La Colombe Coffee Workshop — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Yes, they don't have menus. But the server/barista was super friendly and helpful. I asked for a latte, which she confirmed that they made. If you can work up the courage to ask for what you want, then you'll be fine. They are very accommodating.

La Colombe has beautiful painted Deruta Raffaellesco ceramic cups and saucers. The pattern is now commissioned in Deruta, Italy specifically for La Colombe locations. Ahem, where can I get some?! I may need to go back to Italy and bring a large suitcase just for these gorgeous cups. They add the perfect accent to the décor and ambiance of the coffeehouse.

La Colombe is known for their old-school dark roasts and unique preparation style. They're very popular for their iced coffee preparation. 16 oz cup filled with ice, hot coffee poured from an urn, double shot of espresso, and more ice. Initially black and very strong. My boyfriend ordered one of their iced coffees and said that it's one of the best iced coffees he's had. With a little bit of milk and sugar added, he thought it was intensely flavorful and much more balanced than other brews he's had. Maybe that doesn't say much to coffee connoisseurs but to the average Joe, it's decent praise. Besides, La Colombe's approach to coffee is not going to be everybody's cup of tea...err, coffee. For me, my cup of latte was the perfect twelve ounces of steamed milk.

Space is pretty big although there are only a handful of tables. Most folks take it to go anyways, but it was nice to sip my latte there with a view of City Hall and...

Myself and two of my friends (all young women) went to this place for the first time as we were staying in Philadelphia for a conference. For this conference, we each needed a vaccination card or a negative Covid test within the last 24 hours to attend and be served food. We were aware of policy in Philly and had no issues at any other restaurant we attended. We recognize the coffee shop had signs for vaccinated customers to eat inside, but we assumed that our friends negative test would be suitable for a 5 minute coffee stop (since the hotel accepted it). My friend was turned away because she only had a negative Covid test and told she had to leave immediately. Myself and my other friend were not given the option for to-go coffee, and my friend had to stand outside by herself while we chugged our coffee as fast as we could to be with her. She was harassed by a homeless man while she stood outside and was really frustrated about the situation, especially since every other restaurant was completely understanding. I understand there is a Covid policy, but the ladies at the counter could have been much more understanding and cooperative with the situation. My friend was so embarrassed and the fact that she had to stand outside alone is unacceptable as a young women in a new city (and they knew we were together and that we had never been here — we told them prior to ordering). Very disappointing and we will not be back to any of...

For more than 15 years my coffee shop bought La Colombe beans to serve my people. We stopped doing business with the roastery for several never addressed issues pertaining to lack of professional customer service. This experience has helped soften the salty way I had come to think of LaColombe. Visited in travels on my birthday a few weeks back. Ordered a "traditional presentation" double espresso. In house, with a short seltzer on the side. I'm assuming that the lead barista, overheard my order taken by another worker. A very tall, very business-like woman took over the order. She pulled and dumped 2 doubles to get "the one". Excellent it was. Stunning. It is a rare occasion when somebody has such dedication to their craft that they obviously did not feel comfortable in letting a s* coffee be served to a client. I was notably impressed by this experience. The first thing I teach new employee fledgling baristas is that if you're not dumping those s* shots you are NOT and will NEVER be a barista. 30 years barista; coffee shop and tea shop owner here. Thank you tall coffee girl for not making the start of my birthday day a dump. It was a good day. CHEERS!! Garth Billy Goat Gruff. Coffee Boy. Lostdogcoffee....