That's so great for High Point Cafe! Everyone there is so nice. I popped into Chesnut Hill Coffee this weekend and got a couple of drinks and a muffin to go. It's very nice and there is a good seating area, but I didn't find the staff particularly welcoming. It seemed like they were still finding their bearings a bit too. I hope that they'll work out the kinks and become a nice alternative to Starbucks rather than a stuffy place catering only to the wealthy residents.

I have to disagree re: the staff not being welcoming. I've found the people working there to be genuinely friendly every time I've visited.

YMMV,
Z

I agree. I have found the staff at Chestnut Hill Coffe very friendly.

And BTW - how about easing up on the "Rich Folk" bit in Chestnut Hill. The area is mostly populated by normal people.

I went to Chestnut Hill Coffee twice yesterday, since I took the train from CH West after a doctor's appointment. I went before work, and then after falling asleep on the train, grabbed a double espresso before an evening meeting. On both visits, the place seemed pretty busy, and the coffee was excellent and the folks nice.

The master barista (not owner) mentioned in the PW article wasn't there, but he's clearly taught the folks there something, as they were much more careful about packing their shots than your average barista. The owner is also from Seattle, and they're also getting their beans from the NW, but they plan to start roasting their own within the next year.

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In all my life, I've almost *never* met a single soul who I'd call "normal." So, whoever they are, they must be rather abnormal, indeed.

Again, YMMVW,
Z

Good point azion! Who is to say what's normal?

Let me just point out that the vast majority of CH redisdents are not wealthy. It is true that some unquestionably are, but only a few.

I do get tired of hearing that CH people are rich and have an additude. Living here for 5 years now I simply do not believe this is true.

Prehaps I just visited the place at a bad moment and got the wrong impression. I'll certainly check them out again, but that was my first impression. I lived in Chestnut Hill before moving to Mt. Airy, and I certainly was not wealthy, so I'm not suggesting that everyone living in the area has lots of money. However, there's no doubt that the majority of shops in the area are catering to a more upscale clientele, and there are plenty of CH residents who have the means to patronize them on a regular basis.

My personal preference, I'd rather the local coffee shops be an inviting, laid-back kind of place. But like I said, I'll give CH Coffee another try.

Let's be frank: some of Philly's most incredible mansions *are* in Chestnut Hill, + have been since the middle of the 19th century.

Although there are also some pretty impressive houses on W. Allen's Lane,
Z

It's a bit further away but another great addition to the coffee culture in the area is Spoons Coffeehouse in andorra. They are hidden in a strip mall with Bingo, Grahms, pinas, landromat etc. The front section has a very comfy living room feel (complete with wood console TV! it was playing 3 stooges when I was there). In the back there's a bunch of tables perfect for studying. and they have wireless too! Coffee bean are locally roasted the day they are delivered. Lots of parking, check em out. It's my favorite place to do the crossword