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Arbol Café - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Event Planning & Services Venues & Event Spaces Restaurants Latin American Coffee & Tea, Venues & Event Spaces, Latin American [Edit]
209 Poplar StPhiladelphia, PA 19123
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
(215) 284-5788
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Leslie H. said: "Talk about a little slice of magic in an otherwise bustling city! I was wandering by Whole Foods after a visit to Italian Market when I noticed the walls across the streets twinkling as the mirrored bits of glass caught the light.…" read more »
51 reviews for Arbol Café
Review Highlights
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"Everyone loves the Lomito (rightfully so." In 15 reviews -
"Anyone could feel at home at this Paraguayan Cafe." In 12 reviews -
"A broken egg with steak and ham, melted cheese on a fresh..." In 5 reviews
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Dana V.
Philadelphia, PA
3/27/2010
This is the cutest most homey coffee shop in the city. I came in for a small cup of tea with a friend, and we had a nice relaxing time. MAKE SURE YOU TRY THE HOME MADE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES. The owner was really friendly, and encouraged us to sit and relax as long as we liked.
I didn't try their food menu, but the tea selection was very extensive.
Definitely will be going back. -
Review from Brian M.
Updated - 2/20/2011
This update deals with my last visit to Arbor Cafe. I still think the food is good but the quirky service just seems to get more and more quirky.
We were on an outing with the dog in tow and decided to grab something. An empanada sounded good so we headed to Arbol Cafe to grab a hot one and sit outside with the pup. Before ordering I asked the proprietor(ess) whether we could sit with the dog in their adjacent patio area. We were told it was fine. There were only a few other people and figured we could sit with the dog without disturbing other patrons,. so we ordered.
Once the food came to us out on the patio, she began to hover like a bee. Every time I looked up she seemed to be hovering in the corner of my eye. It was like she was waiting for something, but never approached. It was when my better-half slipped a nibble to the pooch that she pounced. This was evidently what she's been waiting for. She told us that her husband, the cook, didn't like it when people feed their dogs from their plate, so we shouldn't do it. The pooch only got a treat because we were trying to keep him from fussing and disturbing the few people seated outside.
You can tell me you don't allow dogs on the patio. Fine. But don't say you allow dogs and then scold me like a child when I give the dog a harmless nibble "because your husband doesn't like it."
Arbor needs to treat their customers a tad better.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/11/2009
Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon after a nearby Latin art exhibit. Just had Maté and a sweet treat.… Read more »
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Review from Colin C.
Irvine, CA
Updated - 12/7/2008 ROTD 8/26/2009
While visiting with a friend who was picking up a donation for a charity event (yes, the people at Arbol Cafe are friendly, awesome and generous!) I was reminded of just how cute the cafe is! And more than just a pleasant space for coffee and a meal, they have an extensive selection of yerba mate, as well as the implements one would use to drink it in a more "traditional" style.
They've got a load of jazzy metal straws with the pinched opening to strain the herb from the brew while you sip away, as well as funky Paraguayan cups to hold your stimulating brew. The best part, though, is their variety of mates that they've imported from South America, which are infused with a variety of other flavors, like lemon, lime, mint, and anise.
So while the savory menu might be a little meat-heavy for a vegetarian, it is still a warm respite with its warm drinks and interesting retail selection. "Authenticity" aside, the folks at Arbol Cafe have excelled in maintaining a warm, welcoming space for the poor, tired, and huddled masses in Northern Liberties.Listed in: A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, Don't Sleep::Can't Sleep, Trifecta of Glory: Coffee,…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/4/2007 First to Review
Yet another cute cafe/restaurant in northern liberties, leaving me to wonder why I still live in… Read more »
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Review from Sahra M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/20/2011
The outdoor area on a beautiful day is like being on vacation.
I got a sandwich (delicious) and sat out there for hours working. I certainly did not feel like i was in philadelphia. I can't wait to go on a summer night when they have the fire going. -
Review from Monica S.
12/5/2009
Arbolito, my little sapling, you make me so happy. This quaint little tree-house of a coffee shop serves up more than just café con leche and yerba maté. Their food is quick, their service comes with smiles, and their mini-lomito sandwiches gleam with goodness.
Perfectly piled between the fresh and squishable buns you have: not just turkey, not just ham, but turkey-ham, a broken egg, a thin steak, and cheese.
They accept only dollar dollar bills, but don't scoff, they accommodate to all walks of life and non-life. We probably would've stayed longer, but the zombies scared us off. -
Review from Bill M.
8/2/2008
This place is even a winner on the days that it's "closed"! I was feeling the need for some coffee before the Elite Event so I made my way over to try here with eager anticipation, only to find out that the cafe was closed on Thursdays. I was about to walk away in pure sadness when an incredibly friendly woman opened the door and let me in. She explained that on Thursday's they only keep the outside area open for a movie night, and they kept the cafe area closed. So they could only really provide the basics like coffee, which was fine by me since I was only craving some iced goodness. On top of being friendly every step of the way she made sure I had a copy of the menu and invited me to relax in their incredible outdoor cafe. she definitely has my vote for one of the best servers ever.
Since I was there on the closed day I didn't get to try anything beyond coffee. but there all day breakfast sandwiches sound like pure addiction. So I'm definitely coming back to give it a try. and their outdoor area is pretty huge and relaxing (plus it overlooks the Standard Tap smokers for some grand people watching!). And if it wasn't for the Epic Elite Event that I had to go to I would have surely stuck around for their movie night. Maybe next time!Listed in: I Hate Starbucks!, The Places I Go Out
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Review from Anoop P.
Philadelphia, PA
6/1/2008
It's been about 2.5 hours since I had my most recent Arbol sandwich, and I must say, I'm still thinking about how happy and full it made me. Even without taking into account the delicious food and the dark, satisfying coffee (some of the best coffee, if i may add, that i've had in the city), it's easy to fall in love with this place simply for the hospitality of owners Beth and Oscar.
Even if I lived more than 30 seconds away, I'd still trek up to 2nd and Poplar for Arbol and their delicious coffee, their wonderful garden seating area, and the Lomito, which is one of the tastiest and most decadent sandwiches ever (eggs, steak, mayo, cheese, plus more...on one sandwich!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO YUM). -
Review from Lisa L.
Philadelphia, PA
6/27/2008
I actually came to NoLibs for the first time ever to try this cafe after reading about it on... Yelp! I'm usually a cheapskate drinker of 60 cent lunch truck coffee, but I decided to mix things up by coming here. I must say, I love the smell of gentrification in the afternoon.
The coffee was really great, full bodied and strong (Yeah, I know about coffee even if I choose to drink bad coffee). A ceramic "sit-down" cup was $2.00, with one free refill. Might be nice to have a saucer because the cup gets really hot. I carried it outside to the nice patio area and drank free ice water. Nobody bothered me. It was great.
Sometime I'm definitely going to come back, get an expensive sandwich and revel in my white-person-ness. -
Review from sarah p.
Vincentown, NJ
Great little Northern Liberties cafe. The lomito especial is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. You can find the description in one of the many reviews below. The salmon sandwiches are also delicious!
They have great strong coffee and you can also order a gourd of mate tea. This is a cosy small cafe with limited seating, but a wonderful place nonetheless. What really makes this place special are the owners. Beth and Oscar are so nice and inviting. I made plans to attend Valentine's Day brunch with the boyfriend here.
Their outdoor space is one of the best outside spaces in the city. Where else can you sit below huge shady trees and people watch or enjoy a book while eating or enjoying a nice beverage?
The only thing I wish about this place would be that they allowed dogs in the outdoor space. I understand why they aren't - it would just be nice to sit at this wonderful cafe with my pooch and enjoy the warmer months.
Things to note: they are cash only - but they have an ATM on hand. BYOB!Listed in: Northern Liberties
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Review from Ryan C.
New York, NY
12/6/2007
I wouldn't call this place cute. Cute is an insult. All little cafes, just like babies, are cute even when they aren't cute. No instead I would call this tiny little place real.
Observant individuals will notice traditional Paraguayan pieces of art, cloth, etc adorning the walls. This is why I like this place because it's true to itself. Similar to how Almaz Cafe "keeps it real" with colors of the Ethiopian flag inside, this place doesn't stray far from its roots.
This is a day and age where cafes are very vanilla even when they try to be the anti-starbucks. Ironically enough, they are the same too. They try to be the cute corner cafe, with a vintage couch here or a black and white photo there, and the waitress has a nose ring and half sleeve tattoo to give it credibility. This is not that place.
The only drawback is that my college dorm room was bigger than this place. -
Review from Anahi B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/3/2009
Don't get me wrong -- the outdoor cafe is divine, but I am not sure I'd go back for the food, and the service was friendly, but weird.
First of all, I didn't think the food was worth the price. The sandwiches were fine, but nothing to write home about. Lunch for four people was $85 (plus a 20% tip, because I always tip!) at a place where you have to order at a counter and carry your own drinks outside.
The owner, Beth, I guess, from the other reviews, was friendly, but I found her service had some quirks to it. First, we ordered the "terere," which is basically cold mate served in a gourd, we found out. I guess she had been instructed not to tell people that it was just cold mate - so she kept contradicting us about it., saying, "No, it's not. It's terere."
Then we asked her about the outdoor grill, and she told us, "It's a surprise." The surprise is that she's not allowed to talk about the grill, or "parrilla" outside - you have to talk to her husband so he can sell you a pre-ordered meal at $75 per person. Now, I am certain his parrillada is excellent, but for $50 per person I can go to Fogo de Chao and be waited on hand and foot.
Anyway, maybe if I lived in the neighborhood, I would go back to have coffee in the outside patio, but I wouldn't venture back just to eat the food.Comment from beth m. of Arbol Café 4/18/2010
The menu you were ordered from was the Brunch menu, and the… More » -
Review from Hilary P.
10/29/2009
To reiterate: order a lomito, try the coffee or one of the mate options, and enjoy talking with Beth or Oscar.
Important things that should be mentioned:
They have a veggie menu and it's rather extensive. Of course, my sandwich had 2 kinds of meat, an egg, and cheese, so I haven't tried any of the vegan options. But rest assured, they're on the menu.
It's cash-only. They have an ATM, but it helps to come prepared.
It's tiny (in a cute way) inside, so you feel like you're invading the kitchen when you go to use the bathroom. But they managed to pack a bunch of 2-tops in there, plus there's a ton of seating outside.
Conclusions: Go on a nice day if possible, bringing cash and your appetite. -
Review from Katie I.
Austin, TX
3/24/2009
1. Best coffee in Northern Liberties
2. Freshest sandwiches in Philly, open for dinner, and comfy byob
3. The owners, Beth and Oscar, are the nicest, most courteous people in the business, and are always happy to see you
4. Most calm, cozy and relaxing environment of any cafe in the city, including an amazing outdoor patio
Visit and see for yourself.Listed in: My Haunts
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Review from Erin F.
4/13/2010
I want to love Arbol Cafe. I've eaten here once and, yes, the Landlocked bagel was delicious. However, I didn't pay for it that day.
On a beautiful Saturday a few weekends ago, I decided to take the trolley down to 2nd street to see what was poppin' in Northern Liberties and, perhaps, to enjoy a magazine under the arbols at Arbol Cafe.
I went in and picked up the menu. Holy flippin' prices! The food here is grossly overpriced. $12.00 for what is, essentially, a bagel with lox, cream cheese, honey, and veggies? Two-egg omlettes for more than $10? I stuffed the menu in my bag and walked out. Having sampled their goods, I'd say that the cost to value ratio here is inappropriate.
Perhaps you're paying for the ambiance, the quaintness, or the vaguely international menu. Either way, meh.Comment from beth m. of Arbol Café 4/26/2010
The menu you were looking at was the Brunch menu, and the… More » -
Review from Mrinteresting W.
Media, PA
7/14/2008
I don't get up to Northern Liberties much, it's a tad out of the way for me. However Arbol Cafe gets a big thumbs up for last Saturday's sandwiches. OUTSTANDING. I had a "Society Hill" and my wife had a "Landlocked on a bagel". Easily one of the great sandwiches of my life, and since I'm 255lb I'm talking a lot of sandwiches. They have this outdoor seating area under a big ol' tree, big, breezy, beautiful and clean. A VERY pleasant place to sit and enjoy lunch with my family. My only complaint is that I had to go inside the shop to order my food, which is silly since there is a waitress that brings food out to you. The cashier was a tad... antagonistic ( I think it was the owner ), but I chalk it up to a bad day. I will be back!
By the way, cranky lady, if your wondering why "Wizard of Oz" was not a big hit for your movie night... well it's because that's not a particularly special movie. I mean, if your going to have movie night, put on something people don't usually see... like French Noir, Cult Classics or Independent films. -
Review from Walter K.
7/13/2009 2 photos
I've been trying to make it to the Arbol Cafe for a while. It's not open for dinner, and it seems that each time I want to eat here, they're about to close or already are. Despite that, I finally made it out yesterday for lunch.
First, let's set the scene. I was first introduced to Arbol Cafe walking by their courtyard as they projected movies on the wall of the building next door. It seemed like a nice thing to do, and as I stepped into the courtyard yesterday, I was impressed at such a nice little oasis situated right in the middle of Northern Liberties. Refreshing shade from trees and umbrellas, nice wooden tables and chair, and an overall clean and cheery atmosphere dare you not to love this place. Even if the food was terrible I'd still recommend grabbing coffee and just hanging out here. So if you're looking for a new coffee shop in this area, try out this spot.
And if you're looking for amazing sandwiches, try this spot. As a caveat, I must mention that this place doesn't seem good for vegitarians. While there are options, every sandwhich I looked at has steak on it, and it seems like Arbol's specialty are their sandwiches. Check out the menu for yourself. I ordered the Lomito Especial, which had thin sliced steak, a over-hard egg, peppered ham, letteuce, mushrooms, peppers, and onion on a buttery roll. Are you drooling? Because I am just thinking about it again. This sandwich was awesome. I was dining with my good friend Holly, and she ordered the "Warrior" sandwich, which was similar to mine. In addition to being delicious and awesome, these sandwiches are large. We ordered a side of seared potatoes, and they were fine, not totally my thing. We both ordered iced coffee, and seemingly like everything at Arbol, it was great.
Arbol is run in a self serve manner. You order at the counter and are given a table number, and after a short wait one of the workers will bring out your food. I think the owner was working while we were there and she was really pleasant. Arbol Cafe only has a small indoor area, so it's best to hit this spot when you want to be outside.
Bottom Line: The Arbol Cafe seems to have everything I want. They have an extensive menu, but also a sandwich good enough I'd be happy eating it every time. Throw friendly staff, delicious coffee, and a cute little courtyard into the mix, and there's not much else you need for a perfect lunch spot. Really, the only downside to this place is that they're just not open more. The menu is a mix of American and Paraguayan cuisine, and my first encounter with Paraguay receives top marks. -
Review from Anthony S.
Philadelphia, PA
7/19/2009
Arbol is a tough place to describe. My best suggestion is to go and try this out for yourself without hesitation. It's quite the unique gem nestled between the alleyways main streets of Northern Liberties. It totally feels more like having breakfast at someone's house than at a restaurant.
What I like about the place is the counter service with the relaxing patio in the back. Arbol allows you to walk up, order your food and eat as quickly as you'd like if you're in a rush or to sit back and chill out for a while while you read or enjoy the exquisite patio they have on the corner of 2nd and Poplar.
Restaurant quality staff, food and coffee without having to wait for a waiter to get around to you. -
Review from Alfred Jordan R.
Philadelphia, PA
6/12/2009
Wow. This place has it all!
First, the food. Straight up delicious authentic Paraguan cuisine. I had the Lomito for brunch and it was top quality. The menu has a wide variety and the food is great. Some of the best in the neighborhood, if not the best straight up, too.
Additionally, the outdoor cafe is the perfect place to just sit and chat the afternoon away with some friends. My buddy and I sat outside and chatted for about an hour with no worries. Much more relaxing than being shuffled out of a busy brunch spot.
Definitely a place I would go back to. -
Review from Ritu K.
11/23/2009
I would love to say that I stumbled upon this place by myself but truly it was all thanks to yelp that I found myself enjoying a lomito here on a Saturday afternoon.
What you may ask is a lomito?? I was just as clueless, but apparently its a paraguayan sandwich involving steak, ham, cheese, and a broken egg on a delicious brioche like bread (oh I think a piece of lettuce and some tomatoes were thrown into the meat-o-rama). And let me tell you throw a bunch of meat, eggs and some cheese between bread and you've got one happy customer. It was delic and a nice change from the typical brunch/lunch fare!! My stomach was beyond pleased, although my heart is probably more than pissed (low fat this ain't).
To wash down the heart attack inducing sandwich I enjoyed an amazing iced coffee. Yep it was 50 something degrees outside, but too many yelpers had sang the praises of the iced coffee and I had to try it myself. Once again you will not be disappointed. Definitely give this place a try! -
Review from Danielle S.
Philadelphia, PA
10/14/2010
The coffee isnt the greatest, but the food... oh the food.
The sandwiches have amazing ingredients and are just the right serving. It is a laid back atmosphere, where the owners are really friendly and perfectly content to let you occupy a table with friends to chat or sit and read for a few hours. -
Review from Samantha D.
Washington, DC
3/14/2009
This place is fantastic. The coffee is good - even though their espresso machine/process freaked me out, it still tasted excellent and that's enough for me. I had a society hill sandwich - it was incredible. Like amazingly incredible.
The owners are great and super friendly. It's small and quiet and Paraguayan. What more could you want?Listed in: where we brunch club
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Review from Mark P.
Philadelphia, PA
3/22/2010
After hearing about this place for quite a while now I finally made it here this past Saturday.
Being 70 and sunny we were looking for somewhere to sit outside. You definitely do not feel like you are in the middle of the city when you sit outside here - you are surrounding by a wooden fence separating you from the street and a huge tree providing shade over the tables.
I had the grilled chicken sandwhich and it was cooked perfectly. the chicken was a juicy golden brown and the brioche bun was amazing. The iced coffee is like straight up crack. I had about 203 refills.
High quality/fresh ingredients, cheap prices and great staff = many return visits for me this spring and summer. -
Review from Sean M.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2010
I have to agree with Sanjay here. I like Arbol but have always considered it grossly overpriced for what it is. This past weekend I was literally shocked when I heard of the price increases. I doubt I'll go back. $14 for basically a breakfast sandwich! Are you kidding? $10 was ehhh, ok these things are good, but $14 no freaking way. I'll get a sandwich and beer from the foodery and then head over to the park instead.
Minus 2 big stars Arbol. You have good food but you're not irreplaceable.Comment from beth m. of Arbol Café 4/18/2010
The menu you were looking at was the Brunch menu, and the… More » -
Review from Sandy G.
Wildwood, NJ
9/1/2009
Okay...I love this place. I found it on a cool, yet sunny day when I was taking a stroll around Nothern Liberties with my honey and our 2-year-old son. As soon as I took a peek at the Paraguayan American menu I was sold. We sat in the garden, under the shade of the tall leafy trees. (This is a great place to take your kids!) We were served our lunch by Oscar, who we later realized was the owner. The food was unbelievable! We ordered lomitos (sandwiches) with a side of potatoes. They don't have french fries, and after you try the potatoes you will not care. I ordered the traditional lomito with thin steak, broken egg, smoked turkey and ham, fresh lettuce and tomato, and port salut cheese and mayo. BEST. SANDWICH. EVER. The fresh bread is what really makes it...so incredibly soft and warm. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Damn you Arbol and your delicious sandwiches!
Also, the coffee was very, very good. And that is important to me.
My only wish is that they were located in South Philly (closer to home)so I could have their lomitos more often! -
Review from Stacey M.
Philadelphia, PA
5/17/2010
I'm surprised that no one has written about the espresso here...
My husband and I stumbled across Arbol after having some delicious pizza at Rustica (across the street). We thought the outdoor space looked cozy and automatically assumed that it would be a nice place to go for some coffee.
After a friendly conversation with the amicable owner, I asked for an Americano and my husband ordered a Red Eye.
From there, I watched with complete horror as the owner proceeded to open up little packages of filtered espresso bags and placed them into what looked like a home-grade espresso machine. A coffee shop that doesn't have a professional espresso machine? No grinding of fresh coffee beans?
My Americano was fine for what it was. I'd be happy to make an espresso that tasted that way if I was making it at home, not buying it at a coffeeshop where it costs $3. It wasn't fresh and it had a filtered taste from the package that it had just come from. Bleck.
My husband's Red Eye was a little better. The coffee hid the filtered taste of the espresso package, but it wasn't super strong like a traditional Red Eye.
Oh, and to top that off... after he "pulled the shots", I had to add my own hot water to make it an Americano and my husband had to add his own coffee to make it a Red Eye...
We weren't disgusted by our drinks... we still had a nice evening.... but they definitely weren't worth the price. And it's a little disappointing to see a coffeeshop that serves the public home-grade espresso and isn't attempting to perfect the art of espresso drinks.
If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd probably go back again to try out the food menu. But I don't venture up into the Northern Liberties often enough and will probably want to try a different place next time.Comment from beth m. of Arbol Café 8/16/2010
Our espresso is from Italy and it consistanly gets good… More » -
Review from Scott L.
Philadelphia, PA
11/15/2009
So all of the other reviews are pretty much on the right track here, this place is awesome. The owners are two of the nicest people I have ever met. They chat with you and really make you feel at home. This place really does feel like exactly that, a home. Has a really nice and comfortable outdoor seating area in kind of a garden setting, just a really nice place to relax and eat a mid day meal. Little bit off the beaten path but well worth the trip, no matter where you're coming from.
You order up front and can sit outdoors and then one or two, or both of the owners will bring your food right out to you. Probably their most popular dish are their "Lomito" sandwiches. They are INCREDIBLE. I have never had anything like them before. I ordered the original Lomito and my girlfriend got the mini-lomito. They were so good. Big fluffy potato bread bun, with steak, ham, tomato, cheese, lettuce, spiced mayonnaise and fried egg, all on one sandwich. One of the tastiest sandwiches I have ever eaten.
The only downside to their dishes are that they come with what you order, nothing else. No side fries, no pickles, nothing, just the sandwich, for around $7 I normally would expect something on the side, but you know what, it was so good so I really didn't care.
We also ordered a side of papas fritas, with salt and pepper. Oh my god, seasoned perfectly, and full of flavor. Only had about 7 slices of potato on the dish, but they were SO good. The ketchup they bring out is also their own, it's slightly spicy like it's mixed with some sort of hot sauce, and it makes everything taste even better.
We got a couple iced coffees to go with our meal, $2 each and they were huge. The coffee you can just tell is amazing quality. Big plus for this place here, iced coffee refills are just $1! That's amazing. Also, we were about to leave and we were going to take a couple iced coffees for the road, we ordered two small ones and had a chat with one of the owners (Oscar), while he was preparing them, asking about the heritage of the food and stuff (Paraguay if you're wondering). They were supposed to be $1.64 each (+tax), but after we were done chatting he was just like, "For you guys, $1 each."
You know, it really makes you feel special and appreciated when something like that happens, they truly are a nice couple, and a pleasure to dine for.
For two people, including the iced coffees to go, the bill was like $24. That's $12 a pop for a big GREAT sandwich with a side of potatoes and two huge cups of iced coffee, honestly, you really couldn't ask for more.
I WILL be going back here, no doubt in my mind, if only just to talk with Oscar again, he's the man! And to get more of their fantastic unique sandwiches, I have to try them all before I die, because they all looked crazy good. By the way their menu isn't limited, they have all sorts of breakfast and lunch foods including eggs prepared anyway you want, salads, really everything you could want from a brunch place. The only thing they didn't really have was regular breakfast foods like pancakes and french toast, but who cares, it's not that kind of place, it's better.
Do yourself a favor and try this place out, you won't regret it. -
Review from Spencer W.
Southampton, NY
5/17/2008
I like Arbol. Definitely a top cafe in town. Plus it's comfy and the street outside is quiet and sunny, and being there makes you feel so wholesome.
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Review from Joe W.
Philadelphia, PA
11/11/2008
Great food, great coffee, great service.
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Review from Jessica B.
Coatesville, PA
10/30/2009
Anyone could feel at home at this Paraguayan Cafe. Built on big dreams by kind people, the food is outstanding and the service is better. Try a tortilla and a mate. Delicious.
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Review from amanda d.
Fleetwood, PA
6/25/2008
Everything here is delicious. They make great coconut coffee drinks and the lomitos are probably my favorite breakfast sandwiches.
Listed in: My Best of Philly
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Review from Katherine B.
Philadelphia, PA
12/29/2009
The only reason I don't go to Arbol Cafe every day is that I am afraid the owners would take out a restraining order. I'm a facebook fan. I have the Arbol Cafe magnet. I send Oscar and Beth love letters made from newspaper cut-outs to disguise my handwriting. OK I don't go quite that far but I really am obsessed with Arbol Cafe. Seriously you haven't lived until you've tried the vegetable tortillas. Actually, I think I will get off yelp and go there right now and have one...
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Review from Wei T.
8/15/2010
Stopped by for a quick iced coffee. Not too much to say - the coffee was pretty good and the staff was friendly. I didn't see any pastries or even a menu for that matter. But then again, it was almost 1pm and I hadn't had coffee all day... I was in a frantic state of mind searching for a brew.
Comment from beth m. of Arbol Café 8/16/2010
Menus are on the desk & we usually have chocolate chip… More » -
Review from Di P.
3/9/2010
I stumbled upon this place when I was walking out for some morning coffee. The owners were really really amiable and offered to make me a drink of anything "not on the menu." I had the lomito sandwich which obviously gets great reviews here. And I also had coffee with steamed coconut milk in it-- TO DIE FOR. Practically burned my throat chugging it down. The outdoor seating is long rather than wide, but shaded and fenced in so it feels private. Definitely a cute space to rent for a small get together (like 25 people or so). I smell a birthday idea!!!! Much love to this place.
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Review from Nina N.
Cherry Hill, NJ
9/8/2010
My boyfriend and I have stopped in here a few times for breakfast on the weekends and have always enjoyed our meal. I love sitting outside on the patio when its sunny because it is a really relaxing atmosphere. We do always seem to be a bit confused when we are about to leave when it comes to tipping... you pay when you order and then an employee brings your food out so you have to go back inside to tip which is a little obvious and uncomfortable or leave your cash on the table outside which I never like to do. I would love this place if they had a server but overall a great little place.
Comment from beth m. of Arbol Café 9/14/2010
So sorry the system is confusing for you. Our order and… More » -
Review from Elisha C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/17/2009
When you walk into Arbol, there's a sticker on the door that says "People Love Us on Yelp." I'm officially one of those people. On a cold and rainy day I decided to kill a few extra minutes by warming up with a mate dulce. Had it been a little nicer out, I would have relaxed on the patio (where some great music was playing) but as it was I was more than happy to sit inside. Arbol really stands out among so many cookie-cutter coffee shops with a warm atmosphere and plenty of nods to Paraguayan arts and culture. The owners were super friendly and the mate was just what I needed on a dreary afternoon. The only downside? The guys at the table next to me moaning loudly over their sandwiches. All in all, if people are enjoying things so much that it's distracting, this place must be doing something right.
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Review from Thommy S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/7/2009
Loved having my late saturday morning iced mocha here today! Been here several times before and have seen its progression from nothing into an amazing cafe. If it's nice outside, I especially recommend this place for its tree shaded outside area!
Listed in: The Places I Go Out, My Neighborhood
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Review from Sierra V.
Philadelphia, PA
2/27/2010
All you need to know is to get the lomito in some form, i usually get the mini lomito! A broken egg with steak and ham, melted cheese on a fresh brioche roll, it melts in your mouth. I love the owners oscar and beth (and their daughter is the cutest thing ever), they remember your name and what you order. it's the kind of neighborhood hospitality i really appreciate. the sandwiches are huge and very inexpensive! their outside space is serene, a great place to read a magazine, sit on your computer, or just enjoy the atmosphere.
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Review from George M.
Richmond, VA
2/3/2010
Everyone loves the Lomito (rightfully so). But don't pass on the hot chocolate!
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Review from L R.
Brooklyn, NY
4/16/2010
This place is adorable. The owners are very sweet, and if you go on a nice day you will sit in the cutest garden, with a nice tree, flowers etc...
Try the mate- its delicious, and the tortilla paraguaya with eggs was yummy!
The owners are really nice, and if you have the chance talk to them-. Regarding some previous comments- The food isn't dirt cheap but its delicious, and the ambiance is well worth the additional $2 you add to your food. I will definitely be going back.
Enjoy! -
Review from donnie v.
Philadelphia, PA
4/17/2010 1 Check-in Here
Goodnesses-ess! The Lomito Especial is where it's at. Thin steak, romaine, tomato, mushroom, red bell peppers, red onions, broken egg, turkey ham, cheese and mayo on a deliciously chewy bun. Sounds heavy, but it's not. Well balanced and you can taste each ingredient. Will show up early next time to get a taste of the empanadas. The staff was nice and friendly and the outdoor patio was pretty nice.
