The pastries I've tried have been yummy. The drinks I've had have been good, though I'll note it's best to stick to the menú.
Love the whole vibe, with comfy chair, plus tables, plus art.
I think the lady I usually see must be the owner. She's great; efficient & friendly, asks all the right questions if you fail to specify. The other guy I sometimes see isn't bad either, though he might benefit from a quick brush up.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Sara Delmoral
Starting with the name alone, Higher Grounds Café instantly won me over. As a big Star Wars fan, I couldn’t help but think of Obi-Wan’s legendary line—so naturally, I had to check it out. Nerdiness aside, the moment you step inside, you’re transported into one of the most indie, artsy cafés I’ve seen in Philly. There’s a little bit of everything: stickers, artwork, handmade jewelry—you name it. It’s like a curated treasure hunt with every visit.
The lighting is warm and dim, adding a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay a while. I couldn’t stop looking around because every corner is filled with something interesting. I’ve been twice so far, and both times I had the same super chill barista, which made it feel even more like a neighborhood spot.
The first time, I tried the strawberry matcha—which was surprisingly warm instead of iced—but honestly, it was delicious either way. I also got the French toast bagel, but that one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It didn’t really taste like French toast, so I’ll have to deduct a few Gryffindor points there 🧙♂️.
On my second visit, I got an everything bagel and it totally redeemed things. As a Jersey girl, I have high bagel standards—and this justttt one passed the vibe check. My friend and I even took some pics in the back of the café, which was nice and quiet, so we didn’t feel like we were bothering anyone.
If I could make this a daily stop, I would. Whether you’re in it for the drinks, the vibe, or a new favorite cozy corner, I totally recommend checking out Higher Grounds!
I flew in to Philadelphia early this morning to.catch a bus to delaware, and along the way I stopped here to grab a cofee and kill some time while I waited on the bus. The owner/barista was super nice. The coffee is good and cheap. I didnt get food so cant speak to that. But yall this place has the chillest most relaxed vibe. I love it. I highly recommend checking it out. The decor is awesome.
Cori Berlin
Finally, a real coffee shop! My Black Sesame Vanilla Latte and Everything Bagel(sausage, egg, pepper Jack, spinach and garlic butter) were so yum! This space reminds me of your classic 90’s coffee shop, with offerings of a community space, art shows and a maybe a guy playing acoustic guitar in the corner. Stoked to have a comfy, cozy local spot to work and get my caffeine and snack fix!
Lina Rush
Great coffee no options for gluten free food
Nick Klein
Super cute spot. Turkey and brie sandwich is great!
William Farlow
Great old-school funky coffee shop. Good coffee, fast friendly service. The perfect antidote to the corporate blah of Starbucks.
AIS
Love this place! Everyone on the staff is so nice and it’s such a cozy place to chat or do work
Yes. This place is great, it's chill with comfy couches and really good coffee in a quaint neighborhood.
Gabriel
I would come here all the time. I found a very insane long hair in my bagel. I tried to call to let them know but they never answer their phones.
Jaysen Nunez
I’ve been to this coffee shop a few times now. The coffee is pretty good, and the place is really cool and lively. It’s a great spot to unwind or get some work done. But the service from the staff can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes they’re super friendly and attentive, and other times they seem a little preoccupied and not really into it. I know baristas have a tough job, but I’d love for them to match my friendly energy! (at least I hope I come off that way lol)
Cynthia J. Roman Cabrera
The coffee shop vibes are immaculate. Beautiful art work, good music, plugs everywhere. The coffee was really aight, I prefer something stronger. And the sandwich could have used more love, seasoning and less bread toasting, more grilling. I would recommend if you’re in the area and need to quickly get something done but there are other, better food options at other cafes.
Breene
The atmosphere was great until we got pushed out by the old ladies that came in with their games.
The pastries I've tried have been yummy. The drinks I've had have been good, though I'll note it's best to stick to the menú.
Love the whole vibe, with comfy chair, plus tables, plus art.
I think the lady I usually see must be the owner. She's great; efficient & friendly, asks all the right questions if you fail to specify. The other guy I sometimes see isn't bad either, though he might benefit from a quick brush up.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Starting with the name alone, Higher Grounds Café instantly won me over. As a big Star Wars fan, I couldn’t help but think of Obi-Wan’s legendary line—so naturally, I had to check it out. Nerdiness aside, the moment you step inside, you’re transported into one of the most indie, artsy cafés I’ve seen in Philly. There’s a little bit of everything: stickers, artwork, handmade jewelry—you name it. It’s like a curated treasure hunt with every visit.
The lighting is warm and dim, adding a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay a while. I couldn’t stop looking around because every corner is filled with something interesting. I’ve been twice so far, and both times I had the same super chill barista, which made it feel even more like a neighborhood spot.
The first time, I tried the strawberry matcha—which was surprisingly warm instead of iced—but honestly, it was delicious either way. I also got the French toast bagel, but that one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It didn’t really taste like French toast, so I’ll have to deduct a few Gryffindor points there 🧙♂️.
On my second visit, I got an everything bagel and it totally redeemed things. As a Jersey girl, I have high bagel standards—and this justttt one passed the vibe check. My friend and I even took some pics in the back of the café, which was nice and quiet, so we didn’t feel like we were bothering anyone.
If I could make this a daily stop, I would. Whether you’re in it for the drinks, the vibe, or a new favorite cozy corner, I totally recommend checking out Higher Grounds!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Interesting neighborhood coffee shop. Chill vibes, reasonable prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I flew in to Philadelphia early this morning to.catch a bus to delaware, and along the way I stopped here to grab a cofee and kill some time while I waited on the bus. The owner/barista was super nice. The coffee is good and cheap. I didnt get food so cant speak to that. But yall this place has the chillest most relaxed vibe. I love it. I highly recommend checking it out. The decor is awesome.
Finally, a real coffee shop! My Black Sesame Vanilla Latte and Everything Bagel(sausage, egg, pepper Jack, spinach and garlic butter) were so yum! This space reminds me of your classic 90’s coffee shop, with offerings of a community space, art shows and a maybe a guy playing acoustic guitar in the corner. Stoked to have a comfy, cozy local spot to work and get my caffeine and snack fix!
Great coffee no options for gluten free food
Super cute spot. Turkey and brie sandwich is great!
Great old-school funky coffee shop. Good coffee, fast friendly service. The perfect antidote to the corporate blah of Starbucks.
Love this place! Everyone on the staff is so nice and it’s such a cozy place to chat or do work
cool beans
Restaurantji Recommends
Yes. This place is great, it's chill with comfy couches and really good coffee in a quaint neighborhood.
I would come here all the time. I found a very insane long hair in my bagel. I tried to call to let them know but they never answer their phones.
I’ve been to this coffee shop a few times now. The coffee is pretty good, and the place is really cool and lively. It’s a great spot to unwind or get some work done. But the service from the staff can be a bit hit or miss. Sometimes they’re super friendly and attentive, and other times they seem a little preoccupied and not really into it. I know baristas have a tough job, but I’d love for them to match my friendly energy! (at least I hope I come off that way lol)
The coffee shop vibes are immaculate. Beautiful art work, good music, plugs everywhere. The coffee was really aight, I prefer something stronger. And the sandwich could have used more love, seasoning and less bread toasting, more grilling. I would recommend if you’re in the area and need to quickly get something done but there are other, better food options at other cafes.
The atmosphere was great until we got pushed out by the old ladies that came in with their games.
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