Cozy Cafes and Coffee Shops in Delco

During the colder months, you may find yourself itching to get out of the house and meet up with friends. Cafes and coffee shops are some of the most familiar “third spaces,” and they are the perfect place to go when you need a break from your home office, want to catch up with a neighbor, or just to grab a quick bite and a latte or cup of joe.

 

All across Delco, you’ll find cozy spots that fit the bill! Some are sleek and modern, while others are homey and comfortable. Some have a full menu and more traditional table service, while others feature convenient counter service and grab-and-go options. And because there are so many great coffee shops to explore, we’ve split our roundup into two parts. 

 

 

In Part 1, we’re heading west and into the heart of the county, from Swarthmore and Media to Newtown Square, Glen Mills and Chadds Ford—Part 2 covers Havertown and Lansdowne through Drexel Hill, Ridley Park and Norwood. Whether you’re looking for a place to settle in with a book, grab breakfast or simply enjoy a really good cup of coffee, there’s plenty to discover. Despite their unique differences and features, each one of these cafes is a place where you can find welcoming hospitality, and where you can while away the hours with a book, your laptop or over a lively conversation.

 

Right across from the train station in charming downtown Swarthmore, find Hobbs Coffee, a space where students and locals come for the caffeine and the company. Expect ReAnimator Coffee on the menu, as well as standard baked goods, egg dishes, oatmeal, breakfast sandwiches and lunch options. There is also a lovely selection of locally made art and gifts for sale in the shop!

1 Park Ave., Swarthmore; (610) 541-0122.

 

Cafesphere is a Euro-style cafe in Media that offers locals so much deliciousness! On the menu, find freshly roasted coffee, espresso drinks, Fair Trade and organic hot tea, as well as kombucha, hot chocolate, mocktails and more. Food options include both light bites, like savory baguette sandwiches and sweet pastries from Au Fournil, a French bakery in Narberth. The vibes are fabulous, with plenty of nooks to settle into, trendy design features, ample natural light, a fireplace and sofa on the second-floor mezzanine, and even an outdoor roof deck overlooking State Street! 

25 E. State St., Media; (484) 445-2946.

 

 

Tucked into a charming pedestrian-friendly corner of Media, Café Isla has an eclectic, colorful atmosphere with a menu to match. The family-owned cafe serves La Colombe and Maiden Roasters coffee alongside espresso drinks, specialty beverages, matcha and fresh baked goods. There’s also a full breakfast and lunch menu, with favorites like the Power Egg sandwich, lox bagels, homemade quiche and the Tuscan Tuna Melt. For a sweet afternoon treat, try one of the specialty lattes or a freshly baked pastry.

24 S. Plum St., Media; (610) 627-2077.

 

 

 

Burlap & Bean Coffee is an independent coffeehouse and small-batch roastery in Media where the beans are roasted right on the premises. All of the coffee is 100% Fair Trade and certified organic, with plenty of single-origin coffees and house blends to choose from. Pair your brew with a house-made bite or a pastry, including vegan and gluten-free options, and if you’re visiting on the weekend, check the schedule for live music. The cafe also has outdoor seating, making it a particularly nice stop on a sunny day.

455 W. Baltimore Ave., Media; (484) 444-2533.

 

 

If you need caffeine on the go, YO! Coffee Drive-Thru has you covered. Housed in the former Swiss Farms location on Providence Road, this funky little drive-thru is the brainchild of Philly Phoodie, a longtime food writer and enthusiastic explorer of mom-and-pop restaurants and cafes. The coffee menu ranges from classic drip and espresso drinks to specialty creations, like the over-the-top lattes inspired by Philadelphia sports mascots (like the Yo! Gritty, a banana bread latte with maple cold foam and cinnamon dust). The shop’s locally roasted beans mean you don’t have to sacrifice quality for convenience.

938 N. Providence Rd., Media; (484) 424-7794.

 

Media Bean Cafe offers a full coffee menu, including hot and iced drinks, frappes and specialty teas, plus breakfast served all day! Tuck into an egg and cheese sandwich with avocado, spinach and cheddar, brisket eggs benedict, cinnamon crumble French toast or one of the rotating specials for a hearty start to the day. There are great options for kids, too! For lunch, try a healthy salad, club sandwich or wrap; don’t forget a side of sweet potato waffle fries or decadent truffle fries.

204 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; (610) 755-3559.

 

 

Riverlily Coffee Company is one of Delco’s newest coffee shops, but it’s already making a name for itself with a menu that goes well beyond the usual cafe fare. Alongside espresso drinks, cold brew, matcha, chai and refreshers, you’ll find bagels with creative house-made cream cheeses. But the real curveball is the pierogi lineup, which includes traditional potato and cheese alongside inventive varieties, like garlic steak, pizza, and pork roll and sausage.

201 Meetinghouse Rd., Aston; (610) 862-1128.

 

Coffee tastes even better when it’s for a good cause! Ryan’s Rise Up Café is a nonprofit cafe created to provide meaningful employment and job training for people of all abilities, inspired by Ryan Vail and his family’s desire to build a future filled with opportunity. The cafe serves coffee and other beverages alongside baked goods, with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that makes it easy to linger. Come for the coffee, stay for the chance to be part of something special in Glen Mills.

5 Evergreen Dr., Suite 100, Glen Mills; (610) 426-3620.

 

 

Located in a rustic-chic space in Chadds Ford, Oso Sweet Bakery & Cafe’s menu includes its own special blend from Brandywine Coffee Roasters, a gourmet tea selection from Brandywine Teas and Mrs. Robinson’s and handcrafted artisan chocolate from Éclat. Oso Sweet is also a bakery, and its housemade treats include cookies, scones, cupcakes, brownies and custom cakes; on the savory side, find silky egg bites, empanadas, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and more. In addition to drip coffee, beverage options include espresso drinks, nitro cold brew, tea lattes, hot chocolate and smoothies. On Friday nights throughout the summer and fall, Oso hosts BYOB community gatherings, with live music, special desserts and pizza.

1609 Baltimore Pike, Suite 500, Chadds Ford; (610) 880-8118.

 

 

•  •  • 

 

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo courtesy of YO! Coffee Drive-Thru