This is just about coffee because I don't buy 90% of what's in the shop. The brewed coffee is expensive and old. The 6 or so pots sit there all day steaming away on the hot plates. For $2.05 or whatever (some stupid amount over $2 that get's you a half pound of change back) the cup of coffee isn't great. When I forget this and go anyway, I bring my own container which is worth $0.00 in discount. The whole bean selection is great with a lot of countries and beans represented, but I don't know how fresh it is. I bought a 1/2 lb. bag and it tasted old (IMHO). So when I went in the next time I asked John what was fresh and he said everything is fresh and that it's all brought in every 2 weeks. But I never see people buying beans when I'm in there or hanging out outside Sansom. I figured that I just let it sit too long or didn't brew it right, so I decided to buy another lb. of beans and try again. But then he started berating me about me being the first person in 27 years to question the freshness of his coffee. He kept saying this over and over "you are the only one in 27 years", etc. So I said never mind. I wasn't going to spend my $ at some place that doesn't respect me as a customer, which is too bad because he's probably right that the coffee is almost always really fresh. But who's going to trust a place that has 6 pots steaming away on hot plates for $2.05? read more

I'd say some of the best coffee in west philly, definitely. John's awesome and makes things perfectly! The hot chocolate, topped with a touch of nutmeg. Beautiful. You walk in, the sweet smell of coffee, delectable chocolates, cigars, cloves surrounds you. Buy your local paper from wherever you are around the world while getting your international flavor from all the magazines that he has. Down side is that there's no place to sit though when it's warm, he puts a couple of tables and chairs outside. read more

An awesome store. A great collection of magazines and journals. I live in New York, have lived in LA and honestly haven't seen much to rival it in this country. The coffee is great too. Skip the over-roasted junk at 'bucks and get it at Avril 50 instead. And the chocolate is absolutely fantastic too... read more

I could quite literally spend an entire day here. They have everything, and it's all crammed in the tiny shop. If this atmosphere doesn't make you go " YESSS!" this could make for a stressful shopping experience. I love their awesome selection of magazines from around the world, postcards, and regular cards. GREAT. read more

I've been back here dozens of times since I last wrote a review. The coffee is consistently great and really fast because you just pour it yourself and then pay - so much better than waiting in the 20 person line at Starbucks. read more

I wanted to like this place. I also hoped there was a place to sit down inside, but there wasn't. That's not why this review is 2 stars. It's 2 stars because I paid $3 for a bite of Toblerone and a 12oz coffee that I expected to taste halfway decent. I opted for the Kona rather than the Avril 50 blend; I wasn't in the mood for something super dark. However, this coffee tastes like straight up water. It is marginally better than the Starbucks around the corner (and I hate Starbucks coffee). I'll probably be back to explore the store, but not to buy a cup of coffee. read more

Simply the best. First, this is the best coffee in University City, if not Philadelphia. John's Avril 50 blend apparently took him 2 years to create via experimentation. Also, it is hands down the best iced coffee I've ever had: He makes his ice cubes out of the different types of coffee and then when the ice melts your coffee is not diluted! Genius! Secondly, John is wonderful and hilarious. He brightens every day I step into Avril. Third, if you are looking for any magazine, no matter how rare, John will have it or order it for you. Fourth, great selection of European candies. I try a new one each time. Really top notch. I've been trying to convince him to install indoor seating and wifi so I can sit and sip and read. read more

What do you get when you cross fantastic coffee, hilarious Facebook updates and high-quality tobacco? The answer is Avril 50. John, the proprietor of this small University City business is always dressed to the nines and never has any lack of advice or satirical material. This is a perfect joint if you want to pick up some nice cigarettes and a coffee and step outside. The availability of outdoor seating is a plus, but beware, your chops will get busted if you use them without buying anything. If your on a lunch break, there is also les bus sandwiches available. AVRIL 50 4 LYFE read more

I'm only here twice a year to pick up the latest issue of Fantastic Man. It is the only place in the city that stocks it; it's very likely the only place in the city that stocks a majority of the magazines that it carries. This establishment is so delightful and crucial and unlike anything else that exists in Philadelphia. If I lived nearby this would absolutely be my neighborhood hangout. read more

This place looks like a damn dirty and chaotic tabac (although I guess I have not been in any crazy dirty tabacs in France so how would I know...) but I come here for one reason only and I love it for one reason only--they have bahn mi every day from a Vietnamese restaurant downtown. I don't even bother to look around (and there is a ton of stuff including other food choices) because I'm in and I'm out with my fresh spring rolls or a pork or fried tofu bahn mi. It's pricey at $5.75 but worth it when I'm in a rush and stuck in W. Philly and have to get back to the library. The bun isn't toasted (the bahn mi is kept in the fridge) and the flavors may be a bit lacking, but it does the job. (One time, however, I came in to buy bahn mi and another law student came in and showed the owner that the peanut sauce that comes with the fresh spring rolls was rotten. The guy promptly refunded her money and called the restaurant.) This place is damn cluttered though--tons of newspapers (from all over the world) and other periodicals (lots of magazines). They also have loose leaf tea and fresh coffee. Overall, seems like a charming (but dirty) place that I should spend some time exploring in! read more

The coffee is the best in the area, the publications available are often difficult to find and mesmerizing, and the owner is lovely. Definitely the place to stop in, grab a coffee, and peruse some magazines while on break. read more

I like it! Little cosmopolitan place with a lot of character. The coffee's pretty good too.

Adorable little shop packed with interesting magazines, artisan chocolates and candies, and a range of coffee to choose from. The man behind the counter was welcoming and explained the different coffee choices when I asked what they were. He had a dark roast, a medium roast, a flavored coffee, and I think a decaf. I chose the medium roast. it didn't exactly hit the spot in flavor notes, but it was not bad...it had a deep coffee flavor with woodsy notes and was not bitter like several I've tasted from other shops lately. I'm learning to appreciate just how hard it is to find a good cup of black coffee. read more

Seriously, the best coffee I've had in Philadelphia so far. Nearly every visit I've come to University City, it has been my first stop. A tiny place with the bright yellow awning on tiny little Sansom, it has a certain Old World charm. They seem to have every magazine from around the globe, they keep their coffee selection in a good rotation, and I find myself getting a cup of something new to-go every time and am never disappointed. Avril 50 also introduced me to my new favorite chocolate ever (which is Belgian.) read more

LOVE this place. The iced coffee with frozen ice cubes is awesome. I can take my time drinking my coffee and don't have to worry about it getting watered down. read more

Amazing tea, magazines, and foreign chocolates! Definitely stop by if you get the chance, I'm so glad we did!

What's not to love? coffee & news from around the world?? Starbucks be gone, come here instead and you'll be happy. Unless it's raining and you want to sit, but whatever :-p read more

This guy is a ripoff. I bought shisha and coals here and I got way over charged for the coals. He didn't give me a receipt, and also shorted me in change. read more

i love this place! it has an immense amount of publications, chocolates, coffee and other cool stuff. a cute place to buy gifts.

John's coffee is amazing. He's very friendly and cute. He has good french cookies imported and also british stuff. Delicious

Generally, to get my magazine haul involves going to various B&N's, purchasing online, and scouring eBay. This place pretty much has everything I'm looking for. And then some. Literary journals, international fashion magazine, offbeat arts & culture publications. My husband has to gently steer me out, otherwise I'd be in there all day. read more

I came in for coffee, but didn't realize he required a minimum order amount to use a credit card ($5 I think). I was about a dollar short in cash, but he told me not to worry and that I could pay him back later- which I certainly did the next day. It has since become my go-to place for eclectic magazines and unique cards/postcards. read more