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Chapterhouse Café & Gallery
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
620 S 9th StPhiladelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: Washington Square West
(215) 238-2626
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 10 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
160 reviews for Chapterhouse Café & Gallery
Review Highlights
"Chapter House is now in the tie for my favorite latte in..."
(in 9 reviews)
"Another reason I love them: they are dog-friendly."
(in 6 reviews)
"I needed a cool place to study with free wifi, just the..."
(in 4 reviews)
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160 reviews in English
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Review from Michelle C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/24/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My first visit to Chapterhouse was during my training, and it took me over a year to return. I have no idea why. Friendly baristas, ample seating and a great vibe make this place a killer coffee shop.
There's a ten dollar credit card minimum which is fine when you're in charge of buying everyone's drink. And if you call ahead, you can reserve the room with the big table downstairs. This is an excellent spot for a group get-together!Listed in: Coffee Shops, Tea!
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Review from Jay D.
Philadelphia, PA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really prefer not to sit around in coffee shops, but if I'm ever invited out for coffee in Center City I always suggest Chapterhouse first. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best coffee shop in the (slightly extended) Center City Philadelphia area. There are equally good coffee shops in other neighborhoods.
Chapterhouse has everything you'd expect in a good coffeeshop; fair-trade, organic coffee made with purified water, inexpensive (50 cent) refills, soy milk, free wi-fi, ample seating (there's actually a stairway to the second floor tucked in the back), and an ambient iPod mix that only comes out of the background when you want it to. Additionally, they have a small food menu including, but not limited to, a vegan wrap and desserts. It's mostly tables but there are a few cozy chairs and a small bar facing the outside window. You can even bring your dog in.
Like most coffee shops, there's a lot of one person with a laptop to a table going on, and an unspoken, unofficial rule of library-like silence. So unless you're completely uninhibited, and don't mind others listening in on your conversation, this is probably not the best place to break up with your girlfriend or boyfriend. But a very good place to update your Facebook status to "single." If you don't have a laptop, or a girlfriend to break up with, there are plenty of books and magazines to pretend you're reading in between glancing up at who just walked in the door.
Overall it's a great alternative to the Starbucks on the same block. -
Review from Abbie D.
Philadelphia, PA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was a cold afternoon and I went for a walk with my husband and my puppy.. My husband decided to get his hair cut and left us to "hang out". We walked south street for a bit and wanted so badly to go into starbucks for a hot coffee....but i had the puppy so no can do...
THEN TA DA I remembered this little cafe I had seen before on 9th st that was pet friendly! THANK YOU!! we were so cold and wanted a nice hot cup of joe! This place is great! They offer small snacks/sandwiches and brew a great cup of coffee! The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is warm.
WINNER! -
Review from Ettya F.
1/25/2012
Chapterhouse is the quintessential hipster-soon-to-be-doctor coffee shop study lounge.
The drink selection is awesome. The caffeine tastes delicious. The food is scrumptious - croissants and scones and sammies abound.
The seats are cozy and comfortable, and if you feel like distracting the future physician next to you, you could always entice him or her with a game of Scrabble - or whatever happens to be on Chapterhouse's game shelf.
If you're looking to reach your special myopic study zone, be sure to bring headphones. Chapterhouse generally plays soft tunes from that-band-that-nobody-has-heard-of-but-it-sounds-s omething-like-Minus-the-Bear-meets-Plain-White-Tee s-meets-The-Decemberists. But then there's the occasional contemporary Sun Ra tune that plays only with ukele's instead of pianos, and that, my dear friends, is not conducive to learning about those three damn fetal heart ducts. -
Review from Laura L.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 2/8/2012
Man what is up with this place. The past 6 months the lady baristas are rudistas. You're bothering them if they have to pour you coffee. Three seperate times I've asked for a small, I get a large. A large is $2 even, so they don't have to make change. Just change your menu if you don't have a small.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/26/2011
Beyonce & I upgraded you, Chapterhouse, to 5 stars. The ever changing art, always intriguing, the… Read more »
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Review from Schuyler L.
Philadelphia, PA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Let me start off by saying that I'm generally not a fan of coffee shops. I don't drink coffee and I prefer familiar atmospheres in which I can control the surroundings while I read/study/work. STURDY tables and creative chairs also go a long way to my coffee shop experience and in these aspects The Chapterhouse was very inviting. The barista actually had a personality and was very accommodating to our special orders. Also, head downstairs for additional seating. If I was a fan of going out for expensive non-alcoholic beverages I was be a regular at The Chapterhouse.
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Review from Aaliyah P.
Wilmington, DE
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
What a lovely and very quiet place. Stopped in on Tuesday night for my first Community Hours and found Michelle C holdinging down the fort of couches for us. Michelle was gracious enough to pick up the tab and i ordered the dominican latte with soy milk. It had a creamy mocha flavor that was so addicting. Others arrived and i was slightly jealous when i tatsted the frozen concoction made rom rice milk and bananas WH-WHAT ... All of the snacks looked appealing but i declined since i hadnt yet had dinner and am watching what i eat. We chatted about the upcoming events which is always fun. This was a great way to breakup the week and the chapterhouse is the perfect venue for a nice low key night.
Thanks Michelle and as always was great to see everyones faces ..... -
Review from Devin D.
Ahhhhhhh, Chapterhouse. One of the great coffee houses of philly. Not on par with the espresso from 9th Street Espresso here in nyc, but what I like about Chapterhouse are their wonderful latte creations. Black & Tan latte (Peanut & chocolate latte?! Yes please), Melange latte (SECRET spice blend), among many others.
Atmosphere is also exactly what you want out of a cafe. Great place to read the newspaper on a lazy Sunday, get some work during the week, or meetup with a friend for some caffeinated sugary goodness. -
Review from Susan G.
12/14/2011
I wanted to like this spot more, but being ignored by a barista, when you're making constant eye contact makes it hard to love it.
Overall I liked the space, the back room is sunny and bright and perfect for spreading out and getting some work done. They have free wifi, so it's a wifi hop spot! I really liked the space. My sandwich was a bit boring, and again, poor service left me with a bit of a bad taste. My espresso beverage was made perfectly, so there's that.
I'll probably end up going back, hoping for better service.Listed in: Adventures in Wifi
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Review from Justin L.
Philadelphia, PA
12/29/2011
The Chapterhouse will always be my favorite coffee shop in Philly. I used to live in Old City and make the trek over because I liked it that much. Just recently moved closer and am glad to have this spot become part of my neighborhood. Very large space so there is never a problem finding a table. The coffee is really good and all the food I've tried has been tasty. The staff is super friendly and helpful.
What I like best is the neighborhoody feeling. Although you are among strangers, you get a sense of community and belonging there. There's almost always a cute dog wandering around which adds to the comfortable setting. I love to grab coffee and a snack and sit for a while to get some work done. I suppose I should start paying them rent if i continue to use this place as my office space. -
Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
11/17/2011
It's a nice place to hang out for a while. It's part coffeehouse, part gallery and it feels very gallery; clean, wood floors and white walled...plus, you know, there's also the fact that there's plenty of art a-hanging. It's comfortable too. I often think that I wouldn't mind living in a place like this, this kind of house. It would make a cool house fer livin. I probably wouldn't change much at all, including having access to the good coffee concoctions and iced coffee (good iced coffee)...and sugar cookies...and brownies...and free wifi. It's a nice place, for real. And very nice people working here too!
I know that seat doesn't belong to me. The one in the back corner nook, next to the wall of pane-glass window, that looks out onto the back garden. So, there will be no showdown. I won't act up. I will behave myself when I go to Chapterhouse, if someone else is sitting there. That's mostly since I've sworn off showdowns at places to which I wanna return.Listed in: Bella Vista, Dig My Hood, Coffee
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Review from Karishma C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/21/2012
my new fave coffee shop in philly!
being a med student, coffee shops are like a second home. wish i had found out about this place earlier! ive only been here about 2-3 times but i love it always full of ppl reading, studying, etc. the baristas are super friendly and ive only had the coffee here but is pretty good!
atmosphere is perfect for a coffee shop. not too loud but enough noise to not feel dead. lots of table and space to study. whenever im back in philly for a wkd, ill be sure to come here to study for a lil. -
Review from David B.
Charlottesville, VA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
-They allow dogs?! +1
-Plenty of seating available, with a more quiet back-room that's perfect for studying. +1
-Excellent food and pastries. +1
-Very diverse drink menu. I like it when coffee houses aren't afraid to go bold with their drink menu. +1
While their coffee is great, it falls outside of my list of all-time favorites. Hence the 4 stars. But this is a place I will be coming back too. -
Review from Jenna b.
Levittown, PA
1/29/2012
The Chapterhouse was the best coffee house I have ever been too! the Mexican Hot Chocolate was amazing. My boyfriend and I hung out there for an hour or so before going out. I am so glad we came across this place! We will be back!
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Review from Peter D.
Philadelphia, PA
11/3/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I've started to frequent Chapterhouse more and more now. It's got a great location just off South Street and in walking distance from my home in Bella Vista. I love that they are open pretty late and that their bagel with cream cheese remains at a steady $2. I've had their lattes before and they were pretty good but it is not something I crave. This place is ALWAYS packed with students, locals, and yuppies doing homework or just to be at a cafe looking at their Twitter or FB accounts.
I haven't been to Shot Tower in a while because Chapterhouse's tranquility and late hours make it that much more appealing for me and many others. -
Review from Lan H.
Ambler, PA
9/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh don't just stop walking once you reach the Starbucks. KEEP GOING OR ELSE YOU WILL MISS OUT ON CHAPTERHOUSE!
Perhaps it was fate when Chapterhouse came into my life. But I don't wanna sound like a wannabe coffeehouse junkie. Oh. Scratch that. I AM a wannabe coffeehouse junkie, striving to be just a coffeehouse junkie :p
So cute is Chapterhouse. It does more than accommodate your butt with its numerous seating arrangements (with bookshelves and works of art to amuse you, of course!) but with the heavenly coffee. With my beautiful cup o'hazelnut latté, I enjoyed being in my own skin. Hey, there are also more complicated drinks, but the simplicity was contagious.
So much personality. So so good.Listed in: Craving Coffee, A Day in the…
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Review from A F.
Manhattan, NY
9/26/2011
I red the raving reviews and hoping to get a decent cappuccino I stopped by. Very disappointing. The cappuccinos are just bad. They taste like ashes rather then espresso (maybe the beans are roasted to long?). I also noticed my cappuccino was prepared in an unprofessional way. The milk was steamed for to long. This resulted with lumps of foam and over-steamed congealed milk film. Grossness!
The place has a very hipster ambiance and the people are definitely supper cool. If you are looking for a cool people hangout you got the right spot. But don't count on a decent cappuccino. :( -
Review from Andrea t.
11/21/2011
why go to starbucks when you could go here?
1. free wifi
2. the yummiest italian soda ever..... "summer soda" ( its blackberry and strawberry)
3. feeling not so summery? get lemon and ginger
4. next door at expressive hand painting pottery? get a coupon for a free hot coffee, or pay 50 cents for an iced coffee
Yeah it's hard to find a seat, but stalk and you'll find one! -
Review from Jayna B.
Philadelphia, PA
Updated - 11/14/2011
Although I hadn't unpacked everything yet, I knew my new place would be officially 'home' when I had my first Sunday morning cup of coffee, sitting in the (concrete) backyard, in the sunshine, watching little birds light on the barbed wire. With no sugar or cream in sight (doh!), I was determined and got out my french press and my bag of Chapterhouse dark roast coffee. It was the perfect cup - rich, smooth (my mouth was saying, "What is this velvet?"), without a trace of burnt or bitter. It did not even need sugar or cream, though I suspect it will be delicious with. You know it's going to be good when you see that half a milimeter of rich coffee foam at the top that reminds me of a guinness. And it was exactly the kick in the arse I needed for unpacking and furniture arranging.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/25/2010
Loving the new additions to the beverage menu!
favorites so far:
Almond Joi smoothie
Apple Bobby soda… Read more »
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Review from Eve G.
Philadelphia, PA
9/1/2011
I don't know how I managed to ignore this place for as long as I had.
It's is now hats down my favorite coffee/hang out location in the city.
coffee is good, tea is better, and the rooms downstairs are simply great. decor is not too in-your-face, yet very arty. there are stylish books, wall posters and pictures, hanging bottles in the fireplace...
awesome. love it -
Review from Rachel T.
5/24/2011
Chapterhouse has a great atmosphere, with a few good drinks thrown in. Every last detail of the place was designed using interesting materials and modern, unique furnishings and artwork. I especially like the poured concrete countertops, tile that almost imitates a skyline in the bathroom, railings made only from steel angles and the enormous windows that look onto the back patio (which for some reason is for employees only, dumb). As for the food: The pastries are not good; even in the morning they don't taste or look fresh. The drip coffee is good but nothing special. The tea, same. The one exception that I've found so far is their Mexican coffee; It's great on a day you want to treat yourself (between $4-5). It's a little spicy, sweet and beautiful to look at when they draw designs on it. One time a barista gave me a heart and it made me all happy inside.
It's very quiet inside on weekend mornings which makes it a great place for reading, studying or a low key conversation. This is not a good place for a business meeting and you'll get nasty looks if you're on your cell phone, but there are other places in the neighborhood for that (i.e. good karma between 8th and 9th on pine).
Negatives:
You're lucky to find a table at all on most days, so go in with low expectations of being seated and wait time. The staff is sometimes nice but often snotty, so again, go in with low expectations. Despite these I still go often and enjoy it.Listed in: Philly's Coffee Joints - The…, Culture Vultures
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Review from John F.
After finishing my trek to Chapterhouse through torrential downpour last week, I was wet, daring, and needed a miracle to cheer me up. Luckily, this cafe has a few cantrips to appease even a soggy, grumpy writer. I've had all but one drink on that extensive menu and on that rainy Friday afternoon was the day it was going to happen, I was going to try the Black and Tan mocha (Chocolate and Peanut butter).
Now, I love both things. I love both things together. I wasn't so sure about loving both things together + coffee. I asked one of the nice workers if it's any good (I hate asking that question but if it sucks I'd be like, damn I should have asked. I also have a special power to hear most inner-monolog so I I'm pretty sure he responded before speaking, "No moron, it's on there as a gag"). He said he hadn't tried it but heard people like it and it's one of the owners favs. I know the owner, cool guy, so I finalized my decision.
Awesome.
It's hard to describe but the initial hit is chocolate and espresso, then the after taste and smell leaves you with a nice roasted peanut butter vapor in your mouth but here is the treat. If you love peanut butter like I do, you get sweet peanut butter sludge at the bottom when you're finished, and it was just perfect on that wet muggy crappy day. I wanted to focus on my work but had a hellavu time just breaking my concentration away from the alchemical perfection.
I know peanut butter is hyper loaded with fat, calories, and all that crap, but I don't care - it was a killer mocha. That's it.Listed in: Java is Jive
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/15/2011
This is definitely one of my favorite java and time sinkholes. There are certain aspects of this biz… Read more »
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Review from Sarah E.
Philadelphia, PA
9/8/2011
Yelp- you led me here and I am so very thankful! Chapterhouse C & G has a killer fresh made smoothie, homemade desserts, enough caffeination choices to make a coffee addition ever the more tempting, and to top it off- intriguing local art for sale. Come here now, come here often.
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Review from Greg N.
Rehoboth Beach, DE
6/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really enjoyed this place! The girlfriend and I ducked in here for some respite from the heat, and I'm glad we did!
She got some ginger soda concoction that was pretty damn refreshing! I got the blackberry earl grey drink, and it was out of this world! I wish I could buy it by the case.
The service was friendly, and I liked the inside of the place. Just a nice place to take a load off! -
Review from G N.
Manhattan, NY
8/1/2011
So maybe I'm a tad biased on this one. I used to live two blocks away from Chapterhouse, and it was my go-to coffee place for a year and a half. Whenever I go there with someone new, I usually point out (wistfully!) the stool at the counter by the window where I wrote a novel once. Memreez!
OK, but beyond that, Chapterhouse is pretty kickass. First of all, the atmosphere is laid-back, the baristas are chill (there's a couple in particular who I'm always glad to see when I make it back to Philly for a visit), there's always good music playing (although I think I've now heard enough Ratatat to last two lifetimes), and the art gallery aspect is a nice touch. Furthermore, the owners are frequently present, friendly, and helping out in the space, so you know that any issues will be addressed.
I get that there are some people who don't dig a place that allows dogs, has couches and board games, and is just as often full of chit-chat as it is full of people with their eyes glued to their Macbooks. But this gives it the feel of being someone's home (there's a fireplace, for Pete's sake), which makes it a lot more welcoming than a clinical get-your-coffee-and-go kind of location. If you want one of those, you can walk half a block up to 9th and South and no one will think less of you. (Well, I won't, at least. Well, maybe a tiny bit.)
As for the menu: omg BERRY MOCHA. It's delicious cold and better hot, and you should be drinking one right now. The other specialty lattes are delicious and decently priced, the iced tea sodas are unique, and all the other standard drinks can usually be manipulated one way or another if you want. I don't generally go for the food (a tad pricey), but what I've sampled is good; the pastries can be a little bit hit or miss. (Best to get them around 11 am, after they've arrived and had time to thaw a little bit, especially the squares.) And: a nice varied tea selection.
There are a couple qualms: a high credit card minimum, a basement space that isn't very inviting (there used to be vintage clothing sales down there before they converted it; aw), and occasionally (weekends) it is downright impossible to get a seat. But as coffeeshops go, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more versatile, interesting, and welcoming one.
This is exactly the kind of place I want to open someday. But don't worry, guys: I'll make sure it's safely outside your exclusive economic zone. :) -
Review from Jill S.
Philadelphia, PA
4/27/2011
If you like to be treated poorly, dump your shitty boyfriend and come for a coffee at Chapterhouse! The owners are really rude and unfriendly, and the vibe seems to have been passed on to their poor, poor employees. Oh, and the place smells like dog or unwashed boys or something.
Here's a better idea: GO TO GOOD KARMA on Pine between 10th and 9th. It's LARGER and FRIENDLIER. And, it DOES NOT smell like un-washed boy. -
Review from Robert C.
5/16/2011 1 photo
This coffee place is pretty cool. Even though it is pretty small and usually crowded on weekends, it's still nice to just stop by and grab a cup of coffee or two. We tried their hot and cold coffee, they're all great. I remember their Mint Mocha being pretty good and soothing. Even if you order the flavored coffee, you can still taste the real/boldness of the coffee, which's nice especially for the coffee lovers. The workers're extremely nice. They take their time making the coffee for you. The result: work of art presentation and flavor-wise.
Price-wise, it's not bad at all. The portion's pretty big and it's definitely not expensive for a good cup of coffee. However, if you want to socialize, I don't think this would be an appropriate place. There're always so many students studying and they probably won't enough chairs for you and your friends. Regardless, if you love coffee, you should definitely stop by. They serve great coffee!!! -
Review from Aditi C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/25/2011
Great ambience. Adorable dog. Coffee is yummy as is Mexican hot chocolate. Service is great too. Can't think of a single thing I disliked. A longer, less telegraphic review when I'm at a computer stop
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Review from Adam W.
Philadelphia, PA
2/1/2011
Everybody loves the Chapterhouse so this review may be a touch superfluous, nevertheless: truly exquisite coffee in a most agreeable setting. Chairs are comfy, place is clean, baristas are talented, friendly, and fast, and the price is right. It's kind of stupid how much better their coffee is than the other coffee shops. (I'm usually just getting drip coffee but their espresso drinks are great too--can't speak for the frou frou drinks because I don't endorse that kind of behaviour.)
More on their great space, they showcase local art that's usually pretty good, and they never hang stuff for too long. They have free wi-fi. A lot of the same people are in there regularly so it feels homey. Good natural light in the front AND the back. Only downside to space is a lot of college and grad students go there to 'get work done' but then end up just talking loudly making it hard for you to either enjoy your friends, your work, your coffee, or what you're reading. If you are one of those highliter-wielding inconsiderates, please stop.
Finally, there's pretty good food here too, which people often fail to endorse. I have had all their sandwiches (there are only a half-dozen or so) and can report that they are all good, and the ones without meat are the best, even if you're a meat-eater like myself. And their baked goods are slammin'. -
Review from Lexy M.
11/1/2010
Chapterhouse Cafe a.k.a Wedding Planners!?
Well, they don't actually "DO" the Wedding Planning...but they help the crazy, physcotic, stressful process of this BRIDEZILLA NIGHTMARE go smoothly!
Sunday afternoon and my Fiance and I wanted to find a laid back, relaxing place to sit down with coffee & tea to hash out our Wedding Plans. Chapter house completed our checklist.
Dog Friendly - Check (wanted to get our pups some fresh air)
Warm Environment - Check
Soft Lounge Music - Check
Quiet Hipsters Minding Their Own Bizz - Check
Coffee & Tea - Check
Spacious - Check
Free Internet Wifi - Check
The only bummer about this place was they ran out of everything by 3pm. We were craving some tasty treats but apparently this cafe is the "hot spot" on weekends and you gotta come a little earlier if you want to grab a bite before they sell out.
Wedding Planning was a success!
BUT...this knife stabbing headache and rat in my gut from thinking about how much we crazy couples spend on a wedding is pretty sickening.... lol -
Review from Micah M.
Washington, DC
9/4/2011
Pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff, but unfortunately they brew up the most wretched coffee ever.
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Review from Lily T.
Although I use Yelp as a cross-reference, I primarily find my favorite spots through word-of-mouth, BUT I found Chapterhouse through Yelp. THANK YOU. Chapterhouse is the reason I love Philly. It is so open, spacious, and low-key. The staff is friendly and the clientele is very respectful (aka sitting with their computers or having quiet and non-invasive conversations). On both visits, I've been able to squeeze in some reading and yelping (free WiFi btw) time without being disturbed.
Secondly, all coffee is not created equal. Their mochas are crafted to perfection like a work of art. Even their brewed coffee is superior. I am a coffee drinker and I have had one of the best cups of coffee there.
Another reason I love them: they are dog-friendly. UNHEARD OF! WHO DOESN'T LOVE DOGS? -
Review from Rob F.
Philadelphia, PA
3/20/2011
I'll start by saying this place is over rated on yelp.
But I absolutely do like coming here.
For me a coffee shop is mostly about the ambiance than anything. This is the library of coffee shops. If you are in grad school, spend your weekend here like me. Many of the patrons attend jefferson and the rest of us are getting our respective advanced degrees with the help of chatperhouses's free wifi, and caffeine.
This is not a place to come with your friends to catch up. There is often one loud awkward table that receives many dirty looks as the rest of us write papers and cram for exams.
The drinks are a little over priced and it's probably the priciest small coffee in the neighborhood. The upstairs is comfortable and if you are lucky you can grab one of those bungee cord chairs vs the metal ones in the back room. If you can't find a table upstairs you must retreat to the dungeon of the basement which will probably help you get more work done as you'll spend less time people watching. But it's not as friendly feeling with the lack of natural lighting.
All in all chapterhouse is a great spot to get work done, admire the art on the walls, drink some coffee, people watch, and maybe even play a QUIET game of scrabble. -
Review from Brian T.
Philadelphia, PA
9/15/2011
Not bad, so long as you don't plan to plug in your laptop.
Let's face it, simply having decent coffee does not automatically make for a "quality" modern cafe. In fact, one of the key criteria I (and probably most people) look for in coffee shops is how conducive they are for studying. Don't get me wrong, I feel strongly that good quality coffee is an essential element in the "cafe" equation but to me, rating an entire shop requires a more holistic view. Full disclosure: I did not order coffee at Chapterhouse, I ordered tea instead (tea that failed to "wow" me). It was served in a severely chipped-rim cup which, while kind of neat in a Goodwill/flea market-type way (and I applaud their continued use of what many would otherwise consider trash), left me to strategize from which angle I should sip so as to not cut myself. But my chipped cup experience was not the only concern I had at Chapterhouse. I also noticed that outlets were scarce. For the serious studier who might not notice/care about the angle at which to take sips, this could be a far more serious concern. -
Review from Eric O.
Cool venue but meh coffee.
This place is PACKED on the weekends. There were students and artsy types with their laptops everywhere. I assume they come to "get away from distractions" and "get work done" but more often than not I saw more work being done on facebook and twitter.
On a side note, the whole going to a coffee shop to "get work done" never made sense to me. It's like, "Yes, let me force myself to go out and sit at a small table amongst strangers, order some overpriced coffee, and use free, unsecured, and slow wireless internet that's asking to be hacked." But hey, whatever makes you happy. /rant
I apologize if that offended you, don't take it seriously.
Anyway we got the "not nutella" and the mint mocha. I was pretty disappointed with the mint mocha, I didn't taste a hint of mint. Not nutella was not much better, just sweeter. On the plus side, service is friendly and fast, and the prices here are reasonable so no complaints there.
Despite this, at least we got out of the cold for a bit. +1 for that! -
Review from Dave H.
7/22/2010 9 photos
One of my favorite cafes in Philly.
A rockstar (he sure looked like one) suggested I get their caramel latte. Glad I listened: It wasn't cloyingly sweet, and went perfectly with my Flying Monkey oatmeal raisin sandwich cookies.
Plenty of seating meant less headaches for our group, and the chairs themselves had a bit of bounce (in a good way). The decor is up there, for sure. And there are board games.
Coffee and cookies probably weren't the wisest dinner choices ever, but who's keeping score?Listed in: Philly Coffee
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Review from Jayna F.
Beautiful beautiful atmosphere. I like to go here to have a sit, study for my next class, etc. It's much more possible to actually lounge here than a lot of other comparable coffee shops. Plus a sleeping dog under your chair leaves you with a sense of ease.
Really friendly staff, good coffee, pretty good music. I've yet to try any of the food $7 for something simply described as "tomato mozzarella" doesn't exactly get my gears turning but I've heard only good things so I know it's inevitable I'll try it and like it.Listed in: Cuppa Joe
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Review from Mary S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/24/2010 8 Check-ins Here
I have a confession to make. I have lived a half block from the chapterhouse for going on 3 years, and I had never been there. I do not know why. I've always been a starbucks girl, even though I know I shouldn't have. Even though I support local eating, drinking, marketing everywhere in the city, no CH....so why? well, I'm here to tell you I have no clue why. none. at. all. (it probably is because they're cash only, and until recently I never actually used cash, don't ask)
However- we recently decided to go, and I don't think I ever needto step foot in Starbucks again. Because I love it here.
I don't use the word love very often. my boyfriend knows this. I feel it negates it's meaning if you tell it to everything constantly. But I think I really love it here. I want to curl up in a chair and just stay. Which is sad because I generally go here the most when I'm already late for work and grabbing a latte to go. Their lattes are unlike anything I've ever had. The espresso they use is bold, yet mellow and not bitter at all. The soy milk they use (lactose and me we are not friends) is the tastiest soy milk I've had in many years as a soy drinker.
The place is lovely. It really is. I need to spend some more time just hanging out here because I think I could find a nice home here. As so many other writers have said. I was at a Amanda Palmer show this past year and she was on stage talking about how much she loved it here. She's right. it's lovely, maybe that's what finally sparked the interest in going in. It was like ever since her show I kept thinking, I should really try this place.
Anyway. I usually get a iced soy latte, or a black and white soy latte, or the iced coffee. I've seen the gorgeous things they do with the steamed milk going into the espresso, they truly are artists at the coffee bar. Basically, I think this is the start of a very nice relationship, hopefully it's as excited as I am about it. -
Review from Tara C.
Clementon, NJ
7/20/2010
I agree with most of the other reviewers: Chapterhouse is a very productive environment if you're a creative person or if you just want to read a book or newspaper. I find that other patrons are often very kind about moving aside temporarily while I plug my computer in. It's a decent place for a quiet conversation, too.
The espresso-based beverages here are of high-quality. They're also consistently made that way despite who is making them. However, everything comes in one size, they're usually 'out' of snacks and sandwiches and the customer service could be better. If a customer doesn't know about your not-prominently-posted minimum charge rule or doesn't somehow possess the psychic powers to know you're out of an advertised-as-there sandwich, don't make the customer feel stupid.
I want to like Chapterhouse more than Starbucks. It's easier to get on the wi-fi here...but honestly, I'd rather skip the hassle and visit a Starbucks most times...and I hate saying that...but it's true. -
Review from Brad P.
4/16/2010
If you need to study,
Chapterhouse is the place,
their dark roast is so strong,
it will melt off your face.
Radiohead on the system,
it's what I like to hear,
I give them props,
for their good atmosphere.
face-melting thing too strong?
back on line four?
I've gotten out of hand
with hyperbole before.
Yet I digress,
I must confess,
this is a good place to chat, drink coffee, play chess.
The prices are low,
there's plenty of seats,
all things considered,
Starbucks it defeats.Listed in: The Best of Philadelphia
