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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Rittenhouse Square, Fitler Square
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Good Karma is one of the best coffee shops i've ever been to. I say this after having been there several times and always being impressed by it.
GK is the epitome of a neighborhood coffee shop, but better. It is really friendly, open late (10 every night I believe!), not notably expensive (not cheap either...), and has excellent fair trade coffees. Another great neighborhoody thing about them (besides the free wifi and silent room out back for studying) is that they will sign for UPS or FedExs if you live nearby and can't conveniently be there to sign yourself.
It is a rare breed of coffee shop that is socially and environmentally conscious without passing judgement on its customers. It's an awesome place. The kind of establishment that makes you happy to see it being so successful.
When you get bored of some of the other coffeeshops in Philly that are so often overrated (i.e. La Colombe), head over to 22nd and pine for a refreshing reminder of what a "local coffee shop" is all about.
these other reviews definitely have one thing right; this place is more of a study hall and less of a place to actually go with anyone. unless "anyone" here refers to your laptop. then you'll really fit in.
tea was alright, but it's not a particularly cozy place to hang out.
Cute coffee shop, good coffee, some interesting treats and overall good prices. That being said, there isn't too much that is significant about this coffee shop over any other and I will probably only ever really come here to grab something to go or to sit out front or in the back patio for a chat with a friend.
The overall decor is simple and clean but for a coffee shop that really means kind of cold and not so inviting. It's not a bad place for getting some work done (although a little busy at times) but there are no really comfortable seats if you are looking for a more leisurely curl-up spot. In the end, good for studying or grabbing a cup of coffee, not so good on the cozy coffee shop front.
Extra tip: The brownies they sell are pretty kickass. In particular, try the peanut butter version or the cookie/brownie treat. They also offer smoothies and a couple of large cases of cold drinks for those non-caff people.
Yes, it's true that this place feels somewhat like a study hall in that people are here with their laptops and books - studying, working, or just relaxing. But, the cafe has a very relaxed community feel. The background music is great and the large windows provide natural light. Very cute and relaxing place if you just want to escape from the city life! The coffee and pastries are good.
This is my new go-to place when I need to get out of the apartment and get work done. Really nice baristas, great coffee (they even have two choices of drip), lots of seating, free wi-fi, and lots of dogs come by to visit (with their owners). Love the music and the sidewalk seating too, and they don't go crazy with the air conditioning like ING Cafe and Starbucks. I just wish they had some snacky foods, like pita chips, and more lunch-appropriate foods than some prepackaged wraps. I think they also have a back patio but I've never been out there.
Wow, I came to update and am giving it the exact same rating. It's still not 5-star worthy because it feels like a study hall instead of a coffee shop, but I like it a lot more than the last time I gave it four stars, which really begs the question: why the fuck did I give it five stars?
Anyways, I come here more frequently because their coffee is delicious, service is easygoing, and music playing is always awesome. Lately I have grown addicted to their chocolate chip muffins. They sit on the counter and if there is anyone in front of me in line, there is no doubt one of them will wind up in my hand. If there's no one in line, I guess it depends on how wild I'm feeling on that particular morning. Anyways, the coffee is great, but not the best place to hang out unless you can grab an outside table.
I had high hopes for this place when I used to run past it daily prior to its grand opening about a… Read more »
Okay. I want to get this off my chest. This place is a breeding ground for productivity...apparently. I've seen so many open laptops in this place. That being said, it seems like people work inside and socialize outside. I hear no talking inside, maybe because it's like a library in there.
Nevertheless, the coffee is good. Sometimes a bit strong, but so is Starbucks. And the cookies are good too.
I think this place deserves a visit every so often. Just don't be scared off by all the academics (or are they just yelping on those laptops!).
Caution: I'm reviewing Good Karma as a coffee shop where one "studies".
I love Good Karma - they have coffee, pastries, fruit, yogurt, wraps, diet coke, organic beverages, lots of tea, free wifi and relatively ample seating.
The music is always good. The crowd is very Penn graduate student heavy so if you're trying to pick up a future doctor, lawyer, etc. this is the place - kidding, most people are studious and not up for much conversation. Back to the seating. Yes there is technically ample seating but you need to show up at 9am to get a seat! This place is popular!
Also, for better or worse (I think for better) pets are allowed in the cafe. If you live in the neighborhood, Good Karma can also accept packages on your behalf - no more stolen packages!
Warning: cash only but an ATM is on-site.
Their coffee is ok, nothing to write home about. However, they have simple syrup which is great for iced coffee. They also have the best biscotti in the world imho.
the outdoor seating is nice, but they do not have a/c or the a/c is crappy or its a mix.
generally the baristas are also quite pleasant!
the place has steps so it is not wheel chair friendly, but if it was nice out i'm sure you could holler inside and they might bring your coffee out?
Good Karma, as the name suggests, is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. The huge street facing windows allow you watch the world go by while letting in copious amounts of sunlight.
The simple yet important reasons to get yourself a little Good Karma:
- Friendly staff who never rush you. In this age of office-less working, the coffee shops that ask you to limit your table time are missing the boat. Good Karma understands that the longer I'm there, the more I buy. Plus there is always a table available, especially if you're willing to wait a few minutes.
- Laptop love. With free wifi and numerous places to plug in, Good Karma is a great place to work, study and read.
- Open Late. Every now and then its nice to have a social place to hang out at night that isn't a bar. Good Karma serves up the non-alcoholic goodness till 10pm.
The coffee and food are good and free-trade although a bit expensive. The wide variety of baked goods and two daily soups are perfect for a lunch or snack.
The world would be a better place if more business were run with the Good Karma ethos. Pass it around.
This coffee shop set exactly the right atmosphere for a great date. I missed the bus I was hoping to catch, and was late meeting her, but the laid back mood of the shop with wood accents, and relaxed colors really helped me to decompress as I caffeinated myself.
It was busy, but not overcrowded, and the coffee was smooth and flavorful. I highly recommend good karma for the good karma it brought me on my date.
What a nice, nice place. I came in to use their bathroom when I was talking a long walk up Pine toward the Schuylkill Park, and I guess they had just opened when I walked in. Very relaxed, earthy vibe complete with a little fountain and burning incense in the bathroom, barista who was 420'd out of his mind, global music playing and good chai tea.
It's in one of my favorite neighborhoods...I love Fitler Square. This fits right in.
Very zen.
I love this place. It's immaculate, it's zen; I don't know if it's feng shui (or what that even means), but it has that feel.
The owner is super cool and the employees are all nice. The music is different and there is free wifi. It's in a great neighborhood and open fairly late.
I started going when it was brand-new and it's been a treat to see it evolve. I will definitely go back when I'm in Philly next. It's near Fitler Square. The clientele are great, too; an eclectic bunch of students and local folks, some professionals.
The bathroom even has high- and low-flow options for flushing the toilet, a nice nod to the environment. It has an ATM inside since it's cash-only.
Right away, I love that they serve up Equal Exchange coffee - which is always awesome coffee in my book. The two flush options on the toilet in the bathroom is kind of amazing. But the clientele - oh, the clientele. It's your typical Rittenhouse/Fitler Square yuppies taking up all the tables with their MacBookPros and cute little toy dogs.
The other con of this place was when I recently stopped in, the music playing was abysmal, to say the least. It's as if whomever put on a mix CD was stuck in the 90's. There's a lot of good music from the decade - but when you're playing Paula Cole and Smash Mouth in your cafe, you've really got to re-evaluate your musical tastes. I think I threw up in the back of my mouth a little bit.
Don't me wrong, though - Good Karma is a beautiful space, and the coffee is A+. The crowd - and the musical selections - aren't exactly my bag. But it's definitely the first place I'll stop when back in the neighborhood.
Given the current situation I'm in I found myself in need of a little good karma. So when I found out that I could seek out by name I was above psyched. And in the end I think I came across another great Philly Coffeehouse find.
The outdoor seating looked inviting, but the Yellow interior with the cool artwork was equally enticing. So where to sit was a dilemma that I was happy to find myself in for a change, and at least both where equally accommodating.
But this is a place that has plenty to love. Equal Exchange coffee, a good variety of other drinks, Free Wi Fi, delicious food, and some of the best service I've ever received. You'll be feeling that Good Karma from the moment you enter to when you leave.
I set up shop here recently when I had a bunch of work to crank out, and it was a great experience. Not only was the coffee delicious, but the staff was gracious and the atmosphere was really cute. And the bathrooms were a sight to behold! It's worth going here for the toilet alone; I've never seen one with two flush buttons (one for low flow, one for high intensity. Uhhh, ok...).
It's on the small side, so without earphones you'll hear the conversations of other customers going on. However, because of the close quarters I made a new friend and gabbed about our city. Good karma, indeed.
Now, I may be slightly partial to this cafe because I used to work with David, but I have found myself making the 15-block walk there versus to the Starbucks down the block because of the atmosphere. The staff is friendly, the interior is bright and inviting, and something about the use of "good for the earth" recyclable materials as the table tops, etc. makes the environment that much more warm. It's the perfect place to get a cup of tea or coffee and read that book you haven't found the time to finish.
Other positives: delicious wraps, dog-friendly, aesthetically pleasing decor...
Be aware, though, that seating can be hard to come by during peak times.
Definitely pleasant staff and good coffee. Sandwiches leave a little to be desired. Internet there is very reliable.
FYI: it can get very hot on a summer day since the AC barely works...
GKC's website declares, "[w]e here at the Good Karma Cafe understand the importance of community, both locally and globally speaking. From active recycling to wind energy to green materials, Good Karma means making the right choices with the future in mind."
I love seeing the emergence of more and more community-oriented, non-chain business using local ingredients and am all too happy to support them.
I spoke with GKC's owner, David Arrell, this morning and his vision for the cafe is to create a bright, airy space that encourages community. The focus is on the cafe's steamy drinks and David is steering clear of making heavier foods like paninis due to the "off-smells" they would produce. That said, GKC has bagel-type food, sweets made by local businesses including Liz Begosh's incredible fudge (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), and will have salads made using locally-grown greens and veggies. David is finalizing GKC's menu, so if you have any suggestions, now is a good time to pop in and give your two cents while picking up a delicious steaming cup of fair-trade coffee.
The vibe at GKC is light and airy, the art on the walls is bright and happy, and the staff and clientle are warm and inviting-- David just opened his doors on 3/4, so pop in and welcome him to the neighborhood!
(free internet)
Great coffee in a chill atmosphere.
It's always good to support local cafes instead of the "big boys." This place is really cool to boot.
I love how inviting it is when you walk in. Nice decor, good lighting. There are lots of tables, if you can beat the masses who come to enjoy the free WiFi at this local hotspot.
The coffee is pretty good, and even better is that it is purchased from Equal Exchange, which supports smaller farmers. What's not to like about that!
There are lots of organic products like yogurts and drinks for sale as well. I haven't had the food there as yet, but I'm sure its not bad from reading other reviews of this place. Everyone is really nice there. Service has always been good when I go.
Take a vacation from the 'Bucks and come for a little Good Karma!
This is a great little coffee spot. The coffee itself is just fine, but not in any way bad. The prices could be a little better, fine. But those are outweighed by its sunny space, community-building focus, and green aesthetic. I love this place.
Good Karma is cosy! The coffee is great and it's in a great location. I especially love places that leave a dog bowl out for the canine clients alike. After all, if today's trendy coffee drinker could not come into a coffeehouse with their "Date Bait" dog, then they wouldn't be able to place their uber-ridiculous coffee order thus the establishment would not be able to overcharge them for placing such a ridiculous order. "Balance Jackie, All Balance"! All of that aside, I enjoyed a nice sit outside at Good Karma and felt just a little bit better about my day. And that's Good Karma.
I would visit this place at least once a week when I lived in the neighborhood. The staff was always uber friendly, the coffee was perfect (and fair trade), the stock & atmosphere is just generally eco-friendly & organic, and best of all, they have spicy chai tea. I love the vegan PB sandwich cookies, and I'm a staunch omnivore. The wraps are decent, for being refrigerated. Of course, any place that's pet friendly gets a bonus point from me.
As for the crowd...unless you're flinging your J.Crew sandals at me, talking loudly on your cell phone about how much money you made on your last deal, making lewd faces at me through your Armani sunglasses, or a variety thereof, I'm not bothered. My only minor complaint is that it can be crowded and therefore a little loud with chatter, so it might not be the best place to relax and read a book on the weekends.
However, last I heard there's hope for those who need some quiet and peace. There was a plan in the works to turn the outdoor space in the back into a zen garden - no cell phones or loud talking allowed.
pros:
good wraps, decent coffee, awesome selection of yogi teas.
cons:
the customers. this place is often filled with buttholes that type only when you are looking at them. they appear to be stressing over the next great american novel or screenplay. and they often lean over and ask, "hey, what are you studying/reading?", only to blab about what theyre doing.
another con though, is that good karma does not take cards. bastards.
come for the puppy-fix, the free wifi, and a conversation with the baristas. if youre planning on studying/reading, sit next to someone without a lappy, and then put on ze headphones.
Politics: A+
Aesthetics: great!
Service: excellent!
Coffee: between orgasmic and flat lackluster bitter- depends on the blend
Espresso drinks: a bit overpriced (why is the Americano more expensive than La Colomb's at Rittenhouse? I'm sure their rent is higher)
But overall, my favorite in the 5 block radius (am not a LaVa fan).
Looking forward to the garden seating that may open Spring '09.
Good coffee, cute place, relaxed patrons, and the barista told me my dress was pretty. C'est bon!
cute place. chill music. outdoor seating so i can smoke away the morning lethargy as i sip my coffee. not bad prices for coffee and it's tasty, but 2 dollars for a muffin? forget that shit. guess i won't be trying their pastries anytime soon, at least until the next couple of paychecks pile up enough.
the barista was super friendly and cool though. i'll be back.
so there's the good: the boy working there was cute and, even better, amusing; the baked goods were even cuter and seriously yummy than he was amusing, and the coffee hit the spot.
the bad: it's often crowded and my wireless was kind of spotty. once i snagged an outdoor table, i had a lovely view of those richer than i (pretend to be) jogging and walking their pedigreed pooches hand in hand. i like dogs, though, a lot. so maybe the real bad is more the people who filled the place? i mean, they don't talk to each other, which is probably a good thing, because the two cell phones conversations i couldn't help but hear involved a post-jock verbally high-fiving himself for his business prowess and girl utterly torn about whether or not to eat carbs at an upcoming Penn BBQ. but i didn't have to talk to them, which was nice.
Pleasant neighborhood cafe. With an emphasis on neighborhood. They are kind enough to accept your UPS and FedEx packages. I've only ever had their coffee, no espresso or specialty drinks, but I really like it. I've bought whole beans there and they were some of the freshest and most flavorful i've ever had. A bit more expensive than some, but It's fair-trade and tax-free. The staff is very pleasant and attentive, and I usually hear good music while I'm there. Wish I had more time to spend there, rather than just stopping in on my way to work.
so adorable! i love the big sunny window and recycled wood tables. outlets aplenty and happy citrus colored walls.
the coffee is tasty and all fair trade coffee. lots of tea and drink options as well (what? bolthouse farms beverages? be still my heart!)...and nummie looking pastries (vegan and vegetarian options aplenty) that i know if i eat, will make me a heepo.
but yes, i will be back.
This place is fairly new, but already has seemed to established a list of faithful customers. You can tell by dropping in for a quick iced coffee or one of their delicious wraps that it can get a bit crowded during certain parts of the day. The atmosphere is great and a lot of light inside, so it's very inviting to sit down and stay a bit. The second time I came here, my boyfriend and I decided to get quick iced drinks to go and thought we had enough cash for ourselves. We hardly carry cash with us, but today seemed an exception. Well, turns out we were about 45 cents short. We felt slightly embarrassed for our lack of spare change, but the man behind the counter informed us that he was the owner and being said owner had the liberty of doing whatever he wanted and that a mere 45 cents was no problem and gave us our drinks. As you and I both know, 45 cents is not really that horrible -- but I loved his laid back attitude and excellent service and light conversation. He was very friendly and we both knew that we would come back again because of the attention and positive attitude towards their customers. Oh, and yes those drinks were delicious :)
I do like this place quite a bit- the baristas are super nice, and the decor is also great. But it is too warm here in the summer, as the air conditioner is often never or barely on. It's a shame that you either have to freeze your butt off swelter in philly coffee shops in the summer, but those seem to be the only options. I know that running an A/C is expensive, but there's no reason we should be sweaty while they try to study,
not a place to go during summer---will get headache after 10 minutes...hot and noisy!!!! hooottttttttttt and noisyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Desserts
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Category: Coffee & Tea
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