Chapterhouse Café & Gallery

Staff is wonderfully friendly. Ambiance is delightful. The secret recipe spiced latte was delicious.

I really like this area! Even their toilet is great. The java is darn great and even when it is packed, there is always somewhere to sit down and stop up your personal computer in. Plus, for people who drive into CC like me, there are nearly constantly places within a 1 block radius from CH. Good times!!!

I am a huge fan of chapterhouse! There is a ton of seating which is always a plus for coffee shops. Their food and drinks are delicious and there are plenty of vegan /​vegetarian options. Definitely worth a stop if you need somewhere to do work or a good cup of coffee.

Cute, hipster, vegan options, and has a really cool witch/​rocker vibe. They also sell artists paintings on the walls. A great find on our weekend trip to Philadelphia!

I knew I had arrived at yet another hipster central when I saw the eclectic collection of artworks on the walls, talked to the hip barista rockin’ the shaved-​side hair, and sat down in a wooden chair next to a shelf with books, a chess board, and other games.
There were several different menus. There’s one drafted on the chalkboard for the sandwiches, there’s one written on paper next to the pastries, but my eyes were fixated on the laminated menus listing the smoothies and the coffees. It was a hard choice, but I ultimately decided on the Nutella Latte (with skim milk).
Even though there was only one person taking, making, and «delivering» the orders, she was pretty swift. She called out my order, and when I went to pick it up, she said that it was her best latte art yet.
That sentence to me was synonymous with «this latte art is Insta-​worthy,» which also served as my cue to take lots of photos of this Nutella latte. It’s definitely really pretty, and it’s abstract art!
To be 100% frank, the latte didn’t taste as good as it looked. It was a bit too sweet for my liking, and the sweetness overshadowed the hazelnut flavor. Call me silly if you want, but I refuse to give Chapterhouse anything less than 4 stars because of how much I appreciated the ambiance and my overall experience here. A top-​notch place to study, read, chit-​chat, and have a crochet gathering while talking about Hillary & Bernie vs. Trump (yes, this took place next to me).
Warning: some outlet sockets don’t work.

A beautiful little café in Philadelphia! Just a little beyond South St, it is a picturesque place with interesting artwork on the walls with prices and the names of the artists. Whether you sit in the front by the window (which currently is amazing due to the pink blossoms on the trees across the street), towards the back with the view of a small charming courtyard, or in the basement where it’s so quiet it can almost suffice for a library, this is a favorite go-​to place for studying. Studying for boards part one was incredibly stressful and I remember spending many hours here. I could actually get work done and the drinks and sandwiches here are delicious. The Mexican coconut milk shake is $ 5 and is made with rice milk, coconut, banana, chocolate and spices — it’s both refreshing and filling. They also have several snacks and baked goods and if you’re gluten free, you can enjoy getting gluten free bagels here!
Their free wifi here is great too. I’m able to stay for a long time and get work done on my laptop or iPad.
The atmosphere ultimately is what makes me stay. It has a very «welcome to my little living room» vibe.
There’s a Starbucks just a few doors down but I recommend walking just a little further and coming here instead! You won’t be disappointed.

My affection for this place is dwindling. The wifi in the basement is extremely slow. Also, the basement is VERY cold (even when its warm outside) and dark. There is a lightbulb out which makes my studying even more dismal, and to make matters worse their only lamp is broken. The basement can get really noisy with people stomping on the basement doors from the street.
I also am unsure if I like the vibe I get from the workers anymore. They used to be friendly, but recently everyone has an «I am too cool for you» attitude, with little to no friendliness. I barely get a greeting when I walk in the door. When getting more hot water for my tea (complimentary), I am walking back to my chair and a worker says, «Oh, did you get a refill?» Well, yes I did, your co-​worker at the cash register got it for me. The comment was in a very accusatory/​surprised tone, like I had either helped myself to some hot water or failed to pay for something that was… free. It was very off putting.
Finally, the food is nothing to write home about. The selection is pretty slim. If you want a muffin or danish, you can get one, but it will probably be gluten, sugar, and dairy free with a side of hipster arrogance. To me, that is not worth the calories.
Maybe all the studying is getting to my head, maybe I am grumpy, or maybe this place really is losing it’s charm…

Talk about love at first sight :)
I can’t even properly articulate why it became such an instantaneous favorite spot for me the second that I stepped inside the coffee shop… so check it out for yourself! The interior is charming and gorgeous in a quaint sort of way, and pleasantly spacious with lots of different partitions. There’s an adorable downstairs section too, with shelves of boardgames (my favs).
Also, I would confidently bet that I could win a prize for «most time spent at coffee shops among people who never drink coffee», given the almost daily routine of reading/​writing/​researching at various cafes in the city (this is what dissertation status looks like folks!). Thus, I usually feel like my options for drinks are fairly limited, but that was definitely not the case here! I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a delightful panoply of non-​coffee drinks at a Philly coffee shop before (my eyes were legit popping out from excitement). All kinds of delectable hot chocolate flavors, specialty italian sodas, flavorful iced teas, etc — thank you for being so thoughtful toward people like me Chapterhouse :’) hehe
Personally, I doubt I’ll get to visit as often as I’d like since it’s kind of outside the center of the city (or at least within the parameters that I generally frequent), but at least that’ll make each occasion more of a treat!

Larger than it appears from the outside, great drinks – from the basic staples to some more interesting (Dominican spin offs, Thai coffee). Baristas are very friendly, as seems the customers.
Bonus for having longer hours than a lot of other coffee shops.
Per Unilocal,I got the Nutella latte and enjoyed it – though I tasted more mocha than hazelnut, but creamy and delicious. I overheard a lot of customers rave about the Dominican drinks, so I shall update next time.

Definitely my go-​to coffee shop when I’m meeting up with friends to catch up or need a place to get work done. If you’re looking for silence while you’re working, check out the seating in the basement. Otherwise, get a seat on the main floor and do your thing. And periodically get distracted by the conversation buzz around you.
The shop sends good vibes and has a variety of seating arrangements that makes the space very cozy and warm. I like to get my usual white pomegranate tea, either hot and cold brewed. A spot with a wider selection of teas for this non-​coffee drinker.
Free wifi, friendly baristas, AND a machine that can take credit without a minimum charge — all great benefits to this gem of a coffee shop.

AH. This place is AMAZING!
While there are a lot of great coffee shops I’ve been to, I always had a complaint or two. But I have nothing bad to say about Chapterhouse Café & Gallery.
Comfort:
The perfect place to study, read, or have a quiet chat with a friend. There’s plenty of space to sit on the main floor and the basement. I also love that they have outlets everywhere (this is so important for me!!). Also, they have very comfortable chairs. They have chairs made out of silicone strings which I loved. I need one of those at home!
Drinks:
I didn’t get any of their sandwiches but I got the Not Nutella hot chocolate. So goood!!! I did wish that they make it more hot but that’s okay. I’ve never seen a coffee shop with so many hot chocolate options! Yay!
Interior:
Super cute interior. You just need to come for yourself to see how cute this place is! They also have board games and jenga for you to play if you’d like. But it seemed like most people come here to study or read.
I will definitely be returning here! :)

Love love love this place I cannot say that enough. It is the perfect study or work spot where you can grab a cup of tea or a snack and hang for hours with plenty of comfortable seating and outlets and friendly staff.
One word– Charming
Two words — Freaking Awesome!

Seating, seating, seating! There is so much room to spread out and study and some delicious drinks to accompany. While the food selection here is sparse, their baked goods are from a local bakery and looked phenomenal. I just got an organic oatmeal and drip coffee — both of which fueled me through a four hour study session in the basement. This place was warm and welcoming, there were a lot of people from the neighborhood meeting to catch up and the staff was chatty and friendly. Even if you’re just going for some pastries and coffee, this is a great (not so little) café.

I usually always go to Starbucks. Until I discover this little place! Starbucks is only at the corner.
I decided to give local shop a try one day and I love this place! Not every little place makes good coffee! But this place is a thumb up for me!
Try them guys! They also got arts aroun the place so it’s nice!

Really good cappuccino! Also love the seats by the window

I love the coffee, I love the employees, I love the atmosphere… But they need to do something about the downstairs portion… Put a few «Quite: People Studying» signs up or something…
Sure, its open to the public. Sure, everyone is free to do what they want. But a slight hint on the wall that the downstairs is primarily used as a study area might hint to people that its best to chat upstairs.

This is a great space to get buried in work, study, or a favorite book. The space is spare and clean, so your experience is easily just you and your mind. Tons of outlets, varied and comfortable seating, and different seating areas offer many options for your day. Small illustrations decorate the walls, well lit by overhead light. The coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches are great for light fare during the work day and the shop is quite close to a variety of restaurants for a full evening meal. This is a great place.
I find a slight dislike for the dog-​friendly policy. I have no interest in dogs, or perhaps better stated as less than zero interest. Nonetheless, any dog at the shop have been unintrusive and easy to ignore. It is of note to me, but not significant enough to knock a star off my rating.

This is one of my favorite coffeehouses in the city! It’s tucked right off of busy South Street on 9^th street and if you aren’t paying attention, you’ll walk right by it!
The interior is very inviting and has a very coffeehouse feel with plenty of seating on not only the main level, but also down in the basement too! This is a perfect spot if you need a place to study the day away with plenty of caffeinated beverages on hand! The walls are lined with pieces of art from local artists and add a very unique ambiance to the place.
The baristas here are always very friendly and make an effort to strike up small talk with their customers instead of treating us as an inconvenience. I was going here frequently enough that the baristas started to remember exactly what I like! That’s quality service right there!
Added bonus, if you get a coffee mug to stay, then the refills are discounted at only $ 0.50! Check it out!

Didn’t notice it when I’ve walked by in the past — the name of the place is not displayed prominently on the outside, so keep an eye out if this is your first time! I really enjoy this café. It’s got many separate rooms for sitting, plus many different kinds of sitting arrangements — bar, armchair, couch, and table. Prices are amazing compared to the Starbucks at the other end of the block.

my favorite place in bella vista to get coffee. I love their spacious interior (with basement seatings) and their cheap refills. great place to spend the day at to study or do work. usually pretty quiet during weekdays. might get a bit busy on weekends though, especially when the weather outside isn’t too great. fast wifi and the plethora of outlets definitely puts this place over the top.

This is one of the few coffee shops in the city that is open a little later which makes it a perfect place to get some work done, especially if you’re not a student and don’t have libraries to go to.
There is a $ 10 minimum, so bring cash if you only want a coffee/​tea! However, they have delicious looking sandwiches and cookies/​pastries. There are plenty of tables and outlets so it’s an awesome place to get work done. They also have bookcases filled with books that you’re allowed to take, and you’re free to bring books there!
This place always allows dogs inside. There is a really relaxed vibe here! They have big sofas on which I’ve seen a few pups laid out while their owner is hard at work.

No need to repeat what everyone else is saying but this place is great. Nice ambiance, artwork, and flavored lattes.
Dog friendly too, which was nice.

Chapterhouse is hands down my favorite coffee shop in all of Philly. It’s a great place to study, has delicious coffee, and the baristas are always friendly. Also, it’s open late which is really nice when working on a paper or long assignment.
When you first walk in, to the left there is a counter in front of the windows with some chairs and outlets. These are usually taken pretty early but it’s a nice place to sit and enjoy your coffee while looking outside. There are a bunch of rooms with chairs and tables and it gets quieter the further back you go. There are also stairs in the back room that lead to more quiet study space. The back room is really nice because of the windows that let a lot of natural light in.
I usually order the Nutella latte which is really tasty! It’s a little on the pricey side for a latte but you get a large mug and the way I see it, you’re paying for the latte and study space which makes it totally worth it. They also have sandwiches and baked goods as well.
I gave ⁵⁄₅ stars for the awesome atmosphere and amount of study space and outlets, as well as the great coffee, large menu, and food. Check it out if you’re looking for a cool coffee shop and have a paper to write.

Chaperhouse is a wonderful place to sit with a book or a laptop (and your lapdog – yes, dogs are welcome!) and get some studying done; or to meet a friend for a laid back chat.
Because so many people are here to study or do freelance work in the back room, you can sometimes feel that by talking you’re interrupting their work. If you’re here to meet friends, try and find a space in the front room.
Haven’t tried the coffee, but the teas and cordial/​lemonade type drinks are lovely, if a tiny bit on the expensive side. The décor is rustic/​contemporary, the staff are great, and there’s a peaceful atmosphere.
I live in West Philly and sometimes walk my dog all the way here just because it’s so nice here. I plan to be back soon!

Friendly staff, very reasonable cost, good coffee, accommodates your frou frou yuppie drink crowd as well as those who just want a good latte (without the Starbucks inspired frills) nice space, plenty of comfy seating.

Nice, big place. I liked how they have a couple of spicy lattes, something which nothing has ever matched Star in Chicago. The people running the place were competent enough.

this coffee spot is great. plenty of seating area is key when you don’t want to be bothered and this place has every nook n cranny filled with seats and tables. there are plenty of outlets as well for your electronic devises.
coffee is top of the line here. they have so many varieties that i never heard of and i think its exciting to try new coffee’s.
i haven’t tried any food from here. overall its quiet, and away from the city noise. i’ll be back.

I experienced Chapterhouse this weekend for the first time and I am in love! There is so much room to study here, and it helps that the décor is beautiful! I loved how there were so many like-​minded individuals so caught up in their work that it was so quiet. We only had coffees, and they were decent (nothing amazing). My only critique is that the internet was quite slow (could be due to the fact that I was in the basement).

One of my favorite cafes in the city !
The baristas are always very friendly and their service is quick. They have a huge selection of teas and yummy smoothies to accommodate those days when you don’t need the caffeine.
There is free wifi, baked goods and sandwiches available as well. I usually just get their drinks which are strong and tasty.
I like that there are plenty of seats here. Even the basement is well lit if you go towards the back room where there is a window !
The downsides are 1) $ 10 minimum for credit card 2) wifi is a hit or miss 3) lighting is poor in certain corners of the café

I don’t even want to write another 5-​star review for this place since I don’t want it to get too crowded buuuuuut… let’s be real, people already know that Chapterhouse is a fantastic spot to study. It’s not too loud, the art here is always on point, and people generally come here with focus. The place is huge too, there is an entire downstairs space that is dead silent if you really need to get in the zone. Despite all the seating in here, Chapterhouse is always crowded on the weekends, so I like to claim my spot as early as possible! Add in vegan snacks and a large variety of tea and it’s a pretty great place to spend an afternoon working.

Pretty hipster, if you don’t mind that sort of thing. Spacious and uncramped really goes a long way in the city. The backroom is quiet (can’t really hear the music) with giant windows which makes it a great place to get work done. Most importantly, coffee is good and staff is friendly. No kitchen, though, so their food is prepackaged and warmed up in a panini press. This is fine as long as you’re not coming here for anything more than coffee and productivity. Couches and board games are also great parts or this place.
Maybe it was where I was sitting but the wi fi was horrendous. Absolutely not internet connection to speak of. It’d connect for a minute then disconnect which is inexcusable nowadays. Good thing the work I was trying to get done required very minimal web use. Other than that, good local place for coffee and tea.

If you’re looking for a place to study, this is a beautiful and chill atmosphere to be! Free wifi, and it’s super spacious and clean on the inside. Very friendly staff and neighborhood, I’ve noticed the locals here are all friends with the baristas :)
I LOVE sunlight (practically run on sunshine for energy and staying awake) — they have large window panels at the front making it very bright for studying or catching up with friends! They have lots more seating inside with large tables too if you prefer a quieter and dimmer setting.
Food and coffee here are decent, but didn’t stand out.
The area also has lots of 2 hour parking if you’re driving to the area!

I got the Almond Croissant and a type of Iced Mocha (I forgot — it starts with a «D» and was recommended when I mentioned I preferred dark chocolate).
The space is big so it’s good for studying. It’s cozy as well. It was kind of hot when we got there but the air in the back part was good enough to cool us off.
I loved the croissant and I think the mocha was good just a bit bitter compared to my taste. My friend got the Iced Peppermint Mocha and I actually liked that despite not being such a fan of mint chocolate.

A huge, cozy café right off Philly’s famous South Street. Perfect for a break to rest up after a day of exploring. The space is inviting and comfortable.
The staff is ultra friendly and have great suggestions. They have a large menu of drinks and some small bites and pastries.
The people seemed to be a mixture of locals and tourists, and the noise level was pretty quiet. We welcomed the calm relaxing vibe to recharge (ourselves as well as our elextronics).
The back room has a huge windowed wall which lets in a beautiful amount of sunlight at the right hour.

I had high hopes for Chapterhouse, only to have my hopes dashed and then ground beneath the heels of awfulness.
I ordered a plain black coffee and the wife ordered a Thai coffee. The coffee was awful. A super dark roast coffee brewed in a machine that hadn’t been cleaned properly in months, and then stuck in a dirty press pot for a good long time. To call this brew foul would be charitable. To suggest that dishwater was poured through old grounds might give you an idea of the flavor. Additionally, the Thai coffee was weird and not good. It was not made with condensed milk. Again, not right.
The chairs were super comfortable and there were a lot of people sitting around working on their laptops, some of them looked as though they had been there for a good long time.
The bathroom door was grimy, and the walls needed a fresh coat of paint. The art on the walls were precious little watercolor and inks. And the mobiles hanging from the ceiling were beautiful. Gorgeous art.
The staff were… distant, somewhat helpful, while being aloof.
Overall a totally disappointing visit. The next time I’m in Philly, I’ll actively avoid this place just based on the bad coffee. Washing a press pot and a brewer isn’t hard and as a former barista– I’ve done it– every night when I closed.

Quiet, great study space, large. Decent sized tables with lots of seats, outlets, and WiFi.
Coffee and food are fine but nothing amazing. Vibe is clean and gallery-​like with lots of natural lighting.
Overall, a study/​reading staple and a nice escape in the city from campus.
[ as a study space ]
Might actually not be the best place to come have a conversation because people are working quietly and would be disturbed by chatter. You could probably get away with a conversation by the window bar, but anything other than quiet whispers would be disruptive at the rooms inside.
Outlets are plentiful. That said, the WiFi is actually quite slow and spotty, probably due to all the people using it. Probably best to bring work that isn’t heavily reliant on the internet, although it’s certainly workable.
[ décor ]
Big wood tables, comfy chairs with elastic band backs. Definitely an art gallery vibe, with concrete floors, spot lighting, and small framed pieces on the wall, though I didn’t find the art itself to be too compelling.
Middle room has dimmer spot lighting, while the room in the back has large windows with lots of sunlight.
[ food and drink ]
Iced latte: according to my friend, terrible
$ 5 shake: banana, rice milk, and chocolate. Good, but I’m not sure it’s worth $ 5.
Coffee: solid. Came in a chipped cup though, almost cut myself
Iced green tea: well done
Also a decent selection of bagels, oatmeal, sandwiches etc. If you come too late in the day though, they will run out of fresh stuff.
[ overall ]
Satisfactory on all fronts, but not blown away. Added to my list of staples.

Chapterhouse has a very hipster-​ish and cozy vibe that is perfect for getting some quality work and studying done. There are so many seats in this place; there are couches, long tables, small tables, and a bar so you’re bound to find a spot! It’s a very popular study spot for people as you’ll see the many students with their USMLE or MCAT books sprawled out on the tables. There are many working professionals here finishing up their projects or deadlines as well. If you don’t have work, it’s also a perfect place to catch up with some friends!
And of course, there’s free Wifi because what is an amazing coffeeshop without it. Chapterhouse is seriously a dream come true for all coffee fanatics. From the delicious cappuccinos to refreshing tea, super friendly baristas and ample seating, Chapterhouse has become my favorite go-​to coffeeshop in Philly!

LOVE the vibes here. This place is huge and perfect for quality work/​study time. The drinks are delicious and beautiful and the setup is great. I’m already planning my study schedule around my next opportunity to go there. this weekend!
If you’re in the area and need a good coffee shop, definitely check this place out. Also I think there’s a $ 15 minimum on card? So make sure to bring cash!