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Darling's Coffeehouse & Cheesecake - CLOSED
Categories: Food Desserts Food Coffee & Tea Desserts, Coffee & Tea [Edit]
404 S 20th StPhiladelphia, PA 19146
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Katy V. said: "My new favorite breakfast spot! Their coffee could use some work but the bagels are so fantastic I don't even care. Egg sandwiches are yummy, and they will put sriracha on them if you ask. Two bagel sandwiches and two coffees is about…" read more »
31 reviews for Darling's Coffeehouse & Cheesecake
Review Highlights
"...hook up flavors like bananas foster and perfect pumpkin."
(in 4 reviews)
"I recommend the breakfast sandwiches."
(in 3 reviews)
"...brew a decent cup of La Colombe, the hot chocolate is rich..."
(in 4 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Kimberly S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/26/2010
So after a night of drinking, my friends and I unexpectedly and unpredictably found ourselves wide awake in search of breakfast at the early hour of 9 am the next day. We were in an unfamiliar neighborhood and aside from the usual Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, we had no idea where to go.
It was purely random that we stumbled across Darling's. Unsure, we ventured in to find a cute little space with just enough room for the three of us to sit down and have a simple breakfast. After drooling over the cheesecakes on display for a good 5 minutes, we each ordered a breakfast sandwich.
As we waited at a table for our sandwiches, we saw a plethora of people come in and order. I realized that there was only one single person working there that morning and that our sandwiches would probably take forever. Luckily, the nice girl working realized that too. In what some may describe as a random act of kindness, she generously offered us a free piece of cheesecake to compensate for us waiting so long. We, of course, would never turn down free cheesecake so we delightfully accepted. The cheesecake was super delicious, not that overly thick and rich store bought kind. I don't know if it was the best in Philly, but it was definitely up there. Our breakfast sandwiches were good too, nothing fancy, just a simple no frills breakfast done right. Later on, she even offered us a free latte which we had to decline because our bellies were full.
All in all, Darling's is a cute, no frills, kind of neighborhood cafe with yummy cheesecake and friendly service. -
Review from Bill M.
7/20/2008
The name Darling's is fitting because it's such a darling little cafe. It's the perfect ambiance for a coffeehouse, perfect for breakfest, alright for lunch, and AMAZING for dessert!
In case you haven't noticed in their name cheesecake is their specialty, and they take it to whole new levels. the Philly classic looks pretty impressive, but they hook up flavors like bananas foster and perfect pumpkin. As for me I had to go with the White Chocolate Raspberry because it was so damn purple, and purple was on my mindset. So creamy and fruity!
I also picked up a very rich hot chocolate (yes I'm probably the only one ordering hot chocolate during a heatwave!) and it was the real deal.Their breakfast and brunch selection is loaded up with plenty of pancakes, oatmeal, omelettes, sausage and so much more (they even have smoked whitefish Aaron.). My egg and cheese on whole wheat literally melted in my mouth. check it out!Listed in: The Highlight Reel, I Hate Starbucks!, Sugar Rush
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Review from Julia N.
10/29/2009
I thought I didn't like cheesecake before I tried Darling's. Theirs bears little similarity to the heavy, vaguely chemically tasting slabs that most places dish out - at Darling's, it's light, fluffy, flavorful and fresh. I think my favorite is the peanut butter silk, but really, you can't go wrong - all the flavors are fantastic. If you said you'd bring dessert to a party but you're short on time, get a whole cheesecake here and bask in the admiration and gratitude your friends will heap upon you.
The other menu items here play second fiddle to the cheesecake. They brew a decent cup of La Colombe, the hot chocolate is rich and quite sweet, and not infrequently, I find myself ordering a tomato, basil and mozzarella sandwich for lunch - it's a simple thing, done well here.
The people behind the counter are always very nice, and it's a friendly, welcoming place to sit awhile if you're not whisking your cheesecake away to savor it in private.Listed in: I don't need no booze or…
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Review from Brian K.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2007
When I was staying at my friend Mary Ann's in Philly, I went to this coffee shop a few times. It was cozy inside, the service was fast and friendly, and the coffee was taaaasty. It makes me wish some of the SF places could be just as quaint. I'm holding out that maybe I just haven't discovered them yet.
The name is appropriate, even if it's so precious I could vomit a plush unicorn with sprinkles on top. -
Review from MaryAnn Z.
10/24/2008
I've gotta give Darling's 5 stars. I love this place so much that even the owner telling me I looked awfully hungover and my sweatshirt was frightening didn't deter me from returning.
Everytime I have out-of-town visitors, despite my best efforts to take them to one of Philly's infamous brunch spots, we wind up at Darling's. And everyone, without exception, LOVES it. Their food is deliiiiiicious and exactly what I want it to be without exception. Coffee is yummy. Service is friendly and generally pretty quick.
Sometimes there are things on the walls that baffle me (the duck pictures, anyone?) but who really cares. This place is so charming.
OH. And the cheesecake. Is divine.
In an attempt to branch out, I tried to go to another nearby coffee shop last weekend when I had to be up way early, and IT WASN'T OPEN. It was around 8:00. Really? DARLING'S TO THE RESCUE. For the zillionth time.
Also, they accept cards now. I'm not sure if there's a minimum, but they definitely started accepting cards. Because they needed to be even better. Wooo. -
Review from Caitlin C.
PA
2/13/2007
Ok, I've never been here, but I've eaten their cheesecakes.
We got three cheesecakes delivered to our office for a photo shoot, but they never made it to the studio. . . they made it to our bellys!!!!
These cheesecakes are unlike anything I've ever tasted...they are very very different from what you are used to. They are very soft and not dense at all. It is like eating milky cream cheese. Order one and try for yourself! Don't delay. Call now for a free gift.Listed in: I want candy!
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Review from Jason C.
Philadelphia, PA
5/8/2010
I'll admit, I like Starbucks, and in a pinch I'll even drink Dunkin' Donuts' coffee, but at the end of the day, I prefer to patronize independent cafés for the personal approach to the coffee experience that they offer. Every now and then, however, I find an independent café with really mediocre coffee. Unfortunately, Darling's is one of those places.
I was on my way to another café that I love, and passed Darling's and decided to give it a try. I waited in line for almost 10 minutes before being served...and there was no one in front of me. When I was finally attended to, the barista was nicet, but this was the only enjoyable part of the experience. The coffee was, much to my dismay, completely mediocre. On the way out, I was tempted to toss the coffee out, and continue walking to my original destination, as if the whole Darling's fiasco had never happened. But, in my determination to not be a complete snob, I finished my coffee, which wasn't totally bad, but certainly wasn't worth the 10 minute wait.
I'm not much for cheesecake but I hear theirs is to die for, so perhaps what they lack in remarkable coffee, they make up for in delicious cheesecake. One would hope. -
Review from Bianca L.
Mountain View, CA
3/20/2008
Small and cozy, Darling's is lovely - the people who work there are super-nice and friendly and the cheesecakes are amazingly original and creative. My favorites are the Key Lime and the Bananas Foster but all of their cheesecakes are light and flavorful, without being too heavy and too sweet.
You can also order a whole cheesecake or 5 different slices of cheesecake for just under $20, which will make you the hit of any dinner party you've been invited to. And if you convince everyone else to share, you also get to try 5 different kinds of cheesecake. What more could you ask for, really?
They also serve light breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and baked goods here, but I admit that I can never get beyond the cheesecake. I've had the hot chocolate, though, and it's a little too sweet for my taste (hence only 4 stars). -
Review from Karen F.
7/28/2008
We had already discovered Darlings as a great spot to take our 3 year old for Mac 'n Cheese (there's is so yummy) before we decided to plan a playdate at the Please Touch Museum.
After the playdate we pre-arranged with Darlings (they are so very small) to have all 6 kids and about 9 parents drop by for lunch at 1 PM.
Darlings was great about us taking over the joint. The kids had PB & J and of course plently of mac 'n cheese. The parents had lots of cheesecake and mexi-bowls (can't remember the excact name) but it's like a bowl of rice, beans, taco meat and Mexican fisings. Very yummy.
No a/c (ugh) and they take CASH ONLY so be forewarned.
A great place to eat after going to the Please Touch or Franklin Institute.Listed in: Flam's Sugar Rush
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Review from Alex M.
Philadelphia, PA
4/26/2007 1 photo
Best cheesecake in Philly.
You know why I'm already looking forward to next St Patty's day? (11 mos away) Its not the booze and its not the Shamrock shakes. Hell it's not even the Irish potatoes. Its the Darlings Baileys Irish Cheesecake (see photo) that I'm looking forward to!
I bought one for my office and we ate like Irish kings. Handmade and delicious its something I'll never forget.
Go in and get a slice of their cheesecake and you'll be a regular. -
Review from Brian C.
Philadelphia, PA
7/7/2008
I've only been to the outpost at Spring and 21st Sts, which is a somewhat odd location, tucked behind the Franklin Institute, but a welcome addition to the neighborhood nonetheless. A small but attractive space-- seems to be popular with young families, at least when I've been there on Sunday mornings. The owner's super-friendly and will get talking with you, given the opportunity. I've actually yet to try one of the numerous cheesecake offerings, but that they don't use "Phila. Cream Cheese" brand is enough for starter cred.
Their breakfast sandwiches and coffee cake are tasty, they serve La Colombe coffee-- which is a good local gesture but for some reason is terribly watered-down (see earlier review), and they make their baguettes in-house. I seem to recall that their croissants are homemade as well, which are good, if a bit soggy when combined with eggs. I'm a fan of their kraut-and-kielbasa Polska sandwich.
A final caveat: parking can be dismal on the adjacent streets, so take a bike if you're not from the neighborhood. -
Review from Samantha D.
Washington, DC
4/8/2008
I went here for lunch and ended up eating breakfast. It was delish and adorable.
Darling's is small and quaint but in a good way. I thought the flat screen on the wall was a little strange, but I didn't ask what it's used for.
I had yogurt with fruit and granola, as well as the oatmeal. Portions were fair sized. I couldn't finish the oatmeal. The yogurt was yummy. And the oatmeal seemed steel cut (originally) but was reheated in the microwave I think (I was in the bathroom when she got it ready). But still very good with fruit mixed in. I had an Americano to drink. Espresso was the right strength. Temp was good.
All in all and excellent lunch spot. Low key. Small. Friendly barista. Down home, putting together the food in their almost non-existent kitchen. Definitely make a stop if you're in the area and can find parking! -
Review from Kathryn M.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2009
This is my stop on the way to work most mornings. They have flavored coffee which alternates between french vanilla and hazelnut every morning depending on what the person behind the counter decides to make (more often than not, hazelnut). They also have standard La Colombe coffee and all the various drinks you would expect at a coffee shop. The people who work here are wonderful and super friendly. Unfortunately, that is where the positive side of this place ends.
The food is never good. I've heard that their caprese sandwich is OK (although inconsistent) and periodically I try a sandwich or breakfast item hoping it will be good and invariably I end up dissapointed again.
I will always love this place for the convenience factor, the flavored coffee and the staff. Apart from that, you may want to visit another establishment. But again, it's a "coffee" shop so if you're goal is something other than coffee, why would you be here?
Oh and for the cheesecake: Yes, it is good. Is it the best ever, sorry but no.Listed in: Mmm breakfast and…, Overrated...
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Review from Neel K.
Santa Monica, CA
12/15/2007
Excellent food & nice people working there. I enjoy their lox & bagels and their egg bagel sandwiches. Nice place to visit on a summer morning coming back east from the Schuylkill River Dog Run. Their cheesecakes, of which I've had very few, are good too.
Not a fan of their La Colombe coffee (am I the only one?).
They have outdoor seating in front and in back, which is nice. -
Review from Daniel K.
Cambridge, MA
1/7/2011
Location is closed
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Review from Randy L.
Philadelphia, PA
12/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Location is closed down
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Review from cherie c.
10/29/2006
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Review from marie r.
Philadelphia, PA
8/2/2008
The only reason Darling's did not get 5 stars is because they did not have plain cheesecake :( I had a great bananas foster cheesecake instead...just has the sauce on top...but damn it was good. I couldnt tell you about the coffee (cause i am not a huge coffee fan....it may grow on me). The counter girl was so freaking nice- i loved it. I need to check out the other stuff on the menu---but I think Id rather have a regular piece of cheesecake next time.
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Review from e.lisa c.
Philadelphia, PA
9/10/2008
the desserts are really really tasty!! went in for labor day with three of my friends. we sat in the cute little courtyard in the back and the owner kept bringing us free samples of biscotti and cake. mm.
great little place, will def go back. -
Review from Alana H.
Hoboken, NJ
11/8/2007
Come here for the best cheesecake in Philadelphia! And the owners/employees are so nice and personable. It's also cute for a brunch dates, either inside or in the little courtyard in the back. I recommend the breakfast sandwiches. This place is amazing. If you have not been there you must go.
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Review from Jai S.
Mercer, NJ
11/3/2010
Better then juniors cheesecake in Brooklyn!
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Review from Valerie T.
Philadelphia, PA
11/12/2008
Please do yourself a favor (if it's warm enough) and sit out back while you dine. It is super cute. Solid food and chai tea. Good brunch places have to stand the test of time, so it remains to be seen whether Darling's will hold up, but I suspect it will.
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Review from Kathleen S.
Philadelphia, PA
8/21/2010
THIS LOCATION IS CLOSED!
I visited it a fair amount until it closed, and I will miss it. -
Review from Colleen B.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2007
Cute little cafe with a display case of cheesecake delights that greet you as you walk in. I don't like my cheesecake too fancy, so they have a nice cornucopia to choose from for all tastes. A few tables scatter the sidewalk so you can enjoy your cake in the sunshine and eat it too! Staff is friendly and they have some damn fine ice tea!
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Review from Amanda F.
Philadelphia, PA
12/18/2009
Cute store, nice service, delicious key lime pie. Also, the cheesecake was pretty good. Still, I'm mostly a sucker for a good key lime pie, and this was creamy, smooth, and tart. It's not the cheapest in the world, but that was definitely satisfying.
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Review from jess m.
Philadelphia, PA
11/8/2009
I go here basically everyday on my way to work. Great coffee and sandwiches (I can only speak for the Monte Cristo and croissant breakfast sandwiches, though). Since I typically come in at 8 am, I haven't had the cheesecake, but it looks divine. I imagine this would be an excellent place to do work during non-brunch hours - free Wifi, mellow setting, never very crowded.
My only issue is that the girl behind the counter isn't terribly nice, but wow can she multitask. The credit card limit is $5, but there's an ATM right in the store that has a reasonable surcharge. -
Review from Grace S.
9/13/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This is the best cheesecake in Philly?!?!? I have heard about this place over and over so I finally decided to try it since I am a HUGE fan of cheesecake and used to go to Junior's and Eileen's in NYC all the time. It's a bit out of the way and it's a very small place. Nonetheless, I was excited to try several of their concoctions. Firstly, the girl behind the counter was really rude. I'm sorry I asked you a question, but you work here. It wasn't even close to closing time but we were the only customers around so I have no idea why she'd be annoyed at a couple of questions about the cakes. There were several slices out on the display and the prices were the usual that you see at a top notch bakery. Unfortunately, the taste was not. The pumpkin cheesecake was boring and the cookies and cream one was decent but I like my cheesecake creamier and thicker. The regular cheesecake was just ok. This place has no ambience or charm, so really, nothing to redeem their mediocre cakes.
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Review from sara w.
Philadelphia, PA
10/31/2007
i really like this place their cheesecake ranges from about 3$ a slice to 4$ a slice. they have many different kinds such as: bananas foster, pumpkin, strawberry swirl, white chocolate raspberry, and Grand Marnier as well as many others. they also have good brownies and tea. the place itself is really quaint and they have lovely outside seating.
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Review from Karen M.
Philadelphia, PA
8/4/2008
The cheesecake here is soo delicious and it doesn't leave you with that heavy and full feeling like other cheesecakes. The taste is rich and light and affordable. There are no plain cheesecakes, but once you try their options, you wouldn't be able to settle for just plain cheesecake. I loved their chocolate ganache cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries so much that I had it as my birthday cake. There was a little mishap on the day my boyfriend picked it up so they get 4 stars instead of 5. The girl who had helped me earlier in the week was very nice and helpful. But on that day, she wasn't working and the guys there were just not on top of things as they should have been so I blame them for the minor setback of not having the cake ready when they said they would. Nothing that couldn't be fixed and the cheesecake was as yummy as I had remembered it. If you love cheesecake, this place is a must.
Listed in: PA Food
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Review from Aaron A.
New York, NY
9/20/2008
Counter staff is helpful. Has a variety of cheesecake. We'd tried 2 and love them. It's lighter than New York cheesecake.
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Review from Lain E.
Philadelphia, PA
8/28/2009
Great cheesecake, but eek, very expensive. And the girl working there looked not at all happy that I'd come in. Maybe it was because I'd come in close to closing? Either way, charming as the store seemed and good as the cheesecake was, I'll be getting my sugar fixes elsewhere.
