When I first walked by this place I thought it was just a coffee shop and convenience store. I was absolutely delighted when I discovered it was also a full-on Ethiopian restaurant. I've been wanting to try Ethiopian food for the longest time and I've heard there are some great spots in West Philly. If they are even half as good as this place is, I'd be shocked. I had the beef wrap and loved it. It was a bit spicier than I'm used to eating but not overwhelming and I could use a bit more kick to my meals. I also one of each of the sambusa flavors they had. The flakiness of the pastries was exquisite. I liked the chicken one but the veggie might be my favorite. I'm actually planning to come back and enjoy the coffee house aspect of it. It seems like such a cozy place to hang out and read. The folx that work are so kind too!! West Philly has always been my favorite part of the city and this is just another reason to adore it. read more

This place? A whole vibe. Half mini-mart, half café, all flavor. I originally came through on a Too Good To Go haul, and now I'm here constantly--sometimes for a deal, sometimes just 'cause I need it in my life. Let's start with the mini-mart side, aka my happy place. They carry these crack-level addictive injera chips in rosemary, mild, and spicy--YES, I've tried them all, and YES, they're all elite. I keep saying I'll pace myself, but nah. Also obsessed with their zero-sugar digestive cookies?? I don't even know where else to find these, and honestly, I don't wanna know. Alif is my plug now. On the café side, the hot Ethiopian food is consistently . My all-time fave is the yellow split pea dish (Kik Alicha)--so flavorful, creamy, and comforting, like a warm hug from someone's grandma. It comes with two glorious rolls of injera, soft and tangy, perfect for scooping up every last bit. If you know, you know. There's a cute little seating nook to the right of the register, plus a few outdoor tables for soaking up some sun with your sambusa. The staff? Super quick and helpful whenever I ask questions--they always know what's up and don't mind me geeking out over new snacks. Also came by during the Dollar Stroll and tried their Ethiopian wraps, and--whew. How do I describe them? Imagine rich, spicy, savory magic wrapped in injera and handed to you for ONE DOLLAR. I was shook. It's no wonder I've been back like five times... and probably forgot to check in at least half of those visits. Oops. ‍ TL;DR: Alif Brew is my comfort café + snack haven rolled into one. If you haven't been, GO. And grab me a bag of spicy injera chips while you're at it. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I stopped in to grab lunch to go, and also ordered a ginger coffee. That ginger coffee is a bit surprising, but really good, and I would get that again for sure. The food I ordered was an injera wrap, which took a little while to make, but was really good. In general, it's an interesting location with half of the space a convenience store and the other with some room for seating and dining. Order and pickup at the counter, pretty standard from that perspective. I would consider going back again for another wrap or trying something else. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Receipt - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Lentil sambusa - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

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

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. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Injera with medley of other food - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Injera - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

I love this place! Everyone is so warm and friendly, and their food and drinks are always delicious. Such a great spot in the neighborhood, I hope they stay forever! I especially love the lentil sambusas and the fresh mint tea. And a great place to sit and work. read more

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

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - 2 people opposite each other holding lentil sambusas bitten into. In between them is the green sauce provided by the restaurant - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Eggs - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The food disappeared before I could take a picture. Soup of the day was a yellow lentil soup, delicious. We had the beef wrap, delicious. Perfectly spiced if you don't like too much spicy. Super flavorful. And I forget the name of these little Samosa type things. Lentil and chicken. Absolutely delicious! This is our first time here, and now we have to figure out a reason to be in West Philly, just to come back. Forgot to say, the friendliest and warmest service, and very nice and clean inside. Clearly a neighborhood gem and hang out spot for the locals. read more

This place has my favorite chai in the whole world. It's so wonderfully spiced and aromatic and so reasonably priced!! I moved away from Philly but I miss this place so bad!!!! Will be visiting ASAP when I can make it back :,) read more

This place has won my heart over and over. Beautiful food , wonderful service and perfectly located on Baltimore ave so you can get here from anywhere in the city or burbs, Its absolutely delicious and cozy. Carolyn read more

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! read more

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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 read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Malawah, Alif Special Coffee - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It is a market for Ethiopian specialties and spices and delicious treats. It is a coffee shop with rich brews and it's a restaurant serving beautiful food. This place is wonderful. Any of the food one tries is sure to delight (try the ful!) and the vibes of the community coffee shop are all here. It's a regular stop for me after the farmer's market on a Saturday. I highly recommend. read more

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Coffee and lattes are so good here! I love the staff here too! They are so kind! I love supporting small local businesses like Alif. There is a lot of seating inside and is not too busy/loud so it's very conducive for studying or getting work done. They also sell Milk Jawn pints here!!! I LOVE Milk Jawn ice cream so I was very pleased to find out they have an entire freezer's worth of pints with multiple flavors inside. $12/pint read more

Amazing Ethiopian food in this adorable cafe! We had the shredded chicken platter with two sides- the kale and cabbage w/carrots. It was as good if not better than the fancier Ethiopian restaurants. We would definitely come back. read more

Favorite coffee shop in West Philly! Great space to work and their spiced coffee and chai latte are very strong and wonderfully aromatic. There is also plenty of wide flat surfaces for laptop use, including my fave spot, the ledge. The service is simply wonderful and kind! The sambusas are an excellent snack for a work break. Perfectly light and flaky and crispy on the outside and beautifully cooked lentil mash inside. Pro-tip: I would ask them to reheat them as it just makes them so much better. I also love their mini mart. Great selection. I recommend the crispy injera chips. They're so hard to find anywhere else. They also have the rare-find of Milk Jawn ice cream. read more

This place came highly recommended to us because we love Ethiopian food. It is a pretty great place. They have a coffee bar, Ethiopian cafe and international market all in one place. The environment is very chill with fantastic music playing. They have live music on occasion. They offer daily specials which were excellent. My boyfriend had been looking for Za'atar for some time and was thrilled to find it in their market. This place is unusual and wonderful. Definitely worth checking out. read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Today I went back to Alif for their traditional Ethiopian coffee experience. Loved everything about it. They only serve this on weekends from 11am. They were able to tell us the process, how the coffee beans are roasted, and how the coffee are usually served. The whole cultural and communal aspect of coffee making and drinking was so nice! Too bad I can't upload the videos here, but believe me, it's worth the experience! read more

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I really loved the Alif Brew & Mini Mart! We went on a Sunday around lunch time. Some friends and I were craving Ethiopian food and we were going to go to another restaurant, but many of the other restaurants were closed. Luckily for us, this cute cafe/mini mart was open! They have a hot bar of already prepared foods that you can order and get right away. it comes with one main protein, two sides, and injera. I ordered the spicy chicken and also asked for the cabbage and lentils. On one side of the store is seating and on the other side is the mini mart which was really fun to look at. I loved how well seasoned everything was and the generous portion sides. Highly recommend checking this place out! read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Chicken Platter with cabbage and lentils - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I feel like this place is a hidden gem in Philly. It could also be because I don't really spend much time up in this area. Cool little spot to study. I was impressed by the food (I had one of their weekend specials they recommend) and extremely surprised and excited that they had mango lassi! One that actually tasted good too. Can't wait to come back here. If you do want to come here to study/get work done, just make sure to charge your devices as outlets are very sparse read more

Outstanding little shop that serves amazing coffee and outstanding Ethiopian snacks. Had the beef platter and 10/10 perfect size meal. Lots of injera included, believe i had the beef tibs and it was outstanding! Will be a regular here. Shop itself is super cute and had a ton of people hanging and doing work. Super glad I stumbled upon this spot on my Ethiopian food hunt read more

Delicious food and coffee, and the people that work there are so friendly and helpful. They ground their coffee beans up perfectly for my french press. I also ordered a side of the red spiced lentils to taste when I got home. There were so spicy and so delicious that I can't wait to return. I noticed on the menu that you can order your favorite dish wrapped inside injera, ideal! Looking forward to attending the Saturday morning coffee ceremony post-COVID. Definitely check this place out!!! read more

I had a really delicious injera wrap w a mushroom filling that I completely loved. I would drive here again to get that mushroom filling. I also had a lentil filled one that I also thought was delicious. One wrap was not enough to fill me up though so make sure u order enough food. read more

Today was my second time going to Alif Brew and I cannot recommend this place enough. Their spicy chicken injera wrap is so delicious and also affordable. Their coffee is also amazing. There is lots of space for people who want to work and they have free Wifi. It's a family owned business, which is even more reason to support. I'm looking forward to getting their platter(s) next time I go. read more

Really dope injera wraps. Definitely the best lunch around for a great price too. The coffee and other snacks in the store are great too read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Injera Beef Wrap - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've been twice and have had excellent experiences both times. The coffee and tea were delicious and the hummus and babaganoush were to die for. The woman running the place was incredibly friendly and helpful. Will be going again- can't wait to try the food! read more

Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Menu - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Alif Brew and Mini Mart has quickly become our go-to place for Ethiopian fare. The place is setup well with easy access to both the mart, seating for the cafe and the ability to walk in and out without a long wait. We've tried the coffee, sambusas, beef and chicken platter and all have been excellent. However, what keeps us going back for more and perhaps, Alif's best secret are the vegetable side dishes and excellent, excellent service by the team behind Alif. read more

absolutely obsessed with this place ... extremely kind and helpful staff and DELICIOUS coffee and food!! the vibe is impeccable. there's even a little printer u can use!!!! anyways i love you alif brew and your gorgeous dirty chais and lentil sambusas mwah read more

Good and kind people serving well made food at good prices. I also enjoy the imported candy and groceries and wouldn't mind seeing that expanded. read more

I love this lovely coffe shop/Ethiopian mini market. I get my (almost) daily evening latte here now, instead of Starbucks because I'd much rather support a local business, and the evening hours are just as convenient as Starbucks. The service is friendly, the space is welcoming, and the coffee is yummy. Sometimes I grab a snack called a sambusa which is a small fried dumpling similar to an empanada. I love the flavors (various fillings are offered), and you can't beat $1.50 for a quick and delicious snack! read more

Love Alif Brew - this is my go-to coffee spot in West Philly. Grab a bowl of foule for breakfast or an injera wrap to go - or stay and linger over coffee for hours. People do both at Alif Brew under the kind eye of the owners - who are super friendly and on a first name basis with a lot of regulars. read more

Sweet new spot in West Philly for morning cup of coffee and on the go savory, warm breakfast. I had their alif brew (coffee with a nice gingery kick to it) and foul for breakfast. SO. GOOD. Can't wait to come back to try one of their injera wraps! read more