This has become my go-to spot when I'm back visiting Philly. Now that I know to ask for a less sweet mocha (I've been going ice mocha), the balance has been pretty perfect. Great vibe, friendly baristas and open late. You can read my earlier review for the details, but now I'm happier with the drink! read more

Open late? Yes please! The oat milk cappuccino was perfection. I finished it and wanted another! read more

Char and Stave - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Staff is friendly and 2 staff available for the evening. They have one unisex bathroom and should probably find a way to have two instead. I couldn't taste the lavender or honey in my latte at all. I love how I can have coffee until 11 pm at this place on a Wednesday. Bright lighting, spacious, calm and comfortable, and classy romantic dates sitting around this venue in the evening. read more

Char and Stave - Entrance - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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I love it here! The drinks are great, pastries on point and Tuesday night trivia is a blast! My roommate and I go often to trivia and the host is super fun. The staff here are very nice and helpful, always kind and friendly. Also a great place to chill, read or work or meet a friend. read more

Comfy and relaxed atmosphere! Coffee is always amazing! Very good study/work vibes. Haven't tried a pastry yet but they always look so good. I really want to come back for some whiskey/liquor at night. All the liquors in store look so good. Will be back every time I am in the area. read more

Coffee house by day, cocktail bar by night makes for a great neighborhood spot! The low lights & cozy atmosphere make this a great location for a night cap, and I definitely would come back to try the regular coffee as well! Not to mention the fact that the cafe is dog friendly! The espresso martinis are delicious, however other cocktails appear to be a little hit-and-miss. I definitely had order envy comparing my second drink (the rum punch, second picture, tasted a little medicinal but did get better as the ice melted) with others' margaritas at the table (which were much more balanced), but everyone agreed that the first round espresso martinis were the best. This bar uses locally distilled liquors in their drinks, and it's great to be able to support multiple local businesses. The serve-yourself from the bar style is not usually my favorite, but it does work in this coffee house style atmosphere - especially because the space is not too big. Food: N/A Drinks: A- Atmosphere: A- Service: B read more

Char and Stave - Rum punch - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Such an awesome spot for coffee & whiskey lovers (or any alcohol ). Great service and wooden/rustic ambiance inside. Really unique tasting cocktails, my espresso martini was very strong and my boyfriend enjoyed his caffe negroni (was hoping for it to be a bit more coffee forward, but the orange flavors came out more). He also got a shot of espresso & whiskey that he enjoyed. Would definitely come back to try more cocktails and coffee! read more

Char and Stave - Espresso martini and caffe negroni - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Five stars for the coffee bar atmosphere by day, and five stars for the whiskey bar in the evening. Combine the two and Char and Stave is a perfect ten! Bluebird Distilling is one of those local distilleries that I enjoyed on that I've enjoyed during a few locations within the Philly proper. So when I heard I first heard that one of their outposts was coming to Ardmore I was sold and ready for it to open. But as soon as I heard it was also launching a brand new concept of being a coffee bar by day and a whiskey bar by afternoon and evening, I was yelling shut up and take my money! Since then I've had the chance to explore it on both fronts and I've been impressed by it twofold. For similar concepts, most distilleries and breweries partner with a coffee brewer to feature their beans. But for Char and Stave Bluebird went a step further by bringing their own. And options like their Guatemalan and Ethiopian Yrigachaffe were so good that I've also enjoyed taking a bag home with me. As distillers doing coffee they've even gone a step further by doing a dark and smoky bourbon barrel-aged dark roast coffee that is worth trying if you're looking to splurge a bit on your caffeine fix. Toss in some good pastries and comfortable seating, and you have a good spot to grab a cup of joe! Outside of the daytime, the cocktails are very much the main event and I love the fact that you can get them with or without coffee since they crafted their menu to work with all of their different coffee beans. Just make sure you request a coffee-free version if you don't want it after a point, otherwise you may end up feeling like the Great Cornholio! favorite of mine include the Ardmore Old Fashioned with their four grain bourbon, light roast coffee, and chicory pecan bitters; and their Caffe Negroni with their juniper gin, bitter Italian soda, nitro coldbrew coffee, and a splash of orange. read more

Decent coffee place with good live music ... Chai tea was super sweet but coffee was better. read more

Friendly baristas, comfortable place to get some work done, good music selection (if a bit loud sometimes). I work here about once every 2-3 weeks, and it is the best coffee shop in Ardmore. The only drawback is the coffee isn't very good. Always incredibly sour. Green Engine or The Story have better coffee, but C&S is overall a better place to go for the ambience and service. read more

The cutest coffee shop/whiskey bar to ever exist. Coffee is elite and superior to most places in the area. Service/staff is wonderful. They do quizzos weekly. I hope to stop by again soon! read more

Char and Stave - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Delicious coffee, great location walkable from home. Ardmore is stepping up its game with a mixed concept coffee and spirits cafe by day, quizzo, poetry and private concert venue by night. Ambiance is low key. Take a work meeting, read a book or chat with friends. Food options are limited. I've only tried the pastries, and the almond croissant did not disappoint. read more

Char and Stave - Nitro cold brew - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Added to my fav places to study at! Staff were super friendly, there's a decent amount of seating as well. My London fog was delicious. Very cute vibes. Their pastries look amazing (though I didn't get any today). I would absolutely recommend! read more

I can't rave about this place enough. The vibe, the snacks, the cocktails, the coffee, the service. Everything about this place was spectacular. If you're gonna go, you're gonna enjoy a relaxed, calm time with cocktails that will blow you away. The espresso martini was off the charts and the Ardmore old fashioned was amazing. Got a drip coffee on the way out and it was perfect. Simple and how coffee should be. If you want a calm environment with amazing drinks and great staff, look no further than Char and Stave. P.s. The vanilla custard beignet was a perfect addition to my coffee. Not overly sweet, fluffy and full of happy calories. If that's available, snag one.. read more

Cute place but employees weren't very helpful. It was our first time here and they did not help much when we were trying to choose what to order. So I ended up not getting anything. read more

How can I not like a place that serves two of my favorite things? Coffee and booze. And when you combine them, even better! We stopped in with another couple on our tour d'Ardmore. It's a cafe atmosphere, so you can easily grab your laptop, sip a latte or cocktail, and get some work done. You can also come in with friends and have a cocktail before dinner. I ordered the espresso martini. If you like it light and creamy, this is not the drink for you. Order away if you love espresso and the yummy bitterness that comes with it. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't sweet and pepped me right up. My husband ordered the old-fashioned; it's infused with some of their light roast coffee. My husband isn't a coffee lover, but he loved it. He would have ordered a second one if we were heading to dinner. It's a great place with creative cocktails. We love their sister location, Bluebirds Distillery in Phoenixville. This is worth a visit if you love coffee-infused alcoholic beverages. But they also have creative mocktails as well. read more

Nice atmosphere, and the best chai latte I've ever had. It can get a little loud if it's crowded, but that's all coffee shops. I'm sure I'll be back soon! read more

Char and Stave - Chai latte with oat milk. Seriously delicious - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Strong Wi-Fi. The wooden bench seats get a bit uncomfortable after a while but only if you're sitting for hours. They do have these cushioned uppers along the bench for back support, which is nice. And there is one couch in there if you need to switch seats for comfort. I tried a latte with barrel aged espresso and it was DELISH. read more

Char and Stave - Barrel aged espresso latte and peach danish - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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A really unique set of coffee "cocktails" (look at the Drips menu) and very well-executed classics. All this housed in a space that manages to authentically pull off the hip ambience that so many coffee shops swing for and miss. Highly recommend the whiskey smash latte-- both the oat milk and whole milk variety are excellent-- but I've been here an embarrassing number of times since they opened and tried half a dozen drinks and honestly have never been disappointed. I haven't made it in the evening yet, but I expect you'd also be in good hands if you decide to try it. What a great addition to Ardmore! read more

After multiple visits, I'm a fan and I really like this place! I first discovered them between sets at the Ardmore Music hall. I saw someone sipping a hot coffee right outside the venue and had no idea where they got it. Turns out Char and Stav is open late, so I was able to get coffee and a doughnut after the kitchen was closed at Ardmore. The cream filled beignets are killer, they get them from a place in Narberth. It's a great little shop, very clean and nicely laid out with top notch bathrooms. The staff was fantastic, very efficient, friendly and accommodating. Service was also good. Having only been there after 10 PM, I was really surprised when I stopped in on a Tuesday evening and the place was absolutely packed! They do quizzo, and it draws quite a crowd. You can also pick up a variety of their different whiskeys, and from what I've seen they make some good drinks! Happy to see them doing well. Stop in and tell them Darilyn sent you! read more

Char and Stave - The custard filled donuts are the bomb! That's my coffee with cinnamon behind it. - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

I went, as a college student, to Char and Stave after being recommended by friends to come here. As a girl who loves to drink coffee and whiskey, this place was phenomenal. I asked them what they suggested me getting and they said the Whiskey infused latte, and I got it iced. It was so good. The environment is so nice too to do work, parking was easy and I downed the drink in two seconds because it was so good. Highly suggest and will probably come here for happy hour soon to try the actual whiskey drinks they have. 10/10 recommend. read more

Char and Stave - Iced Whiskey infused latte while sitting in the coffee shop - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Love the concept & vibe, but hands down the worst Negroni I've ever had. Couldn't even drink it!!

Love this place! First time here. Great atmosphere. Live music on Wednesdays. The vibe is great! Definitely coming back again. read more

Char and Stave - a table and shelves in a store - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Cute smaller place in Ardmore offering incredible iced mocha lattes & many delicious beverage options. Unfortunately though on our previous 3 visits, no tables were available due to several people sitting there on their laptops with no obvious drink in sight. Because we love Char & Stave's, it's become very frustrating not being able to sit & enjoy a special drink there. Along with the popularity Char's has gained, I have to wonder if the manager is aware of business they're losing due to no seating. This is not a Starbucks... Judy C. read more

Great cocktails and coffee, friendly staff. Tried chai & eat and char stave espresso martini. Both the drinks delicious!! read more

Char and Stave - Chai and easy. - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

I've always dreamed of creating a coffee shop that serves alcohol. Fortunately, someone else did it for me. Stopped in for a fantastic cappuccino. Have also tried the barrel aged espresso and it offered some really unique flavors. The baristas are experienced and know how to make a great drink. Will definitely be back at night (or day) to try a Manhattan. read more

Char and Stave - Barrel Aged Espresso - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Went in on Friday mid-day. Atmosphere was VERY quiet. There were prob 8 or so people working on laptops. We got our coffee to go as we wanted to sit and chat and vibe was not welcome to chit-chat. Maybe at happy hour? They serve alcoholic drinks too (if your familiar with Phoenixville Bluebird Distillery which is great) Coffee has a good strong pungency. I got an oat pumpkin latte (seasonal) which was very light on flavor. Always looking for a great coffee place when out with friends - send my way! read more

Char and Stave - Rum, vodka, whiskey... - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Brings new life to Chestnut Hill. Cool, comfortable and welcoming. No better spot for a good coffee drink!

I've just moved to Ardmore and found this spot by accident, pretty great concept. I've walked-in in the morning several times and the environment/cappuccino is great. You can also get cocktails made with spirits by their sister distillery Bluebird Distilling. They also have great weekly cocktail specials keeping it fresh. read more

Char and Stave - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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All you need to do is bring food and your ready for a great party. Great hang good sounds and all kinds of people. read more

I liked this place. I went with my siblings on a week night and it still had a good many people inside. The place has a nice atmosphere with soft lighting and plenty of seating. The seating was primarily two person tables so it struck me as a more intimate setting or even a place to get some work done on a laptop, not a place for a large group. I ordered an espresso martini and it was fine, but a little heavy on the vodka, I thought it could have had a more well balanced profile. My brother and sister had the Rising Sun and the Gold Rush. They said they were pretty similar but the Gold Rush had a stronger alcohol flavor, but both were tasty. The service was really friendly and helpful. I like that they had a water tap with reusable cups available so you don't have to buy a water bottle or something. The bathroom is very spacious and clean, but there is only one in the place. I don't think that's a huge deal but it is nice to know. They sell their own whisky which is cool, my brother bought a bottle and we are excited to try it. As far as pricing goes, it's pretty standard for a place like this. $13 or so per cocktail, and between $5-$7 per coffee drink. Not a lot of food options, pastries mostly it seemed, so don't go in there with an empty stomach. Overall, Char & Stave is a nice place to grab a coffee or a cocktail or both, and have a nice intimate get together with a friend or two, and maybe even try some local whiskey. If you're in the area, I'd recommend it. read more

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I had some really awesome drinks here, but my last visit was unfortunate. The people behind the counter were chatting and said some pretty blatantly racist things. I don't think they were aware their voices were carrying. I won't be going here anymore. Sucks because their drink menu is rad as hell, but I can't support a business with these kind of employees :( read more

We were visiting some friends in town and needed a quick stop. The space is nice but the staff were very rude and the coffee was not delicious. Definitely better options out there. read more

This was absolutely delicious. The hot dirty pirate was so good. The cinnamon roll was yummy. I love cute independent coffee places and this fits the bill. Highly recommend. read more

Char and Stave - Lavender latte - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania

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Best place for a cup of coffee or an awesome cocktail. The decor is also fantastic but the staff is what keeps me coming back just as much. The staff is super knowledgeable, nice and creates an awesome vibe/experience for everyone! Definitely a must stop in Ardmore! read more

Love the vibe here. Baristas are friendly not snobby. Time we'll spent carefully preparing my iced matcha with honey. And both my drink and my dates iced black coffee with simple syrup wee presented in beautiful crystal tall boys. Awesome donut for a snack. Everything was fresh and delicious. Cannot wait to try a cocktail next time. Thank you for such a nice spot in my town read more

Char and Stave: where have you been all my life? Awesome to start out your day, get a little work done. Coffee program is beyond solid. But C&S's cocktail game is totally world class. Rivals some of the best cocktail bars in New York, Philly and elsewhere. Come for the coffee. Stay for killer cocktails. Pretty dope design on this place as well. Feels comfortable, almost like it's always been there, with an easy coolness about the whole thing. Last time I was there I brought home coffee for the house as well a bottle of Bluebird's Four Grain Bourbon. Pop in. Enjoy! Highly recommend. read more

What a sad day. I really loved this place when it opened. There was a guy that was always here to help me with my coffee order, but I haven't seen him in a while. The other day, when I went in last week, I spoke with the owner about their current single origin coffee and he had no idea how to even answer my question The whole place seemed off, super frazzled, coffee was burnt, it was really embarrassing. Used to like this place, but unfortunately won't be back. read more

The atmosphere is incredible. It's giving burlap sack and upscale yuppy coffee bar. The coffee was the most bold and evenly brewed I have had in a very long time. Paired with an Ardmore Old Fashioned, my taste buds are having the most elevated of experiences. On your way out you can grab any spirit that is used in shop. read more

great place to grab a drink or work/study. free wifi, ample tables/seating, a couple of outdoor tables & bench. read more

Char and Stave - cinnamon bun & matcha mojito - Distilleries Near Me - Ardmore, Pennsylvania