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Avril 50
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Newspapers & Magazines Shopping Tobacco Shops Newspapers & Magazines, Tobacco Shops
3406 Sansom StPhiladelphia, PA 19104
Neighborhood: University City
(215) 222-6108
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 6 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
32 reviews for Avril 50
Review Highlights
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"You can even grab of cup of coffee with a hookah and sit..." In 5 reviews -
"As far as reading material, you'll be hard pressed to find..." In 3 reviews -
"...with the sweet and enormous selection of postcards they had." In 6 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Louis T.
7/8/2011
If I was a true intellectual and had more space in my apartment, I'd hang out here and figure out the best magazines from the awesome selection to buy. Sadly, I live in a small place made smaller by the fact that my wife's non-profit employer doesn't give her a proper office, so growing the stacks of paper seems like not the way to go.
So I just go for the coffee and chocolate. -
Review from Kathleen H.
4/20/2012
Someone brought me here during my first year of grad school. He raved about the place, so I wanted to like it. But 7 years and several visits later, I just can't muster much enthusiasm.
The coffee is okay, but a bit weak for my taste. The owner often seems condescending and sometimes becomes annoyed by questions about the products. I like some of the cards, chocolates, and candies, but many items are far more expensive than elsewhere. I sometimes find a magazine that interests me, but I am not a big consumer of magazines and I wouldn't visit Avril 50 just to check them out. -
Review from Autumn E.
11/28/2011
I don't care that Avril 50 is pricey- it deserves to be. It is a luxury hot house. You can get limited edition euro mags here. You can get hand-painted wrapping paper. You can get fancy pants sandwiches and spring rolls and desserts and chocolate and all the coffee and tea from far and near. You can get cigars, and you can get cigarettes that are 20 dollars a box. You can even get whatever quirky postcard you thought no one else had thought up before.
And you can get some good conversation from the store owner if you try. :) -
Review from Tom I.
Philadelphia, PA
11/10/2011 26 Check-ins Here
It takes some time to truly appreciate Avril 50. The first few times I was in there, I was intimidated by all the stuff stuffed into this little shop and suffered from sensory overload. I went in wanting coffee, which is the first thing one sees when walking in. Initially, I always just got my coffee and got out, perhaps out of a subconscious fear that the packed shelves were going to fall on me.
Over time, I ventured deeper into the store to discover an impressive selection of magazines and a unique collection of cards (recommended if you want to send something other than the tired old Hallmark crap). The store also carries an unexpected variety of food, including muffins, biscotti, chocolate and sandwiches. Avril 50 also has a big selection of smoking products.
Each day, they provide a variety of different coffees in addition to the mainstay Avril Blend. The coffee is out in pots for self-service, which in lesser hands would be stale and burnt. But the coffee is always at the perfect temperature and the place is busy enough that none of the coffee ever seems to have been sitting very long.
The same guy is always in there (the owner?) when I go in and is always friendly. He seems willing to chat if you are but willing to just wish you a good day if you want to get in and out.
Because of how packed the store is, I feel like every time I go in there, I'll discover something new.Listed in: Getting Lunch or Coffee…
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Review from Tom D.
Philadelphia, PA
7/10/2011
Three stars is fair. I think the guy that owns this place is a pompous prick. But still the coffee is good, and while I haven't actually bought anything from the shelves, it does have the obscure titles of lit mags and stuff that no one probably buys.
Overall, if you want coffee, this is a five star joint. If you want a Michael Musto look-alike whose French attitude makes you want to vomit on his copy of the Kenyon Review, then you also have a five star joint. If you don't then you get three stars and hope the dude learns to respect his customers. -
Review from Lindsey T.
Berlin, MD
11/21/2011
I wanted to like this place. I also hoped there was a place to sit down inside, but there wasn't. That's not why this review is 2 stars. It's 2 stars because I paid $3 for a bite of Toblerone and a 12oz coffee that I expected to taste halfway decent. I opted for the Kona rather than the Avril 50 blend; I wasn't in the mood for something super dark. However, this coffee tastes like straight up water. It is marginally better than the Starbucks around the corner (and I hate Starbucks coffee). I'll probably be back to explore the store, but not to buy a cup of coffee.
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Review from Catherine D.
Philadelphia, PA
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is great. I am not too familiar with their coffee or food offerings, although I did get an excellent cup of cappucino here once. But this review is mostly about their magazine, journal and newspaper selections.
As far as I know, this is the *only* store in Philadelphia with an extensive selection of literary journals, and it is close to the only independent store (not a Barnes and Noble or a Borders) that has a decent selection at all. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable, and can assist you in finding that obscure poetry journal from Wisconsin, or what have you.
In addition, they have a wide selection of magazines of all varieties, including international and imported, and an incredible selection of international newspapers. Ex-pats of Philadelphia, come here for your news!
They also seem to have a decent cigar and specialty cigarette selection, although that ain't my thang so take it with a grain of salt. -
Review from Monica S.
5/28/2009 3 photos
It's been so long since I last wandered into Avril 50. Years ago, when I was a regular, Jonathan, the owner, used to hook me up with fancy cloves. The thought of smoking cloves now gives me a stomach ache. Either way, if I couldn't get to the store before closing time, I'd ring him up and he'd hide a pack in the bushes for me. If that's not service, I don't know what is.
The store is no different today than it was years ago, and Jonathan still maintains that foreign charm of his. His little shop is a European beatnik's refuge. I mean, you don't have to be European to be in his store, but if you have a foreign sensibility, you'll feel right at home.
You can find everything from coffee to chocolate you've never seen before, international fashion magazines and communist press. Even though it's a pint-sized shop, you can get lost in there for hours. -
Review from George R.
Los Angeles, CA
9/13/2007 ROTD 1/18/2008
When you walk into this place it is like stepping into a time-warp. Before big box stores, brightly lit boutique shops, and aisle upon aisle filled with identical merchandise stacked twenty deep, there were places like "Avril 50." But, somehow, this shop survived the great mercantile holocaust that began in 1997 when mass culture began its precipitous destruction of privately own retail businesses.
Although, things have certainly not been easy for a magazine shop with the current trend in viewing everything online instead of reading news in print. I overheard the owner talking about how business was very slow. He exclaimed to a long-time patron, "No one's reading anymore!" But, he continues to keep a smile on his face, five pots of coffee hot, and enough reading material to last anyone a lifetime.
The walls are chock-a-block with fine cards, magazines, and specialty postcards. It was actually surprising to see some of the postcards because quite a few were highly political and some were slightly vulgar. Hallmark would be sued by someone if they carried this stuff! None the less, very interesting. I bought a few.
The magazine selection is amazing. Yes, Barnes and Noble/Borders/et al. all carry a large selection, but I guarantee you that they do not carry the same selection of political, artistic theory, independent, and philosophical magazines. There was stuff lining the walls that I had never seen before. Definitely check it out.
I'm not a smoker, but I will say that there was a wide assortment of foreign and fine tobaccos and cigars. There were dozens of brightly colored boxes with foreign lettering. In addition, he sells full-size hookahs and flavored tobaccos to go with them.
I'm not a coffee drinker, but there were great smells coming from the five pots of coffee that were sitting on the burners at the front of the shop. There were also a selection of pastries and desserts.
Credit card purchases have a $10 minimum, so either buy enough or bring cash. I forgot cash and ended up buying a magazine and some cards.
I can't say how much longer this place will be around, so make sure you stop in and check it out. Buy an interesting magazine for yourself or as a gift for a friend. For more information, the store's email address is avril-fifty@verizon.net. -
Review from Sara C.
8/27/2008
This place is so neat. From the wide array of international magazines and newspapers, to the great selection of classy, specialty cigarettes, cigars, and tobacco, this place has it for you. For those of you who are looking for the Black Italian Vogue issue, you better get it while it's hot.
It's easy to get lost in here, as the shop is tiny and it's decked from head to toe in all kinds of cards and publications. You can even grab of cup of coffee with a hookah and sit outside on the patio . The place is well stocked with different kinds of coffee beans, but I don't tend to get a cup of joe here, because all the coffees of the day are left on little burners which is a coffee snob faux pas.
Sit back, relax, and pretend you're in Paris for an hour or two. -
Review from Gwen M.
Philadelphia, PA
3/16/2009
I almost don't want to write this review, because I love that right now I can run to Avril between classes to grab coffee without having to deal with a crazy line. This place is fantastic -- good coffee and espresso drinks, a great selection of bottled drinks, and delicious French-style sandwiches made by the proprieter John himself.
It's also an incredible newsstand, particularly for international publications, and carries lots of tasty imported chocolates as well. And John is so nice and always makes my day a little a brighter. -
Review from Mayra H.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2010
Avril 50 is awesome because John is awesome. This shop wouldn't be what it is if not for him. And what does he bring, you ask? I'm glad you did.
1. Eclectic selection of publications from random places about even more random subjects
2. 99% Dark Chocolate. That stuff is no joke.
3. Wide assortment of nicotine products. When I was a smoker, this shop caused me to declare bankruptcy. Luckily, just in Monopoly.
4. Lovely Espresso drinks and some good coffee blends.
5. Wisdom beyond his years: "You got problems? What do you know about problems? Whatever problems you have you're still young - you can fix them. You're a spring chicken."
No one at Starbucks ever offered a side of wisdom with a caramel macchiato. Which worked out for the best because that caramel and sauce and syrup were going to my thighs. -
Review from Michelle C.
Philadelphia, PA
3/8/2010
I could not find lunch today.
First I wanted Vietnamese, but the place near me was closed. Then the two Korean places I frequent were closed. Monday is no good for such things. By the time I ran all over University City hunting food, I had about 25 minutes before my appointment.
Do I go to Cosi? No. No, I ALWAYS regret Cosi. White Dog? No time. Bubblehouse? Eh, fine.
So, I'm approaching the Bubble House praying that they won't take 45 minutes to bring me soup when I see a sign out front of Avril 50 listing five different coffees and... sandwiches? Soups? SPRINGROLLS? I had only ever come here for emergency espresso. I thought I may be hallucinating until a man emerged from the store with a cup of coffee and a bagged sandwich.
Alright, sorry Bubblehouse.
The was bahn mi in the fridge and springrolls and various sandwiches on baguettes on the counter. He could tell I was confused.
"Have you been here before?"
"Just for coffee.. ooh, prosciutto and fig confit?!"
I got a cup of the Avril 50 blend and this absurdly amazing sandwich that was obviously constructed especially for me. John also gave me a little soup sample. It was all wonderful and reasonably priced. I'm so glad to have another quick, yummy lunch option on that little stretch of Samson.
Someday I intend to check out all the magazines and candies. That is, assuming I'm ever in this area on a day that I'm not on such a tight schedule. Unlikely. -
Review from michelle p.
Philadelphia, PA
7/31/2008
Avril 50 only gets 4 stars because it was a little intimidating the first time I walked in here. The dude who runs the shop is pretty nice, and would help out with any questions. They have coffee and tea available, as well as, some sweets. They do have a nice selection of newspapers and magazines, not crap you can go to the bookstore down the street and find. I was impressed with the sweet and enormous selection of postcards they had. Seriously, there's a postcard for everyone here.
Go here to support independent business! -
Review from liza c.
Philadelphia, PA
11/17/2009
If you like art mags, this is the place to go.
Plus, Jonathan is cooler than candy wrapped in cash.
I want to move in, cot in tow, and have free reign over the magazines and Jonathan's cappuccinos til death.
That is love.
Also, the array of smokes is pretty impressive. Smoke 'em if you got 'em (at Avirl 50?) Hah.Listed in: stuck in u-city?
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Review from Andrew R.
Philadelphia, PA
9/28/2008
Oh man. I always forget about Avril 50 'cause even once you remember there's the cute little Sansom Street, it's still easy to miss. Avril is definitely a throw back, but unortunately without the throwback prices. This is your corner magazine/candy store, but with a global selection of magazines, cards, and snacks.
There's coffee too - grab a cup and fill it yourself with one of the dozen flavors being brewed - kinda of like Wawa, but not at all. Coffee isn't great, especially if you're a coffee snob, but you're here for the experience, not just for the coffee.
If you prefer, grab your *bucks 1/2 a block down (you're 1/2 a block away from one on Walnut or 1/2 block away from another one on Chestnut) + come to Avril for European cookies, magazines, cloves, a lighter, and whatever else you need to complete your Euro experience.Listed in: Get your coffee on in Philly
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Review from Scott M.
New York, NY
9/17/2009
As long as Avril 50 remains intact, there is good in the world.
Functionally, it's great - it has any periodical you could want and a great coffee / snack selection. Esthetically, it's absolutely amazing - an intellectual's paradise. I love going here for coffee when I have a free moment and am even happier when I have some time to get lost in the magazine selection. -
Review from Michael B.
Philadelphia, PA
11/11/2010
Somethings never change... nor should they.
Avril 50 has remained pretty much the same amazingly coffee scented experience for the last 10 years I've shopped there.
First tea, which is what I first started buying there. The tea is stored in clear glass airtight jars lined up across from the service counter. Now I've bought tea from many locations across the city and I'm convinced that Avril 50 is very well priced and has a diverse selection. By the way, the Russian Caravan is so good that a former roommate, who lived here 7 years ago, actually demands it when he visits. The Kenyan Marinen black tea is also delightful in the morning.
As far as coffee, the selection here is even more diverse. I'm not sure if it's the grinding process or the brewing, but the delicious scent of coffee hits you as soon as you come through the door. I'm currently getting through the Avril 50 blend and enjoying on mornings when I don't feel like tea.
The proprietor is always pleasant to deal with and knowledgeable about what he's selling. He also has a great selection of classical music going. As far as reading material, you'll be hard pressed to find a better selection of publications. If it's an obscure literary journal, it's probably here.
To sum up, once you get coffee, loose tea or an international publication here, you won't want to go anywhere else. -
Review from Vivian H.
5/9/2010
This is the cutest place! They have really unique cards, a wall of chocolates, magazines and newspapers from all over the world, and a really awesome owner. They have lots of tobacco too, since it is a tabac, and coffee. They also have really cool sandwiches that I want to try someday with pear confit, yum!
I want this hidden gem to remain a secret for those in-the-know, but it's too great to keep for myself, and I think we should support these great local businesses. So next time you need to pick up a card, or chocolate, or tobacco, or lunch, or a cup of coffee... try out Avril 50 :) -
Review from Kathleen B.
Philadelphia, PA
2/20/2010
This is the ONLY place in Philly that allowed me to buy all of the following items at once:
-Uncut magazine's (music, not porn, people!) special U2 issue
-Ploughshares
-The Triquarterly Review
-Other various and sundry literary magazines considered obscure by Philly standards.
-Ritter cappuccino cream chocolate bars
-Odd artsy postcards, such as one with a photograph of plant leaves bearing a strong resemblance to a vulva
-Twinings French vanilla tea
It is also the only place in Philly where I could buy any of those items at all, period, with the possible exception of the tea. There are also a lot of smokes, coffees, and sandwiches. The place is small and jam-packed with interesting merchandise. The owner can locate whatever you're interested in immediately, so there's a method to the shelving madness even if it doesn't look so on first glance.
I also get to browse around for an hour at a stretch every time I go here without feeling like I'm being monitored for criminal tendencies I don't possess or being rushed out the door.
There are usually some cheesy-looking plastic tables outside if the weather is nice, where I can sit and read or people watch. -
Review from Rob S.
Philadelphia, PA
7/28/2010
I regret that this wasn't my first Yelp review because this is my favorite place in University City, and maybe in the whole city. It's the best-smelling place in the world, I think. The coffee is so good, the magazine and newspaper selection is amazing, and John is awesome.
So stop reading this and go to Avril 50 now. -
Review from Derrick Q.
Philadelphia, PA
3/4/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Seriously, the best coffee I've had in Philadelphia so far. Nearly every visit I've come to University City, it has been my first stop. A tiny place with the bright yellow awning on tiny little Sansom, it has a certain Old World charm. They seem to have every magazine from around the globe, they keep their coffee selection in a good rotation, and I find myself getting a cup of something new to-go every time and am never disappointed. Avril 50 also introduced me to my new favorite chocolate ever (which is Belgian.)
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Review from Erin G.
Philadelphia, PA
7/18/2008
It's so Euro. In a good way. The way that makes you remember that there are still people who read international newspapers, love diverse magazine and lit journals, and purchase postcards. People who want to do this while drinking a cup of coffee, selecting a high-end chocolate bar, and requesting specialty cigarettes from behind the counter. Sigh.
Listed in: Living More with Less
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Review from Alix H.
Philadelphia, PA
11/19/2010
I could quite literally spend an entire day here. They have everything, and it's all crammed in the tiny shop. If this atmosphere doesn't make you go " YESSS!" this could make for a stressful shopping experience. I love their awesome selection of magazines from around the world, postcards, and regular cards. GREAT.
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Review from Amy M.
Philadelphia, PA
4/15/2009
what a pleasant surprise!
after stopping by bubble house for an afternoon drink with a friend i had not seen in years, i strolled down sansom row back to the trolley. jonesing for a coffee and some reading material on the way back to south philly, i stopped in.
and wow! i had an amazing selection of hard-to-find smokes and magazines. the owner was a pleasant gentleman and recommended some good reading material and a pack of cigarettes. i felt like i was back in ye olde france.
though i really have no reason to visit university city much, i think that this might be worth the trip again. -
Review from Grace S.
9/2/2010 6 Check-ins Here
This place looks like a damn dirty and chaotic tabac (although I guess I have not been in any crazy dirty tabacs in France so how would I know...) but I come here for one reason only and I love it for one reason only--they have bahn mi every day from a Vietnamese restaurant downtown. I don't even bother to look around (and there is a ton of stuff including other food choices) because I'm in and I'm out with my fresh spring rolls or a pork or fried tofu bahn mi. It's pricey at $5.75 but worth it when I'm in a rush and stuck in W. Philly and have to get back to the library. The bun isn't toasted (the bahn mi is kept in the fridge) and the flavors may be a bit lacking, but it does the job. (One time, however, I came in to buy bahn mi and another law student came in and showed the owner that the peanut sauce that comes with the fresh spring rolls was rotten. The guy promptly refunded her money and called the restaurant.)
This place is damn cluttered though--tons of newspapers (from all over the world) and other periodicals (lots of magazines). They also have loose leaf tea and fresh coffee. Overall, seems like a charming (but dirty) place that I should spend some time exploring in! -
Review from astro t.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2007
I'd say some of the best coffee in west philly, definitely. John's awesome and makes things perfectly! The hot chocolate, topped with a touch of nutmeg. Beautiful. You walk in, the sweet smell of coffee, delectable chocolates, cigars, cloves surrounds you. Buy your local paper from wherever you are around the world while getting your international flavor from all the magazines that he has. Down side is that there's no place to sit though when it's warm, he puts a couple of tables and chairs outside.
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Review from Brett B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/20/2010
The coffee is the best in the area, the publications available are often difficult to find and mesmerizing, and the owner is lovely. Definitely the place to stop in, grab a coffee, and peruse some magazines while on break.
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Review from Retset Y.
Philadelphia, PA
12/3/2008
i love this place! it has an immense amount of publications, chocolates, coffee and other cool stuff. a cute place to buy gifts.
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Review from Kate G.
Washington, DC
11/11/2010
This place is enchanting! I could spend all day here just browsing the unique selection of postcards and magazines, sampling the divine chocolate and coffee, and talking to the owner (who is charming, smart, and funny).
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Review from Don M.
Montclair, NJ
2/2/2009
An awesome store. A great collection of magazines and journals. I live in New York, have lived in LA and honestly haven't seen much to rival it in this country. The coffee is great too. Skip the over-roasted junk at 'bucks and get it at Avril 50 instead. And the chocolate is absolutely fantastic too...
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Review from Erick K.
Wilmington, DE
1/26/2010
best kept secret on campus
