I happened to be in the area of the 3400 block of Sansom Street today in West Philadelphia and a…read morefamiliar sign caught my eye from 22 years ago; Avril 50. Avril 50 was a regular stop in my patrol days and I loved walking into the shop. Always the wonderful aroma of brewing coffees and chocolate dancing with other exotic smells and the smells of fine papers and magazines. It always felt to me like stepping from West Philadelphia into a magical pocket of Europe. As it looked exactly the same, I wondered if anything had changed in the past 22 years and as soon as I crossed the threshold, I found that it was the same - like stepping back 22 years, yet somehow I was that much older. The proprietor was still there, still the same and looking no different - something that confirmed my belief that this was a magical and wonderful pocket paradise tucked away on a small West Philadelphia street. A brief catch-up chat, a shopping bag of fine teas and a perfectly brewed double-espresso to takeaway later; I stepped back into the bright Fall sun of West Philadelphia. I found myself smiling as I sipped the espresso, happy that one of the best things for me in that neighborhood has remained unchanged for others to enjoy and to continue to discover. It will not be another 22 years before I make my way back - that is for certain.

Interesting little shop. My sister's boyfriend took us here when we mentioned we needed coffee and…read moreI was a little perplexed when I walked in. I'm still not entirely sure what the shop is supposed to be but it was an experience going there for sure. The coffee is self serve and there are several different selections, each with a short description up on the wall. My boyfriend and I each got a medium (I believe it was $2.25 per) and loved our coffee. Both were tasty and exceptionally strong. I'm not sure if they do anything fancier (lattés, etc) but I doubt it. Nonetheless, if I were a student at penn and needed a coffee this is where I would go.

A pretty massive selection here at UPenn. But definitely at Ivy / campus bookstore prices. It's a…read morenice stop for some local gear, or to pick up a new personal read from the large book selection across both floors. Staff is generally helpful. In past visits, they've helped me find a nice gift according to some vague parameters, and were helpful for returns at the counter. Can't speak much into the campus services here since I'm not a student, but as a community member, it's a great place to stop by- with a Starbucks and seating area upstairs too!

Purchased a lighting cabke for I Phone(1m) for a client. It wound up being the one for older(4 or…read moreless) and thus useless. I took it back the next day hoping for a refund(preferable) NIO or a swap for the one people can actually use. I was told they do not exchange open tech regardless of the circumstance. Manager was standing directly behind the cashier but would not acknowledge the transaction. There is no sign in the store or note on the receipt stating that there is a no return policy on opened electronics. Terrible customer service.

Lottery Tickets? Check Cigarettes & Lighters? Check…read moreMagazines and Newspapers? Check Gum and candy? Check Super nice guys (and a gal) running the joint? Check! A convenient place to grab the basics. (pricey for smokes and gum - but in a pinch - you got it!).

One of my favorite spots in my never-ending quest to visit every used book shop in the area…read more They had many books priced at $8.95 in the area I'm working on at the moment (Middle Eastern studies) and I laughed with them at the front that it's precisely the right price because I won't find it better online. :-) Great selection and service and I'll be back.

This business does not support the West Philly community and operates unethically…read more The owner has been repeatedly seen taking large quantities of books from the neighborhood's free little libraries--those small, birdhouse-shaped boxes meant to provide free access to reading materials for anyone in the community. These libraries exist to serve those who can't afford to buy books, especially children and families. Instead of respecting that purpose, the owner takes the donated books and resells them for profit. This behavior undermines a valuable community resource and limits access to free literature for people who truly need it. It's disappointing to see a local business act in a way that harms rather than helps the neighborhood it operates in.

Probably the best used bookstore in the city. It's somehow both cramped and sprawling at the same…read moretime but the selection is great. Skews academic in nature.

One of the great bookstores in the US. Wide selection, knowledgeable service personnel, and great…read moreprices.

given the pressures that newspapers - and all media - are under, I'm continually impressed at the…read morequality of this small, weekly paper. For full disclosure - I work part-time for the Exponent. But I've worked for a lot of businesses and have not been compelled to review them. And no, I'm not getting paid or even asked to write this. This shoestring staff manages to put out an insightful, interesting read every week. The paper has also won numerous awards, including recent honors for the newly designed website which has an interactive community calendar. If you want to know what's going on in the Jewish community of Greater Philly, or find something to do with other Jewish people of whatever affiliation, the Exponent is the best resource.

From the owner: The Jewish Exponent brand is made up of www.jewishexponent.com and a weekly community newspaper…read more The Exponent is the flagship publication of the Jewish Publication Group, which also produces Inside Magazine, the Guide to Jewish Philadelphia and special sections, including Simchas, Good Life and the Chanukah Gift Guide.

Bindlestiff has a great feel. The book shelves remind me of a Shell Silverstein sketch, all high…read moreand of many shapes and colors. The organization is minimal and that's a great thing. This volunteer lead bookstore is an adventure. I loved the variety of books from smaller publishing houses to national award winners. I got a lovey greeting card too! The book was a little steep (older paper back for $17) but I loved supporting this shop! Also they have a bathroom.

Awesome prices on books! If you need children's books this is the place to get them. They give a…read morediscount to teachers which is awesome. A great variety of genres provided.