Caffeine enthusiasts looking to explore the origins of coffee and enjoy a good brew need travel no further than Philadelphia, where the region’s coffee scene has been percolating and inspiring the launch of new festivals celebrating java and cafés with unique brews made from signature beans sourced in ethical and sustainable means. From spots offering Chemex-brewed cups to cafés producing rum infused with coffee, Philadelphia’s coffee culture serves more than just your average cup o’ joe.
Several of the region’s java spots set themselves apart from others with signature beans and brews. Standout spots include South Philadelphia’s Ultimo, with signature espressos that earned the shop the No. 1 spot on TheDailyMeal.com’s list of America’s Best Coffee Shops last year; Garces Trading Company, run by celebrity chef Jose Garces, serving a unique French press from signature roasting beans; GreenStreet Coffee Roasters on Locust Street, offering responsibly sourced, single-origin coffees; Fishtown’s ReAnimator Coffee, selling its own beans in pour-overs and espresso drinks; and Shot Tower Coffee, a local favorite in Queen’s Village serving seriously strong espresso from a Strada, a one-of-a-kind La Marzocco machine.
Homegrown coffee giant La Colombe, operating a number of java shops around the city, is set to open a flagship rum distillery, bakery and coffee shop in the Fishtown neighborhood next month. The Philadelphia-based retailer’s growth has been so explosive the company recently raised $28.5 million towards opening 100 cafés in the next five years around the country.
A host of spots serve delicious, organic brews with equally tasty, organic and local food to match. South Philadelphia’s Chhaya offers organic, fair-trade espressos and lattes as well as seasonal salads, creative sandwiches and breakfast foods made with many local ingredients. As well as house coffee and strong cold-brew, Federal Donuts boasts a menu with unique donuts and fried chicken. Bodhi Coffee in Society Hill serves sustainable sips and dishes, offering Stumptown coffees in drip and pour-over styles alongside fresh, local and organic food.
For java aficionados looking to celebrate their love for good brews with more than just a cup of coffee, the city hosts the second annual Coffee & Tea Festival Nov. 8–9 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, offering visitors the opportunity to take classes and sample brews from all over the world.
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