Is this place super convenient to where I live? Yes. Does it have very reasonably priced coffee, food and treats? Sure does! Do I want to keep going back to this spot? Don't think so... Yes, it's not a bad place to pick up your morning coffee, but the dude behind the counter makes me not want to come back. First, I couldn't make out a hear a word he said, including how much I owed. He also made me feel like I was bothering him. Sorry, I asked you to pour me a coffee. Thought you were a barista. My mistake. Oh well, guess I'm not hipster enough for this place! read more

What an unexpected and happy surprise to find this place! We were waiting to be seated the aforementioned Cafe La Maude and my dining companion wanted a cup of coffee. Lo and behold, we found Higher Grounds. This place is urban chic, selling art by presumably local artists on their walls and all sorts of knick knacks tucked into nearly every corner of the shop. I knew I was in the right place when I found amongst the deco dinosaur figurines. There are two bright orange pillars welcoming you inside, and comfy sofas invite you to sit a spell. I'm not a huge coffee drinker, so I can't speak much to the quality of their grounds but because I revel in being "that person" in restaurants, I was happy to see the barista accommodate me. My order? Mexican hot chocolate. She didn't have the correct blend of all spices, so I had to make due with paprika and chili flakes. The barista did however put a nice heaping size of whipped cream on top and the milk was hot but not scalding and even my cats tongue could drink the hot chocolate nearly immediately. For someone who actively vetoes Starbucks purchases, this is a small local business that certainly deserves its hurrahs and support. read more

I drove past this place for months before I even noticed it, but then I did and I'm glad! The coffee is some of the best in Philadelphia (especially the iced!) Ambience is about as chillaxing as possible....you can feel your worries slip away..... They also have a great cucumber ginger lemonade and my wife loves the iced green tea latte. I can definitely recommend the food and homemade desserts. My favourite sandwich is 'The Alex' (not on the menu) and the cheesecake is divine. They also have crazy events there! read more

I love this place. If you aren't paying attention you could walk right by it. Good coffee and friendly people. The atmosphere is eclectic and the space really radiates positive energy. Great place to kick back and get some work accomplished. I've never tried the food but it it looks great too. read more

Absolutely AMAZING! Visiting Philadelphia can be stressful and exhausting, so stopping in here so rest and reenergize is a must! The coffee is 10/10. The atmosphere is 10/10. And the service also incredible. I've been to a lot of coffee shops around the USA over the years, including working as a barista at one. But this shop is in my top 5 favorites. read more

Higher Grounds - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Charming and relaxing coffee shop with plenty of workspace. Friendly service and extensive menu of coffees (both hot and iced) and yummy (plus vegan!) sweets. We brought our laptops and enjoyed the chill atmosphere and relaxing atmosphere. Great quiet spot to get some work done and very friendly service. My iced chai tea latte was also delicious! read more

Higher Grounds - View of the back of the coffee shop. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This is a cute place that my wife and I visited when we were visiting Philly. My wife purchased a drink and I did not. After we sat down, the barista told me that, since I did not purchase a drink, I could not use my computer. This policy had not been posted anywhere in the shop. My thoughts: 1) This is an absurd policy. My wife made a purchase, and we can't hang out together and work at the coffee shop? I don't get it. 2) Since this policy isn't posted anywhere, I left wondering if we had been singled out for some reason or another. It was also the case that everyone in the cafe, including the barista, was white, while my wife and I are not. All I'm saying is that, if you want to enforce a policy like that, post it clearly so that people don't misunderstand your intentions. PS. After looking at some other reviews, it looks like I'm not the only one who wondered whether some of the staff are racist... read more

The drinks are delicious, the snacks are tasty, and the price is average for the product. Caveat: if you are overly sensitive concerning interactions with people, expect special treatment, or don't intend to buy anything, this might not be the place for you. If you like coffee, art, desserts, and were not the type of kid to "tell mom" every time your sister gave you a perceived stink eye, you'll be pleased. read more

Environment: 2nd time I've been here and it has treated me well. Definitely an antique-coffee shop vibe in No. Libs. Service: Excellent and there's enough space (assuming it's not packed). They are flexible with you moving the chairs around without any issues. Drinks: I only come to cafes for the tea.. Not entirely sure what their selection is, I simply asked for Jasmine and I got an amazing White Jasmine Tea that situated well without being too potent (although I do like my tea strong and steeped for a long time). Price: Average compared to your usual coffee/tea shops. Doesn't break the bank one bit. Note -- there is a $5 card minimum if you do plan to pay with one. read more

My favorite cafe north of market. Lots of space, never really crowded. Great americanos. The sandwiches are more than I would expect from such a modest coffeehouse. After being served microwaved eggs from cafes like rocketcat and gleaners, my standards for cafe fare was fairly low when I ordered my bacon egg and cheese. But I was served real eggs! on real bread! with real bacon (not the weird plastic strips of bacon-like meat you get at dunkin donuts) My only complaint is that the wi-fi is a little scabby (luckily, they have a few neighbors with unencrypted networks.) read more

One of my "Philly famous" artist friends recommended this blink-and-you'll-miss-it coffee spot on North 3rd. just for their esoteric art display. There's a lot to take in and I'm looking forward to visiting time and again as I'm told the art in the rear stays put, but that the front rotates monthly. The vibe is amazing. I'm sure it'll affect everyone differently, but it's really chill and and reminiscent of a place of worship to me. Temple-ish, i.e; Higher Grounds? The espresso is mellow, tasty and robust. The old armchair was super comfy and the place looked clean and tidy and chockfull of interesting tchotchkes. Maybe next time I'll try their food. read more

I tend to think that the whole 'aggressively rude/apathetic/pretentious barista' thing is pretty overblown...except here. It's like Higher Grounds is trying their hardest to prove that every negative stereotype of a coffeeshop is true. It's one of the rare 'shabby/cute' coffeeshops around, though, so it has that going for it. I'd enjoy the atmosphere - if not for the staff. read more

Unlike the suburban broad who wrote the review complaining about the tree in front of Higher Grounds, I actually enjoy it........."Like, OMG, I came to a city, and like,...there is a TREE in front of a coffee/tea shop! The horror! The coffee/tea place in MY town doesn't have that problem. OMG!"...... I also really like that the furniture is rather comfortable and unique and I feel as though I am in someone's living room, which gives me a cozy feeling. As this furniture is obviously no longer in production, it was probably made in the U.S.A. and not in an overseas sweatshop. I love that. Our suburban friend likes to shop for NEW-made in China-particleboard caca furniture. She's cute though. I like her. I have been to Higher Grounds 3 times so far and the staff is always friendly, not pretentious and they keep a nice, relaxed vibe there. Why, I could venture to say that if one doesn't like major conglomerate coffee chain establishments, that they would like this place. You might just see me there imbibing a lovely tea while enjoying the view of the fabulous tree out front. read more

I love this cafe. It's a great place to study, as well as to hang out with friends. I've even come here for low-key lunch and conversation with hubby. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. In the back, there is usually a nice breeze coming in through the back door. The food here is pretty great as well: delicious loose teas and coffees, sandwiches and soups, and even little mini donuts. I once tried the peanut butter pie -- amazingly rich and delicious. Oh, by the way, we tried using the wi-fi once and although it's free, it was running really, really slow. read more

How have I never made it in here until now? This place is absolutely fabulous. Decked out in local art, vintage chairs, sofas, tables - it's the perfect spot to spend an afternoon over work. It takes a lot for me to say this, but their coffee rivals some of my closer coffee spots. When I saw Carrie E's description of "shade grown, organic coffee from Alabama", I was certain I had to try it out. And it's amazing - definitely waking my coffee-addicted self right up. Let's not forget the food. I ordered a turkey, brie, lettuce and tomato sandwich on wheat. I didn't expect the yummy side salad that came with it! Delicious, fresh ingredients - and the sandwich was perfectly pressed. Though NoLibs is a bit of a hike for me, this spot definitely makes it all the more worth it for coming up this way much more frequently. Yum. read more

This place is staffed by assholes. Specifically, the type of assholes who lack the self-awareness (or awareness of anything) to know they're assholes. Once when I was here and I was at the counter paying for my tea, I spotted a basket of assorted cookies near the cash register. There was one that was dotted with what looked like poppy seeds (to this day I'm not sure what they actually were), and I gestured to it and asked the counterperson what it was. He said, "a cookie." However, he was perfectly cordial to his three chatty friends who dropped in for the sole reason of chatting and scoping out his workplace. read more

My favorite coffee shop in Philadelphia. They have the best mix of comfy couches to lounge on and tables to sit and use, play perfect atmospheric music (I think it was some '40s girl singers last time I was there), and the whole place has tons of style ... every lamp, end table, painting perfectly curated. Also, the coffee is super-smooth and not burnt. While you're there make sure you go in both bathrooms. There are super-colorful murals on both walls. read more

Shockingly terrible latte. Possibly the worst I've ever had. I'm not even sure how a latte is made to taste this bad.

You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by the coffee shops that reside within it and in a way, Higher Grounds is indicative of the NoLibs. First of all, let's just say that it's better than some places in the regards that there are sofas, good tables to work at, good coffee, decent food (excluding poo-brown salad dressing), friendly service, and plenty of room. These are essential for a good coffee shop and yet Higher Grounds is lacking something that I enjoy at a coffee shop which is a bar. The coffee shop bar can be both good and bad because although it leads to meeting random strangers more easily than at your own seat/table, it can also lead to chatter boxes holding the employee hostage by not realizing that they are there to work, not to be their best friend. But more so, it just feels like Higher Grounds is just trying to be unique but really isn't that unique. It all feels too crafted and isn't really that warm and inviting much like the people that frequent it or the neighborhood where it resides. read more

I love higher grounds. When we moved to the area we made it a priority to scout out the coffee shop situation. There is stiff competition in northern liberties with soy cafe, one shot, and a myriad of others, but nothing quite hit the spot until good ol' HG. The art on the walls is always inspiring and changing, the music constantly enjoyable while spanning a huge variety, there are a plethora of cumpfy sitting situations to choose from, a comprehensive tea selection (plus they can make any of it iced), and oh yeah, great coffee. My only complaint is that the food is slightly more then my penny pinching self normally likes to pay ($3.50 for a breakfast sandwich), but I buy it anyhow because it's good and I don't mind putting down a little extra to sit on their couch and surf the free wifi for hours. If you haven't been, go now, but don't steal my favorite seat (left side of the blue couch). read more

I came here on a gloomy Sunday, no more than three weeks ago. The parking was a little cramped, but I made it work. The place was peaceful, and the music selection was nice, and not overbearing. I was doing work by the time I sat down. Now, I ordered tea, just okay. And after that I ordered a grilled cheese, love those. I liked the grilled cheese because they did something different to it, and it gave it a little flavor. It was a little pricey, but I guess that's because they used something other than American. ? Funny thing is, I wasn't going to mention the guy who worked behind the counter that day. More than likely it is the same person. I think when more people started coming in and ordering what they wanted, he copped an attitude like his ex was there or something. I igged it though because I just wanted to enjoy the place. I made him chuckle about something. But, yeah, who needs that when they're there to relax. Moving on... The place is a little more spacious, so spreading out a little during off-peak hours is doable. Oh, yeah, I didn't use wi-fi because it was sloooowww. Overall, good. read more

So comfy! Great spot for a mid day email check, game of table Pac-Man or Gallaga, and a Mocha ;) Tons of space, and always a great display of local artwork up for sale! I'd mention they have great lil chocolate chip cheesecake bites but I already ate them all! read more

I found thins place by accident..hidden gem! They make fresh smoothies and have a wide variety of drinks and little things to eat for such a small place. The vibe is very relaxing and 'cafe-esque'. This place screams Philadelphia with cool artwork and old school chairs and sofas. You would never find this type of place in New York, and that's why I love Philly!!!! read more

Higher Grounds - Rainy Saturday in Philly - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I love this place. The coffee is amazing as is the hot chocolate - I have yet to have any food besides a bagel but their options look good and are very well priced. This place has a super chilled and laid back vibe - you can even bring your dog in to hang out with you. but the best part; TABLE TOP MISS PACMAN!!!!! read more

This cute little spot has excellent coffee, and the green tea latte was properly strong. However, the green tea latte was much too sweet, and I was not aware of how sweet they would make it. The decor is thrift shop-mismatched, and there is plenty of space. The tables are rather dirty, and they need someone to come wipe them down more often. read more

Awesome coffeeshop in the heart of NoLibs. This place may not get as much foot traffic as other coffeeshops in the area, but it's definitely one of the better ones. Not pretentious, not over-priced, nice people, cool decor, comfy couches, great coffee, good food (warmed up banana nut muffin is fantastic), chill music, and some old school board games make this place an awesome coffeeshop to hang out, work, read, or just chill and sip on something. I've been here a few times and have always had a pleasant experience. It's fairly quiet, as most people in there are alone doing work and/or reading. When someone does speak, the sound travels a bit, but it's not too bad. The music is always decent and playing a low level where you can still concentrate on whatever you need to, but when you want to take a break, you can sit back and thoroughly listen to it and enjoy it. Definitely a hipster's paradise, with the decor, and I love it. The wooden floors, vintage rugs, and unique couches, it has a comfortable vibe to it, which is what I want in a coffeeshop. I haven't played their boardgames, but they have a little bookshelf in the middle of the back wall with some games on it like rummikub. Mind you, they have a $5 credit card minimum (there is an ATM), so I almost always get a coffee with the banana nut muffin since for some reason, I never have cash when I go there! read more

This is my neighborhood coffee spot & I really love this place! My only complaint is for the one male staff member who just never seems to like me. I've stopped trying. He also always gets my food order wrong but I'll never say anything. I've also tried to make my order as easy as possible so as not to feel like I'm bothering him. Sometimes, if I can, I'll head over to One Shot instead of here just to avoid our awkward exchange. The cheery female staff member is always awesome & I kind of let out a sigh of relief when I see her. She's always very helpful & attentive. read more

Pro - 1. Great ambience and overall decor. Good place to relax and chill. Con (which overrules the pro unfortunately) - 1. Cockiest Barista ever (this is our second time in Philly after two years and first time in this coffee place) Example 1 Me - How is the hot chocolate here? Barista - You like hot and chocolate? Me - W.T.H?!? Example 2 Me - which is your best cookie? (Self acclaimed cookie monster and was also on a cookie high after trying the likes of Levain in NY and other desserts from Magnolia, earlier in the week) Barista - All of them. Me - Alrighty, I'll take a red velvet chocolate chip. Conclusion - If it's the same hipster guy behind the counter, I'm not coming here again. Prolly racist cuz we aren't white? I'll never know. Finally, the cookie was crap. read more

Higher Grounds is a large coffee shop with some food, coffee and desserts. They are super low key and friendly inside. I have never tried their food, but I see people eating there in the afternoons. Their coffee is pretty good and organic - a bonus! It is hard to believe that this is the only coffee shop open before 8 that I can hit on my walk to work. Who owns a coffee shop and opens at 9? Ridiculous. Anyway, they allow pooches, so often you will find 2-3 dogs running about inside! This is a cool place to catch up with friends or hang and read a book. read more

You know, I really dig this place. I went to a reading here and there was plenty of space for it without making guests who weren't there for the reading feel weird or intrusive. The coffee was delicious and there were some good pastry sort of things to nibble on, too. It feels like a typical coffee shop atmosphere. You could totally picture, Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, and Joey listening to Phoebe play "Smelly Cat" in the corner while you sip on your coffee and pretend to be reading your book. Lots of good people-watching opportunities at this coffee house. I wish it were closer to me. I really do love it. Definitely worth checking out. read more

Not overly impressed with this place. I was so looking forward to having a chill neighborhood coffee joint to do work in a comfy atmosphere, but there's some kind of vibe that's off here. Maybe it was the specific guy working behind the counter that day that was beyond apathetic, but crossing into a-hole territory. Maybe the music needed to be up by two notches to create that perfect white noise that helps my ADD @ss to focus. Maybe I need meat in the sandwiches. But, there's something for everyone, so I'll leave off with some positives: the place is really charming, with lots of seating and free wifi (though spotty). Variety of food selection, including ice cream! And they give you a big ol' mug of coffee. read more

I love right around the corner and have been going here for a quick cup of coffee (delish yet the most expensive around) for years. The food is lacking but I mean that's not really what you go for here anyways right? There is ALWAYS ample attitude and smugness from the same two people (late 30s woman and guy with dreds) This morning will be my last time here: I get to the shop 6 mins before it opens so I decide it's worth the wait. I really need that cup of gold & it's totally worth me sprinting for the train (since I'll be cutting it close for work!) 7:00 on the dot the guy with the dreds comes from next door and looks at me waiting, enters and locks the door. Hmmm ok maybe he needs a few moments to himself to get cash drawer ready, etc. I mean, he KNOWS someone is waiting outside for coffee. 7:09 I finally leave. Run to the train. And now won't get my cup of coffee until 9:00 because I no longer have time to grab a crappy, yet always pleasant and never late Starbucks. Thanks guy for the last time you throw me attitude. I'll gladly pay the same amount to walk the other way to One Shot or choke down one at the Red Cup Cafe. jerk. read more

Best find about Higher Grounds -- they make an amazing blueberry-almond-soy smoothie which is pure heaven, and my friend swears by their chocolate milkshakes. Not really a fan of the Oregon Chai, but the iced mochas have always been spot on. Service has been consistently friendly and they're quick to make suggestions if you're not the cuppa type. Though I haven't had the time to actually sit down in the place, the environment looks cozily geek-friendly, with cushy chairs and a couple of retro arcade tables. read more

I would give it a 3.5 if it was an option. Came in early morning on a weekday hoping to get some work done. My Americano and Onion Bagel with cream cheese were just okay. I did have the "guy with dreadlocks" referenced numerous time below as my barista. He wasn't outwardly rude to me (I even got a "thank you" when I returned my empty plate), but I did find it a bit off-putting that at some point in my 2-hour stay at this cafe, his friend came in and they were chattering away very loudly (and I was sitting pretty far from the bar). And yes, there was weird music playing in the background. With that said, wifi is reliable and free. Cash only is often a problem for me since I never carry cash. The area I was sitting in was way too dark for my eyes to be comfortable while doing work, but I can imagine this would be a fun place to check out to play boardgames. I probably would come back if I was in the area but would definitely prefer other cafes over this one for doing work. read more

Cute little study spot in NoLibs! Their Thai iced coffee is amazing! I also got a bagel with cream cheese and tomato on it-tasty but that isn't really hard to do. The barista was super sweet but since a large group of people ordered food before me it took forever to get my bagel. You will definitely find me in one of their cozy chairs again soon! read more

Higher Grounds - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stopped by yesterday for what so far is my only visit as I don't live up there. Love the space and cozy feel of this place with old furniture, etc. Reading the other reviews it seems there is a real issue with some rude man that plays obnoxious music and is horrible to everyone. Thankfully I did not encounter him and the woman working there was lovely. I'd happily give it five stars for these aspects but unfortunately my latte was quite bad and had an awful burnt taste, probably in part due to the milk being scalded but possibly problems with the espresso as well. It was also the hottest latte I've ever been served in my life. I had to sit there with the top off and wait ten minutes to even be able to drink it. On the plus side, the peanut butter cup cookie was quite good. I guess I'm now too used to coffee drinks from places like Bodhi and Elixr, which are real "coffee expert" places that are very particular about making drinks a certain way. Higher Grounds doesn't seem to measure up in that regard but I'd check it out again if I was in the area and perhaps mention this to the barista before ordering another hot espresso drink. read more

This coffee house is a treasure chest! The coffee is great but the atmosphere is even better! There is so much to look at! It's quaint but cozy. The people who work here are friendly and their bathrooms are so creatively decorated, that may not mean much to some people, but it's definitely an attraction and worth the stop. read more

Cozy with decent coffee, a bit too bitter but it's OK. The staff is always nice and attentive. They even bring you your order at times if it's slow enough. I have fallen asleep after reading some magazines in the back. It's very peaceful and chill. They have some moderately/cheaply priced sandwiches. Overall, it's a great place. read more

Holy Hell! The coffee really is amazing! I just got a cup last night and whatever they had brewed was perfect. I was having a crappy day and it was exactly what I needed. read more

With lots of seating and music that was entertaining, but not distracting, this was a perfect place to grab a Tumeric Chai Latte and Almond Croissant to fuel a few hours of work on a Saturday morning. read more