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    Alif Brew & Mini Mart

    4.9 (52 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    ALIF BREW & MINI MART ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Alif Brew & Mini Mart

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    Interior
    Katie S.

    Alif Brew & Mini Mart is a grocery store mixed with a cafe, serving up Ethiopian eats. The injera platters and wraps are delicious options. --- The casual eatery has a wide variety of typical cafe drinks (coffee, tea, chai) along with Ethiopian foods and drinks. The grocery section is stocked with a variety of spices, snacks, and home goods . You order and pay at the counter and take your food to go or for dine in. I got the injera Everything Platter, chicken injera wrap and vegetable injera wrap. Our food came out fairly quick (~ 10 minutes), which was impressive as there was only one individual taking orders and prepping them, and it was so busy! We self-seated at one of the tables. There are ~ 10 small tables and ~ 5 seats for counter seating. Alif Brew was fairly quiet, despite how busy it was, and there is free WiFi for patrons. I shared the Everything Platter (chicken, beef, and side of vegetables) between two people and we found it to be a good portion to get comfortably full, but not stuffed. The variety of vegetables in the platter was enjoyable, but my favorites on the platter were the cabbage, chickpeas, and beef. I found some pieces of beef were a little tough, but it had good flavor so I didn't mind too much. The teff injera wraps were the right spongey texture and sourness, and I only wish there was more on the plate. I would definitely order this again. The chicken and vegetarian injera wraps were essentially different contents from the Everything Platter, but now in wrap form. I didn't really enjoy how mushy the wraps got since I took these to go. They ended up not holding their structure well when taking bites. I would definitely only recommend ordering the injera wraps if they can be eaten fresh or near fresh! However, I would order these again for sure, as well, since the filling was delicious. Overall, I had a great, no-fuss experience at Alif Brew and I'm sad I didn't try it earlier. I highly recommend a taste of their Injera Platters and I look forward to being back soon to try more of the menu.

    Receipt

    The food here is good and they have lots of cool treats, but I was recently overcharged and not compensated. The veggie platter is advertised as 11.99. When I went to pay, it was 14 which seemed a little high, but I still tipped a dollar. When I tried to print the receipt I was told they were out of receipt paper and gave me the page to text the receipt to myself. On most days, I would probably let it go, but Ive been trying to watch my money more recently. Upon getting the receipt, I can clearly see that the veggie platter is now $13, so with tax and tip I ended up spending $15. When my husband went to tell them about it, the cashier said that she would tell management to update the prices and we were offered no compensation for the false advertising. I don't mean to be too upset over a dollar, but we really don't eat out that much, so every dollar counts. I wish it was dealt with better and I am now more suspicious of the pricing for other items as well.

    Caitlin L.

    I can't really even tell you what I ate (as a Yelp Elite - I know I should be more cognizant), but this jawn was delish. This is my second time eating at this Ethiopian place, and it's a culinary masterpiece that left me stuffed and filled to the brim. For the price, it truly cannot be beat. Service is diligent, business is steady with hipsters, and the place has good WiFi too. Great vibe to Balt Ave.

    Lentil sambusa
    Carla L.

    Our kids can't stop talking about how great the food is here and I couldn't agree more! During our very short visit, we came multiple times for the fantastic food, items at the Mart, and beverages. I bought a package of crunchy Injera and O-M-G they are so good (I got the Garlic and Salt but they have spicy and other flavors as well). It was perfect with the Foul which was out of this world. So tasty and hearty. We also got the vegetarian platter (delicious) and pastries. I can't remember the names of the teas but they also were delightful. It was everything they said it was and more. I can't wait to come back.

    Gustavo A. L.

    Great neighborhood place. Wonderful coffee and food options. Well stocked mini market with African goods.

    Injera with medley of other food
    Stan H.

    There are many more options at Alif than I realized. The injera I have from TooGoodToGo is random and with the well done and combination of ingredients available, it is really nice. I read one review of the poor soul who got one croissant for 3.99. TooGoodToGo shouldn't work like that. Just give more food or more of something if your business screwed up offering Too many TooGoodToGos and people had to travel to get to you. There is a buffet setup for the injera. Seeing the buffet setup and everything else being "random" mini mart items, I was leaning toward 4 stars. But then I read the other reviews, saw pictures of quality coffee and other entrees for which I did not see a menu off quick glance, and I was sold. I will definitely stop here for coffee when I am in the area again at least. Jun 9 update: had their ginger coffee and you can defin taste the coffee. The ginger was defin there but not overpowering. I probably would've been okay with a stronger ginger flavor but I think most people would not like this. Reasonably good stuff. Not my fave personally but could definitely go for.

    Injera
    Samira A.

    The platter was enjoyable. I tried the spicy lentils, greens, and beef. The flavors weren't particularly memorable but satisfying for a quick market meal. The injera was well made, with a nice spongy texture and the right sourness. The baklava, however, was served cold and felt like it had just come out of the fridge, which wasn't ideal and made it less enjoyable. The staff was pleasant, and the seating area is spacious and comfortable, with a peaceful vibe. You'll often see people relaxing with their computers, which adds to the cozy atmosphere.

    2 people opposite each other holding lentil sambusas bitten into. In between them is the green sauce provided by the restaurant
    Saloua A.

    Food and drinks so good you don't care that all the chairs sit crookedly ....................................... :*

    Eggs
    Steve S.

    I'm a big fan of this place. It's definitely one of the better cups of iced coffee I've had in the city. The flavor is both bold and smooth at the same time. You can't beat Ethiopian coffee. Today I went for the egg bowl for a late breakfast. The flavors they use really bring out the best. I've had an injera wrap here in the past and loved that too. And the atmosphere to me beats any of the pretentious Center City spots out there. I think this place just became my favorite coffee shop in the city.

    Leah M.

    Although the store I'm sure for their customers is a nice local spot they enjoy, I'm not a fan! The quaint items they sell along the treats may be good but my reason for the low score is based on service and product received using the 'Too good to go' app. This app was designed to help stores and restaurants that serve a range of items from baked goods to fast food and everything in between to possibly avoid total loss on food that wasn't sold. In placing an order you should receive leftover or unused supplies that can help create or supply a meal. On the site it's listed as surplus food. Now to Alif Brew. When I showed my order on the app the counter person said 'oh another one I thought we only had one'. She then went into a back room for a few. I took this time to peruse the store. They have nice novelty items and small food items from the Middle East. This was a good start and I decided to return for a $50 Turkish coffee set until.......I was called to pick up my 'surplus surprise' that cost $3.99 and 5 miles of driving. For $3.99 I received ONE DAY OLD CROISSANT! I can get a SAME DAY FRESH CROISSANT for $2.50 ANYWHERE! Im so upset because this store look so exciting. My planned return WILL NOT HAPPEN! If this process is designed to save and possibly create a new set of customers Alif Brew has lost me and more I'm sure!

    Malawah, Alif Special Coffee
    Jessica S.

    I want to make this my new go to spot... i loveeee the fact that they have changing specials and truly have never had another coffee like the alif special, will walk out of the way just to get it iced w a splash of oat milk. Tried the malawah when i went and it was delicious - beet hummus, a cut up boiled eggs, pickles, labneh, all wrapped up in a delicious paratha type bread? Sooooo good. I like the soft muffins and baklava too! And the people here are lovely as well

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    4 months ago

    A small Ethiopian cafe and shop that serves completely delicious Ethiopian food at a reasonable price. Super cozy local find!

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    2 months ago

    Donated to our nonprofit for a local Philadelphia cause - we so appreciate it! people loved the food at our event

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    Business owner information

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    Hayat A.

    Sambusas are EVERYTHING!!!

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    Hayat A.

    We appreciate you coming back

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    I've followed up 23 times with 7-Eleven since this incident on May 24, 2025, and still no real…read morereply -- even though I have an official case number. All of this started over a simple double-charge mistake on my receipt. Instead of fixing it professionally, the cashier shouted profanity, threatened me, my elderly parents, and my nephew, and even came outside with a stick. Be careful -- the staff here clearly lack proper background checks and basic respect for customers. Escalation will take place if they keep ignoring this. Customers deserve to feel safe and treated with dignity.

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    Alif Brew & Mini Mart - cafes - Updated May 2026

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