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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Northern LibertiesMon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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I've been a NoLibs resident for 7 months now and have been meaning to check out One Shot. My husband and I walk past every day and I've always been smitten with the atmosphere of it. I have to admit, I'm usually weary about "Mom and Pop" coffee shops because they oftentimes don't have the anonymity of a big chain like Starbucks, and they usually have less than stellar service. Which reminds me of Rocket Cat in Fishtown...must review that place...
The hubby and I spent several hours at One Shot today. I got a peppermint tea that was delicious- but I haven't really had any peppermint teas I haven't liked. But I will say that loose tea is so chic. We then got a couple sandwiches. He had the Goobler, and I had something called the Big Buck. They both had turkey, and the Big Buck also had honey ham and capers. Definitely tasty.
And what I liked most? I could sit and get some work done. This place definitely beats Rocket Cat and Old City coffee. I just may stop wishing there was a Starbucks in NoLibs...
One shot is a good summer coffee spot because there iced coffee and iced mocha are really good. Their hot espresso drinks, however, are not. I ordered one once and haven't since. More recently, I tried a friend's; it reminded me to stick to my guns. I haven't had their regular hot coffee, but one of these days I'll give it a try.
What I am totally obsessed with is Will's Bagel. Honey, cream cheese, and almonds. Get it on a cinnamon raisin bagel. So good! I make these at home now on weekdays, but they're much better here.
I drop in here every so often for coffee or tea, sometimes in the mornings and sometimes at night. I never know what to expect when I get there.
My main beef with coffee shops in general is that the person behind the counter usually looks at you as though you're inconveniencing them by ordering something. I get a version of that every time I go in--they're either annoyed or busy chatting up their friends. Whatever. Once they notice you, it's not so bad and the coffee is pretty good, the lattes are great, and the tea selection is nice.
The seating arrangement, three couches taking up most of the room and limited tables, isn't the best use of space I've ever seen but it's comfy.
So while working at the Natural Pet Expo last Sunday with a rescue group, I was in need of a caffeine pick me up somewhere about mid-day. Lucky me, One Shot was about half a block away. I staggered in (pretty much literally) and ordered a coffee.
Despite any of the negative reviews on here, the staff was all super friendly to me and the coffee was just fine (I'm not a huge coffee connoisseur, so that's about all I can say). I actually really loved the decor and the "vibe" of the place, and was sorry I wasn't able to sit on the comfy couches and stay a while. The shop was busy, but not overcrowded, and everyone seemed just as happy as I was!
Stopped by One Shot yesterday morning. Not my first visit, but the first time I really made it a point to take in the whole experience rather than just grab something and go.
I definitely dig the vibe and character of the shop itself. The old Frogger machine, book selection, bike wheels as shelf-ends, and hodge-podge furniture make it super homey. I can't say anything good or bad about the service, really. There were four baristas behind the counter, two of which helped us and two seemed to be training. They certainly weren't abrasive or rude as some reviews have claimed, but didn't make much of an impression either. Both of the bagels we had were great - mine had an amazing pumpkin butter on it.
As for the coffee, we had mixed results. My girlfriend had a pumpkin latte, which looked worthy of a magazine cover or advertisement of some kind. One of my favorite things about independent coffee shops is the creativity and craftsmanship that is allowed to go into such works of art. I couldn't taste much coffee flavor in her drink, mostly just pumpkin and milk. But that's why it was her drink. I ordered a double macchiatto. Appearance was pleasing. The foam was velvety smooth, no bubbles. The barista making both our drinks was clearly an ace with the milk steaming. Unfortunately, the espresso was the worst I've ever tasted. Not sure if it was the beans, barista, or the equipment but I was very disappointed.
Cozy place to hang out. I'll have to give the espresso a second chance another time.
Like home.
Sweet, sweet staff. I love them and they love me (or so it seems).
I don't really dig on bitches who…
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One Shot is great if you don't go there for coffee. The sandwiches are great, making it an excellent spot for a quick brunch. The coffee, on the other hand, tastes like they need to clean the percolators out -- very stale and bland tasting.
I'm all for the rotating art showcases, which add a bit of ambiance. It just seems that as a coffee place they should focus more on coffee.
I find it hard to review coffee shops. It's kind of like reviewing a movie - how you feel about it is not only based on THEIR effort, the cinematography, the writing, the casting, etc etc... it's also based on everything you've been through in your life up until the day you see the movie. Reviewing coffee shops - not an objective practice in any way. The reviews help, sure, especially if all 30 of them say, "I got food poisoning from the camembert quiche." Sure, take THEM to heart. But don't weigh too heavily in general.
That said, let me get down from my soap box and talk about One Shot. I really like it there. Sometimes, I am treated like a queen (mostly, when I go see my beautiful friend Kelly who I love a lot and who I think is a great barista), and sometimes I am treated like a slightly annoying citizen. But that's life, and I do not need my ass kissed 24/7, even in the service industry. (If you think a barista's job is to make you feel like the most important little latte drinking princess in the world, I suggest you buy a coffee maker.) The coffee/espresso is lovely and does what it's supposed to, like a charm. The food is inventive and consistently prepared, and the prices are competitive. The music is enjoyable and the vibe is deliciously relaxed, especially for a shop that resides in a shiny, glossed over, gentrified mini-mall in the middle of a neighborhood halfway between Hipster Heaven and Get Out, We Were Here First. I like when the sun spills into the windows onto the slouchy, old furniture. I like to go when I can't look at my work laptop anymore and I need a tiny little dose of Yay Life Rules. So, from a totally biased perspective, influenced by every other coffee shop I've ever been to (or worked in, god help me), I highly recommend One Shot.
When I'm at Liberties Walk and need a caffeine fix, this place does the trick. I've only ever had iced coffee, and I can't complain. They set up tables outside in warm weather, which is always nice.
I normally wouldn't seek out 1 shot, but it's the only coffeeshop I know of in the Walk, and it's convenient, so I've developed a habit of stopping in.
There's no moderation in reviewing this place, apparently. Weird!?
I like it. I get made fun of by my friends for being that girl that lives in Northern Liberties and drinks coffee in the bougie promenade. But I think the coffee is damn good. And it's intelligentsia (this is a good thing for all of you bleeding heart liberals out there).
And the food? Rockstar quality. I've had the pesto, mozz, tomato baguette and a serious bagel (pesto, olive oil, sundried tomatoes, and pine nuts). Both were insanely delicious.
I guess I thought the service was normal. Not too friendly but not rude. I can't really complain when I'm not traveling and working from home I have to find a coffee shop that will let me camp out for 5 hours minimum. So far they seem to be cool with that.
Only real complaint - cheaper refills? is that just not a philly thing? it's lame.
OK, so very expensive items, beyond crappy service....
i continue to b amazed by SUBTLE racism, sexism, ageism (and the list could go on) in amerikka... i mean, it exist, even if people want 2 keep saying in the "land of the free" it doesn't....
what does that have 2 do with this very special place? well, whenever in the area, this former customer, buys the shops very overly priced vegan treats, but they happen to be out of them yesterday. so, the fine lady behind the counter, came outside of the shop and told this former customer and 3 children (1 small infant) that they could not sit at the tables outside of her shop with pizza (children choice of food), even though the aforementioned former customer brings her same children, to the shop for vegan treats, because it might scare other customers away seeing the children there with a pizza box and she doesn't serve pizza.
hunh? what?!
mind you, when the former customer went in, she perused the baking area and asked about the vegan oreo brownies and the freshness of the cookies; but maybe she didn't notice the former customer actually wanted 2 purchase something because she was so busy being cynical and snide, they were just out of vegan items other than their staple cookies (which the former customer had tried all of).
i believe the fine rude lady identified herself as the "owner" and had the nerve 2 try and come out and speak to other customers after the incident occurred and the children were removed from "her" tables and the former customer addressed her about her inappropriate lack of customer service or sensitivity to ALL her customers, which i am not, and have put the word out with friends and others alike: this place really doesn't deserve quality customers since it lacks such quality customer service for ALL, NO MATTER SKIN COLOR OR OTHER PRESENTATION!
The guys working here are always friendly; they've even given me good directions to my next destination. The coffee is decent, but their specialty drinks are a little too sweet for me. Bagel sandwiches, yum yum yum. The space is cute, sunshine-y, and not at all cramped. But, here are the the real reasons I love One Shot.
Bathroom decor- Good morning, elephant! Howdy, panther! Why Hello there SLOTH! It's great to see you all today! Won't you jump off the wall and follow me? I love this magical land...
Book selection- good solid lazy day novels, some classic literature, poetry, feminist readings, kiddie books, homemade books, EROTICA. Oh yes, I will spend my Saturday reading classic erotic tales and "Down and Dirty Short Erotic Stories". Yes, yes, yes I will.
One Shot = pure weekend happiness.
One can usually find me taking up couch space in the center of One Shot on any given Sat/Sun morning. My usual is 2 shots over ice and a garden bagel (which I've been known to drive across town to get my hands on). Other favs include the pumkin explosion bagel, these wicked good vegan donuts and the mozz, pesto and tomato baguette (grilled).
The staff is killer and well trained to pull a perfect shot, the music is always just right for the time of day/week. There's also a great selection of magazines and books to check out.
It's one of the best coffee shops in Philly and the hands down winner in the North Portfishington vicinity.
there are so many great coffee shops you can relax in - this one is not worth it. the coffee is bland and the service is unfriendly.
Kinda bummed on a lot of this negativity. One Shot has a nice vibe, strong espresso, and above-average food. The location is also cool because I think it adds to the chillness of the store. During the school year, this is by far my favorite studying spot: the strong espresso as mentioned above, and no one has EVER made me feel uncomfortable for spreading out the world's most boring statistics assignments over one or more tables. ALSO, they take credit cards!
I'd love to love One Shot but I but I find myself in a quandary. The food is original, fresh and delicious. The service - contrary to many other reviews - is friendly, prompt, and courteous. It's just that the coffee is meh at best. Often times it seems that they're using a burnt roast akin to the big guys (they know who they are).
One Shot's location is prime in the upstart Liberties Walk shopping area in NoLibs. Liberties Walk presides over many of my favorite (and soon to be reviewed) establishments in the city. These include the stellar Trophy Bike Garage, Liberties Walk Dry Cleaners, Home Slice and not to mention Bar Ferdinand and Full Plate Cafe. That said, it is a fitting destination for many of life's necessities. Such a destination requires a top notch coffee shop or at least a top notch *cup* of coffee. One Shot has the potential to be great but it's missing that one element albeit an important one.
Note to One Shot: Fishtown's Rocket Cat carries Old City coffee and they really know how to brew it. Unfortunately, Rocket Cat sucks in every other aspect. Maybe look to step it up in the flagship product department and you'll kick out a couple more stars.
In the land of so many good coffee shops you usually only have 1 shot to impress me. But with so many awesome latte varieties I think I might just be willing to give them at least 50.
I'm giving it three stars not so much for wonky service or bad coffeehouse options. It just merits 3 because when it comes to NoLibs Higher Grounds and Arbol offer a lot more qualities that 1 Shot comes up short on. And both are a lot more spacious. So I feel that giving here a higher rating would lead people astray.
But 1 Shot does deliver on some great flavored lattes and offer's up some decent service (not all the time from the sound of other reviews, but the guy that helped me out was awesome). I had a hard time choosing at first, But decided to give the Irish Car Bomb Latte a try in honor of Dave H. There was no Guiness involved, but the Irish cream syrup in it was pretty potent. The fact that it's in Liberties Walk also makes it a worthy spot for some people watching. I'll be back.
Sounds like this shop has had some rough times, but I think it has turned around since the early reviews.
Every time I go in they are nice and friendly. Their coffee is good, I've never tried all their interesting sounding flavored drinks though.
I love the food here - bagels and sandwiches - it is deliciously tasty and fun.
The drawback is that their food takes a while - but you just need to enjoy the outdoor tables or cute coffee shop decor and wait! Not a big deal.
See you there! I have the cute big white American Bulldog!
came upon this great, comfy, little cafe in the beautiful new complex in No. Liberties. Had a wonderful coffee, a seat on the couch, and a pleasantly content sunday. DIdn't try the bagels, but they looked and sounded amazing. I'll be sure to stop back.
One Shot's greatest feature is its atmosphere: it is a cozy, warm, welcoming and friendly neighborhood coffee shop. You can tell the owner is most concerned about making a comfortable social space for the locals (and the visitors!). Local artists are supported and people are often welcomed by name in the shop.
Even more surprising is how good the food is. Typically coffee shop food is edible, but an afterthought. Here the bagels, sandwiches, and baked goods are really, really tasty. And they have a sandwich with FLUFF! Seriously? What more do you need to know?
Oh, the coffee. It's actually a little strong for me, but I buzz easily. I stick to the steamed milk with honey, which is wonderful. Come by, but don't take my spot.
Edit on 4/18: Oh no. Oh no, no, no. For some reason, One Shot has hired my dad to choose the musical selections on the weekends. "Crocodile Rock" followed up by "Stairway", Please fire my dad.
This place had a frogger cocktail table (one of those sit down arcade games). But it wasn't working.
Other than that fact, it is almost the exact same as Higher Grounds coffee just with less space. Oh, and their coffee is more expensive. I guess rent on Liberties Walk is really high.
Wow! There are clearly some strong feelings on the site about this place. Based on my experiences with the cafe, which have been scattered over the last few weeks, I can't really justify giving it anything less three stars -- and perhaps I would've given it four if I hadn't read the other reviewers.
The coffee was swell. Lately, I'm just drinking a lot of plain coffee with cream and sugar, so perhaps there's not much to say about a plain old cup of coffee.
The atmosphere has always seemed delightfully hip to me. There's a pretty book collection in one corner, and the girl that served me the most recent time claimed to be fasting "because it's very spiritual." She said she was going on her tenth day. I dunno, but it just seems right that these Dharma types should be the ones making my coffee in the morning (or, to be honest, in the early afternoon.)
I stopped in 1 Shot yesterday when I was down at Liberties Walk and desperate for some caffeine and a snack. The woman behind the counter didn't acknowledge me until I had been standing there patiently for at least 5 minutes. She then took my order and continued to make the other customer's bagel...which turned out to be not what she had ordered. The customer was annoyed, I was about to pass out and the employee didn't really seem concerned, but at that point she asked me if I wanted the bagel for free since she would just have to throw it out. I thought that was very nice, and from there she proceeded to make my latte, which was not great but not offensive, either. Once she registered that I was there I felt like the service was good but it got off to a rocky start...I was actually standing in line crafting my Yelp review as I waited and then mentally revised it when she treated me a little better.
All in all, this seems like a decent place to go if you're on Liberties Walk and gotta have a cup of coffee, but I'm not sure if I'd go out of my way to grab a bite there. That's too bad, because the shop itself is so cute and there were some interesting people hanging out. Maybe if I'm back over that way I'll stop in again and give it "1" more "shot" (sorry- bad pun but I couldn't resist!).
I've always been treated well here. It's comfortable. Good selection of magazines and wireless. I really like the tea drinks, hot and iced. I visit often.
Solid coffee (inteligensia, I think?) Great lattes. Service leaves something to be desired.
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighborhood: Kensington
Category: Pubs
Philadelphia, PA
Category: Restaurants
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