Hothouse Coffee

While Hothouse has great coffee and tea, as well as decent snacks, the vibe of the place is always off to me. No matter what day or time I’m there the people working the café always seem irritated that I’m ordering, like they would rather not be bothered. Often the music there is too loud to concentrate. It’s a good place to get a coffee with friends but not idea for writing or reading. Also their prices are pretty on par with the rest of the area which is to say very overpriced.
Still, there’s a discount if you’re seeing a film at the BMFI so that’s good.

A great place for coffee or pastries, located by BMFI. Their special sandwich is a BLTA, bacon, lettuce tomato with avacado, which I ordered. It looked ok when it arrived, except the bacon was barely cooked. It looked like they assembled the sandwich, then put it on a panini press, and when the toast was toasted, served it. I can’t even think about ordering it again. Add insult to injury, when I place the order, the barista told the cook «one blaaaa» he kept repeating «a blaaa.» The mentality of the employees.

Service quality lets this venue down. Coffee is pretty good but baristas unfriendly, impatient and inaccurate. Food is v. average. I just found the vibe unprofessional and the décor tired and the furniture uncomfortable. Not a good reflection on the otherwise fantastic Bryn Mawr Film Institute in whose building Hothouse sits. For better experience, head for Green Engine Coffee Co in Haverford.

After reading the reviews, I had mixed feelings about Hothouse Coffee. While cozy, it was not comfortable at all. The bench seats are worn and sitting on it feels like sitting on a kindergarten chair. The window table looked nice, but the sun glare would not have allowed me to see my friend without constantly squinting.
The staff was friendly and quite helpful. No problem there or with service.
I had a decaf coffee, which was okay, but not something I would run to have again. I had a salad, which was again okay, not something I would run to have again.
While the music was great for background, it was distracting that is was sometimes there and sometimes not. Whatever connection used was not good.
And in agreement with other reviews, there are folks there who take up whole tables with a computer and hang out for a long time. It seems to be a thing there.
A few fixes would help a lot.

Good coffee and pastries —
but customers here are weird. Everyone takes up multiple seats and everyone is on their computers. Like why does one person need a 4 person table with their computer, jacket, and backpack taking up the whole table??? You guys know there is a library just 2 minutes walk down the street??? It is a much better place to do work (or whatever else you are doing) and its pretty rude to do this to other customers who want to sit down and talk with friends! This may be normal but I thought it was really strange and quite annoying considering I was with two other people we couldn’t even sit inside.

My boyfriend works out on the Main Line once a week and I offered to come and work at any coffee shop. We found Hothouse Coffee and I gotta give this place two thumbs up. Staff is friendly, I found a spot to work at instantly, coffee is good and they have a large pastry selection.

I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I love finding a good coffeehouse. This place has a great vibe, plays excellent tunes, and my husband liked his coffee. My breakfast sandwich was simple & good. We are in town visiting friends, & I’d come back next time we’re here. Recommended!

Comparable, or perhaps exceeding, the incomparable Volo of Manyunk. Honestly the best leaf pattern I’ve witnessed in a soy latte. Stirring in some cinnamon was like defacing a Rembrandt.

The atmosphere inside the theater is lovely. Baristas are friendly, coffee and tea are great, baked goods are nice.

Great little place!

Favorite spot for a latte and coffee meeting in Bryn Mawr. A decent but simple daily lunch selection as well.

I love hothouse! Good place for dates with friends and the atmosphere is very calming. I don’t think id recommend this place for ppl who are in a rush to be somewhere, at least if that person is trying to order hot food or a drink. They have pastries from that really good commercial bakery in Manayunk that a lot of coffeeshops buy from (I know greenbean in Gladwyne at least used to) so I am always happy to have an almond croissant. Drinks are also good, especially if you ask beforehand for your drink to be made less sweet. Take one star off for price which is a little expensive, but really for atmosphere and quality it’s a pretty good deal

Really tasty cappuccino and the oatmeal was delicious. I walked two miles with luggage (past a Starbucks and a Dunkin Donuts) to try this place out after finding on Unilocal.
Would walk again.
Fantastic place.

Located next to the Bryn Mawr theater. We almost missed it and thank God that we did not. I don’t know why people rather sponsor Starbucks rather than making an effort to support your local coffee house.
I is probably the best capuccino I’ve had anywhere, ever! The place was packed with young people, some where just chatting, others were studying. Two guys were sitting on a small table just outside the caffe drilling each other with medical questions.
Ivette had a double espresso and we both shared an alfajor and a decadent chocolate pastry — thin brownie? — layered with white chocolate and small white chocolate kisses on top.
Definitely a place to stop at again if I am in the area

I’ve passed Hothouse Coffee often, but this was this was the first time I went in and I’m so glad I did. The atmosphere was bright and peaceful, the staff was warm and friendly, and the hot chocolate was pure perfection and almost too pretty to drink! The hot chocolate was rich and chocolatey without being overpowering. Also, it was not too hot. Too often, establishments serve hot chocolate that one must wait ten minutes to drink lest one burn the tongue. Hothouse Coffee did not follow this unfortunate pattern. I did not have time to partake of the delicious looking sandwiches and pastries that were available. I look forward to doing that next time!

I’ve been here a couple of times, one time to stay for a bit. The coffee is fine, as were the tea lattes. The space was nice and a lot of people seemed to be happy regulars. There was this one amazing sandwich someone had, but when I inquired about it, the server said it was specially made for his SO, and that he «could not ensure» I could get a similar one. I found this mildly irking.

Stopped by to sip tea and play Scrabble with a friend on a lazy Sunday afternoon before checking out a film at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute (housed in the same building as Hothouse Coffee).
The ambience is inviting and warm, with lighting bright enough to read and/​or work by, but muted enough to feel cozy and home-​like. The staff were friendly, and I was very pleased to find they serve a small breakfast menu (as well as a small lunch menu).
I ordered peppermint tea and the «ultimate oatmeal» in a bid to get back to some healthier eating post-​Thanksgiving. Ordering peppermint tea felt like a sacrifice when I saw all the lovely lattes and cappuccinos being produced by the baristas. But my tea was excellent – an enormous, hand-​tied sachet chock full of fresh, vibrant green peppermint leaves. Herbal tea is too often a mere afterthought at coffeeshops, but Hothouse really nailed it.
The «ultimate oatmeal»… what can I say? Hothouse’s oatmeal game is on point. Ultimate oatmeal is a deep, full, piping hot bowl of freshly cooked and earthily comforting rolled oats. The surface of the oatmeal is studded with fresh slices of green apple, a sprinkle of brown sugar, sliced ripe banana, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Diet food? No, but it was a perfect bowl of nutritious, stick-​to-​your-​ribs goodness. It even arrived with a teensy little pitcher of steamed milk to add to the bowl, as desired.
For an oatmeal lover like myself, it was a thing of glorious beauty.
Hothouse is definitely a go-​to for a congenial place to catch up with friends over some restorative food and drink, or even just to grab something quick to go (though not the oatmeal, which requires a few minutes’ prep time. Save that experience for a leisurely visit).
Very glad to have this on the Main Line, with its strange dearth of quality cafes. Hothouse is a keeper!

Who doesn’t love a fantastic autumn coffee?
A trusted friend recommended this spot to me so I incorporated into my morning commute! It’s conveniently located right down the block from the R5 train station, which is great for regional rail junkies like myself.
Inside, it’s totally adorable. Like any legitimate coffee shop, it smells like heaven and there are lots of cozy places to sit.
I asked the girl at the counter what the best fall flavor was and she recommended the Maple Spice Latte with almond milk. It was very fresh – I watched it brew to be sure – and also very delicious.
I ended up spending over an hour here because the atmosphere was so pleasant. I would definitely return to sample some of their wonderfully aromatic scones!

Prior to the CMYE at Smashburger in Radnor earlier this month, I was on a mission to discover Rosemont — the real city on which the fictional Rosewood from ‘Pretty Little Liars’ was apparently based on.
(Note here: I am from New Jersey. I know nothing about the Main Line.)
So, as it turns out, we could only find a McDonalds, Subway and houses in Rosemont, and despite some hopeful Googles, it appears that the local college is the only thing that really makes up the town. I’m still sad about this. Main Liners, please tell me if I missed something.
Bryn Mawr turned out to be the real highlight of the area, and once it was determined that there was nothing to see in Rosemont, Leo I. went on the Unilocal app and found this place in the main stretch of the town alongside the Bryn Mawr theatre.
Can this be transplanted to New Jersey? Or maybe just add a New Jersey location? That was some great hot chocolate and a good place to kill time. I’d recommend a visit!

After searching and searching for this coffee house I finally found it. It is located in the old Bryn Mawr theater. I don’t know if anyone remembers the old theater but as you walk up to it or inside they are located on the left. I remember when the theater was there that area was where you could get concession’s and play video games. Wow I am old. ** a sigh as a tear trickles** This place used to house Milkboy coffee prior to Hothouse, if some remember that .
This is a nice little shop with seating everywhere, with window views, down to lounging in their nice comfy chairs. What is even better these guys are not a chain joint like a Saxby (which I do enjoy) or Starbucks. They make you feel at home, offering great flavored coffees, or if you are into a latte to cold, to whatever your fancy. How can you say no to a pastry while enjoying a great cup, big cup too. I tried a blueberry scone which was great, followed with a later in the day pumpkin muffin, with a pumpkin filling on top. FANTASTIC I say
Another thing is they play eighties music, I was enjoying a fine cup of caramel almond latte listening to Bön Jovi dead or alive. (Cause you know I’m a cowboy, on this steel horse I ride). Maybe its the station the have programmed where you can chose an era, but it keeps things in an up beat tempo.
Christina behind the counter is super sweet, friendly, offering her insight on great blends, to the popular latte. Also a huge Phillies fan which is plus, started off the conversation with: «I just got back from Clearwater «. You have to enjoy that in workers that show their love for our beloved Phightins. Her partner in crime Mike is another good guy. This duo will give you great advice in which blend to try, or top sellers.
I did also take notice they have a good sized menu of other fine treats or meals you can enjoy with your coffee, or Iced tea. I noticed Mike was just finishing making a HUGE pitcher of fresh ice tea. Not the add 5 scoops here to 8 cups of water there yadda yadda.
Great place, great staff, clean and comfortable environment. I’ll be back for more, I am a big coffee connoisseur, I love it.