The Cedars House

really wonderful gem at the beginning of a leisure walk/​hike. I love the simple menu and indoor/​outdoor area. I also attended a birthday event and loved the area we could tent and play outside for the entire time.

Best wedding or party location for intimate, casual, but garden-​chic affair. Owner and staff provide amazing service, and will cater to your every need!

Service is great, prompt and friendly. Sometimes you wait for awhile, but it’s usally when they are very busy. The food is delicious and so are the drinks: coffee, smoothies, etc. The vibe is the best.

LOVE this place! What a cozy and cute place to sit and read and have coffee or have some lunch. Excellent, inexpensive prices, good food and homey atmosphere. Also love that it is a historical building!

Good coffee, great food, and excellent dog watching. I had the Devil’s Den smoothie was good, but make sure you get it with the added peanut butter. The maple bacon stuffed waffle was the perfect snack after a long hike. I just wish the waffle was a little bigger, but that could just be because I have the spirit of a fat kid. I totally recommend this place for before or after your hike, depending on which way you’re coming from.

Super little café right at the beginning of Valley Green trails. I had a delicious cup of coffee for less than $ 2 before going out on a hike. On my way back I grabbed a fruit smoothie that really hit the spot. Apparently they also offer fitness classes and messages upstairs; this place has it all. I’ll have to try one of their sandwiches next time I hit the trails.

Really cute place! Convenient whether you are in the park or just want to drive and stop in. There is parking on Northwestern Ave. (by Chestnut Hill College at Germantown Ave) Had a smoothie which I enjoyed. Prices were fair too. 4 stars because the employees got some orders mixed up– including ours — but no big deal. Would still go back!

This place is great. It has good food and the people I ve met that work there are nice and friendly. It has a laid back and very comfortable atmosphere. I d highly recommend it.

The Cedar House is cool. Downstairs has decent smoothies and food. I’m giving stars mostly for the massage therapists (Ellen) and other activities on site. If you’re gonna do yoga or whatever this is the place to do it. Relaxing and chill it feels like a tree house.

I stumbled upon the Cedars House following an epic Philadelphia bike adventure through the city, along Kelly drive (including a pit stop at Belmont plateau for my favorite view of the city, of course!), through to Wissahickon Park and eventually to the entrance of Forbidden Drive.
– which also happens to be the precise location of the Cedars House. Heyooo.
After trekking almost 15 miles (and slathered in the sweat and grime to prove it), I was more than ready for a refuel. Luckily CH had PLENTY of options to satisfy (plus outdoor seating so I could unwind without imparting my foul stench upon others). Their menu is simple yet extensive: homemade soups (and gazpacho), quiche, sandwiches/​wraps, salads, fruit, cookies, muffins, coffee (la colombe, to be precise) plus a variety of freshly made smoothies with serious power boosters such as coconut water, chia seeds, soy protein, ground golden flax, wheat germ and bee pollen!
I opted for a fairmount fruity smoothie (banana, mango, blueberry strawberry, white grape juice & soy milk) and a warm slice of zucchini mozzarella quiche. Yum.
Be forewarned — this place is NOT cheap (they do, however, accept plastic [excluding AMEX]). Regardless, I’ll still return — food quality is solid, the location can’t be beat and well, I love me some bada$$ smoothies.
I also noticed that they offer a bunch of health/​wellness programs including yoga in the meadow, group run classes, health coaching and personal training. PLUS there’s a massage studio upstairs? Basically, this place has it all.
Their hours change seasonally so be sure to check their site before you make the hike!

Nothing can convince me to go for a run or hike on the trail like a stop at The Cedars House. Yes the prices are steep, but the ingredients are quality and that’s important. I usually go with a Cedar House smoothie, a sandwich and maybe a bowl of fruit salad or a cookie. Everything is outstanding. The turkey sandwich and grilled cheese with tomato and pesto are my favorites. Oh yea, these things are gigantic by the way. May be a good idea to share. Love this place!

Newly renovated, The Cedars House, is located at the beginning of Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park. This unique fitness spot offers a hub for runners, walkers, and bikers. They have a menu of light, healthy fare including breakfast items, sandwiches, and smoothies. They have lockers that you can rent if you want to stash personal belongings during your run, walk, or hike. They also feature programming that includes mat pilates, yoga, meditation, massage, personal training, and kids activities. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy your post-​workout snack. They’ve also got restrooms which are always nice if you’ve been on the trails a while. It’s great to have another spot other than the Valley Green Inn along the trails, especially one that is so committed to the community of fitness enthusiasts and amateurs alike that frequent the park.
I thoroughly enjoyed my mango/​strawberry smoothie after my workout this afternoon. My only suggestion? Go easy on the added grape juice next time.