120 S 18th St

Inside The Ground, the New Plant-Centric Café in Rittenhouse | Eater Philly

"Opening next Monday, April 22nd, I learned that The Ground will debut its new Rittenhouse Square location at 120 S. 18th Street — a 1,500-square-foot coffee, bubble tea, plant, and gift shop that fits roughly 20 customers and expands the Olde Kensington original into the hustle and bustle of Center City. Owners Michelle Miller and Molly Kiriacoulacos describe it as a little jungle oasis, with Miller designing a plant-centric vibe that features hundreds of living plants, vibrant wall color, and earthy decor; sustainability is central to the concept, including locally grown plants, compostable coffee packaging, and eco-friendly gift wrapping. The menu offers easy grab-and-go yet flavorful Korean-American–twist breakfast and lunch items such as the croffle, the “Oh Daddy” (two turkey sausage patties with arugula, strawberry Gochujang sauce and American cheese on a croissant, optional Korean egg to make it a “Mega Daddy”), the TBAT (turkey, bacon, arugula, and tomato on a toasted croissant with mayo and balsamic glaze), seasonal sandwiches, chia pudding, French pastries and sweet and savory bites from Au Fournil in Narberth. Their expansive coffee and bubble tea program features locally roasted espresso drinks (including a house roast called “The Botanist”) and more than two dozen rotating bubble tea flavors (coconut custard pie, rose pistachio, chocolate cake mocha, buzzy boba), plus specials like the Dr. Diaz (Dulce de Leche bubble tea with fresh cinnamon and whole milk) and the Kimberly (a Korean yogurt–inspired pink berry with strawberry preserve). Regular service begins weekdays 7 am–2 pm and weekends 8 am–6 pm, with breakfast and lunch served all day and delivery planned for late spring/early summer." - Ernest Owens