The City of Brotherly Love: Part 1
First up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: ReAnimator Coffee, Persimmon, and Ace Outpost with Huey Melendez and Cortez Artis.
Dear coffee lovers,
Recently, Huey and Cortez took a trip up north to explore Philadelphia, PA. Join two of the creative minds behind Coffee Club as they pass through Philly’s café scene.
ReAnimator Coffee
Cortez: Reanimator was where I actually got work done. Not because I had to, it just happened. It has the kind of energy where you sit down, open your laptop, and naturally find your rhythm. There’s enough movement to make the space feel alive without ever feeling distracting, and every detail, down to the branding, feels thoughtfully connected.
Huey: Reanimator is your classic big-city café built for getting things done. It nails the essentials: great coffee, solid pastries, and cohesive branding. But what stood out most was the retail space. From seasonal whole-bean releases to thoughtfully designed merch and surprisingly good instant espresso, everything feels intentional. I picked up a box of the instant packets, and if I hadn’t known better, I would’ve guessed it came from a freshly pulled shot. Add the welcoming atmosphere and its connection to Char Pizza, and it’s an easy place to recommend.
👀 Visit ReAnimator →
👀 Learn more about this café →
Persimmon
Cortez: Persimmon felt slower in the best way. I got there early, and it felt like the day was still waking up. The space invites you to slow down, and stepping outside between sips feels like part of the experience. Their rotating roasts keep things interesting, while the Endless Summer drink feels like a little snapshot of the season.
Huey: My favorite café in Philly, without question. This was my second visit after more than two years, and it was great to see co-founders Sawyer and Bryant build on what already made the shop special. Walking up to people gathered outside chatting made it obvious that Persimmon is more than great coffee – it’s a genuine community space. Bryant recommended the Jasmine Tea Dream alongside a cortado, and both delivered. I already can’t wait to come back, and I’m hoping this won’t be my last time working with the team. Stay tuned.
👀 Visit Persimmon →
👀 Learn more about this café →
Ace Outpost
Cortez: Ace Outpost was the hardest place to leave. The worn-in seating and vintage touches make it feel instantly comfortable without trying too hard. It’s less of a quick coffee stop and more the kind of place where you look up and realize you’ve been there for hours.
Huey: We love a good multi-use space, and Ace Outpost absolutely delivers. From the moment you walk in, every vintage piece feels thoughtfully placed, from the furniture to the Faema espresso machine behind the bar. I kept it simple with a cortado, but having it served in a bright orange cup and saucer while catching up with my artist friend Bandup Gotti and chatting with baristas Liam and Meg made the visit memorable. The vintage curation is some of the best I’ve seen, and it’s the kind of place that’s easy to lose track of time in. A must-visit.
👀 Visit Ace Outpost →
👀 Learn more about this café →
We hope you enjoyed these Philly shops! If you’re in town, stop by and enjoy a moment of leisure in these beautiful cafés.
Have a beautiful day,
Jon Hargreaves
Coffee Club Founder
Editor: Lexi Deverich
Direction: Huey Melendez, Cortez Artis, & Jon Hargreaves
Photography: Huey Melendez & Cortez Artis
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