RIM Cafe — Restaurant in Philadelphia

TOURISTS BEWARE!!! OVERPRICED AND A NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE! This review is being posted mainly for the people from outside the neighborhood but has some information the locals may appreciate, as well. The locals know better than to break through the fortress of "Godfather" junk that surrounds the outside of the RIM (of garbage) Cafe. This is not a typical scene in South Philly. Questionable situations with streeteries and sidewalk vendors are typical in the Italian market. The street space the RIM cafe is occupying is used for storage and garbage more than it is used for patrons unlike the other establishments. One glimpse can confirm this allegation. Keep in mind, this place is only operating 27 hours a week and occupying close to 6 parking spaces in a neighborhood already starved for parking. As if that isn't insulting enough to visitors and locals alike, their TEMPORARY permit for a street cafe became inactive in March of 2023. The items being stored in the streetery are mostly staging events for his obnoxious parties that he throws to celebrate himself under the guise that it's "for the people" or a "thank you". More recently its also become a carport for a classic blue fiat thats looks like its been vandalized by a sticker-happy 5 year old. Then, as a display of his knack for defiance to decency, he will occassionally manage to park his tiny fiat on the corner and obstruct two separate crosswalks and a storm drain. Small but mighty. Dont worry though, the fiat doesn't obstruct the crosswalks as much as a big wooden barrel, a-frame sign, planters with dead plants, etc. That alone isnt good enough for the owner, Rene, who at any given moment may place an enormous audio speaker in the middle of the crosswalk and blast some Italian music as loud as possible. That's what its about for Rene; the attention. This narcissist has done a fine job of using social media to decieve his patrons. His first crime against the Italian market is implying hes a "staple". He isn't. The Rim Cafe has only been there 19 years and he rents the building. So if you're a tourist looking for a real Italian market experience, head north of Washington Ave or google Termini bros. This guys survives off of Pats and Genos sloppy seconds, not his product. His main product is the show. Thats what you're paying for. So if you're from out of town, thats fun and all, but you're pretty much getting clowned by an imposter. We're south philly, not times square, and Rene is the closest thing we have to the disney characters ripping tourists off for pictures. Don't believe me, go ahead and ask to sit at one of the dirty AF tables outside. His demeanor will suddenly change from master showman to irritated with an attitude. So tourists, just take a walk to termini bros or up 9th st past Washington, burn off those cheesesteaks and support a true staple in philly history. The locals will appreciate it. Locals, start calling 311 on the guy and be informed that there is an appeal hearing for the street cafe on june 4th and any and all complaints to the city will help get rid of this...

Order: Standard cannoli, Dirty espresso Price: $9 Pros: Best cannoli I’ve ever eaten, remarkably unique hot chocolate, the owner is very friendly Cons: The chocolate in the hot chocolate is so rich that it would be hard to finish alone

Thoughts: Let me start by saying I would eat myself into oblivion with their cannoli. They are mind blowing, life changing, reality altering (take your pick of extreme over-the-top descriptors)! When I saw them in the window not filled with cream yet, I knew these were the ones. The crust was perfect, crispy but not hard, like a cookie that breaks easily with just the perfect amount of snap. The filling was delightful, none of the standard bland, flavorless whipped cream nonsense. It had body to it, a thick rich flavorful cream stuffed into the perfect pastry. I was in heaven. So now for the rest of the review, though honestly you should know by now that you have to go there. The interior is very, um…..eclectic, it’s a bizarre mish mash of all sorts of different decorations that doesn’t quite seem to match, but still somehow works together. The menu is a little complicated in that most of the items don’t really have a description they just have a name of drink. Fortunately the staff were very helpful and funny to boot, so ultimately deciding wasn’t that hard especially since one of them had coffee. Watching him make the drink was also neat, they have different blends of chocolate they called chocolate salami that they shave over the hot chocolate. The chocolate itself is delicious but very heavy and rich. There were two of us drinking it so it worked perfectly but if you were trying to drink this on your own it would be really challenging, so that really just means you need to bring someone with you! I can’t recommend going to RIM enough and buying all their cannoli, and then shipping me some in...

Coffee Shop No. 459 Rim Cafe Philadelphia, PA January 17, 2025

I wasn’t planning any coffee shop stops on this visit to Philadelphia, but my oldest son said he wanted some hot chocolate. We happened to be across the street from Rim Cafe so we walked over. I am so thankful we did.

We opened the door and were welcomed by a very friendly older gentleman and Italian music. He was truly a delightful person and seemed so interesting. I wish there weren’t so many customers behind me because I had so many questions. Rim Cafe is perfectly eccentric, interesting and quirky. I absolutely fell in love with the cafe. Many pictures were hung on the walls and memorabilia throughout the cafe; so much to look at and appreciate.

I went to the counter to order a cortado; it wasn’t on the menu. I asked the barista about it. He said he could make it but I would probably enjoy the Cubano Cappuccino more. I’ve learned that whenever a barista suggests an espresso drink you should listen. The drink was fabulous. Condense milk makes most things taste better.

My son ordered the Volcano Hot Chocolate and loved it. You can tell by the pictures because he was trying to get every last drop out of the glass. Watching the gentleman sing along with the Italian music while making the hot chocolate and the smile he gave when he handed us the hot chocolate was priceless. You could tell he enjoys his profession.

The bonus to the experience was the 20% off for veterans! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and my Cubano Cappuccino at Rim Cafe.

Enjoying life one cortado/cubano...