6 Highbrow Philly Coffee Shops We're Loving Right Now

By Rachel McQuiston

As winter break slowly comes to an end, we all return to campus excited for a new semester full of opportunities, but ultimately feeling a bit nervous for the work, assignments and stress that it all entails. Let’s face it -- after a month of home-cooked meals, messed-up sleep schedules and just a general lack of motivation, we’ll all have to ease into the spring semester. And, honestly, we’ll do this the only way we know how: calming our new semester jitters one overpriced latte at a time. Luckily, you won’t be forced to sit at Saxby’s or wait in a 20-minute line at Starbucks in the SAC -- we have a list of the best cafés in the city that will be sure to get your mind off of the assignments that await you this semester.

Dolce & Caffè

Location: 708 N. 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

With a wide selection of cannolis, paninis and many other baked goods (remember your New Years Resolution to cut carbs? Hahaha), Dolce & Caffè is the perfect Italian café located in Northern Liberties. Dolce & Caffè provides the ideal atmosphere to sip on hot chocolate and indulge in cannolis with friends during an episode of second semester Sunday Scaries. The best part? They have a cannoli flavored latte -- seriously, what could be better than that?

Shakespeare & Co.

Location: 1632 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Located on bustling Walnut Street, Shakespeare & Co. is the perfect place to get away from all of the action. Part coffee shop and part bookstore, this cozy nook is the optimal place to catch up on assignments or snuggle up with a nice book. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this café is right across from Free People and Urban Outfitters -- just saying. Even better, they have a little area for custom printing and publishing, if you, say, want to start your own magazine (*wink wink*).

Elixr

Location: 207 S Sydenham St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Look no further for the best oat milk latte in Philadelphia, Elixir puts all other lattes to shame. With other delicious options like different teas, baked goods and a yogurt parfait, Elixr is a must-have when taking a trip into Center City. It’s hidden on a side street, so look carefully! And prepare to see the most concentrated group of hipsters in one place since Burning Man.

Vineyards Café

Location: 847 N 16th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Taking the BSL from Cecil to Center City can get repetitive (and expensive), but that doesn’t mean your only café options are on campus. Only a 15-20 minute walk from campus lays Vineyards Café, a quaint shop with cozy downstairs seating. After making the short trip to the café, you can reward yourself with a delicious latte and a crepe of your choice.

High Point Café

Location: 1925 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Fairmount is full of unique cafés where you can enjoy a tasty lunch, but High Point Café stands out among the bunch. With its ideal location, High Point Café is the perfect spot to stop by after working out at Fairmount’s Yoga Habit or ogling the animals at the Fairmount Pet Shoppe.

Little Spoon Café

Location: 1500 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146

Although the Lombard-South area may not be as exciting as Center City, it has its fair share of gems, such as Little Spoon Café. This café serves as the ideal place to enjoy a breakfast that you just aren’t able to get at the SAC or Cosi. And once your done, hit up Philly AIDS Thrift since you spend all your money on coffee.