Location: Philadelphia, PA
WiFi?: yes
Rating: 6+ [see key]
Nine years ago, I visited a vibrant cafe in the Bella Vista section of Philly that resulted in an experience that provided little to no fanfare. Due to the mediocre experience, I soon forgot about the shop and can honestly say that despite driving the area frequently, I never really gave that location a second glance, letting it fall into relative obscurity.
But fast forward to a few months back, I caught wind of new tenants at the location of 1001 S. 10th Street, but this time the word was of excellent coffee with a desire to push conventional brewing boundaries. Being easily intrigued of such happenings, I made it a point to stop by the shop one afternoon after work. Arriving shortly after 4 to find the sun shining on the corner cafe, I made my way inside what was now dubbed Function Coffee Labs.
Inside, the shop is beautifully renovated with a coffee wall mural, a giant chalkboard menu and a front counter that definitely reflects experimentation. The coffee comes from Ceremony as well as a rotating guest roaster or two. The day of my visit, I decided upon a coffee shot (basically an infusions that uses an espresso machine to create a shot that resembles a concentrated pourover or an Aerorpress) of a Kenya Miiri from Lofted Coffee Roasters and a pourover of a Guatemalan from Ceremony. The coffee shot exploded with notes of strawberry milkshake, cherry, lime, nougat and sweet cream, making for a superbly delicious brew. The pourover, while different in flavors also proved excellent, with notes of toasted walnut, caramel, cream soda, pear, shortbread and green tea in a balanced, medium body.
Needless to say, I greatly enjoyed my time at Function Coffee Labs and I will gleefully stop back in soon. If you happen to be in Philly looking for a unique, excellent coffee experience, check out glorious events happening on the corner of Carpenter and 10th.
Thanks for sharing the reviews of Function Coffee Labs. Would love to taste the coffee from this cafe.
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