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Top Coffee Shops That Go Beyond Coffee In Philadelphia

These days, it takes more than just a great cup of joe to be considered among the best coffee shops. Cafes in Philadelphia are roasting their own specialty brews, serving innovative organic bites and baking fresh specialty pastries daily. At these top spots in the city, you'll get more than a delicious caffeine buzz. You'll also enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and tasty food that comes along with it.
Chhaya Café
1823 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 465-1000
www.chhayacafe.com

Located in South Philly, Chhaya focuses on fresh, organic local coffee and homemade baked goods, brunch options and sandwiches. The coffee is all fair trade and hand-roasted locally in small batches before being delivered each day, and each cup is guaranteed to be fresh, as it is ground and brewed to order. A simple menu of fresh, housemade items is the perfect accompaniment to your cup of coffee or chai. Think creative waffles such as veggie chili and cornbread with cheddar and a fried egg ($10) or nutella and strawberry ($7). While these are probably the most popular choices, you can also order lighter options such as seasonal salads or a yogurt parfait. Sandwiches include a hummus wrap and a smoked turkey panini, and a variety of brunch sides and homemade pastries round out the menu.

High Point Café
602 Carpenter Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19119
(215) 849-5153
www.highpointcafe.us.com

The espresso served at High Point Café has been specially developed by owner Meg Hagele, along with True North Roasting House, to bring you an outstanding cup of coffee. In addition to coffee, chai tea and homemade hot cocoa made with Belgian bittersweet chocolate syrup, you'll also find an impressive menu of baked goods, quiches and crepes. Crepes are made to order and are available a la carte or with a small side salad. Create your own combination or order from the list of suggestions like spinach and Swiss, butter and cinnamon sugar or caramelized apple and walnut. The pastry selection varies daily with coffee cakes, scones and both sweet and savory biscuits available in the morning, quiche and tarts in the mid-morning to lunch hours, and pies, tarts and other desserts offered in the afternoon.

Related: Top Coffee Shops For Families In Philadelphia

Café Fulya
727 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 909-9937
www.cafefulya.com

Setting itself apart from other coffee shops, Café Fulya offers pot-brewed, dark and sweet Turkish coffee along with authentic Turkish pastries and beef or spinach dumplings (called manti). While breakfast is served all day, this charming BYOB also offers plenty of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, making this a great spot for lunch and dinner, too. Most things on the menu are on the lighter side and are vegetarian-friendly, with favorites such as a spinach pie, carrot spread and simple toasted sandwiches. For something sweet, you can't go wrong with the baklava - its syrupy, flaky layers of pastry melt in your mouth.

Town Hall Coffee Co.
358 Montgomery Ave.
Merion Station, PA 19066
(484) 270-8041
www.townhallcoffee.blogspot.com

This past spring, Town Hall Coffee Co. was ranked #33 in The Daily Meal's list of America's Top Coffee Shops. This high-ranking places the Merion Station favorite in the top .2 percent of the country's more than 25,000 shops and chains on the list -- quite an impressive feat. Receiving high praise for its friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere and exceptional roasters, Town Hall Coffee Co. also offers an ever-changing selection of homemade breakfast treats such as scones, muffins, candied cashews, quiche and biscotti.

Related: Top Hot Drinks In Philadelphia

Plenty Café
1710 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 909-8033
www.plentyphiladelphia.com

Inspired by international flavors, Plenty Café offers gourmet salads and sandwiches with a focus on natural, organic and local ingredients. Almost everything is made in-house, including the pesto and aioli, and even the meat is all cured, roasted and smoked on the premises. In addition to a top-quality breakfast and lunch menu, the coffee is also exceptional. Beans are sourced from several of the area's top artisan roasters, including La Colombe Torrefaction, ReAnimator and Rival Bros, and then ground on site. Enjoy a coffee and bite to eat in the relaxing café, or order takeout for a fresh breakfast or lunch on the go.

Michelle Hein is a copy editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery...perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer boyfriend would love to open. Examiner.com.

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