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Café L'Aube - CLOSED
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1512 South StPhiladelphia, PA 19146
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
(215) 546-1550
83 reviews for Café L'Aube
83 reviews in English
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Review from Vinh T.
Philadelphia, PA
8/21/2011
When you step inside this little cafe shop please:
Don't be disappointed by their simple look.
Don't be disappointed by not seeing a huge big menu on the walls or anywhere else in the shop
Do check out their printed menu filled with lots of delicious crepes, french sandwich, and waffles.
Their drinks choices is small but their high quality teas and coffee will definitely satisfy your need and exceed your expectation.Listed in: A little Corner on South…
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Review from Beth K.
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
More personality than your big chain coffee shop. And a great place for lunch too. They have sandwiches and crepes, plus some french pastries. My sandwich came on a delicious fresh baguette, and I am going to have to return just to try one of the dessert crepes that looked amazing.
It is hard to tell from the photos, but it is actually decent sized inside. At least 10 tables for dining in. -
Review from Ettya F.
6/19/2011
Cafe L'Aube is bringing crepes back.
Whether you're in the mood for simple or complex, you will most certainly find an appetizing crepe.
Simple is Best? A simple BROWN SUGAR crepe accented the delicious crepe dough - slightly sweet - and cooking technique - slightly buttered - perfectly. Order this if you want a taste of the paragon crepe-iness.
Craving Complexity? The Preferé offered a genius insight into the oft overlooked leek and bacon pairing. Crisp bacon and garlicky fresh leeks were folded into all 3 (or 4) layers of buckwheat crepe-y goodness. And this crepe-y goodness was then smothered in Swiss cheese...If France were a crepe, it would be The Preferé: a complementary world of flavors and textures letting none overpower the other. Aww. Peace.
The double shot cappuccino was just okay- a little too bottom-of-the-bag espresso-y for my liking. Save your money. Buy another crepe. -
Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
4/19/2011
I'll put it to you this way: There are about four coffee shops within two blocks of me but I'll be passing them by on my way to Cafe L'Aube. I'll take that twelve minute walk. I mean, I wouldn't if there was some storm or something. I'm not risking life and limb over here. I'm just making a pompous gesture about my L'Aube dedication. I like Cafe L'Aube a lot.
I think that their coffee is very good. I'm a fan of their crepes as well. I spent a significant amount of time in this place early this past Winter as I was in need of a little wi-fi. I was having a bit of the temporary Internets troubles at home and I had a fantasy football team to manage, dammnit.
On quiet Thursday afternoons at Cafe L'Aube I hoped that other customers might think I was a writer, writing hard...feverishly composing a novel or something....ya know...instead of sweating over fantasy football line up decisions. No seriously, I did actual real work-work there too. I did, OK?
I enjoyed many a cappuccino or cafe au lait...and perchance a crepe...like "The Prefere," with bacon, fondue of leeks, swiss cheese and creme fraiche...Delicious. There are many to choose from.
My wi-fi difficulties have since been resolved but I continue to return to this peaceful, friendly spot. I don't lug my laptop with me but I find it a kind of serene place to do a little writing, even if said writing is simply a very intense grocery list. -
Review from Darlene S.
Philadelphia, PA
4/28/2011
A small & quiet cafe with a nice menu and good food, but a bit expensive for such few fillings.
I wanted to try the Preferé & my friend Le Fromager but the barista told us that he had no bacon, how sad..
So I settled for Normandy and Chai Latte while my friend Le Quotidien and Cappucino.
I don't know what I was expecting, but definitely not the deli-looking turkey meat in my Normandy.. I guess it's because I'm so used to crepes with nice chunks of meat that make them more filling. Regardless, I really liked my crepe ! nom nom nom. -
Review from Michelle C.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2010 11 Check-ins Here
I've been spending a whole lot of time in coffee shops lately and I've been especially charmed by L'Aube. My skim latte last Monday morning was absolutely dreamy. I can only imagine how amazing the crepes are - the smell was intoxicating!
Next time I'm in the mood for a little French rendezvous, I know exactly the place to go. Wonder if I can convince anyone to sing The Beatles' "Michelle" to me?Listed in: Coffee Shops
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Review from Marcello D.
Haddonfield, NJ
11/16/2010
I came to this coffee shop recently to get my fill of caffeine with a fellow Yelper. He asked to meet near Rittenhouse Square, a request I took all to literally by picking a spot near the area instead of in it.
When I entered the nearly empty shop, I grabbed a quick soft drink and informed the barista that I was waiting for someone. She did not need to know this but I felt compelled to tell her. There was something about the cafe's atmosphere that made me feel comfortable talking to strangers.
I sat down facing the front door and looked around. The only other patron was a woman who appeared 20 years my senior. She was a professional test question writer and an aspiring author. Her sole novel was about the people of West Philadelphia. It remained unpublished.
"The things I write about don't appeal to publishers," she said.
She loves Korean dramas and writing about the everyday aspects of life. Those seemingly mundane details that we tend to overlook are beautiful to her. I admire that.
She sat there with her binder, writing test questions. Her only lament was that her job did not allow her to write on her own nowadays.
"Someday, I hope to return here for one of your book signings," I said.
She smiled politely, knowing full well that it was unlikely the fates would conspire in such a fashion. After all, I never even asked her name.
Manon, the barista, began talking with us about her work visa problems. She came from France and studied at Temple, focusing on human relations. We tried to think of good job opportunities for her.
After a couple of minutes, we said our goodbyes. The writer left and my drinking companion arrived. It was only a brief conversation that we had but one that I imagine happening regularly at Cafe L'Aube. -
Review from Haley G.
Washington, DC
9/7/2011
Owner is nice, food is decent, but nothing about this place stood out to me. It was your average cafe. I definitely didn't leave feeling like I would need to return if I was ever in the area again.
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Review from Mary S.
8/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Had a great first experience at Cafe L'Aube. Have been wanting a crepe ever since my friend's internet show about food trucks featured the crepe truck over at Drexel's campus, but I just couldn't get myself to make a trek all the way across town just in the name of crepes. However, I could get myself to Cafe L'Aube, and I couldn't be happier that I did.
The place is quaint, and new, and nice. My crepe was delicious, and fresh, and different. I asked for ketchup (I knew they weren't going to have it) and I was right, they didn't, but in truth my egg, crispy bacon and goat cheese crepe didn't need it. I couldn't help but ask. Sometimes when I'm hung over I desire ketchup with my eggs even though I usually don't use it.
[sidebar] I apologize because I think some of my reviews make is sound like I drink too much and am always hung over on the weekends- this is not true. I swear. it is just how it seems in my reviews. [end sidebar]
Anyway, my bf had the strawberry and nutella crepe, and we basically shared each, and had some DELICIOUS coffee. As I was sipping my coffee after we had eaten the owner came and sat next to us and a conversation about Philadelphia erupted between us. I don't really talk to people I don't know (funny since I never shut up on here). But the owner was friendly and knowledgeable and we talked about what we love about Philly and what we'd like to see change, and about how horrid the prices of houses in the actual city in nice areas are, despite there being no public schools you could ever send children to. It was a nice conversation, and he was very entertaining. The food and coffee was great. And I will definitely be looking forward to a repeat visit some time in the future. -
Review from Rebecca A.
Brooklyn, NY
10/17/2010
Philly, after having tried supposedly your "best" coffee at La Colombe, I was, might I say, missing Brooklyn gravely, and thinking that perhaps Phlidelphians might have, let's say, less superior taste buds when it came to coffee. ;)
However, Cafe L'aube revived my faith in Philly's coffee scene. Cute, good coffee (that they roast on their own), and good nibbles, this is a great cafe to just chill out and enjoy a lazy morning.
And those nibbles - those are their crepes. And might I add, they are the best crepes I have ever had in my life. Thick and pillowy, but still very light in texture. I was in love. -
Review from Pauline S.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2011
two words:
Nutella Crepes
six words:
International flavor, friendly francophones, decent coffee -
Review from Bill M.
Updated - 5/6/2009
Decided to stop in and give the food a try on a whim and it definitely delivered. After taking the first bite of my crepe that had turkey, melted gouda, and fresh herbs I consider L'aube to be the 2nd best place for crepes in all of Philly (nothing trumps Beau Monde.). they had a diverse selection of the sweet and savory varieties, and all of the crepes were for a pretty reasonable price considering the quality.
On one of my other visits since the first I also had the chance to talk to Jean-Luc. And he proved to be an upstanding and friendly guy all around. Definitely recommended!Listed in: South Philly, I Hate Starbucks!, The Places I Go Out
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/16/2008
It might just be me, but the fact that there's now a coffeehouse right next door to Tritone makes me… Read more »
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Review from Monica S.
5/4/2010
A delicious little Parisian café with all the traditional trimmings. Eye opening espressos, belly satisfying crepes, and a darling Frenchman to serve you.
Great spot to do some reading or tap away on your laptop. Reminds me of La Colombe with quality beans and that charming feel. With a location around 16th and South, you can be sure that this place isn't fraught with people and thus, a perfect spot to spend some alone time. -
Review from Jonathan L.
Philadelphia, PA
9/24/2009
After a long days work of being smarmy and painting concentric circles, I don my favorite beret and ride my bicycle-with-a-small-front-wheel down to Cafe L'Aube.
The waffles really are superior to Bonte's - light, airy, and delicately flavored. Crepe-wise, this place is tops - particularly the jambon and chevre (ham with creamy chevre goat cheese). The coffee is strong, dark, and tasty.
The only let-down are the croissants, which are surprisingly kind of lame and stale. I wish they would instead sell the sublime, touched-by-the-hand-of-God croissants from Four Worlds Bakery.
Jean-Luc, the owner - ever kind - is one of my favorite people in Philadelphia. I love confusing him with my vile mispronunciation of French nouns. -
Review from Julia N.
11/2/2009
What a lovely place to while away a few weekend morning hours. Like its neighbor to the west, Cafe Lutecia, this place has the whole super-welcoming, homey, Frenchy thing going on - come on in, have a perfectly brewed coffee, browse through some highbrow magazines and stay awhile. I love that the excellent coffee comes with a little cookie to tide you over while you wait for your excellent crepes.
Recently, I tore myself away from the crepes and ordered a Brie, walnut and honey sandwich. The owner explained that it had coconut and almonds, and apologized for the somewhat misleading menu description in an utterly charming fashion - "wal-nut, al-mond, I cannot tell, I am French!" Walnut or almond (it was the latter), that is a hell of a sandwich - warm, buttery Brie, crispy fresh bread and a sweet, toasty coconut/honey mixture - and now I want to walk over there right this second and get another one.Listed in: I don't need no booze or…
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Review from Sophie U.
2/20/2010
Found this place while browsing Yelp for cool little joints to try with my sweetheart. After walking a decent amount on this cold Saturday afternoon, we decided to stop by Café L'Aube for a snack.
I wanted a pain aux raisins but Jean-Luc informed me that they'd stopped selling them because of a lack of demand. Pity! Pains aux raisins are fantastic -- my fellow Philadelphians clearly have no idea what they're missing. The chaussons aux pommes were sold out, so I finally settled for an almond croissant; not a bad choice at all! Paired with a tall glass of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and chocolate syrup, this made for a delicious and hearty snack. Perfect for a winter afternoon! My sweetie had a chocolate and almond croissant, and a cup of coffee.
Five stars for this deliciously unassuming place with super friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, and awesome food.Listed in: Over and Over
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Review from Aruna A.
10/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been going to Cafe L'Aube for a while now - ever since they pretty much opened in fact. I used to live in GHO and I loved it. I don't live in GHO anymore - and I travel to there JUST to eat these crepes. The owner is super nice - and he sure does know his crepes. The crepes are predicatably - ALWAYS good. ALWAYS. Sweet, savory, you name it - they are delicious. I've tried a variety of them, but I've never had a bad one yet. Cheese, no cheese, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, DELICIOUS. All of it is great.
The sweet crepes - the nutella, the strawberries, etc. are great. I'm a huge fan.
I'm not a huge fan of the waffles - but the pastries, bagels, and the croissants are delicious. Big fan. Definitely go here to eat crepes, drink coffee, enjoy good convo with some friends, and enjoy a great, light, airy space. The service is great, the prices are fair, and the fare is great. -
Review from Mortimer S.
Philadelphia, PA
11/1/2010
There should be more places like Cafe L'Aube. Quiet, free wi-fi, good drinks and a fairly extensive menu of crepes. Like all good crepes, they're not cheap, but L'Aube's prices are a bit more reasonable than Beau Monde, and it's more of a place you can "hang out," as opposed to "going out to eat." It's in somewhat of a random location, but still close enough to other areas that are more densley populated with restaurants to justify walking a bit to go there.
The friendly young Frenchman that was working there (the only person there) made me a pretty decent latte (I was offered the option of one, two, or "up to ten" shots) and nutella crepe with strawberries. The crepe was well-prepared and the plate was brought out to me, complete with "L'Aube' written in chocolate sauce around the top. The only other customer in the place was a shaggy woman with an even shaggier dog that sat chewing at her jacket. So if you like to bring your dogs places with you, apparently they don't mind here.
I look forward to trying some of their savory offerings. Hopefully they're busier at other times then they were when I went. Otherwise I'd be concerned about them staying in business! -
Review from Jennifer S.
Huntington Station, NY
4/18/2009
Excellent coffee, soy milk is out in the open and not more $$
Bright and inviting atmosphere.
A+ will go back -
Review from Gregory L.
Philadelphia, PA
7/24/2009
I went to Cafe L'Aube for the first time this week and damn were the crepes good. I had the jambon fromage champignons (ham cheese mushroom) crepe, my girlfriend had a vegetarian crepes with leeks avocado and cheese, and we both left very happy.
I can't wait to go back for a breakfast banana nutella crepe mmmm. -
Review from sako R.
Philadelphia, PA
1/11/2011
Solid food, casual, laid-back.
The best way to enjoy according to me (because really, that's what Yelp is all about, isn't it?):
1. Grab a seat in the rear part of the cafe with the low bench-like couches, which are the best seats for a small group to hangout and drink some good coffee while waiting for crepe orders to come out.
2. We almost exclusively order the Preferé (bacon, leeks, creme fraiche and swiss cheese) because frankly we can't get enough of this goodness.
3. We are also known for placing an order for a dessert crepe as the Preferé arrives, so that we can cap it off with a sweet nutella ending.
4. We live close by and have found that calling ahead for a pick up order is an awesome way to go if you don't have the time to hang out but still crave the yummy crepes, or if you suspect that it'll be crowded. Weekend mid-mornings on a not-so-bad weather day will make for a cramped cafe and a long wait, since they are a small establishment. I wouldn't recommend take out unless you live close enough so that the crepes are still nice and warm when you get home, but for those of us lucky enough, this is an awesome option. -
Review from Sofia W.
Philadelphia, PA
2/25/2011
Yum!
The perfect study spot. Not pretentious. Quiet. And French food! My croque monsieur was délicieux--I felt like I was back in Paris. -
Review from Brian M.
Philadelphia, PA
5/6/2009
I've tried a few crepe places in the city. While many make an excellent meal none made crepes the way I first fell in love with them when I was scarfing them down in French Djibouti. Cafe L'Aube comes closest to what I believe a crepe should be - good ingredients with a gentle balance between the crepe itself and the filling.
Plus sides - solid barista for your coffee drinks and amazing savory crepes.
I had the Preferé (bacon, leeks, creme fraiche and swiss) and also tried the simple crepe (mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and fresh basil) with spinach instead of basil - both amazing. For dessert we shared a strawberry crepe which I considered flavorful - but a little dry for a sweet crepe.
Great staff - very friendly and fast on the service. Overall - a very quiet and laid back atmosphere. I dare say "cozy."
Oh yea - and cheap. ;)
Only minus side - drink selection was very limited if you're not up for coffee. I was craving juice and the closest thing they had was flavored iced teas.
Highly recommend you try it out! If you do, let me know how the waffles are... I have high hopes. -
Review from Jennie C.
8/30/2010 3 photos
I'm hesitant to leave this stellar review coz I really don't want this place to get crowded! But I can't resist raving about this place, so here goes...
I found this place on yelp while searching for a good cafe to read/chill, so I dragged two friends with me on a lazy Sunday afternoon. There was plenty of parking (free on Sunday! yay!) nearby, which is a huge plus. Despite the small size of the place, it wasn't crowded at all. The three of us ordered la vanille (sweet crepe), salmon & spinach savory crepe and avocado+mozzarella vegetarian sandwich, plus regular coffee, hazelnut coffee and latte.
It took a while for the food to come...but as soon as I saw the crepes, all impatience melted away. They were perfect looking! Slightly crispy on the outside, with that beautiful lace-like caramelized pattern, and soft on the inside. Unlike most crepes here in the US, these were NOT filled with insane amounts of filling such that you can't taste the crepe itself. My friend's comment about his salmon & spinach crepe: the salmon was fresh it was emotionally touching. The veggie sandwich also looked very fresh and perfect for summer.
The only reason I knocked a star off was because of the coffee, which was too bitter for my taste. But it's not the type of over-extraction bitterness you get from Starbucks, this was bitterness from deep roasted coffee, so more of a personal taste issue than misstep.
Service was very friendly, not overly attentive, nor ignorant. The owner was very friendly and chatty. All-in-all, a great experience. This is now my new hang-out place! -
Review from Sabrina W.
Philadelphia, PA
2/11/2011
My favorite little haven for when I want a bite to eat in a quiet location. This place is the reason I want to move in the South Philadelphia area. It's just one of those great little restaurants that give exceptional service and quality food at affordable pricing.
I'd recommend this to anyone interested in trying something different while chatting casually with a friend or a special treat for your significant other. Hint hint! -
Review from Hoa T.
1/10/2010
My friends from NY came for a visit. Two of them happened to be French and we decided to come here for lunch. I lived around the corner and have walked by this place countless time w/o every coming in. This was a perfect excuse to go try it out. It was a great surprise to find out that the the chef as well as the server were French. We ordered the Fromager, Madagascar and two other kind of crepes. I enjoyed my Fromager a lot. I love the fact that it was not overly stuffed. The ingredients came together perfectly. My two French friends gave their nod of approval and even said that they wanted to get more not because they were hungry but for the fact that the good food was hard to come by.
Just so you know, this place is small with two small counter/bar areas. Tables are in the front and some in the back. You order and pay at the counter and then they bring the food and drinks to you. The service was friendly and very accommodating. They set out 2 tables for us when the place was packed. There is also free wifi. They have started to open later into the evening hours. -
Review from joyce c.
Washington, DC
7/23/2010
I was stuck in the bowels of Temple for far too long when I finally discovered the lovely Cafe L'Aube.
A small cafe that is easy to miss if no one is sitting outside. This whole East Coast thing of just having a single door still trips me out. (Calfornnia gurl at heart. oh haaay).
The inside of the cafe is cute and small with free Wi-Fi. But most importantly, the food is DELICIOUS. I had the Nutella, banana, and strawberry crepe and a savory crepe with bacon, spinach, and mushroom. Modestly priced around $5-8 per crepe and a delicious espresso for only $2.
Best part of the shop? The owner Jean-Luc. Extremely personable and asked us how we discovered his store (TY Yelp). And when we asked him about how he got into the crepe business he said "Well I'm a Black man who was born in France. The French exploited my people, so now I exploit their cuisine!"
Fantastico Jean Luc, keep up the good work exploiting those who have wronged you. My inner fat child, Bertha approves of your delicious, delicious crepes. -
Review from Elizabeth H.
Merced, CA
1/6/2010
My fiance and I were visiting Philly for a week and visited Cafe L'Aube because a) it has great Yelp reviews and b) it was uberclose to the apartment we rented. I had the crepe hollandaise, my fiance had a sandwich, we both had coffee, and we stayed for 4 hours.
My crepe was amazing, my fiance admitted I made the better choice (that's why I'm marrying him-- he admits it when I'm right), and the coffee was strong. We sat there and read and worked, and the owner Jean-Luc was incredibly friendly (but not in an annoying pushy way). We chatted about the economy, politics, American anti-intellectualism, and generally had a great time.
A few days later, we returned for breakfast. I had an apple crepe, and the barista (not Jean-Luc) used chocolate sauce to write "Happy New Year!" on the plate-- adorable! I would recommend the hollandaise moreso than the apple crepe.
Great service, fun atmosphere, yummy food, decent prices!! -
Review from Alexander M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've never really been crazy for crepes before, mainly because I so rarely have them and the ones I ate before were lackluster. Still, I was curious when i heard such good things about L'Aube, and last Saturday I decided that crepes were exactly what I needed at noontime.
Was I right. I thoroughly enjoyed my strawberry and Nutella crepes, which was to be expected. My gf's omelette-eseque crepe was the game changer though. Egg, crispy bacon and goat cheese... this is what I'll get next time I'm there. Decently priced, not too filling, and just enough to handle in one sitting.
The coffee was also noteworthy, coming out nice and hot and maintaining its taste to the last sip. The kicker was the owner, Jean-Luc, talking to us at length about anything that came to mind, from the layout of the city, to the American education system, to why the French don't like ketchup. You can't get that glorious type of pure Frenchness anywhere else. -
Review from Mark D.
Philadelphia, PA
6/4/2009
My crepe with scrambled egg, goat cheese, bacon, and tomato was good, and the cook made it fresh, even slicing the grape tomatoes after I ordered, and handed me the plate the moment the crepe came off the round flat thingy. My 14-month-old daughter liked it too. And the coffee here is good. (Daughter has no comment on the coffee.)
But I came back later in the day and got a disappointing waffle. It was soggy, not crisp at all. You can buy a waffle iron at CVS for twenty bucks and make yourself waffles that were better than this one was, and they won't cost $3.50.
There was no toilet paper in the bathroom. I thought maybe they had just opened last week and didn't have the routine down, but I see that is not the case. Regardless, it is inexcusable. -
Review from N L.
Philadelphia, PA
9/29/2010
Whoa. I went there on a warm Wednesday morning before a marathon day of baking for some coffee. I only found this place because of Yelp and I'm so glad to have found it. Yet, like others have said, I almost hate to write such a glowing review because I might not get a seat next time I go.
It's on an odd block between ritzy Rittenhouse and patchy Graduate Hospital, a strip where cheap nail places and cheaper greasy spoons rub uneasily against farm to table foodie meccas and gastropubs. It doesn't look like much from outside, but inside it's a slice of what's best about Euro cafes. I had a cafe au lait and the Classique crepe. Amazing. It was like being back in Paris without the B.O. The crepe is perfect and the fillings top notch with none of the overstuffed crassness that's become so commonplace. The cheese and ham and mushrooms were just enough for all to shine and yet take nothing away from the perfect buckwheat crepe that can only be managed with more practice than I will ever get.
You'll spend at least $10 for a drink and a crepe, but it's worth it. Anyway, isn't Starbucks getting up there anyway? And it will never manage food like this.
The walls are painted in cheery, bright hues that light up the narrow cafe. There's WiFi but I didn't use it. I couldn't bring myself to do it. I read an old fashioned paper and ink magazine and enjoyed the moment. It's a hike across town for me, but I'll be back. It's a perfectly charming place. It makes me regret not getting that place in GradHo I was considering when I moved last. Is it too late to change my mind? -
Review from Laura E.
Brooklyn, NY
If you are looking for the Philly creperie scene, it's pretty limited, but Cafe L'Aube brings the city of brotherly love a good balance of sweet and savory. It's a great spot for a lunch date, but they do close early on weekdays, so don't head over mid-day to grab a cup of coffee, set up your laptop and eat a sweet cinnamon and butter crepe. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. I'd recommend it to a close friend if they were looking for something new to experience on South Street.
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Review from Thea M.
Philadelphia, PA
11/8/2009
My boyfriend and I hunted this place down after hearing the owner call into Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane on NPR during a show about fast food in France. As she described their menu, which is comprised of hot sandwiches and crepes that you can buy on the street in France, my mouth was watering.
We were very pleased with the cafe. First we were treated to one of the most delicious cups of coffee that I've had in a long time. For our main courses, my boyfriend and I shared one crepe with crispy bacon in a fondue of leeks, creme fraiche, and swiss cheese, and one with brie, turkey, honey and crushed walnuts. While I preferred with one with the fondue of leeks, both were wonderful.
I also loved the atmosphere. We felt totally comfortable lingering at the window seats over long cups of coffee while enjoying the magazine selection (they have French magazines!), and enjoying people watching along South Street. The owner/chef was friendly and attentive. Overall, a great experience! -
Review from Monica T.
Pittsburgh, PA
Cute neighborhood bistro that we never would have found if it weren't for Yelp.
There was only one person working so service was a little slow, but we didn't mind. The person working knew nearly everyone who came in, which told me that this was a friendly neighborhood place.
If I visit Philly again, I'd go back -
Review from Jennie H.
Philadelphia, PA
7/20/2010
Nowhere satisfies your crepe craving better than Cafe L'Aube.
My friend and I came here a few months ago after we had a mad craving for crepes. The good reviews were also a deciding factor to try this place. It was a great decision! Yay!
I ordered a sweet crepe, Nutella Strawberry. DELICIOUS! My friend ordered... uhh... well, that's not important. I know she enjoyed it too!
Not only is it delicious, but it's also very well-presented.
I'll definitely be back! :) -
Review from Deann M.
10/9/2009 2 photos
I can't say enough about how great this little gem is. The crepes are creative and delicious, the service is great, and the coffee is fabulous. The owner roasts his own beans in small batches and takes great care in creating the perfect bean blends.
The crepes are slightly crisp and buttery on the edges and soft in the middle. They are stuffed with savory and/or sweet combinations such as brie, honey, turkey and walnuts or banana and nutella. The decor is calming yet vibrant and the French music wafting from the speakers really adds to the ambiance. -
Review from Nicole H.
3/4/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have to say, I don't have any glaring issues with Cafe L'Aube. I had coffee, which I thought was delicious, and a breakfast crepe with bacon, eggs and cheese. The crepe was good, but way too expensive. I will return, because of the comfortable atmosphere and good food/coffee, but would prefer they had slightly lower prices (or free coffee refills for those ordering to stay, which I think should be standard when it's all that expensive).
Listed in: Best Brunch Spots
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Review from Jason C.
Philadelphia, PA
5/10/2010
Nestled in a grungy spot on South St. next to Tritone and Bob & Barbara's is an unpretentious Parisian-influenced cafe with a surprisingly good menu and a quality cup of coffee. I say "Parisian-influenced" because the atmosphere isn't evocative of a Parisian cafe, but the flavors certainly are. It's easy to miss, but follow the sound of French music and you'll find Cafe L'Aube.
One of my favorites on the menu is the Breton, a toasty, buttery baguette with brie, apple, honey, almonds, and coconut. As fantastic as it sounds. The coffee doesn't disappoint either, it tastes like a medium roast, but strong and full-bodied. Jean-Luc and crew are friendly and happy to make suggestions from the menu, which is surprisingly large for a small cafe.
When I want to avoid the crowd and decibels of some of the hipper cafes, or I want to get some reading or work done, Cafe L'Aube is one of my top choices. You won't feel like you're in Paris at Cafe L'Aube, but it'll taste like you are. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Pomona, CA
5/7/2011
#20 I've been here twice now, each with a different friend, and I've become a fan. =) It's a sweet, little coffee shop with a simple menu and decor. There's room in the front, as well as a comfy couch and a couple of seats in the back. There's always been one or two people hunkering down to study or write papers, so it gives the place a nice, peaceful library feel. I've been able to banter with my friends for more than an hour each time and there's never been any pressure to leave. Their cappuccino and hot chocolate also hit the right spot, so the place is good all around!
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Review from jaimie k.
3/11/2010
The coffee is the only coffee my boyfriend gets now, outside of heading to La Colombe. But truly, their own torrefaction, man, mmmm. They're awesome. Coffee -- awesome.
That said, even better (to me) the pastries. I should not not not eat chocolate croissant, but if I choose to, it'll be from here. Best in the city. And my housemate fell head over heels for the pains aux raisin, which is back, baby! Woot.
And on par with what could've been peerless are the main attraction, the crepes. I don't care how you pronounce it, they are gooooood. Nothing's nicer than a slow weekend morning with a housemate or two, coffee, tea and Parisian brunch. It's no Sabrina's for size, but then again, it's just as good, and there's no wait.
Grab a seat outside. Read the paper, remember leisure, enjoy.
