Branded coffee shops are all the rage these days, with more and more companies attempting to sell not just a product, but a way of life. United by Blue, which just opened its second location on Walnut Street in the former Artiserie location, gets it right with high quality food and appealing merchandise. This new and sustainable spot will get crowded.
Pros:
–There’s good coffee from ReAnimator, including pour–overs, and they don’t keep the almond milk behind the counter.
–Lots of seating, lots of outlets. For cozy conversations, check out the little nook in the back.
–It’s really pretty and a great place to take a deep breath with some sweets and caffeine.
–Finally, there’s a non–generic caffeine and study option in the shadow of Van Pelt.
–There’s food: nicely toasted bagels from Le Bus, breakfast sandwiches, gluten free granola from Amaranth, salads and three oatmeal options.
–It’s cool. As two girls said, “We’ll definitely come here until it gets too cool for school.” HubBub crowd levels seem inevitable.
–It’s got a mission: United by Blue removes one pound of trash from the world’s waterways (they’re at 186,792 pounds as of September 30th) and hosts community events like garden clean–ups. Those expensive goods they sell are sustainably made.
Cons:
–The merchandise is adorable, but on the expensive side. A felt Philadelphia pennant at $28 is not a good impulse buy. And you’d have to really like your friend to pick up a last minute birthday gift here.
–The chai tea latte has a weird herbal taste that stopped my friend from finishing it, even when she really needed caffeine.
-Service can be a little slow, but is very friendly.
For your first order:
-Grab a coffee drink and one of their signature pastries like the cronut ($4).
