La Colombe - CLOSED

4.5 star rating
25 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

4360 Main St
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Neighborhoods: Manayunk, Roxborough
(215) 483-4580
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Paninis are yummy for lunch, but it's the coffee I go for." (in 5 reviews)
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"Second Carrie's comment re: European feel." (in 3 reviews)
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"You got coffee, expresso, latte, and cappuchino." (in 4 reviews)
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25 reviews in English

  • Review from Jessica T.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/30/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    ACK!!  Felicia, help!  This LaC is definitely not closed.

    $3.50 for a soy latte (no upcharge for soy!) - served at the perfect temperature, rich, smooth w/ a beautiful little cloud on top - makes working 14+ hr days slightly more tolerable.

    Mmmm....

    Listed in: Manayunk 9-5

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      10/12/2009

      I used to need 4-5 cups a day to stay awake so I decided to stop drinking coffee.  Unfortunately, I… Read more »

  • Review from Carrie E.

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    • 1658 friends
    • 472 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    1/14/2008 1 photo

    The debate over where to get the best cup of coffee in Philadelphia is never-ending, and I don't expect this review to magically put an end to it. That said, La Colombe is a serious contender not just because they make a beautiful beverage but because they also do it with a sophistication that few coffee shops even think about.

    Everything about La Colombe reminds me of the European cafe experience, from the mahogany counter to the artisan mugs and dishes. Their lattes are thick and creamy and I savor every sip. Unless it's terribly crowded (which it can be, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning) you can usually get a seat for some prime Main Street people watching.

  • Review from Ilana R.

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    • 27 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    6/7/2011

    LOOOVE this place....its what gets me out and convinces me that living in Manayunk once again was the right choice!!!! Yes, they don't yet make cuban coffee like in Miami, but the latte's are soo good.  I love both the Rittenhouse and Manayunk locations.  Puts a smile on my face everytime they make the pretty design on my coffee foam.  Definitely a place to enjoy good coffee, great pastries and wonderful lunch paninis.

  • Review from Sasha R.

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    • 97 friends
    • 243 reviews

    Dartmouth, MA

    5.0 star rating
    2/2/2008

    OH, La Colombe, old friend!  Can you please move to where I am now?

    Simple, unpretentious, delicious coffee served in REAL cups, not that cardboard disaster with the sucking hole on top...  Forget the half-caf-half-decaf-twist-of limon-macchiato with dollop of whipped cream...  You got coffee, expresso, latte, and cappuchino.   I used to come here and study over a delicious cappuchino, and I hold all cappuchinos against that high standard now.

    Delicious selection of pressed paninis, too - which they don't have in the Center City location - and the occasional baked good if you're craving a sweet.

    Second Carrie's comment re: European feel.  Very much so.

    Please move to Boston, La Colombe!

  • Review from Heather F.

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    • 10 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2008

    I really like this place.  When the weather is nice, they open up the windows to Main Street, and a nice breeze comes in.  It's great.  

    I really like the coffee.  I'm a coffee snob, so I'm hard to please.  But note that they only have one size.  They don't do "large", or "small"...."venti" or "grande."  You just get a drink.  I'm happy with it, but it could bother some folks.  

    And you can't buy any of those silly "mint frappa mocha blah blah blahs with whip cream and a cherry on top" type of drinks.  Just the normal drinks - lattes, teas, iced coffee, espresso, regular coffee, etc.  

    Their panini sandwiches are delicious!  They have great biscotti, too, but sometimes they don't have enough of a supply and they run out.  :(  

    They just started accepting credit cards, which is convenient.

  • Review from Justin K.

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    • 29 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    2/11/2010 1 Check-in Here

    My ideal Sunday consists of leaving my place to walk down to Main Street Manayunk and into La Colombe for a cafe mocha.  With high ceilings, artsy and tiled tables, and towering windows looking out on Main St, it's an awesome place to sit down, people-watch, read the paper and start the day.

    I'm no coffee connoisseur, but their coffee just tastes great.  They offer a simple menu... almost too simple.  Don't come here if you want lots of options; their drink selection and food offerings strike me as pretty bare, but the quality of the joe seems to make up for it.

    La Colombe Manayunk is especially great in the summertime.  They throw the windows open and Main Street seems to literally pour in and out of the cafe.  Starbucks and Saxbys can try all they want to replicate the European cafe, but La Colombe makes it happen!

  • Review from Bettie M.

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    • 15 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    10/4/2010

    Our institution of caffination.  When I travel, I pray for local coffees to be as rich and tone driven as what i enjoy every day at La Colombe.  Portland's (and recently Brooklyn) Stumptown, your black eyed siren songs serenades me the between the two.

  • Review from Christopher R.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    5/20/2010

    All of the comforts of the Rittenhouse location with nary a patron who comports to the Rittenhouse stereotypes.

  • Review from Laura E.

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    • 32 friends
    • 49 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    1/19/2010

    This cash only coffee bar may seem a little pretencious, but being located near Rittenhouse Square, this established cafe offers freshly brewed coffee and artistic frothy drinks. If your looking for a relaxing mid-morning break, grab a cup of coffee accompanied with a freshly baked pastery delivered fresh from Metropolitan Bakery. Unlike other local cafes La Colombe doesn't offer free wi-fi.

  • Review from Carrie G.

    Houston, TX

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/30/2010

    I have recently gotten into the habit of stopping by La Colombe after lunch for an iced tea. They brew three flavors daily, including classic black tea, green tea ("Spring Melody"), and some sort of fruity/herbal tea. Their orange-grapefruit and strawberry-bergamot are to die for!

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/1/2010

      I frequently stop by La Colombe on my way to the office. There's nothing like opening the front door… Read more »

  • Review from Ritu K.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    4/20/2009

    I love the fact that this place emphasizes simple coffee drinks. No mocha frappuchinos here....The emphasis is on the coffee itself and if you enjoy coffee you will not be disappointed. Their cappuchinos are delic. Reminds me of cappuchinos in Europe. Just the right amount of foam on the drink and the espresso has just the right flavor! Their whole beans are equally as good if you want to continue the experience at home. Yummy simple paninis, croissants, brioches are way better than the packaged treats at Starbucks. Oh they're also dog friendly- huge bonus!!!!!!!

  • Review from Hunter B.

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    • 111 friends
    • 177 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    1/26/2008

    I don't drink coffee, so I can't speak to the coffee here. BUT if you're in the mood for a hot chocolate, duck into La Colombe and get one of theirs. It's made from unsweetened chocolate and milk, so you'll want to add some raw sugar to it. Then you're good to go. This creamy, rich and delectable treat is the perfect companion for a winter afternoon on Main Street.

  • Review from Mark P.

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    • 5 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Gladwyne, PA

    5.0 star rating
    6/6/2010

    I love, love, love their coffee. IMHO the best in the city by far. The establishment in Manayunk is quintessential coffee shop. Big one windows and art on the walls that turns over occasionally. Paninis are yummy for lunch, but it's the coffee I go for.

  • Review from Aubrey H.

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    • 17 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    1/13/2010

    I think the coffee is great... but as for a coffee shop atmosphere they are missing outlets and internet!  I prefer their coffee BY FAR... but Saxby's has free wireless internet, so alas, I choose that place over La Colombe!

  • Review from Marissa C.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    3/29/2010

    If you love a nice cup of bold coffee and friendly, personal service this is the place to go on Main Street. It's a gorgeous little shop with a nice big window facing Main.

  • Review from rico b.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    5/1/2011

    best coffee in manayunk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Review from Ashley T.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    7/14/2010

    Too cold in winter, not good for studying at all, and sometimes the atmosphere feels a little stuffy, but they do make a mean cappuccino!

  • Review from Miki S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    4/4/2009

    I truly believe this is absolutely the best decaf coffee Anywhere (...i've been, including europe, carib...)! The beans are roasted just perfectly, not burned like starbucks, or insipid like mostly anywhere else. And i've never been anywhere else where they make the decaf to order! Just love this place, great crew, paninis, outdoor seating, and perfect for breakfast meetings.

  • Review from Mike M.

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    • 9 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Miami, FL

    5.0 star rating
    3/27/2009

    The coffee is amazing. I now live in Miami, so my caffeine fix often comes in the form of coladas or cafes con leche, and I don;t know how La Colombe would lend itself to those, but as far as American coffee, La Colombe is tops. If you live in the area, its defiitely a pleasant experience to grab a cup and stroll around on Main, though, as someone else has already noted, beware the spandex-clad douchebag crew that infests the entire Manayunk/East Falls area.

  • Review from Maxwell S.

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    • 40 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2010

    This was my favorite place for so long. I used to work right on the same street. Everyone there was so friendly to me. They new my name and they would ask me if I want to usual. Which is always kind of cool just because. I moved to a different area but I miss the employees. They were really so sweet all the time. I loved going there on my little lunch break. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a friendly rapport.

  • Review from ben s.

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    • 3 friends
    • 18 reviews

    New York, NY

    3.0 star rating
    3/20/2010

    Oddly, the food was better than the coffee. The salads and sandwiches are fresh and generously portioned, however the coffee was lackluster and bitter. The cinnamon roll was out of this world. Perhaps the espresso drinks are of a higher caliber than their drip coffee, but as a barista, your drip is your backbone, so you better make sure it's rock solid. Otherwise you're Starbucks

  • Review from mike b.

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    • 2 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    2/23/2009

    Flat out best coffee ever...and all the staff are truly friendly and knowledgeable. now if only we could get rid of the sunday morning cyclists in their skin tight spandex, ugh.

  • Review from N V.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    9/16/2009

    The finest blend of service and coffee on Main Street! Plus the only business that rounds their prices to the nearest 50th cent (tax included).

  • Review from Cristin m.

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    • 25 friends
    • 96 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    1.0 star rating
    3/24/2008

    La Colombe may be a great place for the dairy-lover, but one morning I found myself in desperate need of a latte and closest to La colombe.   I was in a rush, but I parked my car and ran inside for my favorite Soy Latte and they told me they don't have soy milk!  I believe my words then were "my life is ruined!"  Dramatic I know, but that's exactly how I felt at that moment knowing I would not have time to stop by my trusty Starbucks for one of their delicious Soy Lattes.  I still don't understand why they wouldn't have soymilk, but it looks like I'll never be going back there!

  • Review from Vince T.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    9/3/2009

    This is where you go for coffee in Manayunk.  But the secret here is the high quality pastries.  These are honestly the best pastries in the entire city.  The pain au chocolat, cinnamon rolls (which are nothing like any other I've had), and brioche rolls are to die for.

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