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Categories: Coffee & Tea, Creperies
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
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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.
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.
Another vote for Jean-Luc and his staff. They do a great job with all the crepes and coffee drinks. One can order and sit down and they will bring the food/drink out to you even though it is not true wait service. He really cares about his customers and is a great asset to the neighborhood.
A capp and the fig crepe makes for a great Saturday afternoon snack while out for a leisurely stroll.
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.
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!
Jean Luc really cares about his business and his customers. The Cafe Americana is fabulous.
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.
Went today for the first time. I was looking for something light and quick for a late lunch. The spinach and goat cheese crepe that I ordered exactly hit the bill. It was tasty and perfectly cooked. Service was fast and friendly. The menu was extensive and something that I'd love to try another time. Looking around the room some of the sweet crepes looked and sounded amazing.
I love this place and am so happy that it's in walking distance of my house! Desperately seeking a quiet coffeehouse to get some marathon grading done, I decided to check out Cafe L' Aube. The interior was bright, airy, and spacious; you won't ever feel too snug against a neighboring table. I ordered a green tea (which came in a cute little personal teapot) and a vegetarian crepe (mmm so savory).
To top it off, the employees were incredibly friendly and checked in on patrons frequently. The owner seems very affable and I noticed that he knew many customers by name. As I was leaving, he was having a passionate conversation with two women about the state of education...super!
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!
It might just be me, but the fact that there's now a coffeehouse right next door to Tritone makes me… Read more »
Solid.
My francophone wife & kids thought that it would be a great place to try for breakfast (crepe? Belgian waffles? Oui, oui!), and we arrived at about 8AM.
Nicely arranged place, clean, well-lit, and friendly staff. Jean-Luc was nice and obviously cares about the place a lot.
Good crepe. Waffle was tasty with a nice batter, but was somehow soft and slightly soggy coming right off the iron -- how's that possible? Coffee was...weak. Very watery, which isn't what I'd expect from a Frenchman.
All around, a solid place, and I'm absolutely going to give them another visit to see how consistent they are. Will revise as warranted.
Excellent coffee, soy milk is out in the open and not more $$
Bright and inviting atmosphere.
A+ will go back
After driving past a couple of times I finally found myself in the area on foot last week, so I decided to see if the hype was justified. I went in and ordered a ham, cheese and mushroom crepe and a coffee, and took a seat. I really wanted to like this place...
And I did! The crepe was delicious, satisfying and fresh. The coffee was excellent. The service was exemplary. I stayed for a good hour reading the paper, and watching people coming and going. I have to say, people-watching on South Street is a bit different than in Paris, but it's no less interesting.
The only issue I might have had was inconsistency. Although my crepe was delicious, it was pretty small. I just assumed the "less is more" philosophy that exists in places other than the US. But then the shift changed and the girl who made my crepe was replaced by someone else. The people at the next table got the exact same thing, and theirs were stuffed to the point of overflowing with hammy, cheesy goodness. I admit, fellow Yelpers, I was jealous! I still had room for more. But I talked myself around, using the rationale that I don't need the extra since I've been trying to cut down my portion sizes of late. In the end I convinced myself that it was a good thing I got less. It would have seriously ticked me off a few weeks ago though. The other thing was that I didn't get any little cookie with my coffee, contrary to a previous review which had me looking forward to it.
So all in all, a great little place, but consistency on the little details would give it that 5th star which isn't far away. I can't help thinking it was only because the owner wasn't there.
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.
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.
First of all, the service is outstanding. I love all of the baristas, especially the owner Jean-Luc. If you're interested in an interesting conversation - just talk to this guy. Of course, the other baristas are also engaging.
Admitedly, the service is not the regular drive-thru speed you might get at Starbucks. But really, that's not what I go to Cafe L'Aube for anyway. Every drink and dish is carefully crafted and the lack of haste accounts for the exquisite quality on your plate.
It has the feel of Grad Hospital/South St but is usually a bit quieter.
I love the hot chocolate which is whipped up with imported Belgian chocolate syrup - mmm! The waffles are also very, very tasty!
Much better than the old Jouvay Java that this replaced. Jean-Luc is a very friendly owner + on-site working out the inevitable startup biz kinks.
A watery espresso made by a new hire was remade perfectly upon request. Unique offerings: crepes both savory and sweet, as well as Belgian waffles - yummers. Prices are reasonable. Hours are going to be regular early morning to evening, 7 days/week -- something the old Jouvay never managed to achieve. Promises of live music also soon to come. Friendly staff, good unique menu offerings, and solid espresso drinks. Overall - a welcome addition to South Street West.
since i work next door, you'd think i'd have not only been a patron a grillion times, but that i'd have also yelped it.
but....well....no. i hadn't, and i didn't. i don't drink coffee!!
on monday, however, i had a crazy hankering for crepes, and was reminded that the cafe serves them. and makes them fresh to order!! what the hell, right?
i ordered a savoury little number containing herbs, gouda and turkey.
jesus-jumped-up-christ!! it was so damnably good, and filling, and wonderful, AND hand-delivered. (a perk of working next door mayhap...)
frankly, i am just so glad i finally found a reason to patronise a wonderful local business, run by a really nice guy whose staff is aces. maybe i ought to start drinking coffee or something, because even i cannot partake of the crepe everyday.
thanks jean-luc and chelsea!!
What is there not to like about this place? The crepes and waffles are great. The waffle is not too sweet like Bontes bu pretty perfect. The service is friendly and knowledgebale and the prices are cheap.
I am so happy to have L'Aube in the neighborhood - a great coffeeshop/creperie is a great addition to the eclectic South St mix! The owner Jean-Luc is passionate about the neighborhood and generous to his patrons. On my first visit, he cooked up two savory crepes and two sweet crepes for me and my date, and the total was only $20. The place is clean and attractive; the food and coffee are unbeatable; and the price is right. For the francophiles, there are fairly current French magazines (Paris Match, L'Express, Le Point, others) available to read, too.
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