Old City Coffee

This is the sort of aesthetically beautiful and inviting coffee shop that I look for when visiting a city. What made this a treasured gem was that it's in historic Philly and located in an ally style street. The street was cobble-stone for Pete's sake and had that colonial feel. When we walked in at first, it appeared that there wasn't any sitting area, and just coffee to go style, but just around the corner from the order counter is the sitting area. There were plenty of places to sit with an outlet nearby for your laptop, and the general atmosphere was very ideal. People did appear to keep their conversation tone down, as opposed to where I'm from. No churchy conversations either, which was like a dream come true for me. So thankful to Philadelphians who appear well-mannered. But I digress, the coffee shop had plenty of pastries to choose from. I didn't notice any real breakfast items, but I was well satisfied with a Cheese Danish and coffee for a late breakfast. However, again, the coffee smelled good but tasted French roasted style or something like it. I did buy an 1893 bean blend to take back home. My husband theorized (and rightly so, as I prepared it later and better at home) that it may have something to do with the water rather than how the barista brews it. I feel it may be a combo of both. Here in the K.C. area we are known for excellent drinking water, and we did enjoy the blend when brewed back home. One thing to note about Old City Coffee and the beans they sell. They aren't cryovaced or sealed and must be ground and brewed within a few weeks. I have heard that you can freeze beans but am not sure, but will try it. The barista informed me that so long as the bag is firmly closed and away from any light source. Another thing that I noticed at this store is that they have beans you can serve yourself in bags and have them ground at the store. If I lived in Philly, I would try their other beans in small bag amounts. The aroma was wonderful here.

Beautiful coffee shop nestled in the Old City with hands down the best service. The barista was amazing to provide her favorite coffee-- Blackberry Mocha coffee and paired it with their homemade blueberry muffin. Let me say, when it's recommended to slow down and enjoy the muffin, you do it. The blueberries were perfectly folded into the batter with the soothing taste of the butter. Yes, I said butter. As a southerner, a moist muffin is hard to do, but goodness my heart melted eating each bite. This muffin didn't lack with flavor, rich flavor and still maintained being light and fluffy with a simple crispy sugary top. Call me traditional, but this muffin needs to be a part of my breakfast routine just got the top. You can sneak a couple of views of the kitchen in the back with the pastries being made. It's a must try place for the cute esthetic, but the friendliest staff. It felt like an enchanted adventure to be a part of and you immediately forget you are in downtown Philadelphia. Run don't walk.

The big draw of this coffee shop is the location. Right in a very central location of the Old City, you're just a hop skip & a jump from many of Philadelphia's biggest attractions. Elfreth's Alley, Mac's Tavern, US Mint, Betsy Ross, Independence Hall, Liberty Bell... It's all just right there.As coffee shops go, it's pretty decent! A little on the expensive end, but one of the very few locally owned coffee shops I've ever seen that offers an XL option. This is important for me personally because I drink a lot of coffee and sometimes wish I had something larger than a 20oz cup.Plenty of food and pastry options that I didn't try, because I'm one of them there resolutioners trying to lose weight. Seemed to be popular amongst the other patrons, however.Coffee was not bad! I am not big on fruity notes in my coffee, and that seems to be the trend amongst smaller, local shops, Old City not withstanding. Bitter enough - robust, chestnut and chocolate notes. The drip coffee was pretty dern hot tho. Took a while to cool. Once it cooled, I was a happy camper.The seating area seemed to be an afterthought. Had the coziness of a high school math classroom. Probably won't be dining in again. Probably the only thing keeping it from the illustrious 5* rating.Verdict? Visit if you're in the area, but perhaps takeaway is the best option.

Busy , cozy and sweet.Lovely speedy service . Great coffee and blueberry muffin.We enjoyed sitting in the back, and then we came to the front and sat outside .I can see why this is a local favorite !!

Nestled among the old city brick streets is this delicious coffee shop! Great variety of seasonal flavors, and do-it-yourself coffee! Staff is very nice and there's so much to choose... including some beans to bring home with you. With all of the coffee shops around Philly, this is a nice gem that's a bit different than the rest. Try it for yourself!

Nice place to do a bit of study or work (however when I was there the WiFi was not working well but it might've just been that day). Good selection of coffee products and ample seating inside!

This was a popular choice by far! I would see so many people carrying around their iconic cup and after trying it I could understand why. Their coffee was smooth and bold with no lingering aftertaste. The staff were quick and friendly and the service was great!

Pretty delish! Love all the outside seating little treat options my dad lovessss the cinnamon rolls lattes can bevs can be a little pricey tho

Old City Coffee in Philadelphia left an indelible mark with their exceptional Iced Mocha, ranking among the best I've ever had. The perfect marriage of rich, robust coffee and velvety chocolate created a symphony of flavors . The ambiance and friendly staff enhanced the overall experience, making it a memorable stop for any coffee enthusiast. I find myself still daydreaming about that exquisite Iced Mocha, a testament to the enduring impression Old City Coffee made on my taste buds.

Best latte in Philly! 6 bean espresso is killer and beautiful space to sit in old city