Higher Grounds — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Starting with the name alone, Higher Grounds Café instantly won me over. As a big Star Wars fan, I couldn’t help but think of Obi-Wan’s legendary line—so naturally, I had to check it out. Nerdiness aside, the moment you step inside, you’re transported into one of the most indie, artsy cafés I’ve seen in Philly. There’s a little bit of everything: stickers, artwork, handmade jewelry—you name it. It’s like a curated treasure hunt with every visit.

The lighting is warm and dim, adding a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay a while. I couldn’t stop looking around because every corner is filled with something interesting. I’ve been twice so far, and both times I had the same super chill barista, which made it feel even more like a neighborhood spot.

The first time, I tried the strawberry matcha—which was surprisingly warm instead of iced—but honestly, it was delicious either way. I also got the French toast bagel, but that one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It didn’t really taste like French toast, so I’ll have to deduct a few Gryffindor points there 🧙‍♂️.

On my second visit, I got an everything bagel and it totally redeemed things. As a Jersey girl, I have high bagel standards—and this justttt one passed the vibe check. My friend and I even took some pics in the back of the café, which was nice and quiet, so we didn’t feel like we were bothering anyone.

If I could make this a daily stop, I would. Whether you’re in it for the drinks, the vibe, or a new favorite cozy corner, I totally recommend checking out...

Was looking for avocado toast, but it wasn't available. So I ordered the egg, tomato, and cheese wrap for breakfast, and I requested only half cheese. Then the nice lady asked if I wanted avocado, I said yes, then she followed up with if I wanted avocado instead of cheese, I said why yes please! 5 ⭐ service for knowing what the customer wants :)

The wrap itself was good, 4 ⭐ (it would be ironic if the cheese would have made it 5 ⭐😅)

Plain croissant was surprisingly heavy!! Probably twice as heavy as similar ones at other places, so I was thinking, "oh is there a pleasant surprise that there is some filling!?" There was no filling -- it was just more croissant to enjoy :) 5 ⭐

Very spacious inside, and lots of cool if not funky decor 😄

Overall I'd say the food is more 4 ⭐ but with the two pleasant surprises I'll just give the establishment 5 ⭐ overall --...

This place is super friendly, funky, and fun (the three most important "f"'s). Very cool art adorns every possible surface and crevice. There is some "regular" cafe seating in the entrance by the counter, which opens up to a much larger area with three separate sitting areas with coffee tables and funky couches and arm chairs. Free wifi, air conditioning, and access to power plugs at each sitting area. I spent the day working in one of the three seating areas on my laptop, and had an almond croissant in the morning, iced tea and veggie sandwich (grilled eggplant, peppers, portobello mushroom, hummus, and cheese on flat bread) and side salad for lunch. The food was really good! As of the time of writing, there is some serious road work/construction going on next door, so the place was difficult to see driving by. But it is where it says it is on...