Are you a victim of the Man and his corporate coffee machine? Do you feel ridiculously uncomfortable when Starbucks baristas insist on addressing you by name? (It's "Eee-vonne," not "Oven.") Well, why not spite the fig-bearing masses and retreat to 13th and Pine to taste Philadelphia's last drop of independent coffee?
The Last Drop Coffeehouse offers a change of scenery from the everyday unreality of University City's Bucks-crazy coffee chains. Tucked away on the corner of 13th and Pine, Last Drop feels more like Amelie Poulain's Montmartre than Center City Philadelphia. Enter the small cafe to the quiet murmur of bossa nova or the brassy sounds of '20s jazz. Order at the counter, which is designed like a bar -- the flavored syrups all lined up to resemble rows of top-shelf liquors. With its tin ceilings and deep red walls, mismatched wood tables and chairs, Last Drop is kind of like a dirty hipster: charmingly kitschy, yet painstakingly deliberate.
If you can't already tell, Last Drop isn't exactly swarming with popped collars and booty pants. But don't feel intimidated by the conspicuously un-Penn crowd; the amiably gruff clientele-grungy locals and bike messengers for the most part don't bite. Weekends are always busy, though the reserved patrons are just quiet enough to allow for some studying (don't be surprised to be sitting next to a grad student or two). The inexpensive wireless Internet (only $3.95/hour, $9.95/day, or $19.95/ month) provides an excellent outlet for a student. Expect to wait a few minutes for an upstairs table, unless you are willing to brave the murky downstairs seating area: its only light creeps through a faux stained-glass window.
Last Drop wins the coffeehouse Oscar for its refreshingly inexpensive pricing. Only $1 for a mug of coffee, $2.50 for a cappuccino. Try one of Drop's coffee alternatives: the menu boasts a diverse selection of teas and flavored steamers, "espresso smoothies" (only $3.50), Naked juices, hot chocolates and iced treats. What's more, Last Drop offers a simple and very tasty food menu. No-frills, homemade sandwiches range from $3.50 for sliced turkey breast or tuna, to $4.95 for smoked salmon. Pay 25 cents extra for a bagel, or 50 for a croissant. You may also sample a daily soup for only $3.95 or just snack on some pastries and cookies with your coffee. Beware, though: soon after the noon lunch rush, you may have to order from a limited selection -- the popular honey turkey and daily soup run out quickly.
An escape from Starbucks and his bastard son, Bucks, Last Drop is really one of the last remaining personalities in coffee.
