Slightly disturbing (if not at all surprising) news from the Wall Street Journal: Apparently, in order to help increase efficiency, Scott Heydon, Vice President of Starbucks‘ Global Strategy Dept. is employing Japanese-style robotic reorganizing of the counter area. The more we read about all these Brave New World-esque policies being implemented – “lean efficiency techniques” that will allow each barista an entire 8 seconds of “chit-chat time”, not to mention Heydon’s quote that the company is “[...] on a never ending quest to get to perfection,” – the more creeped out we get. We’ve already lamented the pitiful iced-coffee situation at Wawa, so in the spirit of finding a decent cold caffeinated beverage with some more local flavor, here is a very short list* a few of our personal favorite alternatives to Big Coffee.
· The Bean Cafe 615 South Street, (215) 629-2250
We’re not sure why, but the Bean Cafe on South Street evokes very strong feelings in one of our interns here, namely because she spent much of her angst-filled youth chain-smoking and reading (what she hoped were impressive) piles of books at this establishment. It’s open pretty late, has really cute baristas, and is always showcasing local art on the walls.
· Old City Coffee 221 Church Street, (215) 629-9292
This locally bred coffee shop has been going strong for 25 years now. Started by Ruth Isaac as a one-person operation in 1984, it quickly opened its Reading Terminal Market branch as well. With an information-filled website and a knowledgeable staff, Old City Coffee is a connoisseur’s coffee shop.
· The Last Drop 1300 Pine Street, (215) 893-9262
The Last Drop is an ideal place to meet someone for a lengthy chat, or sit around for a rainy afternoon (which we’ve seen a lot of so far this year). My personal favorite online review simply states, and I quote “IIGHT PLACE … JUST KINDA WHATEVA. MAD NERDZ.” – pretty much sums it up I guess (except for the “just kinda whateva” part).
· The White Dog Cafe 3420 Sansom Street, (215) 386-9224
The White Dog Cafe has the perfect blend of homey cozy feel, excellent food, and local, community-based activism. Add cool local history to that mix and you’ve officially won our hearts.
* It goes without saying, of course, that if there’s a chance in any of this to point your cab in the direction of La Colombe, you should absolutely probably do that.
