Philadelphia Java Company — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I waltzed in here hungover af after a night out on Sansom St. It was the worst kind of hangover though. One of the sneak hangovers. The type of ones where you wake up and are like "damn I'm not even hung...I might just be like that..." then when you're walking down the stairs to go get a coffee you're like wow that hangover that heard me talkin all that mess. One of those hangovers where it so cunningly waits until you are planning your whole day out in your head of all the things you are going to get done, only to wait until both feet touch the earth to say "you sure about that buddy?" It's like the Sly Cooper of hangovers. Only real ones, my fellow PS2 players, will get that reference.

All this to say, that hangover SNUCK me on the way to Java Company. I was just going to get a coffee, but knew I needed some sort of bread to help me fend off the sneak.

We arrived and saw ample outdoor seating with beautiful, rustic chairs and tables. The quality of chairs and tables really can make or break a coffee shop.

This place is what you think of when you think "cute coffee shop," I loved it. Upon approaching the order stand, I was debating what to get to fill up my tummy. My Lil Cuzzo suggested I get the Labneh as "it's really good."

"The Lab-wha?" the Croatian Orangutan responded. She began to explain that it was some kind of yogurt spread on bread with cucumbers on top, and then saw my look of dire confusion and just pointed to it behind the little glass.

"That looks and sounds horrendous right now," I said. I meant that from my soul too it really did.

I ended up getting an americano with oat milk and a plain multigrain bagel, Little Cuzzo ended up getting a dirty chai latte and the Labneh ahahahahahahaha.

We sat in the corner and after some time, the waitress came with our items and shook my americano, as it looked black as TON 618, the most massive blackhole in the universe, and said "There is oat milk in there it just doesn't look like it." What am I supposed to say to that ahaha.

There is still some debate to this day among Philadelphians on whether or not there was any oat milk in that americano. It is a chicken or egg scenario at this point.

I tried Lil Cuzzo's Labneh, because I'll try anything once, and it was GAS. I had to eat every last word. I should have got the Labneh smh. I also tried her dirty chai latte and that was hittin too! I was sitting there with my arms crossed, staring at my plain bagel and americano with alleged oat milk and was like damn, I should have just got her order. Could never tell her that though you feel me? Lil Cuzzo's ego be crazy already!!

I loved this place. GET THE LABNEH!

IG...

While hand delivering a couple of Eagles schedules Saturday morning, I got nostalgic and drove through my old neighborhood. This may be dating myself, but there was a Wawa across the street (amongst I think a 7-Eleven and some other businesses years later) when I was young. Now it looks like homes are being built. Not surprised, but a little sad.

Anyhow, across the street is a café that I have drove by a few times, but never went in. I cannot remember what it used to be, but it is now Philadelphia Java Company.

Not yet having my first cup of coffee of the day, I Googled it. A patron said it was their “favorite coffee place in Philadelphia” and that is saying something! I had to try it.

After ordering a coffee (black with no room as usual) and trying out a blueberry scone, I’m impressed. The coffee was brewed just right, and the scone was delicious. The service was friendly and prompt. No complaints.

So what makes this café special to me? Although I didn’t have time to sit and take in the atmosphere, I could already tell that the vibe was relaxing and the space was perfect for working. They have Wi-Fi and I own a laptop. I will be back when I need somewhere to work on Philly business, and I’m going to try that “eggel” sandwich that many of the reviewers keep raving about.

I had my first apartment in this neighborhood. This would have definitely been my go-to café. And it’s dog...

Our regular, go-to coffee shop. After visiting Italy for the first time a few years ago, this place was the only one in the neighborhood with coffee to satisfy our new-found taste. The owners are very warm and friendly and are often seen sitting down to chat and catch up with the regular customers (who often also become their friends). The food is also wonderful. In addition to danish, croissant, and apple cider donuts (plus some vegan baked goods) they have hot oatmeal and some very tasty middle-eastern inspired items such as labneh (thick yoghurt spread on a slide of bread), and my own favorite the "eggel" (hard boiled egg slices and cheese on a toasted bagel with zaatar). They have outdoor seating and a weekly trivia question posted to the blackboard...