I've been dying to try it since I saw a small sign at the bottom of the hill. (Only applies if you park in the forbidden drive upper lot). I pictured myself entering this place like Snow white. The birds and butterflies would announce my arrival everyone would break into song.... None of that took place which is disappointing however, I still maintain that it was a five star experience. It's so cool to have a little cottage like this just off the trail. No one can drive to it. I imagine business is pretty seasonal. For me that creates an appeal that most places don't have. It reminds me of a few places I was at in Florida that you can only get to by the water. It's probably not great for business to limit your clientele but it creates an experience. "The iced coffee tastes like they dumped concentrate over ice." Said most average Amy. Quote may not be verbaI personally love it that way. But it's pretty strong and not for everyone. I know most of the store-bought 64oz cold brew containers suggest you water it down but I never do. The muffins are serious. You can take a date there and get one muffin to share. Not only are they large, they are also pretty damn good. The cups were the waxy paper type that were so popular in the late 80's - early 90's. I imagine it was not to be nostalgic but rather to save on cost. I don't even see these cups around anymore so I imagine there is supply with now demand. There is probably a stockpile somewhere that's been removed from restaurant chains that didn't survive Y2K. You can get a salmon BLT for $12.95. The coffee was like 3 something. These prices aren't European prices! Nothing is this cheap, cheap, cheap anymore. read more

I can't remember the last time I was this charmed by a place as I was when I visited The Cedars House with my friend a few weeks ago! We had visited Philadelphia for the weekend and wanted to grab a coffee on the way out of town. I picked Cedars House after a quick search on Yelp, but I was not prepared for just how wonderful it was! Their website refers to the cafe as "A little cafe in the woods..." and that's exactly what it is! The cafe is located at start of several trailheads in Wissahickon Valley Park. It's green and gorgeous and this cafe feels like a cafe in a fairytale - nestled in the green woods. The service was great, and the menu was more extensive than I would have guessed! I had salmon BLT, which really hit the spot. The next time I'm in Philadelphia, I'd love to go for a hike on the trails and then visit the Cedars House for lunch and to read a book in a cozy nook of the cafe. So charming. I can't wait to return. read more

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Nastiest customer service I've ever experienced. Run. Came here with a group of six people and we spent well over $100 across mutilple tabs. The food is good, but unfortunately the sour owner who bad mouths her own customers within ear shot needs to learn a thing or two about treating their paying customers with some decency. I won't be coming back. read more

We happened to come across this place while out running errands and trying to find a coffee shop that was open. I had a rough idea of the location so we gave it a shot. Cute little place located just inside Wissahickon Park. Decent sized menu, good prices, La Colombe coffee, and super-friendly staff. Close enough we'll be coming back. read more

The Cedars House - Iced coffee, a little milk, and I added a few pumps of chocolate syrup because... Mocha. - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Sat in one of the comfy chairs in the side room and someone's big dog jumped on my lap while I was eating. The drip coffee prices are too high and the bathroom seems to be constantly out of order. read more

Rude Customer Service The customer service at The Cedars House has been rude and borderline discriminatory. Our family has had three interactions that have left such a bad taste in our mouth that we will not spend another dollar there. First, I had a newborn baby on the trail, I went inside the Cedars House to buy a coffee, dessert, and nurse my newborn. One of the workers (I think the manager) told me that I couldn't stay there because my newborn baby wasn't vaccinated. This was towards the end of the pandemic when they were only allowing people in the building who were vaccinated. She said this was their policy with no exceptions and asked me to leave and was very rude about pointing to their policy. I was a paying , vaccinated customer, trying to nurse my newborn baby.... Wow.... Second, my husband went in to get food for our kids, all had a mask on except my two year old son, which is completely normal every other place we had gone, and this same woman refused to allow my husband to buy food unless our 2yr old was masked. My husband was masked along with my older sons, and in such a rude way, told them to leave and refused to allow them to buy food. There was a certain level of tolerance I had because of the pandemic and peoples response, but now that the height and danger of the pandemic is mostly over, in my most recent encounter at the Cedars House, this same woman is still just as rude as in our past experiences. I simply asked for a glass of water, she said they don't give out water, which is fine, not a big deal. So I went to the bathroom to fill up my water bottle. She stopped me as I came out and said that this bathroom was for paying customers and that I can not use it. I said I just filled up my water bottle and she continued to repeat that I'm not allowed to use the bathroom to fill up my water bottle. Wow, so sad people can be this petty, rude, and sour. read more

I am so thrilled that a girlfriend suggested we meet here for lunch today! It was a Thursday morning so not too busy but everything was prepared exceptionally. I got the ham Brie apple panini which was SO good. One of my girlfriends for the mom breakfast sandwich and then we rounded it out with smoothies and a pesto grilled cheese. Everything was so well seasoned and lovingly prepared. Thumbs up for the la Colombe coffee and awesome ice cream. I can't wait to come back read more

Not impressed with the service the morning we visited. I wish I would have said something or spoken with a manager.

This place is lovely. Great coffee, delicious food, cute decor, friendly staff, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and reasonable prices. I have stopped by several times before to grab a quick cup of coffee during or after a hike, but today my friend and I stayed for lunch. I'm kicking myself for not trying the food sooner because it is so good! I had iced coffee and curry chicken salad, and my friend had quiche. Both of us really enjoyed our meal and are looking forward to coming back again soon. read more

Yo this place is great, been going here for over a decade, good food at reasonable prices. great location on the end of the trail. Like Cheers, they actually know my name. That comment is a Boomer one for sure. read more

The Cedars House - a man driving a horse drawn carriage - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great food enjoyed outdoors! Comfortable inside seating available too.

Great place to stop while hiking through the Wiss. The staff are so nice and pet friendly, and the coffee and food are good. It's nice to be warm indoors, with the windows that are surrounded by trees. There's also a few outdoor tables surrounded by pine trees. read more

I stumbled upon the Cedars House following an epic Philadelphia bike adventure through the city, along Kelly drive (including a pit stop at Belmont plateau for my favorite view of the city, of course!), through to Wissahickon Park and eventually to the entrance of Forbidden Drive. -- which also happens to be the precise location of the Cedars House. Heyooo. After trekking almost 15 miles (and slathered in the sweat and grime to prove it), I was more than ready for a refuel. Luckily CH had PLENTY of options to satisfy (plus outdoor seating so I could unwind without imparting my foul stench upon others). Their menu is simple yet extensive: homemade soups (and gazpacho), quiche, sandwiches/wraps, salads, fruit, cookies, muffins, coffee (la colombe, to be precise) plus a variety of freshly made smoothies with serious power boosters such as coconut water, chia seeds, soy protein, ground golden flax, wheat germ and bee pollen! I opted for a fairmount fruity smoothie (banana, mango, blueberry strawberry, white grape juice & soy milk) and a warm slice of zucchini mozzarella quiche. Yum. Be forewarned - this place is NOT cheap (they do, however, accept plastic [excluding AMEX]). Regardless, I'll still return -- food quality is solid, the location can't be beat and well, I love me some bada$$ smoothies. I also noticed that they offer a bunch of health/wellness programs including yoga in the meadow, group run classes, health coaching and personal training. PLUS there's a massage studio upstairs? Basically, this place has it all. Their hours change seasonally so be sure to check their site before you make the hike! read more

Newly renovated, The Cedars House, is located at the beginning of Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park. This unique fitness spot offers a hub for runners, walkers, and bikers. They have a menu of light, healthy fare including breakfast items, sandwiches, and smoothies. They have lockers that you can rent if you want to stash personal belongings during your run, walk, or hike. They also feature programming that includes mat pilates, yoga, meditation, massage, personal training, and kids activities. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy your post-workout snack. They've also got restrooms which are always nice if you've been on the trails a while. It's great to have another spot other than the Valley Green Inn along the trails, especially one that is so committed to the community of fitness enthusiasts and amateurs alike that frequent the park. I thoroughly enjoyed my mango/strawberry smoothie after my workout this afternoon. My only suggestion? Go easy on the added grape juice next time. read more

Really cute place! Convenient whether you are in the park or just want to drive and stop in. There is parking on Northwestern Ave. (by Chestnut Hill College at Germantown Ave) Had a smoothie which I enjoyed. Prices were fair too. 4 stars because the employees got some orders mixed up- including ours - but no big deal. Would still go back! read more

My visit was brief -some breakfast food to go. It was all about the service therefore - courteous,friendly and efficient. I'll be back and stay awhile LOL. read more

Nothing can convince me to go for a run or hike on the trail like a stop at The Cedars House. Yes the prices are steep, but the ingredients are quality and that's important. I usually go with a Cedar House smoothie, a sandwich and maybe a bowl of fruit salad or a cookie. Everything is outstanding. The turkey sandwich and grilled cheese with tomato and pesto are my favorites. Oh yea, these things are gigantic by the way. May be a good idea to share. Love this place! read more

Terrible service!!! Awkward teenagers working with no social skills for a nice quaint coffee shop. Sorry to say but, I will not be coming back again . read more

really wonderful gem at the beginning of a leisure walk/hike. I love the simple menu and indoor/outdoor area. I also attended a birthday event and loved the area we could tent and play outside for the entire time. read more

I've been going to The Cedars House for years with my friends and family after spending in the Wissahickon. Their coffee and smoothies are great - as well as delicious cookies, quiche and muffins. Service is friendly - although sometimes you can expect to wait. I've day dreamed during many runs about our post run coffee there! read more

LOVE this place! What a cozy and cute place to sit and read and have coffee or have some lunch. Excellent, inexpensive prices, good food and homey atmosphere. Also love that it is a historical building! read more

Service is great, prompt and friendly. Sometimes you wait for awhile, but it's usally when they are very busy. The food is delicious and so are the drinks: coffee, smoothies, etc. The vibe is the best. read more

We love Cedar House! It's a joy to go there on weekends after hiking in the Wissahickon. Nooked at the start of the park's walkable Forbidden Drive, the cafe and its deck are sheltered by tall trees and edged by a forest. The lovingly restored house feels like a country escape. You can seat on the deck, sip great La Colombe coffee and gobbled down delicious pastries, quiches, and breakfast sandwiches, while watching horseback riders and families go by. The owner works the cash register and will tell you fun stories if things are not too busy. We'll be back next weekend! read more

Good coffee, great food, and excellent dog watching. I had the Devil's Den smoothie was good, but make sure you get it with the added peanut butter. The maple bacon stuffed waffle was the perfect snack after a long hike. I just wish the waffle was a little bigger, but that could just be because I have the spirit of a fat kid. I totally recommend this place for before or after your hike, depending on which way you're coming from. read more

This place is great. It has good food and the people I ve met that work there are nice and friendly. It has a laid back and very comfortable atmosphere. I d highly recommend it. read more

Super little cafe right at the beginning of Valley Green trails. I had a delicious cup of coffee for less than $2 before going out on a hike. On my way back I grabbed a fruit smoothie that really hit the spot. Apparently they also offer fitness classes and messages upstairs; this place has it all. I'll have to try one of their sandwiches next time I hit the trails. read more

Cute little place with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and many healthy choices with fresh, natural ingredients!

Cottage in the woods with yummy treats. Affordable, kid and dog friendly. Part of our daily routine as a stay at home momma.

Charming, delicious and unique, this restored cottage cafe is the best kept secret in Phila! You can even rent it out for parties and meetings.. The food is great, with plenty of Gluten and Dairy free options as well as their superb homemade muffins and smoothies. This is my Go-To place for birthday brunches and coffee before or after hiking with friends. The folks are authentic and warm so the service is wonderful. Love to eat outdoors? They have three outdoor seating options~with an outdoor patio and deck. Get there quick before it gets discovered and crowds ruin it... read more

This cafe is super cute and one of a kind! Valley green is a great place for walks and hikes, and having Cedars House right there for a bite to eat after a hike is great! We love coming here for lunch and they have the best coffee & smoothies! Perfect after a run in VG. We love Cedars! read more

After a walk in the Wissahickon, I'm always thrilled to Cedars House rising in the distance as I return for coffee or a smoothie, baked goodies including bagels and many gluten free and dairy free muffins, etc. Great soup and granola, quiche, etc. Staff are very friendly. Be aware this is a precious old house. Staff and owner do a great job of adapting it. read more

Perfect park location, refreshing smoothies, delicious sandwiches & the best granola around! A super relaxed environment so probably not for the uptight or hurried. read more

Delicious sandwich, horrible customer service from one server. Surprising because I was a constant customer and all other times I had no problem. The other people on counter staff were excellent, but this young "gentleman" who brought our sandwich out today could not have been more rude. It's true they don't have much competition due to their location, but you would think that their staff would be trained in basic professional customer service. read more

Best wedding or party location for intimate, casual, but garden-chic affair. Owner and staff provide amazing service, and will cater to your every need! read more