Higher Grounds

I can’t say enough good things about this coffee shop. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the cool, laid-back vibe—it’s the kind of place where you instantly want to settle in with a latte and stay awhile. The space is cozy without feeling cramped, with thoughtful decor and great music that makes it perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done. What really makes this place special, though, is the staff. They’re genuinely awesome—friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do. Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first visit, they treat you like you belong there. They’re happy to make recommendations, customize drinks, and always serve everything with a smile. On top of that, it’s a small business, which makes supporting it feel even better. You can tell there’s real heart behind everything they do—from the quality of the coffee to the way they connect with their customers. If you’re looking for great drinks, a cool atmosphere, and amazing people, this is the spot. Highly recommend!

starting with the name alone, Higher Grounds café instantly won me over. as a big Star Wars fan, I couldn’t help but think of obi-wan’s legendary line, so naturally i had to check it out. nerdiness aside, the moment you step inside, you’re transported into one of the most indie, artsy cafés i’ve seen in philly. there’s a little bit of everything: stickers, artwork, handmade jewelry- you name it. It’s like a curated treasure hunt with every visit. the lighting is warm and dim, adding a cozy vibe that makes you want to stay a while. i couldn’t stop looking around because every corner is filled with something interesting. i’ve been twice so far, and both times i had the same super chill barista, which made it feel even more like a neighborhood spot. the first time i tried the strawberry matcha (which was surprisingly warm instead of iced) and honestly it was delicious either way. i also got the french toast bagel, but that one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It didn’t really taste like french toast, so i’ll have to deduct a few gryffindor points there 🧙‍♂️. on my second visit, i got an everything bagel and it totally redeemed things. as a Jersey girl, i have high bagel standards- and this justttt one passed the vibe check. my friend and I even took some pics in the back of the café - which was nice and quiet - so we didn’t feel like we were bothering anyone. if i could make this a daily stop, i would. whether you’re in it for the drinks, the vibe, or a new favorite cozy corner, I totally recommend checking out Higher Grounds!

Such a great café! I spent around $15 and ordered a caramel latte with oat milk, Bao Zhong oolong tea, and brie with strawberry jam on sourdough. All of it was incredible. The space feels like a boutique hotel with cozy decor, lots of seating, outlets, WiFi, and games. Perfect spot to relax or get some work done. I’ll definitely be back! 5/5

I flew in to Philadelphia early this morning to.catch a bus to delaware, and along the way I stopped here to grab a cofee and kill some time while I waited on the bus. The owner/barista was super nice. The coffee is good and cheap. I didnt get food so cant speak to that. But yall this place has the chillest most relaxed vibe. I love it. I highly recommend checking it out. The decor is awesome.

Was looking for avocado toast, but it wasn't available. So I ordered the egg, tomato, and cheese wrap for breakfast, and I requested only half cheese. Then the nice lady asked if I wanted avocado, I said yes, then she followed up with if I wanted avocado instead of cheese, I said why yes please! 5 ⭐ service for knowing what the customer wants :) The wrap itself was good, 4 ⭐ (it would be ironic if the cheese would have made it 5 ⭐😅) Plain croissant was surprisingly heavy!! Probably twice as heavy as similar ones at other places, so I was thinking, "oh is there a pleasant surprise that there is some filling!?" There was no filling -- it was just more croissant to enjoy :) 5 ⭐ Very spacious inside, and lots of cool if not funky decor 😄 Overall I'd say the food is more 4 ⭐ but with the two pleasant surprises I'll just give the establishment 5 ⭐ overall -- good mood haha