Hi all, just starting out here. i'm trying to minimize error in the other three M's, as mano's got no training yet. I was wondering if any of you Philadelphians know where to get fresh, good coffee around the city. I only ever see La Colombe. I'd love to try Caffe Fresco or something similar. All else fails, I'll have to start getting everything shipped. thanks!

Many of the better coffee places have excellent coffee. This will also give you the opportunity to try the coffee prepared correctly.

Shot Tower Coffee has Counter Culture.
http://www.shottowercoffee.com/

Elixr carries PTs Coffee
http://www.elixrcoffee.com/

While this was a search for cafes, many coffees are discussed.

search.php?keywords=philadelphia&fid%5B0%5D=57

Chestnut Hill is a fav of mine for various reasons and, just nearby (sorta), is this guy who is also very good - http://www.rojosroastery.com/

When I run out of home roast or are in the neighborhood I stop by chestnut hill coffee.

Elixr.

Joe.

Town Hall Coffee, who also sells different and continually changing brands and varietals.

I like Ultimo an awful lot - but I am not sure if they sell beans. They are located in the same building as the Counter Culture Philadelphia training center, which offers helpful courses btw. I recommend them if you are starting out.

La Colombe never puts roasts date on their beans (or at least the last time I went there which is a while ago), so I don't trust their freshness at all. This is from prior experience.

I roast most of my brewing beans, but still mail order my espresso for the most part. Most offer 2 day priority mail and it opens your options up substantially. I buy fresh, ship fast, vacuum and freeze. It gives you access to fresh coffee, and you wind up saving on shipping by ordering less often.

Nice to see another local here

erics wrote:While this was a search for cafes, many coffees are discussed.

search.php?keywords=philadelphia&fid%5B0%5D=57

Chestnut Hill is a fav of mine for various reasons and, just nearby (sorta), is this guy who is also very good - http://www.rojosroastery.com/

Didn't know about Rojo's. Thanks for the link.

This is just copy and pasted from my post in another thread, but it was easier than linking it:

One Shot:
http://1shotcoffee.com/

Bodhi:
http://bodhicoffeephila.com/

OCF:
http://www.ocfcoffeehouse.com/

Rival Bros.
http://rivalbros.com/

All four are fantastic for different reasons. Both One Shot and Bodhi are pulling shots of PT's Southpaw but are selling WB of both PT's and Stumptown. One Shot has amazing brunch and pastries, albeit a bit pricey, and an awesome upstairs library/living room set-up. Bodhi is cozy and charming, has a great coffee selection, and has really awesome baristas. OCF has a great modern feel and is typically pulling shots of CC's Toscano. They also make their mocha in house, and it's spectacular.

Finally, Rival Bros. They would probably be my favorite if I were ever able to actually make it to them while they're open. Two guys bought a food truck that they outfitted with a Mazzer, a custom Linea, and some V60s. They roast their own coffee and up until recently were doing so in the one guys basement. They are both really nice guys with an abundance of knowledge and skill between the two of them, and they roast with incredible precision for being so new to the scene. Though they operate out of the truck, they serve the espresso in a demitasse with a saucer and cortados in a glass (but I'm sure they'd put it in a to-go if you asked). They park it at Drexel last time I checked.

Honorable Mention:

Milkboy is a really cool bar/restaurant/coffee shop, and they were serving CC's La Forza last time I was there.

Philly is my old stomping grounds, so I spent a lot of time taking caffeine crawls. Brings back some good memories.

-Dave-

Maybe I should retry Rival Bros again. I finally made it out there to the truck and it was an utterly undrinkable pourover. Tasted like it was taken aeons past 2nd crack.

You're the first person, who is actually interested in coffee, who gives them praise. I will revisit them as they are fairly close by.

That's unfortunate to hear. When I was there, I got a pourover of their featherweight blend, and it was really nice. They're great guys, and I know they know coffee, so I hope this was just a fluke, though I will admit that when I tried them I was a lot less experienced with coffee and my palate wasn't anywhere near what it is today, so it's possible that I was off with my praise. I hope that's not the case.

-Dave-