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Cafe Grindstone - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
622 S 5th StPhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhoods: Queen Village, South Street District
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
13 reviews for Cafe Grindstone
13 reviews in English
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Review from Coco D.
Philadelphia, PA
10/3/2009
There is just so much to love about the Grindstone...where I happen to be sitting as I write this here review.
First of all, it has cozy couches for lounging, which I'm always looking for in a cafe. But it's also really good for sitting down and doing work without feeling awkward. Plus, have you noticed the turntables on which you can play whatchu like? Yeah, there are those. Continuing on, we see the computer for free communal use, which you can sometimes even use to print! How swell!
Let's keep going...say, is that Mikey Wild, the Mayor of South Street, kicking it? Why yes, yes it is. Approaching the counter you'll notice all of those fabulous locally baked vegan goods. The beverage offerings generally cover whatever suits your fancy, even if your fancy is a vegan smoothie.
This place is just a lovely haven for all kinds. Come here for a smile, or if you happen to need to use the loo while walking in the area...they're not dicks about making you buy something to use it. Perhaps that's TMI, but I enjoy accumulating secret bits of info like that, and perhaps you do too.... -
Review from Colin C.
Irvine, CA
3/25/2008
Perched suspiciously near South Street, Grindstone only made me more skeptical when I realized the pulsing bass beat that I heard along the sidewalk on 5th street was not coming from a random shop on South, but was actually bursting forth from this new cafe. With a change in mindset (no longer concerned with finding a santuary for reading), I entered to grab a mug of coffee and check out the space. I'm not sure I expected it to be so eclectic, as graffiti versions of mayan symbols were hung on the funky-pattern, yet really-beige walls, a motley crew of seemingly-sidewalk-found furniture filled the floor, piles of vintage National Geographics sat near the entrance, and a turntable/record collection filled the disco-ball-bedazzled back corner adjacent to the actual sales counter.
A little overwhelmed by the space, I was comforted by the awesome menu, reminiscent of Red Hook's, with cheap, delicious coffee and pastries. For a mug (reminiscent of the mugs from a college dining hall) of coffee, which was smooth and robust, cost $1 with 50 cent refills, and the condiment counter included pitchers of milk, half and half, and, yes, Soy Milk! Welcome Lactose intolerants/Vegans, Rejoice! In addition to the progressive creamer selection, the sweeteners also included a bottle of Agave nectar.
Sitting down with my soy-milky-delicious coffee and a french-toast-bagel with soy butter, I was actually still able to read and do some work while bopping along to the funk/hiphop/reggae soundtrack. This is definitely an awesome new cafe with a funky atmosphere that contrasts with the other great coffeeshops in the area (chapterhouse, red hook, benna's, etc). -
Review from Bill M.
Updated - 9/14/2009 1 photo
It's been awhile since I did my last review of Cafe Grindstone. So I wanted to revamp by covering how much I enjoyed their impressive assortment of veggie friendly sandwiches. But since it's been awhile since I've tasted such glory I decided to go back an treat myself on Sunday..... Only to find them erased of the menu????
Say it ain't so Cafe Grind Stone, Say it ain't so!
At least it was still a solid winner. here's to hoping it was just a one time deal and not a full kick back.Listed in: The Highlight Reel, South Philly, I Hate Starbucks!, Veggielicious
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/5/2008
There are plenty of coffeehouses around the South Philly area. But I really feel that this is the… Read more »
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Review from jenny f.
Philadelphia, PA
9/15/2008
It just occurred to me that I have not shared this place with my newly-converted vegan friend. Grindstone is GREAT. It's a really inviting and down to earth space. The owner (I think his name was Brian?) walked me through the different sandwich options while I examined the menu in some 3D glasses (who knew? 3D chalk!!). My faux-chicken salad sandwich was really satisfying, and they were totally cool when I set up shop with my laptop for a couple hours.
I'd be curious to see what it's like when it's more crowded. Either way, this is a fairly new coffee shop so I would recommend you support them.... -
Review from Thommy S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/22/2008
This place is a great new addition to the neighborhood! Walked in and was kindly greeted and informed of the new opening and special things :)
I had a Delicious Fair Trade Organic Coffee and an everything bagel w/ garlic and veggie cream cheese! (my sweet tooth dying for one of the donuts -yes i did say donuts! but resisted looking foward to my next cup to enjoy one)
Prices were GREAT!!!
I was informed as well that the paintings for sale were of a great Mayan symbol the Hunab Ku which i find interesting. I actually really liked a few of them and considered purchasing one for my living room.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Jim M.
4/15/2008
3.5 stars. I want my half stars.
I went here today to get something cool before I took the plunge(no not the Nestea one) into the Record Exchange next door. The owner was very nice and chatted with me while he served me my drink. It was cool that he had a bunch of vinyl around, including some great jazz. He even invited me to spin. Supposedly there's a cool chica spinning on Monday night.
The decor was nice. I really didn't notice the artwork, but the place had a nice feel to it. Not like the sterile/IKEA like feel of the Starbucks.
The owner said he was going to have free Wi-Fi set up "In an hour" and he was even going to offer printing and fax service. Pretty nice. I'll have to comeback and support this guy.Listed in: Java joints that give me a…
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Review from Dan K.
Philadelphia, PA
5/27/2009
Main point: It's a shame that a place like this is a face of Fair Trade. The espresso machine and preparation area are hidden out of the customer's view, so you have no idea what the exact ingredient/process is that makes your beverage taste so horrific. Combine this sketchiness with poor service and chaotic atmosphere, and you have yourself a preschool for baristas and a headache for customers.
In detail: You walk in, and enter a scene that appears to be the chaotic living room of a college kid's apartment. The counter is tucked away in the back, and is quite reminiscent of a bus station ticket window. During my experience, I spent several minutes in line (mind you there was only one person in front of me - some dweeb hitting on the help) while enjoying a skipping record that no one else seemed to notice.
I ordered a soy mocha for here (expecting a ceramic mug) and received a burnt, watery beverage in a paper cup (a failing grade for the sustainability factor). The espresso was noticeably rank, and gave me the impression of a poorly-kept machine.
The bottom line: This is not a place for coffee enthusiasts nor anybody looking to relax or catch up on work. Save yourself the frustration of wasted time and money and walk a few blocks to Chaperhouse for a better atmosphere and properly-prepared beverage. -
Review from Gabrielle B.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2009
Uggh this place is mediocre. The staff is usually too busy surfing the internet or shuffling around in the back to worry about actually doing their job. Both times I went & stood at the counter for an awkwardly long time before I was asked if I wanted anything. The coffee is blaah & they make you put your own lid on which wouldn't seem like a big deal if the lids actually fit! All the lids are a smidgen to small therefore every time I've made a total mess on the counter. Go here for the pure grungyness, artsy, I don't give a fuck attitude if that's what your into.
I will give them props for upgrading their outside appearance with a mural by a local Philadelphia street artist. They also have a record player & tons of vinyls for you to pick through, which are all for sale. -
Review from blake f.
Updated - 8/11/2009
i really need to stop visiting grindstone when i can't eat...in this case, after having consumed a big lunch. reading a menu featuring veggie & vegan delights such as the unholy un-chicken salad sandwich (for $6.66, of course) borders on torture when one's belly is too full to consume anything not in liquid form.
with the day being humid beyond belief, i opted for an iced bevvie - the mocha toya to be exact. an iced coffee with chocolate & hazelnut, it hit the spot for sure. i debated between that and the bleach blonde (iced coffee + vanilla & caramel) but went with the former thinking it would be less sweet...tho if it is any sweeter than the mocha, it may send me into serious sugar shock!
as always, the vibe was chill, the vinyl was spinning and i look forward to coming here famished on my next visit.Listed in: drinking too much coffee...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/9/2009
met up with a friend yesterday afternoon to catch up on one another's lives over drinks. wanting to… Read more »
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Review from Sarah B.
Philadelphia, PA
6/9/2009
Grindstone is the anti-Starbucks, and for that I love it. When I go there, I don't feel like I'm being sold a sterile, predictable, commercial encounter. I feel like I'm going over a friend's house for a cup of coffee. Down-to-earth staff with good ideas and good intentions.
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Review from Leah G.
Riverton, NJ
6/9/2009
Grindstone seems really chill and relaxed. They could do more to make the exterior more appealing...maybe that's why it took me so long to try the place out. I think I will start going more, since I tend to frequently patronize the Java Company, and its good to support other local coffee houses, (especially now that I have been boycotting Starbucks for political reasons). The main thing this place has over other coffee houses is that all of their coffee is fair trade and organic, but the prices are the same. I think they must use a really dark roast, since there is definitely a different/ bold taste to the coffee. I won't say bad, like one of the other reviews, but I understand why that was said. They have a big menu that includes iced green, black and hibiscus tea, and yerba mate, so there are other options besides coffee.
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Review from Valerie T.
Philadelphia, PA
9/9/2008
This is the spot. Especially if you like to hear funky records spinning while you gulp down your chai. I've wandered into Grindstone about four times since they've opened, and not been disappointed yet. I think the prices may be going up, so get there quick!
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Review from Dana B.
5/24/2009
5 stars even though I've never had any of their coffee or edible offerings--they offer live music and one of these days I'm going to try to get myself a gig here, and besides, EVERYONE should support indie coffeehouses :)
