La Colombe Coffee

I love coffee shops that aren’t starbucks. This was definitely not starbucks. The décor was outstanding. They have really cool hidden doors to the back room. It is very modern but cozy at the same time. Lot of seating and very open space. I loved the mugs even though I had it to go. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the coffee didn’t taste like ass. They had different brews that were for different palates. I went with the workshop, it was a less harsher brew that went down smoothly. Down to earth staff, good to have a conversation with. Coffee was great. I will be back next time I am in Philly.

That draft latte is perfection. Even when it’s 20 degrees out. The service is hip but without pretension. They just want to get you a great coffee. The lobby location in the Dow building makes it a far different La Colombe than the original tiny one off Rittenhouse. But it has great views and a lot of light. No WiFi, but bring a book, you philistine!

Had the Ethiopian plum espresso and was amazed sooo good!

Love the Black and Tan. Hands the best coffee around. The location is great for tourist as it is close to Independence Mall and tourist attraction. Staff were friendly and there were a good amount of seating.

Just perfect. Staff was super friendly and made excellent recommendations based on our tastes. Hit both out of the park. Her a Latte that was perfectly sweet without any added sweeteners Me a Corsica Dark Roast with light cream. Just a great spot and worth the money.

Great drip coffee. Wify got an awesome creamy espresso done right. Checked them out if your in downtown philly.

All people have a slightly different taste for the coffee they enjoy — but great coffee cups are all a combination of scent, flavor and the rush of caffeine. One perfect cup of joe, always, deserve another. Whatever you prefer, an espresso, flat white, or cold brew, you get it: you don’t question it.
— La Colombe goal is perfection, nothing less.
— A good coffee is… well, a coffee.
My new obsession is that latest creation at La Colombe: Pure Black & Tan. Remember: PERFECTION! (Pure Black & Tan: cold brew and half & half.)
— Or try the draft Latte: cold brew of a keg & milk.
— This location is strategic, and the modern décor is beautiful.
Four Unilocal

Excellent service and the best coffee in the city. The chicken salad sandwich is really great and i suggest getting a cookie. My favorite drink to get is a red eye with an Ardi shot. Worth going here.

This location must have a morning rush on the weekdays, but it’s not crammed with students or tourists whenever I go in the evenings or weekend. And I am embarrassed for liking the draft latte as much as I do, but it’s like a café sua da without the diabetic coma.

No matter what location I attend la Colombe never disappoints. I will always come back and will recommend to everyone

Clearly the shop for those who think their coffee choice elevates their social standing. Average latte at best. No flavors. Only agreed to get a drink after the barista swore he’d change my mind and I wouldn’t miss my caramel flavor. He was dead wrong. Asked for no foam and got 2 inches of it. I guess he thought I’d change my mind on that as well. Very disappointing.

The newest Philly La Colombe shop opened with almost no fanfare a few weeks ago – one day it was all under construction, and the next, there was a huge line for coffee.
This location has a temporary, almost pop-​up feel due to it being in the lobby of the Dow building. The coffee counter, situated squarely in the middle of the space, seems to be free-​floating, and is surrounded by plenty of seating, both indoor and out.
The same great roasts, draft lattes, and pastries are available here as at every La Colombe, plus there is a plethora of coffee beans and merch to check out as well. The service is impeccable, as always, and the line is true to La Colombe – free-​form and long.
This place is warmer than most coffee shops because the eastern wall is one large glass window that lets in all of the morning light. But at least it’s elevated above street level and has views of Independence Mall.

Every time I go to La Colombe, I remember what good coffee is supposed to taste like. Unfortunately for me, this only happens when I travel since there isn’t a location in SLC. The service is always on point. The people are so friendly, and they know their stuff. Maybe for my next move, I will make La Colombe a requirement… or La Colombe could open up a location here in SLC in the mean time???

Look at that frothy goodness.
Coffee is here is always great, but I was excited to try the Draft Latte. I was surprised that it actually tasted a little sweet (I usually drink black coffee), and I asked the staff if there was any sweetener added. Apparently, the liquid nitrogen transforms the milk in a way that the natural sweetness is brought out– only pure coffee and milk!
They also offer a Pure Black cold-​pressed coffee and a Pure Black and Tan (cold brew + draft latte). LOVE IT.

Latte on draft?! Damn cool. While it already has the milk in it to give it the frothy texture like a beer, you still taste a lot of coffee with each sip. Similar texture to a Guinness. Don’t like that much milk? Opt for a Black and Tan for half cold brew, half latte draft.
As Hoang T mentioned, it doesn’t have that quaint coffee shop feel, being in a lobby and all. But the product is great, the location is convenient, and if you’re looking for a good cup of Joe, it delivers!

Being a fairly new full-​time Philadelphian, I had never had a La Colombe experience prior to returning in May. I’ve never been to the Fishtown location, but I must say if it’s equal to this location (I’ve heard it’s much better), then I don’t know if better coffee exists anywhere. I bought a bag of ground coffee for my weekend mornings after having a cold brew in the middle of a rough Wednesday workday. I highly recommend the brand, I was not disappointed by this location and definitely try to get there once a week.

This is a great addition to the area. They have pastries and tomato and ricotta sandwiches (after 10:30 am) along with yogurts and naked juices. They have cold brews ready to be grabbed and iced lattes on draft. Grab a bag of coffee to roast at home. I only wish the seating was a little more comfortable so that I could work from the shop.

Drink:
I’ve been to La Colombe a handful of times and in a few different locations and love them all. This particular spot recently started offering cold press and iced lattes on draught. I tried a draught latte for the first time today and it was amazing. It’s my new favorite coffee drink. I’m so glad the barista offered me a sample after I ordered a regular iced latte because I immediately changed my order. The barista also offered to make it a bit stronger by mixing the two (cold press and latte draughts), but I decided to try that on my next visit. Added bonus, same price as the regular iced latte. Haven’t eaten here yet, but I’ve had the pastries at other locations and liked them then.
Atmosphere:
I love the interior of this coffee shop. It’s a little strange that it shares a space with an office lobby, but the space is actually pretty well divided. Lots of table space and some great, really comfortable rocking chairs set off to the side. The space is open, but it stays relatively quiet (at least the few times I’ve been there).
Service:
Friendly baristas, quick service, staff keeps the space clean– nothing to complain about here.

I work across the street and seen them fixing up this location for awhile. I think I had big expectations since they had their flag ship store recently open [never been, but heard good things]. I liked the Rittenhouse experience as well.
This location was a bit of a let down if your looking for a coffee shop experience… Coffee culture in philly is just crazy hot right now. La colombe is a big name in philly, but the interior aesthetic felt a bit sterile. The high [very high] ceiling makes it airy but I feel there is too much echo and loses the intimate feel of coffee shops. This is another thing, it feels like a pop up coffee shop since it is in the dow lobby.
I ordered a regular coffee. I liked it but their house roast/​bean wasn’t my preference. It was brewed nicely.
Staff was friendly, place had plenty of seats inside.
I do like outdoor seating but there was construction noise which was unpleasant. Good addition for tourist and workers in the area.
—update—
Tried their cold brew on tap, kinda blew my mind seeing that for the first time lol. I enjoyed it but, again, I think their house coffee bean is just not my preference compared to other coffee shops. Their coffee has hints of chocolate and fruit. I personally don’t like chocolate, others may.
The wood seats are rockers!!! Like another review said, they aren’t that comfortable to squat around. Overall, fast and friendly service.
—-update — -August 18, 2015
I always debate what I should do for afternoon coffee… la colombe which is across the street or walk to Menagerie (3 – 4 blocks). On really hot days, I find myself just getting La Colombe. Like I said before, I personally don’t like their classic bean/​coffee. Today, I opted for their Workshop coffee. And it was much better. La colombe has made it more compelling to get their coffee now that I’ve tried this flavor.
The service was super quick today and just nice overall.
Again, please be careful when opening the door (entering and exiting). The wind tunnel/​pressure is or will always be strong. I almost spilled my coffee since I had both hands holding something.

We were visiting from DC today and enjoying the 4^th festivities along Independence Square and needed some coffee. I looked across the street and saw «La Colombe» and remembered reading about it being among Philly’s best.
We were thoroughly impressed with the coffee — I got a macchiato — and would say it ranks up there with some of the best ones I’ve had. Service was friendly and quick.
The space here is really nice also.