I like coffee. Not love. I only drink it enough to tell you if it's good or bad coffee, and Ultimo has good coffee. They also serve sandwiches and baked goods, some of which are supplied by Sardine Bar (which can be pretty tasty). My favorite aspect of Ultimo is the design--it's so clean and simple and it just makes my insides feel happy when I'm there. This will definitely be my go-to study spot since I'm new to the neighborhood. I'm subtracting a star because there's only one size option for the drinks. And if I'm tired and cranky and need lots of coffee, I'm not about to buy two to get my fix. read more

"You did it! Congratulations! World's best cup of coffee! Great job, everybody!" -Elf No, but seriously Ultimo did get best coffee shop in the country! I really do think they have a great cup of coffee!! http://www.philly.com/philly/food/Philly-coffee-shop-ranked-1-in-America.html http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2013/04/20/americas-best-coffee-shops/2097411/ read more

Quite the popular spot over in Graduate Hospital, Ultimo has quiet, comfy vibes and great coffee. They're pastries are also pretty decent; I recommend the almond croissant. There's plenty of places to sit and the outdoor seating is lovely on a sunny, spring day. read more

This is a very hipster sort of coffee shop, but it's also nice place to work. There are all kinds of wonderful organic and fair trade options. The seating is roomy, and the lighting is good for work. The staff is friendly and efficient. read more

We were looking for a neighborhood spot with free WiFi and good coffee and decided to check out Ultimo. We are new to the neighborhood and didn't know what to expect. Ultimo was pretty crowded (every seat taken) for a Sunday afternoon. We ordered a coffee and were pretty impressed with the quality. The coffee is definitely more expensive than what you'd get at Starbucks or OCF so be prepared to spend a little more. We didn't get any food but they had a small case with sandwiches. Most people were doing work on their laptops and very few were just enjoying their coffee so I guess in that sense we chose the right place. There was decent background music playing but we still whispered as we were researching our next vacation because it was so quiet. I'm not sure that I would come here over other coffee shops in the neighborhood but I might be back just to mix it up every once in awhile. read more

Perfection in a cup. (About the only thing this place really needs is an awning?) read more

I lived near the first Ultimo Coffee and this one is pretty similar. The layout is the same, but this place is a lot more mellow. Their coffees are always fair trade and a little floral and there's always something new to try. read more

Ultimo Coffee - Coffee at Ultimo! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The coffee at this cafe is pricey--at least two and half clams for a single cup without any chance of refills--but in return you get an expertly hand-pour-over-brewed cup of coffee. They do everything to a T: they boil the water to the perfect temperature (not too hot, so the coffee isn't scorched), they condition the filter, etc. etc. Here's the thing though. For all that precision and hand-wringing detail, the coffee isn't that good. It's actually really underwhelming. I've tried it a couple of times and I always regret it. I usually find pour-over coffee good (cf. reanimator in Fishtown or intelligentsia in Chicago), but Ultimo doesn't hit the mark and I don't know why. This isn't a reason to avoid the cafe, which has a pleasant atmosphere and tasty baked treats. Rather than ordering a pour-over coffee, though, I recommend an espresso, which just might be the best I've had in Philly. In short: go to the cafe, but order espresso instead of coffee. read more

My new go-to coffee shop! Just moved to 20th and Catharine- so having Ultimo on 22nd and Catharine is so convenient. That's not the only reason I visit, however. Coffee is great- staff is always friendly and they have a great tea/ treat selection. Their gold rush apples are awesome and only a $1! Lol Americano with steamed skim milk is the way to go and will definitely power you through your day! Love having this place so close to me!! read more

The best coffee Nice place to relax and do my work Very clean nice and green Pastries are great nice outside seating read more

came to ultimo during my apartment hunt for a pick me up. had the ice coffee, it was dark and strong, which i liked. my girlfriend got the affogato, it was okay, not the best. the venue was clean and pleasant. read more

Ultimo Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Been waiting with bated breath. The building looks great and we all really appreciate Ultimo being an anchor of the revitalization of a once (not long ago at all) super sketchy intersection. The interior is bright and airy. I grabbed my coffee to go but I would have loved to pull up a chair and hang for a bit. Speaking of coffee - I got a standard drip and it was great. The price is right at just over $2 bucks. Looks like they had some sandwiches, I didn't see a lot of pastries or buns but I was in at around 1:00 pm so perhaps that has to do with the time. I'll head over earlier next time to sample the treats. Folks behind the counter were friendly. I'll be back soon. read more

Loved this little cafe! Quality beverages and modern, yet cozy decor and atmosphere. The baristas were very friendly and informative. I appreciated that they used local coffee and the full display of merchandise and coffee tools. The outside was just as delightful as the inside. I would say that the beautiful large "Ultimo Coffee" sign should be hung outside as to opposed in the bathroom, since I found the shop being a little tricky to locate not being from Philly. This coffee shop was #4 in the top 50 in the US and I now know why! :) #coffeeblogger #thecappuccinotraveler.com read more

Ultimo Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Best coffee shop in the city because they have the most delicious coffee!!! The baristas are very few unduly and knowledgable about their product. I usually get coffee to go but I will stay for hours if I have work to do. It is easy to zone out and relax in the warm ambiance of this coffee shop. I worked at Starbucks for 3 years and nothing compares to the delicious coffee ultimo provides! read more

I liked this cafe. I love when the cortado is on the menu but not on the menu board. Great vibe the raspberry lemon doughnut was delicious I'd come here again and again. read more

Ultimo Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The coffee is good, but definitely very hipster. Sometimes it is difficult to snag a table. They have outside seating during the warmer weather which is nice. Overall, it is a good coffee shop. The baristas can be hit or miss on the friendliness level. read more

Stopped in early today cuz I needed a coffee fix. Too early and too cold to walk to my fav place on South. Never ever again! What a waste. $3 for plain coffee (filled sooo high, it spilled out of cup on way to creamer station). Two hipster (they thought) dudes who barely said high, thanks or can I help you get the door cuz you are pushing a crying kid in a giant stroller! Oh, did I mention that I tipped these two jerks and they literally stood there with arms crossed and said, you guessed it, NOTHING One other customer in store and he didn't even offer help. Just gave me a pissed off look, like I was in his way. Let's talk music! It's 6:30 AM, no one needs to hear your choice of screaming, instrumental banging and deafening music. I'm guessing that this place thinks they can treat customers like the plague because there is little competition around! Don't waste your money or your time, walk a little further and get GOOD coffee, a smile and s thank tou read more

Great quality coffee and a hip atmosphere with great sandwiches from Sardine Bar. If you enjoy a nice strong cup of coffee (offerings are thoughtfully chosen and explained), then this is the place for you. The baristas take pride in making your drip coffee/expresso drink right with great service. The only downside is cost, but I would rate the cost here to that of any of the other drip coffee places in the area including Rival Brothers, Elixir, and Green Street. read more

Meh. Bagel with cream cheese apparently means a cold uncut bagel tossed in a bag with a tiny container of cream cheese. Bagel is pretty mediocre too. Coffee was ok, though a bit lukewarm read more

I went here for this first time today and was very excited to try some traditional coffee beverages. From the website and pictures, it looked like it would be phenomenal. I went to purchase four drinks for myself and a few friends. Upon arriving, I saw that the hours did not match up with what's on Google. Arriving at 5:55pm, thinking I wasn't showing up right before closing, I thought I had plenty of time to order. Upon seeing that I had five minutes to order, the barista ringing me up said she could help me but was rude and lacked customer service skills. I then received three drinks when I had ordered four and when she asked if I had gotten everything I needed I let her know I was still waiting on an iced latte. She replied saying, I thought you only got three drinks and then walked away. She didn't clarify if I could order the drink I was missing before closing or even offer me it on the house because of the inconvenience. My friend and I waited for a couple minutes to she if she'd come back and rectify the situation but she did not. I worked for a specialty coffee shop in DC for two years in management and knowing what excellent customer service looks like-this didn't even come close to what I expect from a specialty coffee shop. The coffee my friends and I shared was good and would be something I'd come back for if the service was good. However, this was not the case. I do not recommend going here. read more

I love this place. I moved to Philly a few months ago and immediately started searching for a good coffee shop to do work in. After a few that were ok, I came across Ultimo and I've pretty much lived here ever since. The coffee is good and there is always a variety. Not only that but the staff knows what they are doing and, if you want to get specific about what you're drinking, they can have that conversation with you. I don't always want coffee (or one of their teas) while I work, so it's nice that they have a cooler, 12 doors wide, of different beers by the bottle from all over to choose from. As much as the staff up front knows about coffee, the staff in back know just as much about the beer. If you're not sure what you want or like, ask. They are incredibly helpful and not pushy at all. As a side note, there is a glass garage door they open up when it's nice out to let the air in and, when it's really hot, they keep it close and keep the AC on inside. I love this place. Good thing since I tend to spend no less then 4 hours at a time here. read more

I try to stop by Ultimo as often as possible. They have a great product and great staff. I don't often get milk based beverages but when I do they are very well balanced and presented well. Their pour over method utilizes the bee house which i believe is a good median between the chemex and v60 as it doesn't over or under extract as easily. I have had a particular barsita with short hair pour directly into the middle of the cone for the entire pour resulting in an under extracted beverage but it was still decent after cooling and rounding out. The space itself is beautiful. I love the sleek modern aesthetic and find it to be a very accommodating coffee house. With the counter culture training center located directly above the cafe and an extremely knowledgable and hands on owner always around, this place is a great place to stop in or hang out. I'm just bummed that I moved away from my house at 23rd and Catharine 4 years ago and don't live closer. Keep up the good work Ultimo staff. The same review, more or less, goes to the Mifflin location too. read more

GRINDIN a short poem delicious latte. see issac here on friday. hand soap smells great too. read more

Great spot that is a few blocks from my house. Great neighborhood coffee shop that has a nice indoor space for studying. Chairs are a little uncomfortable but the internet speed was on point. I ordered an ice coffee on the 95 degree day and it was refreshing and flavorful. I was able to snag a table outside in their patio area which is clutch. Will be back! read more

I love Ultimo's coffee and lattes but the music is often very distracting. I like to do work there with friends and we enjoy the great selection of drinks and snacks - but the music this past weekend was screechy obnoxious trash. We asked the barista if he could change it and he said no. Really? What happened to the customer is always right? read more

When we first moved to the neighborhood I was hoping to find a place to become a regular, I have gone to Ultimo at least four times and each time was less impressive then the previous. It's a coffee shop the staff is suppose to be warm and welcoming and they just aren't at least not to me or anyone who looks like me. I hate to pull the race card but I agree with the the previous reviewer if you aren't white they don't seem to want you there....getting coffee shouldn't be painful or hurtful! I guess I have to walk a few more blocks to grab my coffee in my own neighborhood! read more

Incredibly friendly staff -- this honestly may be the best customer service I have received in Philly. The prices are very similar to Starbucks, and I'd say the coffee is much tastier. read more

I'm fairly confident that Ultimo will soon become my permanent neighborhood hangout. There's really not much to dislike here: great coffee, a sleek modern space, hip and friendly staff, and free wifi. And while a cup of coffee here will run you more than La Colombe or Starbucks, the atmosphere and vibe really makes up for it. Plus, they always have great music playing in the background no matter when you go. My only complaint is I wish there were more seats near plugs, since many of the tables get occupied by laptop folk pretty quickly (myself included), but other than that, this is a great place to get coffee, get some work done, or catch up with friends. Highly recommended and a welcome addition to Graduate Hospital. read more

The iced coffee is divine and the pastries are yummy, but there were so many giant flies buzzing around my head and my food while I tried to study (inside!) that I was pretty grossed out and distracted. The space is nice and white though, brightly lit and windows everywhere. read more

A GREAT addition to this burgeoning neighborhood. The space is very clean, modern, and inviting. And the espresso was up to snuff. A chill place to hang with some friends or get some work done. Sadly I don't live in the area anymore, but if I did I'd be a regular. read more

Solid cafe, with great yogurt and granola, tasty iced tea, and delicious chai. The staff is sweet and the music in on point. Working here is peaceful and the light that comes into the building makes you feel like you're outside. I feel lucky to live so nearby. read more

Coffee is good but the food is overpriced and not that great aside from muffins. Often too crowded and hard to find a seat. Also is loud when there is a lot of people so good luck if you want to read or study. read more

Good bagel they let you toast it yourself. The staff is personal and professional. Plus you can't beat the outdoor seating. Rittenhouse on a Sunday is so busy it great to go a little out of the hood to this gem. read more

i live a very close to ultimo and i'm glad they have opened here. good coffee, good chemex options, nice space. they even have free compost out front and a doggie hitching post. ***note: the compost should actually NOT be by the dog post b/c if a dog got into the compost it could be bad news, esp if it is coffee grinds - which are caffeinated and could even kill a small dog. i *always* forget to mention that when i go in the shop though. im sure its just an oversight that no one has thought of.*** docking 1/2 a star for only one size take away cup. (though if you BYO cup they will fill it for you!) and 1/2 a star b/c sometimes depending on who is working the service can be very slow and very snobby. BUT its worth it. i guess if they didnt have snobby employees it wouldnt be a high end coffee place right? read more

Super obnoxious and loud baristas. Gossip about customers and co-workers very loudly with no respect for customers trying to enjoy a quiet working or meeting space. read more

Top-notch espresso pulls, plus a variety of other excellent brewing methods. The pastry shelf could use a bit more variety, though. I sometimes need some scones in my life, and that void isn't getting filled at Ultimo. Again, coffee is bad-ass coffee, but pastry variety needed. read more

Gorgeous space, friendly & passionate staff, pourover coffee & fancy lattes. Oh, and they have a bagel slicer & toaster. High class without feeling too pretentious. They also put out the used grounds as free fertilizer for the neighbors. Suh-weet. Menu is clean but still a bit confusing if you're just popping in for a regular ol' cuppa joe, but they obviously take pride in every cup, and for that I can be appreciative. Best cup of pourover I've ever had? Maybe not, but I still loved it. This is where I'll be taking any in town guests for a cup. read more

This place is a hidden gem! Bright, modern, and relaxing little nook with great coffee.

Love love love the coffee and espresso here! It's a little spot filled with really nice people. Easy for a quick stop!

Four stars because the coffee and espresso is GOOD! I personally love the location- in my residential neighborhood and not on busy South Street is a plus. I like the decor, the sun, the space. I just wish it was a little bigger and had more seating, but you know what, it's okay. Just keep walking around our beautiful neighborhood. The staff is pretty friendly- I kinda felt like I was in the Virgin Suicides for a while because everyone had long blonde hair and leaden expressions. Now things have been mixed up and the people there are pretty cool. I'll be back! read more