Cozy Cafes and Coffee Shops in Delco

As the cold weather settles in, you may find yourself itching to get out of the house, or wanting to find a casual place to meet up with friends. Cafes and coffee shops are some of the most familiar “third spaces” in Delco communities, and they are the perfect place to go when you need a break from your home office, want to catch up with a neighbor, or just to grab a quick bite and a great cup of joe.

 

All across Delaware County, you’ll find cozy spots that fit the bill! Some are sleek and modern, while others are homey and comfortable. Some have a full menu and more traditional table service, while others feature convenient counter service and grab-and-go options. Despite their unique differences and features, each one of these cafes is a place where you can find welcoming hospitality, and while away the hours with a book, your laptop or over a lively conversation. 

(Don’t see your favorite spot listed below? Check out our other posts about creative coffee shop drinks and great coffee shops in Delco!)

 

Penn Cafe

This modern, design-forward all-day cafe is part of the commercial renaissance of the Avenue of the States in downtown Chester. The focus here is on providing the local community with great coffee and food; La Colombe beans are the base for the drip and espresso drinks, with teas, hot chocolate and smoothies also available. Housemade cookies, donuts, muffins and cinnamon buns compliment the food menu, which rotates between soups, specialty sandwiches and other tasty fare, like Jamaican beef patties and bao buns.

420 Avenue of the States, Chester; (484) 765-0713.

 

Cafesphere

This new Euro-style cafe in Media offers locals so much deliciousness! On the menu, find freshly-roasted coffee from Philly-based Ox Coffee, espresso drinks and Fair Trade and organic hot tea, as well as kombucha, hot chocolate, mocktails and more. Food options include both light bites, like savory baguette sandwiches, sweet pastries and mousse cakes from Cake & Joe. The vibes are fabulous, with plenty of nooks to settle into, trendy design features, ample natural light, a fireplace and sofa on the second-floor mezzanine, and even an outdoor roof deck overlooking State Street! 

25 E. State St., Media; (484) 445-2946.

 

Espresso Coffee Shop

As its name suggests, there are plenty of coffee drinks on the menu at Espresso, a newer cafe tucked into the Brookline neighborhood of Havertown. In addition to the usual suspects, like drip coffee, cappuccinos and Americanos, there is also an extensive food menu, with breakfast and brunch dishes (fancy toasts, egg sandwiches, bagels and omelets) and lunch options aplenty (hoagies, wraps, salads, etc.)! Word has it the Caprese Avocado Toast, with tomato, feta, basil and a balsamic glaze, is not to be missed.

345 Brookline Blvd., Havertown; (484) 668-0255.   

 

La Cannelle Café

With a lovely, airy dining room and a menu offering rustic, chef-driven plates morning, noon and night, La Cannelle Café is a real treasure. At breakfast or weekend brunch, try its indulgent challah French toast, gorgeous quiche, fresh-baked croissants and, of course, and order of its beloved home fries. During lunch, an array of panini and salads are available; and at dinner, splurge on the three-course dinner, or order a la carte from innovative choices like red onion sumac gnocchi, lamb kofta kebabs or chicken and burrata with duck bacon and grapes. 

21 North Providence Rd., Wallingford; (484) 445-2108.

 

Hibernian Coffee Shop

If you love an old school breakfast spot, check out Hibernian Coffee Shop in Drexel Hill. A sort of deli/diner hybrid, this no-frills restaurant is known for its traditional Irish breakfast and its selection of imported Irish groceries, like candy and soft drinks. Find a seat in one of the small booths and order from the menu, which includes American, Mexican and Irish breakfast dishes, including pancakes and French toast, huevos rancheros and bangers and mash.  

3711 Garrett Rd., Drexel Hill; (610) 626-7370.

 

Media Bean Cafe

Media Bean Cafe offers a full coffee menu, including hot and iced drinks, frappes and specialty teas, plus breakfast served all day! Tuck into an egg and cheese sandwich with avocado, spinach and cheddar, brisket eggs benedict, cinnamon crumble French toast or one of the rotating specials for a hearty start to the day. There are great options for kids and pastries, too. For lunch, try a healthy salad, club sandwich or wrap; don’t forget a side of sweet potato waffle fries or decadent truffle fries.

 204 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; (610) 755-3559.

 

Camellia Coffee House

Located right in the heart of Lansdowne, Camellia Coffee House brings a much-needed third space to the surrounding area. With both counter seating and tables inside its pretty space and a menu stacked with both standard unique coffee drinks (like the seasonal Squash-Maple Spiced Latte), you’ll frequently find locals here studying, working and just hanging out. On the food side of the menu, there is a curated selection of bites, like muffins, cookies, pastries and cakes, as well as biscuit sandwiches, salads and soups.

20 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; (484) 898-5592.

 

Ardour Bakery and Cafe

This family-owned European-style bakery and coffee shop keeps things simple but scrumptious with coffee and freshly baked pastries. Just a handful of espresso drinks are available, though they can be customized with a wide range of flavor syrups, as well as a few seasonal specialty lattes, like the Lavender White Chocolate Mocha. The pastries are a must; choose from croissants (there are at least eight varieties), turnovers, donuts, scones, danish and muffins. Dessert lovers will want to try the cakes, cannoli, tarts and macarons! French-style crepes filled with fruit, Nutella and whipped cream are also available every day until 2 p.m.

119 E. Sellers Ave., Ridley Park; (610) 521-0450. 

  

Hobb’s Coffee

Right across from the train station in charming downtown Swarthmore, find Hobb’s Coffee, a space where students and locals come for the caffeine and the company. Expect ReAnimator Coffee on the menu, as well as standard baked goods, egg dishes, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches and lunch options. A special detail about Hobb’s Coffee is the selection of locally made art and gifts that are for sale in the shop!

1 Park Ave., Swarthmore; (610) 541-0122.

Oso Sweet Bakery

Located in a rustic-chic space in Chadds Ford, Oso Sweet’s menu includes its own special blend from Brandywine Coffee Roasters, a gourmet tea selection from Brandywine Teas and Mrs. Robinson’s and handcrafted artisan chocolate from Éclat. Oso Sweet is also a bakery, and its housemade treats include cookies, scones, cupcakes, brownies and custom cakes; on the savory side, find silky egg bites, empanadas, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and more. In addition to drip coffee, beverage options include espresso drinks, nitro cold brew, tea lattes, hot chocolate and smoothies. On select Friday nights, Oso hosts BYOB community gatherings with live music, special desserts and pizza.

1609 Baltimore Pike, Suite 500, Chadds Ford; (610) 880-8118.

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo: Pexels