Spruce Street Espresso

Spruce St Espresso closed over a year ago… why? But recently in Philly for the 4^th there was a coffee place there… yay! Well… the latte was good but the new look was… I don’t know, trying to hard (I wish the baristas did). The guys behind the bar were clueless and uncaring. You and I both know how important a passionate barista is to a wonderful coffee experience. I miss you Spruce St Espresso!

This is the best coffee I have had in Philadelphia. I will go to other places, because my medium sized (in most places it would be a small) soy latte cost me $ 4.86, but everytime I go (i.e. yesterday and today), I will be second-​guessing myself and lusting after an otherwise unfulfillable need for Spruce Street espresso. It has changed my idea of coffee in Philly. I can only compare it, in my coffee experience, with Blue Bottle Coffee in San Francisco, which I had previously considered the best coffee I had ever tasted.
I went there on Monday, at the Odd Fellows Café (because the actual shop is doing renovations, apparently). Usually, I like my soy lattes partially because they’re already a little sweet (silk soymilk is a little sweet). This place didn’t have any sweetness, and it didn’t need it, because the coffee was so rich and yet NOT BITTER AT ALL! I like the bitterness of coffee, and of course, I’m totally used to it, but this experience was new to me (reminiscent only of those many months ago when I could freely go to Blue Bottle). I was amazed at this especially after I saw lined up against the wall, bags of Counter Culture Coffee, which I usually associate with excessive bitterness (found in such places as the OCF coffee House and Madmen & Lovers).
Besides the fabulous experience itself, my cup was super caffeinated, so I left feeling high through the roof, dizzy, and ridiculously happy. I think my vision was affected. It made work so much more bearable.

I’m by no means a coffee aficionado, but I can definitely tell the difference between good coffee and great coffee. This place makes the latter, as well delicious versions of any other caffeinated concoction you may have your heart set on.
I’m glad to see they’re expanding to the odd fellows café down the street. The owners and workers seem to take pride in what they’re doing, I’m curious to see what will come next in the new location.

Whilst wandering about Spruce street before a trip to the airport– I decided I needed coffee, and I needed it now. I was going to go to my regular haunt, but realized that I didn’t have time. Upon my arrival at the intersection of Spruce and 11^th, I was pleased to see that there was in fact a wonderful coffee shop right before me. I had time for coffee! Awesome!
Walking in the charmingly quirky barista proved to be not only beautiful and friendly, but quit knowledgeable and passionate about their deep roasted, and finely procured coffees. Not only was she able to dash about behind the counter to aptly make each drink– but she did pretty designs on each cappuccino. Which is always a novel thrill.
So the ambiance is pretty awesome. But really what matters is the service and the coffee. Both were STELLAR. Stellar I tell you! The fact that they have a conscious about from where there coffee comes, and how it gets to be is refreshing. major points for that! Then there is the quality of the coffee. It delivers a perfect jolt of caffeine, with a bold and earthy quality. I like the Organic Farmhouse blend– which is most often made by the cup.
The only reason why I am giving 4 stars is because there is limited seating (though I hear there is much more available in the summer when they put out tables on the side walk…
If you’re in the area, Spruce Street Espresso can not be beat.

Tiny neighborhood spot that takes its coffee seriously. And when it’s nice out, the seating quintuples with tables down 11^th Street and a few on Spruce.
The croissants are (I’m pretty sure) from Artisan Boulanger, and are awesome, as is the staff who serves them up.

I had an iced coffee here on a Sunday morning. The staff was super friendly, and there definitely seems to be a pretty large group of regulars. The coffee was tasty, and I’ll definitely be back if I’m in the neighborhood.

It’s good to see this corner joint finally got a coffee sign to stay more than a year. Since I’ve lived downtown I believe this has been three places, Stella, something Coffee and now SS Espresso. Of the three, this one is the best and probably why it’s still in business.
I did have an espresso here which is very good and what I’d recommend if you’re stopping. I wasn’t impressed with the drip which I feel should be a solid staple for any coffee shop (regardless whether you specialize in espresso).
The cool thing about this corner nook is it’s like an inside-​out café. There is more seating outside than inside and seemed fairly quiet when I was there. The downside is if you want to stop here when it’s raining, you better hope that less than 4 other people had the same idea. The prices are higher than I would expect but I guess that pays the rent.
Not a bad spot, not the best spot.

One word: Babyccino! Inspired from a local boy who wanted to be like his parents and drink an «espresso» the shop created this drink, which includes steamed milk in an espresso cup for only $ 1. The look on your kids face when they get a «grown up» drink — priceless.
Otherwise, if you have a doctors apt downtown or a waiting room of family waiting for that baby to be delivered at Penn, the Spruce Street Espresso is a sweet spot in walking distance to the hospitals or downtown shops.
They also recycle their grounds, which you can find outside under the tree! Great compost!

Cute little coffee shop in a cute little area of Philly. MAYBE enough room for eight people inside, and another dozen or so tables outside. The women who run the shop are very nice, though you’ll feel like you are a part of any conversation being had if you decide to sit inside. Not much food selection, but it isn’t needed… you come for the COFFEE, which is excellent. Espresso is drawn perfectly, and their lattes are wonderful!
I only took a star away because I sometimes like to hang out at a coffee shop, and didn’t feel like I could here. FIVE STARS for their coffee and service.

Wow! They have Ayurvedic teas.
I am so sick of chamomile or hibiscus herbal teas. For once, I can have something that tastes great and is good for you. Spruce has a few kinds of Ayurvedic tea that cater to different body types. I don’t know a whole lot of Ayurveda but being brought up with Chinese herbal medicine, I knew to pick one that can balance my body type. It tastes soothing and the calming effect was definitely achieved when I left Spruce.
And it was only $ 2. What a steal.

Spruce Street Espresso has great beverages and atmosphere. Although the charming little café on the corner of Spruce and 11^th is best in the spring, summer and fall when you can sit outside and enjoy the neighborhood, there is certainly something to be said for sipping a latte at one of their quaint tables during the winter months.
I visited Spruce Street Espresso yesterday and shared some dirty chai lattes with a friend. I recommend all coffee or chai lovers try this treat! They also have something called the «babyccino» on their menu, which I learned is some kind of specialty drink with whipped cream and sprinkles for children. The staff was eager to chat about the specialty and one woman even pulled out her smart phone to show me photos of toddlers enjoying them. Needless to say this was one of the cutest coffee shop interactions ever.

I had just moved to Philadelphia in the fall and had been without good coffee for about a month. With a thorough Google search on legit cafes in Phila, I stumbled upon Spruce Street.
Faith made the most perfect cortado (gibraltar/​macchiatone, whatever you want to call it) with the Toscano blend/​Counter Culture. Chocolate-​y, nutty, well-​balanced, low acidity — it was DELICIOUS. I will never forget that moment of satisfaction after being deprived for so long.
Betty and Faith (owners) are super friendly and know how to properly pull a mean shot of espresso.

So I guess I’m the only one not impressed. Hmmm. That’s unusual.
I stopped in for a caffeine fix and was sorely disappointed.
Strike One: The rude sign on the door refusing pets.
Strike Two: The rude employee that bumped me with no apology.
Strike Three: Cash Only, and I didn’t see a rude sign to warn me before I ordered.
Three strikes and I’m out.

Their lattes couldn’t possible get any better. That’s the most important thing you probably need to know… and I mean that statement as in. they are so perfect they couldn’t be more perfect. not that the shop is incapable of making them any better. Did that make sense? They’re GOOD!
This seems much more like a shop where you get your drink to go, though… it’s really, really, small in there. One perk to its size might be that it’s more comforting if you’re going solo. There really isn’t enough room for large groups or even a 4-​top to sit around and chat… so if you’re in there alone sipping your drink and reading a book, you shouldn’t feel abnormal or in the way at all. There are tables but they’re teeny tiny, and most of the seating consists of cushioned benches stretching alongside the windows. It’s the best way to make space in there, really.
I went when it was super cold outside BUT… I did notice that they have plenty of outdoor seating, which would be super awesome in the warmer weather since it’s in a fairly busy area with lots to look at outside.
I would only go more often if I lived closer… but whenever I’m in the area I’ll make it a point to stop in.

They do one thing well
Great coffee, great espresso
Best in the city
I used to pass this place every day coming from work, and the few times I stopped in I was less than impressed. That was nearly 4 years ago now, and since moving back to Philly the times have changed.
On any given weekend afternoon, I often find myself in the mood for a pick-​me up in the form of some caffeination. When it’s not pouring rain, and when I’m not in the throes of some ambitious project or work, it’s a safe bet I’m making the walk from Graduate Hospital to Spruce St.
You can only really go here on a walk-​in basis, because there is very little seating inside. Despite its proximity to Jefferson, there’s a distinct lack of med students sitting on their laptops for hours on end watching a single mug of black coffee get cold. No, only the occasional small group catching up or solo reader in the corner.
Based on the name, it’s no surprise that you go here for the espresso drinks. They pull some of the best shots around, and clearly have a steady hand with the steamed milk. Their shots are more akin to a calculated ristretto than a machine made shot of black bitterness.
I’ll be honest, I’ve never had the straight drip coffee here, but they do brew cups to order and I’m damn sure they’re delicious. If I’m getting drip I generally stay close to home, but for espresso, there’s really nowhere better in the city than Spruce Street.

Not only is it home to a few of the artsy-​ist baristas in the barrio, Spruce Street Espresso brews some damn fine coffee. Using Counter Culture beans, they serve up all kinds of caffeination.
Although seating is extremely limited (especially during chiller times when you’re NOT gonna sit outside) it’s worth squeezing in to grab a cup. Order something with foamed milk and watch the staff swirl a pattern so pretty, you’ll find it hard to cover it with a lid. They’ve got tasty pastries, too.

Spruce Street Espresso lives up to its name and delivers one of the three best espressos in the city (the others being Ultimo and La Colombe). They don’t do double espressos, but they do offer ice water to chase your espresso, and it’s that personal touch that you’ll taste in anything you drink here.
Consider yourself lucky if you get a seat (there’s more seating outside in the warmer seasons), but if you do, it’s a great place to relax and sift through the paper. Or do it European style: order your espresso, knock it back, thank the your friendly barista, and go about your business. Either way, you’ll be extremely satisfied with the experience.

Yes, yes. Cash only. Moving on!
This is one of cutest, friendliest coffeehouses I’ve ever stepped into! The space is small but welcoming and the perfect spot to swing in for a relaxing coffee and chat with the baristas… or a quick cup to go. In my fantasy world, the one where I live in Philly and teach at [insert local university of your choice] I will swing on by, early in the morning, enjoy my Counter Culture espresso and a newspaper, grab a pour-​over to go and be smiles all day long! I managed to hit up Spruce St twice during my Philly visit — macchiato and capp. Beautiful latte art and a nice complement to Ultimo (who referred me here in the first place!).
Ahhh, friendly coffee cities and neighborhood baristas :)

I take my coffee seriously. So seriously that I often prefer to make it at home. When I go out for coffee, Spruce Street Espresso is one of my top picks.
One of the best cups of coffee I’ve had in my life was at Spruce Street. It was from their ‘Brew Bar’ which is basically single, serve to order drip coffee that doesn’t suck. Their French Press and Americano’s are also top-​notch. They serve Counter Culture coffee so you can enjoy your drink with a bit less than guilt than the average cup.
Worth noting is that the space is small and CASH ONLY. They have plenty of outdoor table seating for nice days but only a handful of tables for when the weather turns inclement. The tables themselves are also small so if your looking to spread out and get some work done this might not be your shop.

It’s previous incarnation really didn’t set that well with me when (
). So despite some interesting reviews I wasn’t really in that much of a rush to check here out. But I was in some desperate need of a good cup of coffee to compliment my long Excursion to the Alley and it was the closest spot that I could come across. So I gave it a try and I have to say that it improved by leaps and bounds.
My previous complaints were pretty much along the lines of it being super cramped, and the coffee was awfully brewed and a little on the expensive side. It was still somewhat cramped, but they cleared out some of the things that made it excessively cramped in favor of a slightly better seating arrangement. I was also greeted by an awesome girl who poured a strong brew that wasn’t as expensive as the previous spot. it definitely hit the mark and de-​zombified me when I needed it. So I think we can be friends. Now all I have to do is try some Espresso!