustling
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Stumptown, a nationally recognized roaster, maintains a high standard of quality in their Rittenhouse Square location. Their coffee is consistently excellent, and the shop offers a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great option for those who want a reliable and high-quality coffee experience.
- Specialty: High-quality coffee, consistent roasting
- Ambiance: Spacious, welcoming
Unique Coffee Experiences
Elixr Coffee Roasters
Elixr takes a more artisanal approach to coffee, emphasizing small-batch roasting and unique brewing methods. Their shop is smaller, creating a more intimate and experimental atmosphere. Their seasonal offerings are particularly exciting.
- Specialty: Small-batch roasts, unique brewing methods
- Ambiance: Intimate, experimental
Little Baby's Ice Cream (Coffee Included!)
While primarily an ice cream shop, Little Baby's offers surprisingly excellent coffee. Combining your favorite ice cream with a great cup of coffee is a uniquely Philly experience. It’s a fun option for those looking for something a little different.
- Specialty: Ice Cream + Coffee Combinations
- Ambiance: Fun, playful
Cafes with a View
Parc
Parc offers a classic Parisian-style café experience, complete with outdoor seating directly overlooking Rittenhouse Square. The coffee is solid, but the real draw is the atmosphere and the incredible location.
- Specialty: Outdoor seating overlooking Rittenhouse Square
- Ambiance: Parisian-style, elegant
The Franklin Fountain
The Franklin Fountain is a step back in time, offering delicious ice cream and sodas in a beautifully restored old-fashioned soda fountain. While not strictly a coffee shop, they do offer a selection of coffee drinks that perfectly complement their old-fashioned sweets.
- Specialty: Old-fashioned sodas, ice cream, coffee
- Ambiance: Nostalgic, old-fashioned
Hidden Gems
One Shot Coffee
One Shot is a local favorite that often flies under the radar. They are known for their consistently high-quality coffee and friendly baristas, offering a more understated experience. Their pour overs are a highlight.
- Specialty: Pour Over Coffee, Consistent Quality
- Ambiance: Understated, friendly
Honey's Sit 'N' Sip
Honey's is a neighborhood staple. It offers a cozy atmosphere, and while not exclusively known for its coffee, it's a reliable option for a quick and satisfying cup.
- Specialty: Cozy Atmosphere, Neighborhood Vibe
- Ambiance: Relaxed, familiar
This list provides a starting point for your coffee adventures in Rittenhouse Square. Each cafe offers a distinctive experience, ensuring there's something to suit every taste and preference. Enjoy exploring!
