Top 20 coffee shops in University City
University City, known for its vibrant academic and cultural scene, is also home to a variety of coffee shops. These establishments serve as popular gathering spots for students, faculty, and visitors alike, providing a space to socialize, study, and enjoy a wide range of coffee and tea beverages. From well-known chains to independent cafes, coffee shops in University City offer unique atmospheres and menus, making them a must-visit destination for coffee lovers in the area.
- 1. Walnut Street Cafe in University City
- 2. Green Line Cafe
- 3. Starbucks
- 4. Starbucks in University City
- 5. Madis Coffee Roasters
- 6. Knockbox Cafe in University City
- 7. The Green Line Cafe
- 8. Starbucks
- 9. The Board and Brew
- 10. Saxbys University of Pennsylvania
- 11. Saxbys Drexel University
- 12. ReAnimator Coffee
- 13. Satellite Cafe in University City
- 14. Arterial Coffee
- 15. Grindcore House West
- 16. Top Hat Coffee Lounge
- 17. ELIXR Coffee 3675 Market
- 18. Saxbys Drexel PISB
- 19. Williams Cafe
- 20. Milkcrate Cafe
1. Walnut Street Cafe in University City
Large windows providing excellent natural light and a coil-driven air conditioning system offering superior temperature control.

The drinks on offer are delicious and enjoyable, with a strong and non-alcoholic flavor that is sure to please. The establishment provides a welcoming and sociable atmosphere, making it an ideal place to catch up with friends and enjoy some food and drinks. However, there have been some reports of slow service and even rude staff, which may detract from the overall experience.
In general, the service is quick and friendly, with staff who are happy to help and attend to customers' needs. The food and drink options are a particular highlight, with delicious and strongly flavored non-alcoholic beverages that are sure to satisfy. Despite a few isolated incidents of poor service, the establishment is generally a great place to relax and enjoy some quality food and drink with friends.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
2. Green Line Cafe
Serves fair trade and organic coffee, supports local artists

Green Line Cafe is a well-known establishment in Philadelphia that serves excellent coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. Customers appreciate the quick and efficient service, allowing them to enjoy their orders without delay. The staff are praised for their friendly and pleasant demeanor, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.
The coffee offered by Green Line Cafe is a highlight for many patrons. Its delicious taste and consistent quality have earned it a positive reputation among locals and visitors alike. Pair this with the friendly service, and it's easy to see why Green Line Cafe is such a popular destination. In addition to coffee, the cafe's pastries and sandwiches are also well-regarded, making it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Starbucks
Seattle-inspired coffeehouse with a warm atmosphere

The barista in this establishment exhibits rude behavior, not fully filling drinks and refusing to remake them when asked. The atmosphere created by this individual is unpleasant, which is disappointing given the usual crowding of the location.
On the other hand, the staff members at this same establishment can be wonderful and helpful, offering recommendations with a willing and accommodating attitude. This positive attribute is much appreciated, especially by those who struggle with making decisions.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
4. Starbucks in University City
Free Wi-Fi, Outdoor seating, Available for events

Starbucks is highly regarded for its consistent service and quality offerings, even when the restaurant is bustling with high foot traffic and large orders. The staff is commonly praised for their kindness and accommodating nature, often going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. For instance, when a customer's desired plum danish was out of stock, a cashier took the time to help find a different pastry option.
Starbucks employees are known for their eagerness to provide recommendations, which is especially appreciated by customers who are indecisive or unfamiliar with the menu. The staff's friendly and helpful demeanor contributes to an overall positive customer experience at the restaurant, leaving a lasting impression on patrons.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Weekend Dining
- Vegan Options
5. Madis Coffee Roasters
They roast their coffee beans in-house and offer a variety of single-origin options.

Madis Coffee Roasters is a popular and well-liked coffee shop, according to reviews, with a primarily positive sentiment. The atmosphere and design of the space are commonly praised as comfortable, beautiful, and conducive to studying or relaxing. Many reviewers appreciate the efficient service and comfortable seating.
The modern cafe offers unique pastry options like the raspberry cruffin and smooth, non-bitter coffee. It's a great spot to get work done or relax, with a mix of sunny and quiet areas. Delicious food options, such as the egg white and cheese croissant, are also available. Overall, Madis Coffee Roasters provides a pleasant experience with its comfortable atmosphere, efficient service, and unique food and beverage offerings.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
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6. Knockbox Cafe in University City
Community-oriented coffee shop with local art displays

Yesterday morning, I visited a coffee shop called 'The Knockbox' for breakfast. The establishment was clean, organized, and had a lively atmosphere. Despite there being several guests ahead of me, the friendly staff made sure I was served in a timely manner.
I was delighted to find a new coffeehouse, 'Earth Cup', so close to my home. Although small in size, the coffee shop offers ample outdoor seating. This addition creates a comfortable and enjoyable space to enjoy my coffee and meals.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
7. The Green Line Cafe
Serving locally roasted coffee and supporting the local community

Criticisms of the customer service include its inconsistency, frustration, and offensiveness. Customers have reported slow and unresponsive service, which can be a major inconvenience. The lack of attentiveness and urgency in addressing customer needs can be a significant deterrent for those considering returning to the establishment.
On the other hand, the location offers easy, quick, and convenient options for those looking for a coffee or snack break. Its accessibility and time-efficient services are particularly appreciated by individuals with appointments or those working or studying nearby. The establishment provides a satisfactory experience for those seeking a brief reprieve.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
8. Starbucks
Offers seasonal drinks, drive-thru available

The food at this Starbucks location is served well-heated and fresh, but a fly in the enclosed product display is a drawback. The location is clean, bright, and spacious, offering a mix of outdoor and indoor seating, making it an excellent choice for those working in nearby hospitals or research centers. Its central location and quick service are definite advantages.
However, the presence of a fly in the product display is concerning and may affect the perception of food quality and cleanliness. Despite this, the plentiful seating options, both indoors and outdoors, make it a practical choice for those in the area looking for a place to work or relax. The quick service is an added bonus for those with limited time between commitments.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
9. The Board and Brew
Offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating

This establishment has recently reopened after the pandemic, offering a great food menu and fun games. In the past, they provided a helpful employee to assist customers in finding games that suited their interests and even taught them how to play. The staff is known for their kindness and friendliness.
The atmosphere is welcoming and the coffee served here is delicious. During my visit, I tried an oat milk latte with honey, prepared to perfection by Eric. I also got to try their in-house made banana bread, recommended by Chef Marcus. I highly recommend checking it out. I plan to return for more meals and to enjoy a game night with friends. This place gets a 10/10 rating from me.
TOPICS
- Chinese Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
10. Saxbys University of Pennsylvania
Community-driven coffee shop with a focus on local art and social responsibility.

The baristas at this establishment are friendly and welcoming, often knowing regular customers by name and having their orders ready in advance. The café provides a comfortable atmosphere for customers looking to get work done or relax.
This establishment offers a delicious cold brew with oat milk and lavender, among other drink options. Additionally, there is a plentiful selection of plant-based food options, including vegan grilled cheeses and breakfast burritos, making it a great spot for those following a plant-based diet.
TOPICS
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
11. Saxbys Drexel University
Non-profit organization supporting youth education

The coffee at this establishment is perfect for my early morning classes, with my usual order being their Americano or cold brew. I was initially disappointed with the limited pastry selection, as nothing appealed to my taste. However, I recently tried their Okie Donut and was pleasantly surprised.
Although the coffee and food are enjoyable, there are some areas for improvement. I've noticed that they sometimes forget to heat food items and struggle to accurately fulfill orders. The in-person ordering process is not the fastest, and while they offer an app to order ahead, it is not always reliable.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Hidden Gems
12. ReAnimator Coffee
Committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing

Smooth and enjoyable drinks are a highlight at this establishment, praised by customers for their high quality and delicious taste. The coffee shop offers a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or working.
The staff at this coffee shop are known for being friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. The coffee served is top-notch, with a variety of options to choose from. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a tasty drink, this coffee shop is sure to satisfy.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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13. Satellite Cafe in University City
Sustainable and fair trade coffee, Cozy outdoor seating, Local art displays

I have been eager to visit this café for a while now. It is a small and cozy place, with a bit of a rustic charm to it. They serve excellent iced green tea and the black bean wrap is tasty, although I was not aware that it contains cilantro, which I am allergic to. Unfortunately, this detail was not mentioned on the menu board. When I took a bite and realized, I brought it back to the register and they kindly refunded my entire order.
I live near this café and I am grateful to have such a cool coffee shop in the area. The music selection is awesome and the names and titles of their drinks are creative and intriguing. Additionally, there are plenty of outlets available, making it a great spot to relax, work, or study. The outdoor seating area is charming, and overall, it is a great place to spend some time.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
14. Arterial Coffee
Sustainably-sourced beans, unique coffee blends

Arterial Coffee is a welcoming establishment with a pleasant atmosphere, known for its delicious food and beverages. The matcha latte and mocha latte offered are particularly noteworthy, with their top-tier quality making them stand out. The espresso drinks are also exceptional and add to the excellent selection of drinks available.
The staff at Arterial Coffee are an added bonus, as they are consistently friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience. The establishment's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect, from the delicious food to the exceptional drinks, making it a great spot for coffee lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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15. Grindcore House West
Exclusively plays grindcore music, All vegan menu, Supports local artists

Grindcore House West is a vegan coffeehouse located in Philadelphia's West section, known for its distinctive punk rock atmosphere. The coffee shop is popular among locals and tourists who appreciate its strong coffee and heavy metal music that plays in the background. Grindcore House West is not just a coffeehouse but also a hub for vegans, offering a 100% vegan menu filled with delicious and hearty food options, including pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
The coffeehouse's specialty drinks are a hit, featuring unique and creative recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From classic espressos and lattes to more adventurous options such as the "Grindcore Mocha" and "Vegan Affogato," customers can enjoy a quality cup of coffee that matches the shop's lively ambiance. Grindcore House West's commitment to being a vegan establishment extends beyond its food and drink offerings, as the coffeehouse also prioritizes sustainability by using compostable cups and straws. Overall, Grindcore House West provides a one-of-a-kind experience for coffee and heavy metal enthusiasts alike, making it a must-visit spot in West Philly.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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16. Top Hat Coffee Lounge
A unique selection of board games and a record player are available for customers to use.

The cafe is beautifully designed with ample seating, providing customers with great views of Walnut Street and the campus. Outdoor seating is also available, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee on a sunny day. The cappuccino served at the cafe is delicious, boasting a complex flavor profile and rich taste.
Moving on to the food, the cafe offers delicious waffles and good coffee. Although the setting of the cafe is next to big, fancy Penn buildings, which gives it an industrial feel instead of a cozy one, the quality of the food makes up for it. The egg on top of the waffle was particularly noteworthy, with its perfect execution leaving a lasting impression. I am even considering looking up how to recreate it at home.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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17. ELIXR Coffee 3675 Market
Sustainable and fair trade coffee, unique latte art

Elixr Coffee is a charming and trendy spot that offers a variety of seating options and the convenience of plug-in points to charge devices. The coffee served is of good quality, making it a great place to work or relax.
As a regular customer, I can vouch for the delicious Iced Strawberry Oat Milk Matcha and other espresso drinks at Elixr. The coffeehouse has been a favorite of mine for some time now, providing consistently tasty and enjoyable beverages.
TOPICS
- Personal Celebrations
- Asian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
18. Saxbys Drexel PISB
This location is known for its commitment to sustainability and supports local farmers and businesses.

The coffee shop has great staff and an ideal location on Chestnut Street near 33rd Street. It is owned by Drexel University alumni and offers an excellent selection of tea for non-coffee drinkers. The pastries and muffins served here are also delicious.
This establishment is known for its exceptional dark coffee, which is undoubtedly the best I have ever tasted. In addition to their coffee, they also serve excellent breakfast items such as a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese that was made to perfection according to my taste.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
19. Williams Cafe

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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20. Milkcrate Cafe

TOPICS
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
- Fusion Cuisine