Avril 50

Best coffee on Penn’s campus hands down.
I had heard about this place from a friend at brunch this past weekend and thought why not skip Starbucks and try this place. Now from the outside this place is super quaint.
When you walk in, the first thing you think is that you’re pretty skeptical of what’s to come. Inside are news papers, some filter coffee, chocolate, and cigars. I asked the owner if he had espresso coffee, and thank the lord, he did. His tiny espresso machine makes espresso from the gods.
I love espresso coffee and asked for a Latte. My god, it was amazing. He even had a little bag of freshly shaved chocolate of which he added to my drink. Not to mention, he doesn’t carry snickers or KitKat, but rather chocolate imported from France, Italy, and the likes.
This place is a hole in the wall of amazing. I will be back and I can’t wait. I wish he had seating room for I would sit there forever.

What’s not to love? coffee & news from around the world? Starbucks be gone, come here instead and you’ll be happy. Unless it’s raining and you want to sit, but whatever :-p

I discovered Avril 50 only recently and it’s quickly become my favorite coffee shop in University City. The quaint shop is hidden along the row of restaurants and shops on Sansom St, but inside you’ll find magazines, vintage postcards, fancy European chocolates, cigars and coffee galore.
John, the owner, is also a delightful conversationalist and makes a great iced latte with frozen coffee ice cubes (brilliant idea). There are no tables to sit at indoors, but on nice spring days I’ve passed afternoons sitting at the cute outdoor table with a friend. You’ll definitely feel transported to hipster heaven.

I can’t believe it’s taken me almost four years to write a review for Avril 50. I was taken here by a friend during my first week in Philly and it was love at first sight. I don’t know what my favorite aspect of the store is: the *excellent* espresso (*and* you can buy the espresso blend, too), the (good and reasonably priced) cigar selection, the cigarette brands that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere, the vast array of journals and magazines, the delightful postcards, or the chocolates that test my will every single time. It’s especially pleasant when the weather is good and you can take your coffee and smoke to one of the tables outside. As other reviewers have noted, if you’re in the area, avoid the evil Starbucks and its bad espresso!
Also, I can come in here and have a normal conversation without having to endure the fake geniality of, say, a Starbucks barista. And I can browse at leisure for as long as I want to without, again, the annoyance of constantly having someone at my elbow asking me if I need any help. Is this shop run by some drone who dishes out insincere prattle at regular intervals? Thankfully, no. If you’re looking for that, as one of the recent reviewers below seems to have been, you’re bound to be disappointed.

Adorable little shop packed with interesting magazines, artisan chocolates and candies, and a range of coffee to choose from. The man behind the counter was welcoming and explained the different coffee choices when I asked what they were. He had a dark roast, a medium roast, a flavored coffee, and I think a decaf. I chose the medium roast. it didn’t exactly hit the spot in flavor notes, but it was not bad… it had a deep coffee flavor with woodsy notes and was not bitter like several I’ve tasted from other shops lately. I’m learning to appreciate just how hard it is to find a good cup of black coffee.

I have GOT to be missing something.
I had to be in university city yesterday and had to kill an hour or so. I wanted a coffee spot to post up in. I know university city is dominated by a young crowd, and thought id have lots of options. Starbucks is there but I wanted something independent.
I saw this spot on Unilocal and had to check it out. Seemed like everyone had rave reviews. I read about a nice magazine selection, teas, and cigars. Many people described it at unique. I’m sold.
Walked in and a man with glasses (appears to be owner) came out from behind the counter. He muttered «let me know if you need any help» with the tone like he rather be dead than be at work. I almost wonder if something personal was going on, or if he’s just a a grouchy older dude. He made no eye contact and swiftly ran to the back of the store.
That’s when I saw the coffee display. Call me a coffee «snob» but pre roasted coffee sitting in pots is for wawa. They looked old and dirty. I had no desire for them really. But I cannot attest to the taste. I decided that based on the owner and the front id find somewhere else to grab coffee. Specially as there’s no chill area in here either.
The tea selection is truly sad and in old dis colored mason jars. Something about this place looks depressed.
As far as the mags some looked really cool and I can imagine that this place might be the only around to stock certain issues. He had a nice cigar set up, but I don’t know much about them.
I would not return.

Generally, to get my magazine haul involves going to various B&N’s, purchasing online, and scouring eBay. This place pretty much has everything I’m looking for. And then some. Literary journals, international fashion magazine, offbeat arts & culture publications. My husband has to gently steer me out, otherwise I’d be in there all day.

I like it! Little cosmopolitan place with a lot of character. The coffee’s pretty good too.

Go here just to see the postcards. Or for that obscure European magazine.
Or for a 50c piece of dark chocolate. Or get extravagant and spend on Marzipan. But better still, just go there to have a chat with John. He is the friendliest proprietor in University City without ever going over the top in his friendliness.
Basically, if you are in University City, please, do me a favor and skip Starbucks and go to this store instead. Stores are like this are sadly disappearing.

Peppered throughout New York City are mid-​size stores stocking arrays of magazines, newspapers and journals from throughout the world. When ever I visit, I always make time to stop in one of these places and browse. You can find some really great reading material that is generally unavailable anywhere else.
Then I found Avril 50. This place is just like those New York newsstands, but they also have fresh espresso and and a great selection of greeting cards. In the warmer weather, there is outside seating available.
While it is not conveniently located unless you live in University City, the extra few minutes are well worth it.

Magazines, especially the big beautiful European ones on fancy paper, have long been a not-​so-​guilty indulgence of mine. The town I grew up in had a pretty flash international news stand, and ever since then I’ve regarded the presence of one in a metropolitan area to be a sure sign of civilization.
I am also a coffee and tobacco snob, unabashedly. With this in mind, I was verklempt about Philly’s lack of respectable purveyors of my Sunday trinity until I found Avril 50. John is a shopkeeper in the Continental tradition; he’ll look you in the eye when you come in, but lest you ask him for something, he’ll leave you in peace. I personally like this, as I am hounded by over-​eager nitwits enough in the rest of my life, but I can (almost) understand if this is a little off-​putting for you.
His shelves are full to bursting with an incredible array of periodicals from around the world, both up to the minute and of a more aged variety. Beautifully printed words and pictures are not cheap, nor should they be, but I never leave Avril feeling like I’ve been hosed. He stocks my favorite Canadian smokes, Italian Vouge and imported chocolate for the lady and all the art, design, culture and fashion rags a man could want. Pulls a mean espresso, too.
Some tactless Penn B-​school idiot gauchely asked the proprietor as to his heritage last I was in; Iran doesn’t know what it’s missing with this gentleman here, but the city of brotherly love should be glad to have him.

I’ve been back here dozens of times since I last wrote a review. The coffee is consistently great and really fast because you just pour it yourself and then pay — so much better than waiting in the 20 person line at Starbucks.

Simply the best.
First, this is the best coffee in University City, if not Philadelphia. John’s Avril 50 blend apparently took him 2 years to create via experimentation. Also, it is hands down the best iced coffee I’ve ever had: He makes his ice cubes out of the different types of coffee and then when the ice melts your coffee is not diluted! Genius!
Secondly, John is wonderful and hilarious. He brightens every day I step into Avril.
Third, if you are looking for any magazine, no matter how rare, John will have it or order it for you.
Fourth, great selection of European candies. I try a new one each time.
Really top notch.
I’ve been trying to convince him to install indoor seating and wifi so I can sit and sip and read.

I’m only here twice a year to pick up the latest issue of Fantastic Man. It is the only place in the city that stocks it; it’s very likely the only place in the city that stocks a majority of the magazines that it carries. This establishment is so delightful and crucial and unlike anything else that exists in Philadelphia. If I lived nearby this would absolutely be my neighborhood hangout.

I love this little coffee/​magazine shop and stop here just about every day before work for my morning cup of coffee. The coffee is far superior to Starbucks (which surrounds this tiny shop on two corners), especially the flavored blends which are divine. And the hot chocolate is amazeballs. The chocolate selection is amazing, but be forewarned it’s pricey. The store is filled with international magazines, cigars, candy, sandwiches, fancy schmancy drinks, and cards. I’m also happy to support a local, independent coffee shop & highly recommend Avril 50!
One suggestion? Maybe a coffee club or frequent coffee cup card, eh? Buy 10 coffees, get one free or something like that?

I passed by Sansom and by chance I had noticed the place due to the sign which advertised gourmet coffee– Something very easy to miss unless you actually are looking for it.
The inside is dense– no space seems to go unused. I haven’t take a good look as my only interest is really the coffee here, but my guess, based on the coffee selection, is that the owner is trying to sell only a few things, but a few things well.
As for the coffee itself, I’ve only gone through a pound so far, but I really couldn’t be happier than such a place exists on campus. There are at least 20 different kinds of beans to choose from, some are decaf, some are flavored, and some are plain beans, although all of them seem to be imported from somewhere exotic. (One tip– If you don’t have your own grinder, you can get the beans ground on site, which may be useful.) As a word of caution, the beans are a bit pricers than something you might pick up in the supermarket, but, as mentioned, they are not your average beans.

It takes some time to truly appreciate Avril 50. The first few times I was in there, I was intimidated by all the stuff stuffed into this little shop and suffered from sensory overload. I went in wanting coffee, which is the first thing one sees when walking in. Initially, I always just got my coffee and got out, perhaps out of a subconscious fear that the packed shelves were going to fall on me.
Over time, I ventured deeper into the store to discover an impressive selection of magazines and a unique collection of cards (recommended if you want to send something other than the tired old Hallmark crap). The store also carries an unexpected variety of food, including muffins, biscotti, chocolate and sandwiches. Avril 50 also has a big selection of smoking products.
Each day, they provide a variety of different coffees in addition to the mainstay Avril Blend. The coffee is out in pots for self-​service, which in lesser hands would be stale and burnt. But the coffee is always at the perfect temperature and the place is busy enough that none of the coffee ever seems to have been sitting very long.
The same guy is always in there (the owner?) when I go in and is always friendly. He seems willing to chat if you are but willing to just wish you a good day if you want to get in and out.
Because of how packed the store is, I feel like every time I go in there, I’ll discover something new.

Three stars is fair. I think the guy that owns this place is a pompous prick. But still the coffee is good, and while I haven’t actually bought anything from the shelves, it does have the obscure titles of lit mags and stuff that no one probably buys.
Overall, if you want coffee, this is a five star joint. If you want a Michael Musto look-​alike whose French attitude makes you want to vomit on his copy of the Kenyon Review, then you also have a five star joint. If you don’t then you get three stars and hope the dude learns to respect his customers.

I could not find lunch today.
First I wanted Vietnamese, but the place near me was closed. Then the two Korean places I frequent were closed. Monday is no good for such things. By the time I ran all over University City hunting food, I had about 25 minutes before my appointment.
Do I go to Cosi? No. No, I ALWAYS regret Cosi. White Dog? No time. Bubblehouse? Eh, fine.
So, I’m approaching the Bubble House praying that they won’t take 45 minutes to bring me soup when I see a sign out front of Avril 50 listing five different coffees and… sandwiches? Soups? SPRINGROLLS? I had only ever come here for emergency espresso. I thought I may be hallucinating until a man emerged from the store with a cup of coffee and a bagged sandwich.
Alright, sorry Bubblehouse.
The was bahn mi in the fridge and springrolls and various sandwiches on baguettes on the counter. He could tell I was confused.
«Have you been here before?»
«Just for coffee. ooh, prosciutto and fig confit?!»
I got a cup of the Avril 50 blend and this absurdly amazing sandwich that was obviously constructed especially for me. John also gave me a little soup sample. It was all wonderful and reasonably priced. I’m so glad to have another quick, yummy lunch option on that little stretch of Samson.
Someday I intend to check out all the magazines and candies. That is, assuming I’m ever in this area on a day that I’m not on such a tight schedule. Unlikely.

It’s been so long since I last wandered into Avril 50. Years ago, when I was a regular, Jonathan, the owner, used to hook me up with fancy cloves. The thought of smoking cloves now gives me a stomach ache. Either way, if I couldn’t get to the store before closing time, I’d ring him up and he’d hide a pack in the bushes for me. If that’s not service, I don’t know what is.
The store is no different today than it was years ago, and Jonathan still maintains that foreign charm of his. His little shop is a European beatnik’s refuge. I mean, you don’t have to be European to be in his store, but if you have a foreign sensibility, you’ll feel right at home.
You can find everything from coffee to chocolate you’ve never seen before, international fashion magazines and communist press. Even though it’s a pint-​sized shop, you can get lost in there for hours.