Philly's Independently Owned Coffee Shops

Philadelphia, PA - Independently owned-and-operated coffee shops have been part of Philadelphia culture since the 18th Century. Today, Philly cafes are known for their well-engineered espressos and meticulously roasted beans, hand pours and draft lattes. (Philadelphia is home to the original La Colombe, booming in its 24th year.) But these often busy, often tranquil neighborhood spots aren’t merely better caffeine sources. They’re also great places to sit back and relax into the vibrant, historic and undeniably friendly city.

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse – Ariell R. Johnson, owner. Johnson is the first African-American woman on the East Coast to own a comic book shop. The venue, on Frankford Avenue, stocks Marvel, DC, big-time and self-published books for grown-ups, kids and everyone in-between—and serves up coffee drinks and locally made pastries, including comic-book-hero-themed cupcakes. 2578 Frankford Avenue, (215) 427-3300, @amalgamphilly

Rose Petals Cafe & Lounge Northwest Philly

Rose Petals Cafe & Lounge – Jania and Desmin Daniels, owners. Rose petals- and whipped cream-topped strawberry waffles? Yes, please, in this cozy Germantown refuge, serving breakfast and lunch six days a week. Other reasons to trek to Northwest Philly include free Wi-Fi, a child-centered entertainment room, croque monsieurs, salads and tropical smoothies.