My Favorite Coffee Spot: Old City Coffee
Today I would like to share a place I've mentioned many times in previous blog posts about my favorite coffee spot, Old City Coffee.
I love this place because it's privately owned and feels like I'm walking into a country store, where everyone who works there is consistently welcoming, helpful, and has a smile on their face.
From their website:
"We are a one hundred percent Philadelphia-metro operated business with a dedicated, knowledgeable staff here to help you choose varieties, roasts, and brewing techniques."
Since discovering this spot years ago, I can't tell you the last time I've been to a Starbucks. I enjoy dark-roasted coffee just as much as the next guy. However, over the years, Starbucks coffee tasted like burnt black toast. And I also no longer care for the vibe in Starbucks. Its extreme "woke" cultural politics are causing many of its stores to close in this city, and other cities in America.
So now Old City Coffee has become my main coffee jam. My friend Kelly and I will often meet up and hang out there for a few hours, catching up on each other's lives.
Besides their excellent coffee, I love where they are in Old City, tucked away on a charming cobblestone side street named Church Street.
I mean, really, how delightful is this street?...
I cherish streets like this because they contain the history of Philadelphia. You can feel it emanating from the buildings. Cities in the Northeast all seem to have that gritty lived-in feel, mixing the past with the present.
Imperfection is perfection to me...
I borrowed this next photograph from their website to give you an idea of what it looks like when you walk in...
Barrels of various coffee beans, ready to grind for your coffee maker. The smell is heavenly!...
They also have a nice variety of loose tea leaves...
In addition to hot, they offer delicious
iced tea and coffee...
Their condiments include fresh mint for your tea. Isn't that a nice touch?...
Various drinks, yogurt, and freshly made food items for breakfast and lunch. Their baked goods area offers bagels, scones, muffins, and cookies...
They also have a cafe area where you can drink your coffee indoors; offering free Wi-Fi...
Every few months, they will highlight the artwork of local artists like this one - a collection of sepia drawings on plates by
Irene Frenkel. I was there the day she hung her artwork on the walls. Each piece is made with ink that resembles spilled coffee. I think they are soooo cool!...
When the weather is nice I like sitting outside. Right here...
After I drank my Americano (being the male
dog that I am), I was getting ready to lift my leg on this tree because I couldn't find a fire hydrant, and spotted this sign...
Oooops....
Have a fantastic rest of your week, everyone! 💖
Oh Ron, Old City Coffee would be right up my alley. What a charming place! And you're right, it does look like a general store. The cobblestone street really adds to its charm.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had Starbucks in eons. I was never a fan of their coffee to begin with. I like La Colombe. Do you have them in your city? Their coffee is so good.
Those art pieces are genius! Never have I seen anything like them. I like her idea about ink resembling spilled coffee! Are the plates plastic or paper?
Giggled at the final two photos. That dog is adorable!
If I ever visit you in Philly you have to take me to this place. Promise? xo
Coffee? Did you say coffee?!?! I'm there, Ron! I'm with you about older, historical cities in the Northeast being gritty and imperfect. But that's what makes them so interesting to me. I don't like newness. I much prefer oldness. The apartment building I live in has a lot of character because it's an older building.
ReplyDeleteThose art pieces are one of a kind brilliant! Not being artistic myself, I'm amazed how people who are, create stuff like this? Did these pieces come framed?
I don't even want to get into how I feel about all the extreme "WOKENESS" in this country. It's gotten ridiculous. The term "wokeness" has become divisive in a way to divide, not unite. I think companies (like Starbucks) do it so that the public thinks they are the "cool kids" on the block. It's a way for them to attract more customers. I'm a gay man and even I'm sick and tired of hearing about "wokeness." Okay, I am finished with my "woke" sermon. LOL!
Oh, and the NO PEEING BE RESPECTFUL sign cracked me up. Cute little poodle!
Morning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteAren't the cobblestone streets fabulous?
"I haven't had Starbucks in eons. I was never a fan of their coffee to begin with. I like La Colombe. Do you have them in your city? Their coffee is so good."
OMG, yes! We do have La Columbe here in Philly. There are two La Colombe cafes not far from where I live. I like there coffee because its strong, but smooth.
Those plates are paper. When I first looked at them, I thought they were made of plastic. I'm so glad I was there when the artist was hanging her artwork on the walls because I got to talk with her and asked questions.
You bet! If you ever come to Philadelphia, we'll go there!
Thanks so much for stopping by this morning, Candice. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Omg, I love places like this! Like you, I’m over Starbucks. I totally agree that their coffee tastes burnt!!! And Panera’s prices are ridiculous now. I’d rather give my money to a local coffee place. I’m a decaf latte girl these days. What’s your usual order?
ReplyDeleteWheat stirrers and fresh mint??!! It’s like you live in a foreign country! LOL! I’ve never seen that anywhere, but I’d be very excited to use both. I love green tea, so the mint would be very refreshing added to it. The artist’s plates are very unique and seem custom made for a coffee shop. All your photos are like smellovision because I swear I can smell the coffee beans brewing. Thanks for sharing one of your favorite spots in the city. I felt like I was there with you.XO
Hey there, Daniel!
ReplyDelete" I don't like newness. I much prefer oldness."
Me too! The apartment building I live in is older as well. It was built in 1929 as a hotel. We even still have the glass door knobs on the closet and bathroom doors. LOVE that!
Aren't those pieces brilliant? And yes, they do come framed. I'm glad I got to meet the artist in person because I was able to ask her questions.
Okay, and I've got to tell you that I am in TOTAL agreement with your thoughts and feelings about "wokeness." You're so right. It's become a means to divide, not unite. And I believe it's caused more confusion than clarity.
Like you, even as a gay man I'm sick and tired of hearing about wokeness and being preached to (mainly) by other gay people. First of all, I don't care if the world accepts me because I'm gay. And because I don't care and have always seen myself as natural, the world sees me as natural - thus, I am accepted. Acceptance all comes from within.
Isn't that poodle adorable? I love the expression on his face!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel.
I KNEW you would love this place!!! And if/when you come to Philly, I will take you there!
ReplyDelete"And Panera’s prices are ridiculous now. I’d rather give my money to a local coffee place."
AGREE!!! The last time I went to Panera's, not only was the service horrendous, I couldn't believe how much their prices escalated since the last time I was there. I used to go to Panera's a lot when I lived in Florida.
My usual order is an Americano. Sometimes (during the warmer summer months) I like to get their Earl Grey tea iced, with some honey and a lemon wedge.
I know, can you believe the wheat stirrers?!?
Me too I love green tea. And do you know what I've been getting into lately? Iced kombucha tea. At first, I didn't care for kombucha. However, over the years, I've developed a taste for it. I drink the brand Synergy. They have such great flavors.
Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous rest of your week and weekend!
X
And I'm in TOTAL agreement with your thoughts and feelings too, Ron! Love what said about acceptance.
ReplyDelete"And because I don't care and have always seen myself as natural, the world sees me as natural - thus, I am accepted. Acceptance all comes from within." --- Yes!
I'm going to share your comment with friends of mine.
Ron, since I'm more of a tea drinker than coffee, I've never been a Starbucks customer. Although, I do know they offer tea as well. If you could see my kitchen cabinet filled with different tea's, you would die. I also have several tea makers. The first one I ever purchased was from Williams-Sonoma.
ReplyDeleteOld City Coffee is so charming! I can certainly see why you enjoy going there. The mint leaves are such a nice touch. Do they have honey? I love a dab of honey in my tea.
Those plates are so unique! And they do look like spilled coffee!
Thank you for sharing, Ron! I've never been to Philadelphia. But I have been to Pittsburgh, PA. And I really enjoyed it.
"However, over the years, Starbucks coffee tasted like burnt black toast." -- spot on, Ron! I like my coffee dark too, but I think it's possible to have coffee dark, but at the same time, smooth. Like my wine. I like it dark and full-bodied, but smooth.
ReplyDeleteThis place looks so inviting! And I know what you mean about cities in the Northeast. There is a gritty (rawness) to our cities. But I like that (being a native New Yorker).
Those plates by Irene Frenkel are so original! I read her bio and loved how she said that she's "a professional introvert who has discovered my passion for avoiding crowds and strangers at an early age." LOL! I'm an introvert too.
It's a shame we have gotten to a place where people cannot even speak to another person without worrying about what they are going to think of you. Or god forbid "offend them" in some way. I saw this quote online a few months ago and thought it was not only funny, but on point.
"At the rate we are travelling, shampoo is going to be cancelled soon so that bald people do not get offended."
Have a great weekend, Ron! Are you enjoy this heat and humidity? NOT! xo
🙏🙂
ReplyDeleteEverything about this is magical. I drink three cups of coffee a day and LOVE visiting new coffee shops, so if I lived in your city, I would regularly visit this place. It is absolutely charming, and I'm sure their coffee is delicious! And those crocks! Swoon.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that street is incredible. I'd sit outside with my coffee and linger all day. They'd have to remove me from the property. 🤣🤣
Thank you for sharing this with us. 😘❤️
Hey there, Clair!
ReplyDeleteI too enjoy tea - hot and iced. I use my French press to brew both my tea and coffee. Ironic you mentioned "Williams-Sonoma" because I worked there fore two years (PT). Unfortunately the one here in Philly closed about a year ago.
Yes, they sure do have honey. They also have Agave Nectar, which I've never tried before.
Aren't those plates FAB? So unique indeed!
Can you believe that I have never visited Pittsburgh?!?! But it's a city that looks VERY interesting to me. I love how industrial it looks!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Always great to read your comments. Have a great rest of your week!
X
Helloooooooooo there Elaine!
ReplyDelete"Like my wine. I like it dark and full-bodied, but smooth."
Yesiree! Meeeeeeeeee too! And I also believe that you can drink dark coffee and not have it taste burnt and bitter.
"I read her bio and loved how she said that she's "a professional introvert who has discovered my passion for avoiding crowds and strangers at an early age." LOL! I'm an introvert too."
I know, was that funny? I too am an introvert. However, most people think I'm an extrovert.
OMG, I freaking LOVE the quote you shared. And it's so true! People have to walk on tip-toes in fear of offending someone. And heaven forbid you use the wrong pronoun when referring to them, they, their, he, she. Last year, I had someone literally bite my head off when I did not refer to him as THEY when I introduced him (ooops, I mean they) Lol!
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. And NOT. This heat and humidity is horrendous. Although, I have to say that up until this past week, the summer has not been bad.
X
Hellooooooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDeleteI agree....magical! It's like stepping back in time. Whenever I go there, I feel like I'm on the set of "little House on the Prairie" Ha!
Isn't the street faaaaaaaaaaabulous? It feels so comfy and cozy when sitting there. And I love how people walk their dogs on that street because I enjoy seeing all the various breeds. Philly is a very dog-friendly city.
Always great to read your comments, my friend. Have a superb weekend!
X
Ron, I enjoyed this post so much. However, my favorite thing you said was this...."Imperfection is perfection to me." That's exactly how I feel! 👍 And besides, what is perfection anyway? And who defines it? Perfection (like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder.
ReplyDeleteOld City Coffee is a great find! What a charming place. Love the artwork too. I prefer supporting privately owned businesses too. I use to have a VERY stressful job in the corporate world, but gave it up. Best decision I ever made.
That picture of the poodle is adorable! His face says, "Oooops, you caught me!"
I always enjoy your posts, Ron!
Greetings, Abby!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this...
" And besides, what is perfection anyway? And who defines it? Perfection (like beauty) is in the eye of the beholder."
A-MEN! You're right, what defines perfection? It can be something that's different to each and everyone of us. Like you said, beauty/perfection is in the eye of the beholder. I find perfection in face that looks as though it's been "lived in" and has character. When I was a kid I never was attracted to youth. I much preferred an "aged" face because I found them much more interesting.
" I prefer supporting privately owned businesses too. I use to have a VERY stressful job in the corporate world, but gave it up. Best decision I ever made."
I also try to support privately-owned businesses. And I applaud you for having the courage to give up the corporate world and try something else. Yes, and I'm SURE it was the best decision you ever made! Good for you!
Isn't the expression on his face precious? I love his cute eyes!
Thanks so much for stopping by today, my friend. Always great to see your comments. Have a super-duper weekend!
X
HaHa! Dogs don't read those signs so it's up to their parents to drag them away *before* they hike a leg ... or squat! I'm always amused by people that put out "Don't Pee on my Flowers" signs ... but I try to yank Monk away before he's too tempted.
ReplyDeleteRon, you know I'm not a coffee fan. In fact, I haven't drunk it since I was a kid, when I took it half sugar and milk! Still, I'm a big fan of local business -- and this one looks like a keeper. What a cool atmosphere! And I totally get that you'd like sitting outside on a sunny day.
Our Starbucks drive-through is *always* bumper-to-bumper. Frankly, I just don't get it. Why pay excessive prices for something you can certainly brew yourself? Oh well. I guess I'm saving my money, ha!
Happy weekend to you, my friend. xx
Good morning, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"I'm always amused by people that put out "Don't Pee on my Flowers" signs ... but I try to yank Monk away before he's too tempted."
More people should be like you and do that. Living in a city, you wouldn't believe the things I've seen with people allowing their dogs to even do #2 and just leaving it there; walking away.
" In fact, I haven't drunk it since I was a kid, when I took it half sugar and milk!"
Meeeeeeeee too! When I was younger, I used to even use Sweet & Low (GROSS!) in my coffee. Now, I pretty much drink it either black, or just a splash of 1/2 & 1/2.
I agree, the price of Starbucks coffee has gotten out of control. I remember paying only $1.50 for a small. However, now, it's almost THREE dollars!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend. And stay cool.
X
Same, Ron. Most people assume I'm an extrovert because of my personality. I enjoy being social, however, I need my quiet time to recharge. That's a introvert!
ReplyDeleteLOL! People think the same about me! But like you, I need my quiet time (alone) to recharge.
ReplyDeleteRon, this is the kind of place that has the look/atmosphere that I love as well. It's its own kind of place, not corporate. And I like that. Because it feels more personal than general.
ReplyDeleteI love coffee. And I love tea as well. In the morning, I make my first cup using a French press. At work, we have a Keurig that used coffee pods. And it really does make excellent coffee. We also have tea bags of various brands. I'll usually have a green tea late afternoon. We also have little snacks for the employees.
Those art pieces on plates are amazing! And that photo of the little doggie is so cute! There is a park not far from my apartment that has signs like that posted throughout. People are pretty good about picking up after their dogs.
I know what you mean about the vibe in Starbucks. I'm all for equality and fairness. But the term "woke" has evolved into a whole other thing and gone too far. It's done more to separate us rather than unite. Just my opinion.
Thanks for my morning read, Ron! I love when you post. Have a great week! xox
Hola Denise! And good morning!
ReplyDeleteYes! Much more personal, I agree! And the customer service in this place is consistently excellent. I love the owner. She's so friendly and welcoming. She says hello to everyone who comes in.
" At work, we have a Keurig that used coffee pods. And it really does make excellent coffee."
We have one of those at work too! And like you, I French press my coffee in the morning as well. There is nothing quite like that first cup.
Aren't those pieces fantabulous? I was so happy to have been there on the day she came in and hung them. I got to talk with her about the process of creating those plates. VERY cool lady!
" I'm all for equality and fairness. But the term "woke" has evolved into a whole other thing and gone too far. It's done more to separate us rather than unite. Just my opinion."
Agree! And what I object too is how its been forced-fed to the public, and gone extreme.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Have a great day at work and a terrific week!
X
Ron, this place looks so cool! And my eyes immediately kept staring at those plates. They are so GOTH looking, aren't they? My girlfriend who is a graphic artist wanted me to tell you how much she loves them too! Was the artist selling them and were they expensive?
ReplyDeleteGreat spot, dude! I can so totally see why you love it. I would too!
P.S. that dog and your words cracked me up!
OMG Matt....I KNEW you would love those plates!!!!! And yes....VERY goth! Which is why I think I love them so much.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the artist was selling them and I think they were all a little over $100.00 each. Check out her website, she has other things as well.
You and your girlfriend would really like this coffee cafe. It's got such an "artsy" feel to it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, bud. Have a most excellent week!
X
Thanks, dude! I will check them both out.
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome! 😊🙏
ReplyDelete