I've biked and walked past this cafe a bunch of times and always wondered who frequented here. The other day after a romp in the dog park I casually wandered over to see what's up. Nothing much, is the answer. I got an alfajor (i think): it's basically a short bread cookie with dulce de leche sandwiched in between, with coconut rolled around it. Sounds delicious and sweet right? It was okay, nothing to be super wowed about, but definitely fancier than your average baked good which was fun. Grabbed a tea and coffee and noticed how small this cafe really is. It's basically like a hallway, but because it wasn't crowded I feel like it's a good place to sit and read the newspaper and chill out. Just like it's location it's a bit fancier than other cafes I've been to. Surprised by the Spanish touches. Never would have guessed! read more

I was craving alfajores and found Jezabel's Café online. The food was definitely worth the long walk in the snow. I had several alfajores and beef empanadas and they were delicious. I'm Argentine from NY and I've found it to be difficult to find good Argentine food in Philly, but I'll be coming here from now on! The overall experience was pleasant. The staff is very friendly and the café is small, but super cute. Can't wait to go back! read more

Stopped in for tea and conversation. Cozy environment, tea was delicious, very friendly staff. Will be back.

Fresh scones and muffins are delicious (come in the morning for hot ones). Nice loose leaf French press yerbe mate. Location is great - just near the dog park. The chef in the back is super nice. Nice place to sit out and relax a bit. read more

Jezabel's - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I find it amazing that this place actually looks like a confiteria you'd see in Argentina, but this is not on purpose - they kept the original pub bar and mirrors, and it's suited perfectly to the business as it is now. Once on a very hot day, I stopped in with a friend and they were out of EVERYTHING. No lemonade of any kind, certain types of food, etc. I didn't really mind because all I wanted was something cold. The kid working behind the counter was super nice and apologetic. He blended me plain ice and water for free so I could have something cold and slushy. He blended my friend some ice, tea, and blueberries. I thought it tasted disgusting but my friend was pleased. Another time we stopped in a woman had just bought every last empanada. So that was that... The bathroom is too tiny for ME, let alone me with a baby, even if I am wearing him. Luckily the baby's house is just down the street because I don't know what I'd do with him if I had to pee while I was there. read more

Such a cute place I am so happy that the once falling-apart bar became this jem. I have been here a few times for lunch. The service is quite slow if you are sitting there for your meal. The quiche is not so great. (But that aside, Jezebel makes this food by hand which I value highly. Usually it is her and one other person serving and cooking so give them a break.) If you take away only one thing from this please know: THE COOKIES SANDWICHED WITH DULCHE DI LECHE AND ROLLED IN COCONUT ARE THE REASON I KEEP COMING BACK!! read more

My 1 year old and I came here on an overcast Friday so the place had only 1 other patron. We ordered the ham and cheese empanadas along with the apple cake. The empanadas were not what I was used to-more like tasty french croissant than a crunchy empanadas we are used to but so delicious. The apple cake was light and flavorful. The staff was so accommodating too, providing me a phone charger when my phone died and waiting to bring dessert until after my 1 year old ate lunch. If you want further proof, see my photo attached. read more

Jezabel's - My one year old loving the empanada. - Cafes Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Cute little Argentine corner just like the beloved cafes in Buenos Aires. The desayuno with mafaldas and medialunas is delicious and small sized as it should be. Loved the empanadas too. read more

The worst thing I ever ate!! Dont waste your time and money. That is nothing like the REAL ARGENTINE empanada.

I was excited when I saw action stirring in the wondow of the little corner property that sat vacant for ages at the corner of 26th and Pine. Nestled brilliantly on the edge of the park that is home to a playground, tennis and b-ball courts, a dog park, community gardens, and a baseball field on the side, it was meant for success. Unfortunately, it isn't the homey neighborhood haunt that I was hoping it might become. The concept of quality products (One Village coffee, Baker Street bread, and Boar's Head deli meats) and a dedication to purity (beans roasted, delivered and ground within days) isn't enough to keep me as a customer. The decor is beautifully done - but I didn't feel comfortable there. For a spot where there are a lot of kids and dog people, and high foot traffic not only from foot commuters AND the future prospect of the pedestrian bridge that will be there in a couple years, the idea of $10 sandwiches and salads seems ludicrous to me. If I want a cup of coffee, and possibly something for lunch, and I spot a "cafe", I'm not really expecting a $15 tab when all is said and done - I don't care HOW good the quality is. I had wanted this to be a laid back, fun, happy hangout - but instead it was made into a gourmet stop who would rival regular restaurants in cost. Will I get coffee there sometimes? Sure. It's convenient to my home and One Village coffee is good stuff. But a $9-$10 sandwich? Or salad? No. And as far as vegetarian-friendly? The farthest Gavin's goes is a cheese plate and a couple selections that include goat cheese. Which is all well and good, but with the focus on "Boar's Head", it's clear that veg-heads won't be hanging around. Ho hum. I walked in hopeful and more than impressed with the space, where they had restored the original bar that existed and a beautiful floor with lovely hanging light fixtures. But I would have done things differently. And many of my business-minded pals had mouth watering ideas for the spot, too - So we shall see what the future holds for this business. By default, based on location alone, she (the owner) is bound to make bank. But not on my dime. Because really, I don't have that many to spare. read more

Great seating to hang outside in the morning on a pretty day. They have a small menu but the the pastries and sandwiches are all made fresh and to your requests. Place is Argentinian themed, and those who have been will feel like they are back in Buenos Aires. They serve up La colombe coffee like most places do nothing special there but it's a great spot next to the park that does it's job well. It's been here since 2010 and still is clean and friendly and I suspect will be here for many years to come. read more

Came here today with my husband. We moved to Philly from Argentina about six months ago so we went out of our way for authentic Argie food. It was ok, but the service was lackluster as our server completely forgot one of the items we ordered. Pleasant ambiance and cute neighborhood. We had a nice time but certain things could definitely be improved. The food was ok, the alfajor de maizena was good as well as the coffee! read more

Gavin's Cafe, quietly tucked among the cute townhouses of Fitler Square, is a small, cute neighborhood joint that serves light Argentinian fare along with coffee and pastries. Upon coming here this morning for solo brunch, everything about Gavin's screamed "local neighborhood joint": the copy of the Sunday New York Times available for anyone to peruse, the patrons sipping coffee while working away on laptops or tablets, families with small children running amuck, and the sense of familiarity between the staff and the customers. Gavin's is known for empanadas, so I opted for the lunch special (salad with two empanadas, $7.50). I was told there would be a 15 minute wait. No problem, I had the Times Magazine to keep me busy. When my food arrived, it looked gorgeous. Similar in style and price to nearby Cafe Lutecia, the salad tasted great. The empanadas were good, but not as good as I thought they were going to be. My beef empanada was really hot (temperature, not spice), but after the heat subsided, tasted really good. The spinach empanada was also tasty, but just warm (not nearly as hot as the beef). My coffee also tasted a bit off: maybe it was flavored without my knowing, but no worries. I spent less than $10 here for a meal, and was pretty satisfied. I was a little confused about if Gavin's is sit down or order at the bar, but I think it's order at the bar, and then they serve your table. Also, I felt very out of place that I wasn't good friends with the owners/staff, and definitely felt like an outsider. On the whole, the space is really pretty and a good fit for the neighborhood, but the food is just ok and I wasn't a "regular". It's up in the air if I would come back, but it's great for getting coffee to go before venturing out to Schuylkill Banks. read more

Found this place today and decided to give it a try, BIG mistake. My husband and I love empanada so we were excited to see the sign that advertised them. I should have known when I walked in and saw a line of dirty tables that we made a bad choice. We ordered beef and chicken empanadas. They were cold inside and I had to ask for them to be reheated, then as we actually tasted them we realize the dough is super bland and the meat was just not good. This place was on a top ten list for empanadas ....who the heck voted for this place? The worst? How about a filthy bathroom with no soap and nothing to dry your hands with! Nasty! read more

SO this has been one of my favorite places in the city since I first found out 2 years ago, The building is just adorable, an old Irish pub from 1801. The neighborhood feel, outdoor seats, always avail newspaper, warm staff, and amazing owner are perfection. Super kid friendly and dog friendly. Now for the food--awesome! I love the empanadas, love the salads, sandwiches, quiche, coffee is la columbe so great & ice cream is yummy too. I have not really had a lot of their pastries but folks rave about them. It is such a great spot to dine alone, have a quiet meeting go for brunch, whatever it is byob so that is cool too! Additionally, they are so nice to the community and very involved so I think it is nice to support such places. read more

Pretty small cafe with a narrow aisle. The tables are a little too cramped compared to your average coffee shop. However, the empanadas and sweet treats are great; perfect for a quick bite between meals. I recommend getting the Beef empanadas! read more

My family is from Argentina and we came here for the empanadas. The empanadas were bland and not something I would want to eat again. The owner was also at this shop while we were eating, we tried to give her some suggestions and she ignored us and seemed unapproachable. However the media luna's were good. I would not come again. read more

On a quiet corner in Fitler Square, this intimate cafe turns out Argentine treats to neighbors and visitors alike. The La Colombe coffee is always hot, the staff always friendly, and the empanadas hot and fresh. I like the lunch special (two empanadas and a salad) as a late lunch after a busy morning and usually grab two more empanadas for a happy hour snack. Looking to meet a friend for lunch or coffeee? Consider Jezebel's. Fair warning - it's a tight squeeze for those big strollers. read more

It's great to find a cafe that both makes really good coffee--AND has its own personality, with empanadas, and special desserts and so on. It's not overwhelmed with laptop-staring Pennsters, which is a plus. Sometimes, in fact, it may have book-reading Pennsters, which is commendable, ha. The location just off the park is a bonus, as are the tables outside in nice weather. Their service is great and friendly, and since it's a small place, sometimes there can be a wait--but contrary to some of the more self-centered Yelpers--that shouldn't be a problem when you're in a nice corner cafe. Prices are great for handmade food, certainly cheaper than Starbucks or other prefab coffee chains. I come here as often as I can, and am never disappointed. I love bringing people who live not far away, who say, "Wow, when did this open?" read more

This is a really wonderful gem in West Philly. It has a warm modern, elegant aesthetic that feels different from other cafés and restaurants in the area, but is still cozy and in line with what people in the neighborhood are looking for. The coffee is wonderful, the pastries are to die for and the small bites are just right if you are looking for a place to work or chat and may want to go up to the counter to order more as you spend more time there. Looking forward to going again. read more

Was really excited to hear about an "authentic" Argentine cafe in Philly. I went out of my way to that neighborhood and couldn't have been more disappointed. I ordered the veggie sandwich and was handed some dry bread, fresh-ish mozzarella and avocado. No chimichurri on my or my partner's sandwiches, which is one of the things I personally went there for. I asked about it and was told "sometimes the boss just doesn't feel like making it." The Mate came in a teabag similar to (but worse) than what can be found at a Trader Joes or Whole Foods. I was really expecting some top-notch loose leaf Mate from an Argentine cafe but was completely disappointed. The alfajores were nothing special and didn't seem fresh at all. The people at the counter weren't particularly friendly and bordered on flat-out rude. I won't be returning, clearly. read more

I have been to this place many times. The last few times the coffee was mediocre. My americano was weak. I asked for it in a 12 oz cup and they brough it in 16 oz. The service can be hot and cold. Not much room to sit inside but nice to get a cuppa and sit outside or meander into the adjacent park. The empanadas are really good and so is the quick. If you are in Fitler Square definitely one of the better or only places for coffee/breakfast. read more

The prosciutto crudo sandwich was simply perfect, with a heap of ham and a tasty salad on the side. The brownie I bought was so-so, but because I concluded it was actually cake (light and leavened). They displayed a delicious looking corn quiche on the counter. By-and-by I'm bound to be back to buy it. They were sold out of soup when I went, but so what: it's a petit place and they were close to closing. In response to reviewers whining about what wasn't: maybe McDonald's would have you happier? read more

I take it all back about the muffins. I stopped by this morning and bought a cranberry muffin--it was freshly baked, moist, with a rich vanilla flavor. Also, empanadas are available at lunchtime and, if they aren't sold out, sometimes in the evening. They have both spinach and beef. They only had the beef left when I was there. I was expecting the filling to be more elaborate, but I have no prior experience with empanadas so what do I know? It was still good -- buttery pastry filled with mildly spiced beef and raisins. The raisins were an unexpectedly delicious addition. Perhaps I just don't usually eat such heavy things for dinner, but the verdict was very good, but not fantastic. Also, sometimes Gavin's has what they call "bread pudding." It is not the American bread pudding I am used to, but rather a sort of bready flan. It is baked in a tart pan and served in slices which are soaked in the sweet syrup that lies beneath the 'pudding.' If were making it myself, I would try adding fruit or something. But I am also someone who, if given the choice between flan and a raspberry clafoutis or something, would definitely order the clafoutis. If you would go for the flan, definitely try the 'bread pudding.' If the clafoutis is more up your alley, you might still want to try an unusual Argentinian dessert, but it's not going to blow your mind. Lastly, if you get there between 7 and 9, weekdays or weekends, you can get a small coffee for $1 and a latte for $2. read more

Very cozy. I liked it. Good food, good coffee. I had a Aves con Queso--they make their own bread--and a huge cappuccino. A bit pricey though. read more

I finally got to eat at Gavin's Cafe after running past it one summer day. My best friend was born in Argentina so I could not wait to check it out. The spinach Empanadas were delightful. I also tried some of Ruthie's veggie sandwich and the salad. Everything was very fresh and tasty. I look forward to going back to sample their medialunas with dulce de leche! read more

The beef empanadas are the only thing they have going for them. I lived in Argentina for a number of years. The medialunas are not good at all. And they didn't have any chimichurri sauce. I wish they had choripan and empanadas Arabes. read more

Bleh. My initial enthusiasm---which was based pretty much on the local availability of empanadas---has been tempered by some lousy product. Bland, soggy, half-heated-half-cold, and no chimichurri. A lunch not worth eating. Did I say Bleh yet? The alfajores, sadly, are sometimes overbaked to the point of burnt. Still kinda tasty, but not heavenly delectable as they should be. Smarmy staff. read more

Relax. Meander. Find your way here. Start with the empanadas. Hecho a mano. Try one of each. Hacer in pausa. Have yourself a cafe con leche. Indulge yourself in a maicenita. Never had one? No matter. Once you've partaken, take a sip of that cafe. You will understand. You, the Universe, all will be the better for it...if only for these precious moments. Exigencies must be sated. As you depart, thank Jezabel for her vision in revitalizing this outpost. Take a detour through the sun-slathered pathways nearby, listening to the steady forward motion of the locomotive passing by across from the tennis courts, destination unknown. La vida es buena. Onward. read more

The meal was great but the service got tense when I ordered "off the menu". I have dietary restrictions which aren't fun for me. Trust me, I would love to order off the beautiful menu filled with pastries, dairy, and gluten but I can't. It causes stomach pains all day. I've learned to modify my meals as a result. The chef, who I think was also the owner, didn't seem to like that. I ordered a beautiful salad with spinach, tomato with corn salsa, and feta cheese to which I had an over easy egg added for breakfast. I'm not sure why but the owner didn't seem to want to make an egg. read more

Went here a couple of months ago with a friend. They ordered salad and I had empanadas. Both were subpar. The empanadas are TINY and are sitting out in the front with a couple of flies. Probably my fault for ordering them. They came a little cold and were dry; They charge almost $3 for something worth no more than $1.50; When I taste empanadas I expect something warm, packed with deliciousness in a tasty dough but I was very let down. The "chef's special side salad" is essentially just mixed greens. The greens had very little taste, as if they had been frozen or stored for a long time. My friend's tuna salad was big. Nothing special at all, probably something I could have made at home for less. The restaurant seemed dirty and desolate. The owner and employees did not seem too happy to be alive. However the space/bar are beautiful. It would be better if it was cleaner, friendlier and cheaper. Don't think we'll be back. read more

Every time I have gone here they are out of whatever it is I order. This past Saturday this meant no bagels or beef empanadas. When bagels options occupy the first 25% of your menu, and empanadas are your claim to fame, running out of both at 9am on a Saturday was a quick way to make that visit my last. My feelings toward this spot simply put are, 'That food I didn't want wasn't bad'. read more

I am from Argentina and was delighted to find a taste from home. I was disappointed to read other reviews criticizing the size of the medialunas (croissants), which are the exact size texture and taste as they are in Argentina- and the alfajores. Someone wrote that the cookie part of the maicena cookie was "dry," that's the way it's meant to be like a scone or biscotti. The point is to eat them with tea or coffee which helps bring out the taste of the dulce de leche in the middle. Don't miss the empanadas (also the size and taste as those you would find in Bs. As.). read more

I came by to thaw from the cold and wanted a Chai - unfortunately, they were out, so I opted for a Hot Chocolate instead. The cocoa was a little thinner than I typically like, but the generous helping of marshmallows (an option that you should opt for) added a creamy flavor. The staff was very friendly and the cafe was cozy - I'll be back to check out the tempting array of baked goods. read more

I had the French Roast sandwich which was really big and well proportioned. I would certainly come back for it. The coffee was also good. Just a bit small in terms of space so if you plan to come here and stay just be aware that it's small. read more

Great hole in the wall brunch spot. Not many choices but whatever is there is fresh and delicious. Definitely worth a trip after a good morning Schukyll run. read more

Great little cafe in a quiet neighborhood right next to the Schuylkill river trail. The empanadas are great, and I love getting the frozen mint lemonade on a hot day. Also walking distance from Fitler Square and the south Street bridge to university city. read more

This place is a cute hole-in-the-wall Argentinian cafe sitting along the schuylkill river. They make fresh empanadas and quiches daily! I highly recommend the spinach empanadas and quiches, although they have a wide selection of healthy food options such as salmon salad (which looked very good). I came here with my friends after a long run along the river and the food was delicious and satisfying! While the place is very small with limited seating, the service is quick and the staff are incredibly friendly. I'll be running the love run half marathon in the next couple of weeks and my friends and I are already planning to come here after the run! Highly recommend! read more

Best coffee and best breakfast sandwiches in the city. It is an absolutely charming place to spend your afternoon. Jezebel (the proprietor) knows all of her regulars by name, it is sort of our neighborhood's "Cheers!" --which is fitting because Gavins is a bar-turned-cafe. The walls are whitewashed, and tons of light floods in through new windows, but the the antique mahogany fixtures and bar were left intact -- rendering it a really lovely setting. With outside seating and views of the Veteran's memorial park, it is the perfect place to stop in for afternoon ice cream or traditional Argentine fare. read more

When I saw "Argentinean" I was intrigued. I didn't stay long, and all I got was a coffee. With that said, the employees/owner we're very friendly, and the coffee was good, plus free refill! It's a cozy little coffee/pastry/sandwich shop that definitely has a Latin American feel to it. I'll definitely be going back soon to try more things. read more