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B2
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Vegan Coffee & Tea, Vegan [Edit]
1500 E Passyunk AvePhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: East Passyunk Ave
(215) 271-5520
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
67 reviews for B2
Review Highlights
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"great bagels, sandwiches, and baked goods." In 9 reviews -
"...cream cheese", VEGAN SOFT-SERVE ICE-CREAM, and it's dog..." In 3 reviews -
"The smoothies are great, along with their coffees." In 10 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Katy H.
Philadelphia, PA
4/13/2012
Here's the thing: as a grad student, I need a place to work that isn't my kitchen table, is close by, and keeps me outfitted with coffee. If that place could be sunny, have cheap(ish) delicious sandwiches, and offer a generous discount for bringing your own cup? B2, I will finish my dissertation here whether you want me or not.
Reasons for greatness:
-$1 for coffee when I bring my own cup. No, it's not Japanese-pour-over-whatever, but it's a dollar. A dollar!
-Wonderful sandwiches on good baguettes.
-I really like that the baristas give you a spoon and a napkin no matter what coffee you order. Odd but nice.
-Outdoor seating for people- and dog-watching.
-Lemonade in the summer.
-Last but not least, plenty of outlets, and kindly baristas who don't trouble me when I come in for one (one dollar) cup of coffee and stay for four hours. Thank you! -
Review from Tory G.
Philadelphia, PA
2/28/2012
Been wanting to check out South Philly more and a friend of mine who lives nearby recommended this place. I found the atmosphere cozy and friendly. I only tried a couple of things - coffee (didn't totally amaze me) and an almond croissant (decadent!) but the menu has a bunch of coffee and coffee-drink options and sandwiches etc too, so I do want to come back to try more of it. My boyfriend is vegan and he was happy with the selections too.
The bar seating was slightly intimidating at first since you're right in front of the counter the whole time (which feels odd for a cafe), but I got used to it quickly and there were plenty of tables too.
Just one interesting note: the music was pretty much hard rock. Not that it was necessarily too loud, but it didn't quite jive with cafe atmosphere. -
Review from Bubbles M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/11/2012
I recently moved to the Passyunk area and have taken forever to find the ideal spot for frittering away a late Saturday morning. My problems were solved today when I finally girded my loins and entered B2 after passing it every day for the last few weeks.
Although the bar-style ordering might seem intimidating, I found that the line moved very quickly. The staff was immensely friendly and timely with my order -- the barista even helped me find a seat, since the place was relatively crowded. What nice service!
The bagel sandwich I had was amazing -- generous amounts of goat cheese, thick slices of cucumber, and fresh basil leaves on a delightful toasted wheat bagel. All of this for 5.50, and I am still full from it! The coffee was satisfactory, and I got a complimentary refill with the mug-sized serving. The rest of the menu looked just as appetizing, with a ton of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options to boot! I can't wait to come back again and try something else.
I'm not 100% sure why people complain about "the hipster crowd" here -- it feels pretty petty and detracts from what is a cozy, reasonably priced cafe with friendly service and yummy food. My only (very, very minor nitpicky) complaints are that the place is cash only and the table I sat at was perilously wobbly. Definitely recommended! -
Review from Amanda B.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 5/5/2012
Baristas have gotten even ruder....
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/5/2012
Great coffee, good tea selection, yummy sandwiches (the only whitefish I've found in Philly!),… Read more »
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Review from Fernando Q.
Philadelphia, PA
2/17/2012
Are you kidding me!!! you walk in there and order an OJ and the attendant frowns. I guess it's too much work for you,
but if you offer juice service you should be happy to make one for any of your customers. Oh- and the tip jar you should have it removed! why would I want to tip a sloth. -
Review from Tom A.
Philadelphia, PA
5/4/2012 1 photo
I absolutely love the vegan cream cheese, avocado, and tomato bagels here. Couple that with a Sweet White Van decked out in the cute crocheted cozy, and I'm set for hours. Also, as a city dweller who can't have a dog of his own, I love getting to go see the pups here!
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Review from Aruna A.
10/11/2011
This review is based solely on their smoothies. I love fruits. I love fruits that have been made into juices or smoothies. It makes me feel like I can drink my vitamins, and enjoy a delicious taste, which is always a great lazy way to get vitamins. B2 has damn good smoothies.
They make them with dairy, yogurt, and nondairy (vegan) options. I've only had the yogurt and the nondairy types, and they were both delicious. They have a variety of fruits from blackberries to strawberries to pineapple to oranges. They are all decently priced, and definitely fresh.
They also have great space to sit and do work or study. They are cash only so be warned. -
Review from Rusty S.
Philadelphia, PA
11/29/2011
Great smoothies and juices.
The bagel sandwiches are great as well.
The service can be great, and other times lousy.
It depends on who's working at the time.
Every guy that works there is great.
Yet every chick that works there acts a tad to smug.
Not to mention looks like they just woke up and most are still wearing a nightgown.
My girlfriend and I would come here almost everyday.
But will not be returning, have given B2 to many chances. -
Review from Angelica A.
Madison, WI
8/8/2011
This place definitely deserves a solid 4.5 stars at least, and I'm giving it 5 to counterbalance some of the silly 3-star and below reviews of this quite awesome coffee shop.
I live in Madison, Wisconsin and come to Philly frequently, and of the half-dozen times I've been to B2, I have never failed to get a table. There are not only plentiful bar seats (awesome for popping in and sitting by yourself), but a nice arrangement of tables. I've even witnessed strangers sharing the quite plentiful tables.
As to the comments about the "hipster" clientele and B2 staff, um, I'm looking around me right now as I am sitting working at B2, and two senior citizens who just walked in and sat at the bar were greeted by name by two of the staff members.
As for the review below that slams B2 because of its system of having people order at the counter as if it is a bar, I'll say that I've never waited more than 1 minute to be greeted by a barista. But, then, I do not have insecurities about my image that could be offended by a hipster barista not noticing me for two minutes.
Awesome things about B2:
-Dogs are allowed!
-The food is great. I have not been able to waver from the goat cheese/cucumber/basil baguette.
-They have fresh squeezed juices, including grapefruit and orange.
-Their coffee is good.
-Outlets are available, as is wireless.
-There really isn't a bad seat in the house.
-For those of you who have diet restrictions, B2 has gluten-free and vegan sandwiches.
The only downside I am currently experiencing is that it is, as Nelly says, freakin' hot in here. The air is definitely running, but I've been sweating for the few hours I've been eating, drinking, and working here. But, then, I realize this place doesn't exist to air condition me all afternoon on a hot Philly weekday. -
Review from Vinny P.
"You're french is awful", said the unknown patron at the bar.
"It's true. I speak italian though." I said in return.
"Man up and finish that goat cheese,cucumber and basil sandwich on fresh baguette!" said the nice girl working behind the counter at B2.
"Ahh, Passyunk Square" I thought, and then sipped my coffee.
I stopped into B2 after picking up a package at the Southwark Post Office. It was a Saturday morning and I wanted something to munch on and some coffee to sip. This place hit the spot.
B2 was full of young people all doing their normal Saturday morning things and I was lucky to grab a seat at the bar. The three people working behind the counter were all very pleasant and before I could even finish my order, there was a hot mug of coffee in front of me. That's what I'm talking about.
A few minutes later, a wonderful sandwich, neatly stacked and presented appeared in front of me. It was so good that I had to take a picture with my camera. I then proceeded to eat it. It was, delicious. I was told though that the sandwiches are not normally cut so fancy. I must have gotten lucky.
Either way, this place is so great for a casual meal. They have a bar and a small seating area, a variety of foods from freshly made sandwiches to a host of vegan treats that looked really tempting. I had a great time here and I will definitely be back.Listed in: VEG - PHL, Coffee, East Passyunk, Yelp's Passport to East…
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Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
4/19/2011
Despite the fact that precious few faces ever smile back in these parts, I still come around. Of course there's the chance that when I *think* I'm smiling what people actually see is me baring my teeth like a crazed, wild animal. You never know.
Good hot coffee, good iced coffee... a nice variety of baked goods, little sandwiches and stuff... B2 is a comfortable spot to hang out for a while to watch East Passyunk roll by.Listed in: Veg Friendlies, Avenue Passyunk, Avenue…, Coffee
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Review from Jayna F.
11/12/2010 7 Check-ins Here
I don't get why people waste their time hatin' on coffee shops. It's mostly pretty silly, guys.
B2 has some nice big tables, good for a quick cup with some friends or spreading your work over during the sleepier times of day. Good coffee, smoothies, baked goods and sandwiches. A nice quick hangover standby; Iced coffee, everything bagel, cream cheese, red pepper & avocado. Sit outside, watch the Passyunk traffic of hot dads, crazy old south Philly people (alligator man on his way to the dog park!) and yes, of course, the local hipster parade. (Wah waaahhh)
All of the staff here has always been really nice. Of course they sometimes get consumed in a conversation with a visiting friend, but it's a neighborhood coffee shop. That's like, the point.
People who complain they feel judged or out of place need to, you know, stop worrying. Cause no one cares which dang place you get your daily mocha at. It's a coffee shop for god's sake. Get your bagel and your latte and go! Or just go to black & brewListed in: Cuppa Joe
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Review from Felicia D.
Philadelphia, PA
5/29/2010
I'm the dork who goes to coffee shops all the time but doesn't drink coffee, so I can't comment on the quality of that black, bitter brew everyone else seems to like so well.
The friendly baristas at B2 hook me up with iced tea garnished with lemon and ask if I want a refill when I sit at the counter with someone else's cast-off Inquirer or the City Paper. They substitute sun-dried tomatoes on the tomato-basil-mozzarella sandwich and endure me whining about crappy out-of-season tomatoes with a smile. They blend up my weird smoothie requests (yes, I really want cucumber-melon-pineapple-mango, vegan, please) and laugh at my bad jokes.
I love B2. It's a real community hub down here, just like its older-but-littler sister Benna's down the way. Also, vegan softserve! It's only $1.50 and lac-tards like myself love it. -
Review from Adam C.
Philadelphia, PA
6/30/2009
Not that Benna's was enough for the South Philly home-body or DIY hipsters as I'll coin them. You know what I mean...
The ladies who are home-schooled, took many hobbies including knitting, poetry, vegan-cooking, sewing and taking dresses from their grandmother and reworking them to make themselves look cool for this day and age. They also go to that underground bike shop where they buy exclusive vintage parts from the cycles that were in the 1962 Tour De France! Ooolaalaa! Not to mention they all wish they could be Virginia Woolf minus the suicidal river moment...
Ok maybe I'm being a lil' too cynical here and I'll take it down a notch.
Luckily B2 isn't as cliquey in the sense as Benna's ( B1? ) is and maybe that has changed? I haven't been to Benna's in years but I remember it was pretty much a coffee shop for girls that looked like Raggedy Ann meets Karen O's make-up artist and if the Lilith Fair Movement still existed, this was the closet thing to it... complete with Indigo Girls B-sides playing as you order a leisbo... I mean latte.
Opps... Ok guess I am being a bit tad cynical.
Again B2 has more male guys working behind the counter but these guys represent the kind of guy these girls want to date, marry, or brag about. Which none of these guys will ever be committed to saying "I do" unless it means something else... ahem.
The music here is a misshapen mess of every indie-mainstream song you may or may not have heard of on itunes? That doesn't make any sense... neither does putting indie on front of everything just so it gets these peoples attention.
To the point!
The food and beverage here isn't bad but as you walk in you get these eyes piercing at you from every corner, peering over their ibooks typing away. Judging you perhaps and already writing a blog of what you're wearing, talking about, and what to order at the front counter. Ok that's just utter hysterical paranoia and I won't stand for that. I'm better than these people, right? Right?!
Maybe...
But the purpose of a coffee shop or any space that is supposed to provide R & R is exactly that! I don't go there to show off what new nonsense I have read in some clever book that no one in their right mind would find time to read or listen to some indie-noise-band-crap that someone said holds the secret of universe within track nine. It's bullshit. I just want my coffee. I don't want to see your bike, your hair, your friends bragging about the sex party, or anything else that isn't worth what precious time we have left on this planet!
"Can I help you?"
"I'll have an iced coffee, room for milk"
*snickers from the other end of the store*
"I'm watching you!!!! Ya twitter me! Write some LOOOOSSSEEEERRR is putting milk and not organic almond soy in his coffee. You make me sick!"
"That will be 2.25 man"
"Here keep the change. And as for you!!! Were you talking about REM cycles?" -
Review from Bess W.
Philadelphia, PA
7/14/2008
what a great place (and what a great corner w/POPE across the way). Lovely big tables and nice natural light, counter for those who are chitchatting with the staff. Everyone seems to be friends here, which makes me feel like someone's younger sister eavesdropping on the cool kids' conversation, but I'll take that over crowded places with no atmosphere or bad atmosphere.
Good veggie sandwiches here-- apple, gorgonzola, walnuts, honey was delish. I wish they had options other than baguette or bagel, like just plain old sliced bread, but that is a total nitpick. They have soft-serve here in the summer too-- what coffee shop has soft serve??! Now that was a good idea. -
Review from Mortimer S.
Philadelphia, PA
9/1/2010
I've been here only once so far so I don't want to be too judgmental. Perhaps I'll have a more favorable opinion after another visit or two.
Really I don't need to say much other than echo other reviewers' comments re: hipsters. I simply didn't feel welcome when I sat down to order my honey and brie sandwich. I asked for some water and after the girl behind the counter poured it then started to bring the glass over the counter. I met her hand to take it and a bit of water spilled. "Whoa, just let me set it down, OK??" cried the barista. I didn't think this was a thing to get one's panties in a bunch about but my attempt to take the glass seemed to agitate her. I didn't have much interaction with her afterwards as I watched her bob her hipster head to the nondescript emopop blaring in the background.
Now I know this isn't a full service place but I wanted more water and had to eventually go to the other end of the counter to finally get the attention of the other girl working there, who was engrossed in conversation with a friend.
Pretty much every baked good is vegan. I wish there were more of a non-vegan selection. Some vegan baked goods can be good, but only certain kinds of items. If you think that any baked good can be just as good if its vegan, I'm sorry but you have no taste. If I go there a few more times I wouldn't be surprised to run into someone I remember from college who ate at the co-op below my dorm, where dessert could be a sugarless cake with tofu-based frosting.
So yes I'm using some hyperbole here but I just didn't get a very good vibe from the place. Further bulletins as events warrant, and I actually try a few other things. -
Review from Lisa J.
Philadelphia, PA
12/17/2009
I'm convinced prices are made up on the spot because I usually order the same exact thing (black tea & a bagel with cream cheese) and it can run me anywhere from $5-8. Same with refills, sometimes they are free and other times I am charged a dollar or two. Despite the mostly condescending nature of the people who work there I still go fairly often since it's close to my house, has outdoor seating for nice days, and I always run into someone I know.
Haven't really tried the food but the smoothies are pretty delicious, though everything is a bit overpriced... or is it?
Long story short, if I moved outside of the 2 block radius I don't think I'd ever go here. -
Review from Michael O.
Philadelphia, PA
10/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I think overall this place is pretty good, although the servers try to give off a "sassy" vibe even though you can tell they are pretty nice-maybe just stick to "nice."
I do not recommend the cider, maybe the day I came someone had botched the batch but it had so much ginger it burned my throat. Comfy spot, good selections, I'd go back. -
Review from Bill M.
8/10/2009 44 Check-ins Here
It's a well established fact that McThrill is hooked on indie coffeehouses (who knew?). And since I had already frequented Benn'as on a couple occasions, I've been interested in trying it's squared counterpart. So since Meredith's BBQ extravaganza brought me to the area anyway, I decided to give it a try along the way.
Over aside from their being much more space nside, I couldn't see much that was different from Benna's, same artsy staff, same strong coffee, same variety of delectable treats, same price. which is normally good and worthy of the same review grade. However with Black n Brew not too far away, and hooking all of that up plus brunch and breakfast burrito I'm kind of inclined to lean toward them (and not just because I need to stop in and see if my friend Carly still works there!).
But B2 was a grand place to sit and read a book in. And apparently I managed to miss out on things like veggie sandwiches and vegan soft serve ice cream. So it looks like I'm set for round two! -
Review from Kristin H.
Philadelphia, PA
2/8/2009
B2 is a welcoming neighborhood cafe with a surprisingly wide and delicious selection of sandwiches, cookies, and other treats. The coffee is so-so, but the baked goods rock my world.
Service here is never rushed- so don't pop in when you're on a tight schedule. Enjoy the slow pace and the animal and vegan friendly space.
I love the variety of people I see here- artists sketching, kids playing, dogs resting. Set me up with a bagel sandwich and a seat by the window, and I can easily read and eavesdrop for hours. -
Review from Ellen O.
Philadelphia, PA
4/15/2009 3 Check-ins Here
For as much as I love the original, first Benna's location, I was stoked when I found out that Benna's was opening a second location in South Philly. I figured that it would have the same vibe, but unfortunately, I was dead wrong.
I have a mixed bag of feelings for B2. First, I love the location and the space. Just like Benna's, B2 boasts a long coffee bar where you can sit at your stool of choice, chat, and order refill after refill from the friendly staff. However...
There's something hanging in the air... just a little something that's different from Benna's... can't quite put my finger on it...... Oh yeah! That's what it is --- Hipster pretentiousness!
In my opinion, the crowd that hangs at B2 is much different from the crowd that frequents Benna's, in that it seems as though every up n' coming South Philly hipster knows one another and they all hang out here at any given time of the day. Every time I go and consider getting a coffee "for here" I always change it "to go" because I simply don't feel comfortable hanging with a bunch of kids who play the "one-ups-man-ship in cool" game. I never dug that scene, and I'm simply too old & jaded to get into it now.
With that being said, B2 is not responsible for the type of patrons who choose to hang out at the establishment. I am happy that they seem to be successful and I wish them well. I'll just be sending my well wishes from the other location. -
Review from Yohann S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/3/2010
Maybe I'm not a smoothie person. I ordered 'orange juice, pineapple, banana, non fat frozen yogurt' smoothies. Their smoothie taste the same with any other smoothies for me. But I definitely will be back to try on their coffee and sandwiches.
If you're looking for a place to hang out on Saturday or Sunday noon, I recommend you to check this place out. It has outdoor and indoor seatings. Friendly baristas. Good food. And a Wi-Fi! -
Review from Joy B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/13/2010
I finally checked out this place and basically, there is some truth to the previous reviews. Yes, it is hipster central, but I must admit that I kind of like that...and I'm not even a hipster! The place has a nice atmosphere. Cool art is on display the wall. The baristas usually have good tunes playing in the background. Most importantly, the coffee is a-flowing and the baked goods are yummy.
There are vegan and dairy options. I'm glad I realized this because my fellow refused to accompany me to this establishment because we used to think that they did not have dairy. He came along and was delighted to see the oh so familiar half and half while also appreciating the vegan baked goods.
Also, I noticed that another reviewer mentioned flies crawling on the baked goods during his visit. I want to mention that even though there were a few flies that managed to get indoors during my visits, there were no flies crawling on baked goods! All the baked goods were either appropriately individually wrapped or they were in covered containers.
They were delicious...Those peanut butter sandwich cookies...the lemon pound cake...that smoothie with espresso and no bananas!
Now, here are the problems:
The baristas could be a little more friendly, in my opinion. I've dealt with 3 different baristas now and no one has been friendly or welcoming. A smile and "hello!" would be nice.
The place smells of that hipster body odor due to poor ventilation when it is busy and packed on a summer day, usually weekend. You know, the same smell experienced on a happening summer night at the P.O.P.E across the street. Word to the wise: I did not experience this smell at B 2 when I returned during less busy hours during the week.
So basically, go to black n brew if good friendly service, good coffee, and lack of hipster presence are important to you for having the optimal coffee shop experience. Go to B 2 if you want a more funky hipster atmosphere and better vegan options. Really, if you just want more options in general. B 2 has a good selection of drinks and foods. -
Review from Gabrielle B.
Philadelphia, PA
9/6/2010
Food selection is spot on and the coffee is decent. They have exactly what I'm craving on a Saturday/Sunday morning: bagels, sandwiches, smoothies and more.
I had a bagel with chive cream cheese, which they give you on the side so you can spread the amount you please. It was really good! previously I have had the chicken salad sandwich which was also very good. You don't pay for your food until your about to leave which is a little awkward considering it is a coffee shop.
A great place to do work except the internet is a little wonky. But the space is a nice light green and usually has artwork up from a previous art opening. The staff is generally friendly except for the male barista I had to deal with (major 'tud). -
Review from Brett B.
Philadelphia, PA
5/20/2009
I love getting the poppy seed bagel, cream cheese, whitefish salad and tomato here, and washing it down with an iced tea.
There's always seating - and big roomy tables, too - and there's wi-fi.
The queue to order and pay is a tad confusing, and the servers are ... something. Neither friendly nor unfriendly. They are not like Last Drop servers ("I am infinitely more hip then you and am so superior to you I refuse to acknowledge your presence") - but I get the odd sense when I am in there that I'd wandered into some tight group of friends that I am not a part of. At Chapterhouse, Philly Java Co. and La Columbe, you just order and sit and that's that, but I get an odd sense of not quite belonging at B2 when I am there.
Ellen O. said it well. Maybe it is the patrons and not the staff. They all seem so intertwined, though.
It's a good spot, though. -
Review from Theresa P.
Philadelphia, PA
9/7/2010
Good spot for a quick bite--muffins, bagels, pastries, sandwiches, etc. especially for those vegan hipsters out there. The also have vegan soft serve which, according to our dairyless friends who recently visited for the weekend, is beyond fantastic. It was a pit stop every day of their trip!
The only criticism is the hot tea....a pint glass? Really? Although the little knitted/crocheted yarn coozies are cute, they don't make up for the scorching hot glass and all the schmutzy tea leaves that are undoubtedly floating around in it. -
Review from Davide C.
Philadelphia, PA
2/6/2010
The staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable, and the eats are basic coffeehouse eats. This place is standard.
So why the four stars? Because they have softserve. I'm not vegan, but I'm always watching out for places that keep even a couple vegan alternatives and B2 certainly knows its clientele because just about anything on the menu can be vegan.
It's all pretty good, too, from the vegan softserve icecream to the vegan cupcakes.
The staff is perfectly happy to make suggestions to undecisive people. I'd asked for some tea advice, and the barista came through and delivered on the spot. What more can you ask from a coffee joint? -
Review from Benjamin B.
Cincinnati, OH
7/10/2009
Good coffee, can get a bagel with tofutti cream cheese and they have vegan soft serve.
Place would be perfect with maybe a few more menu items I could eat and if it was closer to broad street. -
Review from Emily K.
Portland, OR
8/30/2011
The coffee was bad! It was bitter and burnt tasting. It felt like they were trying to cover up that it was actually a weird 50s diner. The wi-fi was fast...thats the best think i can say about this place. I didn't taste the food.
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Review from Beth H.
Philadelphia, PA
1/22/2009
Whenever I go into B2, I almost always see a friend. It's a very neighborhoody place. There is the "everyone has laptops out and is working" element sometimes, but there's also that social atmosphere that coffeeshops had before the laptop age.
The big tables are great to spread out at, but it can get cramped. One minor strike against them is that different workers will charge you different prices for the same thing. But they're all nice people, so I don't really mind. -
Review from Casey B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/19/2011
B2 has excellent coffee, good food, and a great atmosphere. Sometimes it's hard to come by a seat, but on nice days in warm months you can snag a little table outside on Passyunk and people watch while eating a bagel and sipping a delicious iced Chai (or some other delicious drink of your choice). They are cash only, which is sometimes an issue when I forget to bring a few dollars, but they have an ATM for just such a situation and their prices are pretty good. Their staff is also always really helpful and friendly, and the crowd there is usually pretty chill. I highly recommend B2 for an afternoon coffee break on your own or with friends.
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Review from Greg B.
Seattle, WA
11/2/2008
This review is biased, but I think we can all deal with that. I'm only giving this an average rating because I wasn't particularly turned on with the place at all during my (unfortunately brief) visit.
The place is small, it's hard to read the menu (is it because the menu is all artsy and "original" or is it because it's just simply confusing?), and it seems like the type of place that's always crowded (yes, it was crowded when I visited). However, it seems like a hip place to be when you're drinking coffee. A medium is two bucks, and it's a pretty large medium. Throw in the soy milk at no extra charge and that's definitely a plus.
There's local art on the walls, the entryway is covered in announcements for events, concerts, band websites, et cetera, which is better than nothing. Also seems like the food menu is pretty good, though the counter was completely full and the tables were pretty full too when I stopped in today (a Sunday) around noon. Maybe a visit on an off hour will be good so I can give this place a second chance?
Oh, as Kristin M. said, the staff is great. They were friendly and kept on top of things despite the huge line and all the kids who couldn't keep their mouths closed when chomping down on their baguettes and omelets. -
Review from Heather R.
Philadelphia, PA
4/12/2010
This coffee shop is the BEST.
There is always soy milk available, the coffee is a delicious, balanced roast, and their sandwiches are so good!
Fresh tomatoes, avocados aplenty, and many vegan options make this place amazing. Cozy seating and nice baristas make it a great visit for some reading on a Sunday afternoon. -
Review from Rebecca H.
Philadelphia, PA
5/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yep, this is a great spot - both for food and coffee, and as a meet-up or work space. I met with another remote co-worker and we spent most of the day there working and chatting. Coffee, tea, chocolate+peanut butter smoothie, freshly squeeze grapefruit juice, and I think some sort of a muffin or scone were all consumed throughout my hours there (I was super hungover, so I was thirsty and hungry for everything). Everything I had was top notch, especially given my fragile state. The staff made me feel at home - I was able to walk up to the counter and say, "I'm really hungover and I need something tremendously satisfying" and get a good recommendation! The wifi was free and worked without issue. The tables were big and there were plenty of outlets. I shall return.
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Review from Morgan D.
3/16/2011
i'll start by saying this: i absolutely abhor the fact that they refuse to use a normal system like any other establishment! this is why i have only ever been to B2 twice. the counter operates like a bar. you may stand there feeling ignored while people who came in after you are being served. there isn't even a sign like "order here". it isnt a BAR, it's a coffee shop. there are a thousand other coffee shops in this city that have figured out how to serve their customers fairly and efficiently and there is really no reason to go reinventing the wheel when it comes to giving people drinks and sandwiches.
that being said, i like the green onion cream cheese. I know i could totally make it at home, but i dont. I like that they give you a ton of it, too. i like to really heap it on there.
i also like the big tables, but i dislike that they are often occupied by one person who is spread out with their laptop and work stuff while my friends and i sidle into cramped corners. More small tables would seat more people.
i really dislike that it is cash only. i tend to avoid cash only establishments. there have been many a mildly hungover morning that i start my trek thiking i'll hit up B2 but end up at dunkin donuts to avoid the cash hassle. -
Review from Andrew C.
Philadelphia, PA
5/8/2011
Not a fan of this place. Ive gone here about four or so times and each time I order a coffee and its always not that hot I mean its hot but if you dont chug it in under ten minutes your halfway to a shitty ice coffee. I would come here for the seating that black and brew lacks but If you want a HOT cup of good coffee go across the street.
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Review from marie r.
Philadelphia, PA
9/28/2010
B2 is a five star spot for me. From the bread to the cream cheese variety, everything is so delicious. I'm absolutely in love with the salmon cream cheese!!! The service is always consistent and fast. I wouldn't expect anything less. They have wifi, a decent sitting area, outside seating (limited) and they are vegan friendly. I'm not a vegan or vegetarian but I do love having those options which I'm probably more prone to go for if they are made well and with love. Thanks b2. The only downfall to this place is that it's not in my neighborhood :(
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Review from Ellie B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/8/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I go to B2s maybe twice a month. I usually get tea and the tea is always good. Have you had bad tea? I prefer the venue when it's less crowded and people aren't camped out for hours on their laptops. The artwork is usually interesting which is a plus in my book. Everytime I go there, I crave the yummy looking cupcakes and baked goods, but always resist. My only complaints are that it closes at 8 which seems early and that there is one woman who works there who is particularly surly- like asking for a straw ruins her day.
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Review from Daniel G.
Philadelphia, PA
7/31/2009
I really like B2. As others have pointed out, the queue is confusing and the baristas send out a judgemental and aloof vibe to nonregulars, which makes this place seem a bit uninviting. I can't really blame them. After years existing in close proximity of Geno's steaks and listening to people order "expresso" and "café oh-lay" I'd probably be callous to humanity as well. I just wish they'd feign even a moderate interest in life, is all. Cute place, great fare, good coffee, and right across the street from the best pub in the city.
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Review from veronika p.
Philadelphia, PA
7/23/2009
really good coffee, amazing sparkling lemonade, and tasty bagel sandwiches - i love b2. the servers are always friendly (unlike last drop).
tables can be pretty scare sometimes (especially in the winter).
they're totally cool with bringing dogs in, too!Listed in: south phila
