Fishtown Coffee: Steap and Grind

It's only fair to give my favorite coffee shop the first Fishtown Coffee post!

Steap and Grind is an adorable corner coffee spot on the edge of Fishtown, near Palmer Park and close to the Berks El stop. I love it because it's much smaller and quieter than nearby La Colombe, and feels much cozier when all you want is a quiet, easy start to your day.

Fishtown has many, many coffee options. Had a rough night (or week) and need a solid breakfast to accompany your cuppa? There's at least three diners within walking distance. Want a coffee and pastry that will make you feel fancier than usual? Then check out one of the cute cafes and specialty shops near the main drag of Fishtown: Frankford Ave!

I love Steap and Grind because it's so near to my house (obviously) that it's just close enough I don't feel the need to put real clothes on if I'm making a quick run.... cozy joggers and a fleece won't be frowned upon too much. It doesn't feel pretentious or "fancy" (I'm lookin' at you, La Colombe, though I love you also), and it's small, so has a permanent warmth larger places just don't have.

I often run into the local postmen ordering "the usual" in the morning as I stop in on my way to work. If I want a pick-me up I pop in, because they have the cutest local-made items and coffee accessories to browse while you wait. Plus, they do a few simple dishes, so if you want to stay for a more filled-out breakfast or brunch, you can.

When I walk in the first thing my eyes go to - without fail - is the homemade pastries on the counter, followed very quickly by an oggle of the wall filled with row upon row of tea. That's the great thing about Steap and Grind: they don't just do great coffee. They carry more tea blends than any other coffee shop I've visited thus far in Philly, and they always have a deliciously tempting assortment of home-baked goods to keep your tea/coffee company.

I tend to prefer a black coffee, but Steap and Grind has some killer lattes and specialty drinks that change almost daily. I definitely recommend a spicy chai latte or a maple latte if it's cold out! The tea's are great too; I tried Holy Detox - a blend of rosehips, spearmint, and ginger - today, and it was a perfect compliment to my dreary morning of errand running.

If you're in Fishtown, I definitely recommend giving Steap and Grind a try! The staff are always friendly, you're almost guaranteed to run into an adorable pup by the front doors, and the happy assortment of gifts to pick through while you're sipping your coffee or tea is definitely worth a look. See you there!