A change of scene can be very helpful for productivity; toiling away day and night in the campus libraries can be downright depressing! Whilst some may prefer a change a scenery that doesn’t require too much traveling (for those people, I recommend you checking out our article “5 Off-Campus (but Walkable) Coffee Shops to Study At”), I personally like to use this as an excuse to explore the city. I mean, but of course the true purpose for the trip will be to maximize productivity. Of course.
Menagerie Coffee
When people ask me to recommend a coffee shop to work at in Philly, my number one is always Menagerie Coffee. It’s a good place to co-work and also to work alone. The front of the shop lets in a wonderful amount of light and has seats for lounging, and the back of the shop has more space for working, complete with plentiful outlets, which is crucial if you’re planning to hunker down and work for awhile. I usually order an iced matcha latte. Be aware that it’s a popular coffee shop though! I always try to arrive before brunch time or whatever time is popular for most people to get coffee.
18 S 3rd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Bodhi Coffee
A close second that I recommend is Bodhi Coffee, and it’s located pretty close to Menagerie as well. The space is smaller than Menagerie’s but it’s a good space nonetheless. I wouldn’t recommend working in a group here, but if you’re only traveling with one other person or if you’re going yourself, you’ll be fine. The bar at the front of the shop is cute with a beautiful array of plants and lights by the window. I usually order a london fog latte.
410 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 239-2928
Milk & Honey Cafe
The aesthetic of Milk & Honey Cafe is similar to that of Bodhi, what with the plants and string of lights by the window. It’s located on South Street, so if you need a study break, you can get up and roam around; there’s always so much to see! Like everything on South Street, Milk & Honey has a unique personality.
518 S 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 928-1811
Chapterhouse Cafe
I’ve visited Chapterhouse Cafe several times to co-work with a large group. Like any good cafe, the front of the shop has huge windows, a string of lights and a bar to people-watch from, or to just sit and work at whilst soaking in some vitamin D. Since I usually go to co-work, I usually head to the back where there’s more space. The cafe is quite spacious!
620 S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 238-2626
Plenty Cafe
Plenty Cafe has more food options than the previous cafes I’ve mentioned. I would recommend tucking into the second floor if you’re planning to study for awhile, as the first floor can be filled with customers who are grabbing meals or catching up over coffee.
1602 Spruce St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 560-8684
And more
La Colombe Coffee and Joe Coffee are also solid choices. There are so many locations; just Google one near you! From La Colombe, my regular is the draft latte, and from Joe Coffee, my regular is the chai latte. And with that, happy traveling! I mean, er, studying!