Springtime might just be my favorite time of the year: the flora and fauna resurface from hibernation, parks begin to populate once again and, most importantly, ice coffee is back in season. Now that spring is upon us, Philadelphia has been graced with many new coffeeshops open just in time to be enjoyed during this beautiful season. Here we highlight a few of our favorites:
Rival Brothers
After what seems like an eternity of having solely a coffee truck, Rival Brothers has finally secured and opened a location just this month at 24th and Lombard Street. Jonathan Adams, formerly executive chef of Pub & Kitchen, and Damien Pileggi, previously of La Colombe, started this brand and have made quite a name for themselves with their blend and single-origin offerings on the truck. Their brick and mortar store in the Graduate Hospital area uses the same evocative new-Americana style as the truck did, boasting a color palette of slate, black and white; oak flooring; and custom Sapele wood countertops. As to be expected, the location uses only the highest-quality brewing equipment, with espresso pulled on a La Marzocco GB5, Fetco Extractor for drip and Mahlkoenig grinders. The store also offers loose-leaf tea from Philadelphia’s House of Tea and Fentimans all-natural sodas for non-coffee drinkers who still want to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. Rival Brothers is open Sunday to Saturday from 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Joe Coffee
Finally, at long last, Philadelphia gained another one of New York City’s finest exports in Joe Coffee. Joe has been in town since September 2013, but I still can’t highlight this shop enough. Philadelphia is fortunate to have two locations, one in University City at 32nd and Chestnut and a flagship store in Rittenhouse Square located at 1845 Walnut St. Joe brings the feel of lofty, ergonomic-yet-spacious coffee shops to Philadelphia decorated with lots of reclaimed wood and high-tech brewing equipment. Their single-origin Colombian iced coffee is one of the better I’ve ever tried: it’s bold, fruit-bodied and rich, with an almond-like finish. It’s a beautiful iced-coffee black, but also would work well with milk or cream, if desired. Joe also offers their signature Waverly espresso. Joe Coffee is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Bodhi
This Society Hill favorite is set to open a second location at 10th and Spruce any day now. The shop will be open seven days a week 7 a.m.–7 p.m. The new shop will offer Elixir and Stumptown coffee, and food offerings will include sandwiches and paninis. The new location also boasts a spacious outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying the weather and being productive in the sun. The shop is likely to boast the same minimalist design as its Society Hill location.
- Rival Brothers Photo: Rival Brothers
- Latte Photo: Joe Coffee
- Shop Exterior Photo: Bodhi Coffee
