Benna's Cafe

I ventured into this shop looking for a muffin, since my usual spot has been slacking. They had a bunch of pre-wrapped fresh pastries. I got a banana muffin that was so good and so far my new favorite. To pair with it I got a ginger based tea latte. It was creamy and didn't have too much bite from the ginger. The space is small with only a few tables, I would consider it a grab and go spot.

It is a very cute and small cafe. FYI, ice, lavender latte has a coconut taste. Ben cap is nice, like a Vietnamese coffee.

The staff here is so welcoming and friendly!! It's become one of my go-to spots if I want a bagel and a coffee :)

My go to place for a delicious treat, breakfast, coffee, and smile. Long time customer, very highly recommended. The new owners are just the kindest, as well as the entire staff. An asset and wonderful place in our community.

My favorite local coffee shop. Everyone who works here is very friendly/helpful. I appreciate the vegan options. The beverages are more affordable/taste better than most coffee shops in the area.

Wow. So impressed. Quick kind service with vegan pastry options, solid coffee and healthy delicious bagel sandwiches. Walked in not knowing what to expect and was blown away.

The Benna’s staff is so pleasant and friendly. I love kiki-ing and joking with the baristas. The coffee is great and the vegan options are excellent! I’ll bring my laptop and work for a few hours during the day. A neighborhood staple!!!!

Great place! Excellent coffee varieties and super muffins!

Literally still salivating over the bagel sandwich I had.... I got the cucumber basil sandwich and that cucumber was literally peeled FRESH and lord you could taste it . Along with it I had a gingerbread chai and one of those small peanut butter cookies. The place is small but cozy and the people working were welcoming and had great vibes, even the other customers were super sick. I'll have to come back another time and try the other stuff on the menu!

Fresh Bagel Sandwich Kerry and team member was very kind. Quality Service with a cozy dining area. Vegan and Gluten Free options. I have passed this establishment so many times. I decided to just pop in and appreciate the warm welcome from Kerry. "High Fidelity" items available.

My husband and I accidentally discovered this coffee shop yesterday while our car was getting worked on. We ended up staying an hr and having their bagel sandwiches and coffee/chai. I got the tofutti, avocado, sun dried tomatoes sandwich and it was very good! The staff were super friendly and I we had a great time chilling there. Lots of regulars got greeted as they walked in which made it feel more homey. I'll definitely be back!

Careful: OWNER HARASSING CUSTOMER and Demanding tips for a pick-up order. Have been a customer for a long time, stopped for a little while due to rude staff, but then returned. For about two years my husband and I would order from this place couple of times a week. The tab would come to good 20 bucks almost every time. For a corner coffee shop with prices of 4-5 bucks an item, 20 is a good check twice a week at least. So that's about 100 a month, 1200 a year. Many times, the staff would mess up our orders. I cannot tell you how many times. On top of it, poor customer service; we come every week, they act like they still don't know us. They burn bagels, put wrong cream cheese, forget splenda in coffee every time. The owner never says hello. Here is where it gets more interesting: we called the shop to find out why they put wrong cream cheese. In response my husband receives a PERSONAL message from the owner. She confronted my husband via personal message that she "cannot do anything about [his] personal preference" when again our order was messed up. She then literally schooled my husband over a plastic cup for dog water that they gave us. She stated that it was a curtesy to give our dog a water on a 90 degree day. Mind you, the business either has a dirty empty dog bowl with water outside or none at all. We forgot to take the cup with us. So the owner confronted my husband in the message stating we "littered" and that "trash belongs in a trash can, [insert name]". The owner did not stop there!! She CONTINUED to harass my husband over personal messages stating that he "needs to adjust his expectations and BEHAVIOR as a customer or take his business elsewhere". She said she is "exhausted by [his] unrealistic expectations as a customer". Word for word! There are messages to prove it. Exhausted by what? Us asking why the order is wrong? We're easy customers, we come, pick up & leave. Many times when orders were wrong, we didn't even bring it up. So basically--if you still choose to go there, HAVE YOUR EXPECTATIONS VERY LOW! I have given this ungrateful disrespectful business owner a lot of my money over the years. Frankly, ONLY because it is next door to me. But today was a grand finale. To add, the place has a very dirty cheap interior with dust all over the place. I have never in my life seen a business owner harass a customer! Not in US nor in many other countries I have lived/been!

Bennas is my favorite local coffee joint! It's cute, cozy, and consistently serves good, fresh coffee. I've only had their pastries a few times but we're always solid and a good selection! Indoors is warm in the winter, outdoor seating is limited but sunny in the spring. The baristas are friendly and cheerful and the wifi works, what more could you ask for.

Laid-back, comfortable cafe. Delicious bagel sandwiches and a great assortment of specialty coffees. Hot and cold beverages and oodles of delicious sweets. Very kid and dog friendly. A charming neighborhood place to gather and to see original art by local artists. You can even shop and give the unique gift of art. Or snag a Benna's gift certicificate.

We had so much fun! A great crown of people came out even in the rain. Art was purchased, coffee and treats. Great conversations and laughs ensued. In fact another Holiday Market will be happening soon. Be sure to check out instagram and Facebook.

I had my first visit to Benna's today (this is my first time in Philly), after receiving many raving reviews from friends and my partner (a Philly native). I was excited to say the least. When I walked in, I was immediately greeted by the Owner, Nancy. She gave me a huge smile, and the warmest greeting I've ever received at a café. Alongside Nancy, was Kerry, who provided an equally warm welcome. Their wide selection of sweet and savory treats gave me a huge assortment of choices; I went with the number 4 (a bagel sandwich with avocado, cream cheese and other goodies), and was treated to a wonderful flavor explosion. I got the Benna Cap (iced with oat milk), and was surprised with how remarkable it tasted; having never tried a Vietnamese style coffee drink. It's an incredible, intimate space with rocking music (Gorillaz and the like, some of my faves), and great personnel energy. I had such a wonderful time with my partner and will be definitely returning over the next week of my stay. Great work Nancy and team!

A cozy and charming little cafe just off the beaten path. Suuuuuuuper friendly and the coffee and pastries/bagels are top notch. Really glad I stopped in.

stopped in on my way out of town and what an amazing ambience the place held. I had the homemade blueberry crumble cake with a fresh lemonade. My baristas were so kind and gentle, and made me feel right at home. I would recommend this off the grid coffee shop to anyone with taste

Chai vegan donut also good. Everyone here seems to be a regular; tons of people stop by just to say hi, often with their friendly dogs and/or kiddos. It's my go-to place to camp out with my laptop, mostly because it's a 2-minute walk from the pool/gym at Fitness Works. Can get a little loud (mostly because it's such a small space), but I feel comfortable chilling for as long as I need to. Unlike many other coffee/WiFi spots in South Philly, it's never so crowded/busy that I feel pressured to move on so waiting people have a place to sit.

Heaven on earth. I feel cradled at the bosom of every barista and their drinks are the very mother's milk of the gods. Emanating warmth, love and community, I found a chosen family here. Xo Bennas Cafe!

Cool spot. Yummy vegan bagel sandwich. Good coffee. They also have a bunch of vegan baked good as well.

Best coffee shop in town! The staff, the owner, the vibes cannot be beat. Don't even get me started on their signature drink, the benna cap (must try!) there are even complimentary complimentary dog treat for those on the go with their woofer. I'd be hard pressed to to find another coffee shop with this much warmth and personality!

BEST DONUT I'VE HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. We tried the peach ring and vanilla donuts. Both were so soft and flavorful. The owner was super sweet and helpful. The coffee was great too.

Sweet little coffee shop, filled with art and some tasty treats. Came here to heal a hangover after a wedding with Andrea as she has been here many times. The cup of joe was bold, hot and packed with flavor, GOOD! I also indulged in a bagel with cream cheese, tomato and basil; GOOD! Finally picked up a vegan chocolate chip scone; GOOOOD! My personal thought, the only thing holding back a 5 star rating is the fact there is no egg and cheese sandwich offered, which is what I really wanted. From the looks of the menu they serve some sandwiches with mozzarella so I'd think it is a vegan/vegetarian spot and an egg/cheese is totally in the wheelhouse. Other then that, cool experience, will visit again I'm sure.

I love Benna's! First, my favorite thing about this place is the availability of tons of vegan food. From Dottie's donuts that they have delivered to bagel sandwiches (my favorite!). They sometimes even have multiple options available for vegan cream cheese (I'm not a huge fan of Daisy, which is what they're often have so I always ask). The ladies who work there are really nice. They'll leave you alone if you don't want to talk or chat you up if you're feeling talkative! It's also nice that they have a small staff so you start to recognize people. It's nice and quiet, usually, if you're headed there to work. There's always enough outlets available. I like that there's bar stool options too, in case there's too many people camped out at tables. Bathroom is clean. Coffee is great and there's options of various types of sweeteners (I use honey because I like natural) and dairy free milks.

Stopped in on a Saturday around noon (almost immediately post-breakfast unfortunately). I bookmarked this spot because of the vegan pastries/bagel sandwiches, so I have to again express my disappointment at being too full to eat anything. BUT my SO and I did get some teas that were pretty great! He ordered an almond tea that was called something not obvious (open fire) and because that was also what I wanted I went w/my second choice (snaps) which was a ginger tea meant to taste like a gingerbread cookie. The ginger tea was good but the almond tea was (unfortunately for me) just far superior. I also really like that somewhat artificial almond flavor though so if you're not into that I don't know how you'll feel. Like I'll put almond extract and almonds into anything I bake. That being said 5 stars for almond drinks and having gluten free and vegan items (in addition to the standard fare) P.S they're cash only.

Benna's is one of our favorite neighborhood spots. The bagels are always fresh and delicious. The coffee is affordable and we often get a bag of beans for our house. They're so sweet to our dog too!

Cash only with ATM. Small coffee shop with an assortment of homemade baked goods. Almond croissants, bagels, sandwiches, and zucchini muffins galore. It's really quiet and offers a number of bar seating and tables to get work done. Very friendly service.

Excellent coffee and service! Small and cozy, clean, and a fantastic mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich on a baguette. Cash only!

Dear Benna's - How I wish I knew about you sooner than Saturday morning (your coffee did a good job of bringing me back to life). You might just be everything I've wanted in a coffee house. People i know and haven't seen in age's happily sitting and drinking caffeinated goods, tasty baked goods for reasonable prices, and all kinds of interesting art and free publications to look at. I think I'm in love (and not just with your cute baristas). Seriously though I randomly walked by Benna's while leaving my cousin's house and it's a cool little inviting joint. I'm not sure if it offers free wi-fi, and I can't tell you if it has any free trade coffee varieties. But I can tell you that it's a nice laid back spot that even welcomes your dog. and it's outdoor seating was a good reminder that Spring is almost in the air!

Stopped by to get a vanilla latte one day because I just happened to be near this place. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the flavor of latte was! The espresso flavor came through really well unlike some places that only taste of milk. It was so good I came back the next day to get another!

This place is super good, we just happening to find this place and really enjoyed it. There was only 1 person working, felt bad for her because after she finished our order a rush came in. Most people were pretty cool. It seemed like they expected it. Coffee was great and so was my bagel sandwich was even better.. toasted with avocado and tomato. This is a very intimate place not a lot of seating.

Benna Cap. It's made with sweet condensed milk. Now I shall always drink my cappuccinos with condensed milk... Thank you, Benna, for keeping me awake for the drive home to NY.

Cute little place but the feta and sundried tomato sandwich was distasteful. Will be trying a different sandwich next time

This coffee shop is quaint and I enjoy it in theory, but I have a few issues. A) Last week I came here at 5:26pm and asked for a cappuccino. The emotionless barista groaned that they close at 6pm and they had already cleaned the espresso machine. Wtf? You work at a coffee shop. I could maybe understand a bakery or gelato shop worker saying this, but dude...this is a coffee shop. The main purpose of this business is to serve coffee-based drinks. Why would you even stay open for another 30+ minutes? Look, I'm not the asshole who orders a double shot soy 2 pump vanilla 1 pump hazelnut latte 3 minutes prior to closing, but this was a bit ridiculous. The fact that the barista didn't even offer to make it but straight up refused was ridiculous. And I'm a regular who always tips. B) Some of the drinks taste a bit cheap. I've ordered the mocha, and it tasted of store-brand chocolate syrup. The lemonade i've ordered, which was noted as a special on a sign on the counter, seemed to be half lemon juice and half water. It was very acrid. It seems like they completely forget sugar or simple syrup, or that I had to add it myself. Odd. I'll give them some points though. The pastries are great as is the avocado BLT bagel sandwich thing. And the atmosphere is always great to do work in. Always quiet, cool free literature (Grid mag!), plus down the block from my house.

Medium coffee, indifferent service, the line forms right at the door so it's an awkward spot to stand when there's more than two customers in line. They do not seem happy to be making expensive coffees for your consumption, which I thought was the point. Their bagels are good and the baked goods are good, that's why I give this coffee shop two stars. Oh and you can bring your dog in, yay hipsters.

I like that the beverages come in about 5 different sizes with prices for chia lattes starting at $2. My chai was above average. I had a gorgonzola, honey, walnut and apple bagel sandwich. The bagel could have been fresher, but was decent and the apples should have been crunchy, but were grainy and brown instead. The countertop is filled with baked goods, so I also picked up a goat cheese croissant which was alright, but could have had more goat cheese. Service was fast, and efficient. Very cute, cosy and yes, hipster environment. To address the other review comments of what is hipster about it, for me it's the artwork. There were little houses with 12 inch strands of brightly colored hair pouring out of them, and a light hearted mermaid painting who's main feature was boobs (in this case straight proud uncovered boobage not "breasts"). If the artwork is un-monumental with hints of 90's toys, and has a trendy name like "Ode to blue Hair Dream" it's hipster art, which is ok with me because it makes for a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

Cute space, friendly staff, good coffee. It seems like they have a lot of affordable food options as well. I will definitely be going back!

I love everything about Benna's Cafe. Yes, I'm a fan! Their staff, sandwiches, healthful smoothies, hot drinks, muffins, cakes and more are awesome. A staple in their neighborhood supporting local artists with a new show every month. There an important component between Benna's commitment to their customers and their sense of community. It's a favorite of mine whenever I'm close. Check it out and you'll agree, Benna's Cafe is the best!

I just love this little cozy corner, everyone is really nice and polite, the food is great and the ambiance is really chill. I come here as often as my finances allow it :p

Wonderful little cafe with a nice selection of dairy free pastries. The barista Ari is wonderful and made sure everyone in the cafe both regulars and passerbys were welcomed and their orders promptly taken and filled. Looking forward to going back to do some work and enjoy another dairy free pastry (which is hard to find these days)!

Five years ago when I moved to the corner of Seventh and Sears, I discovered Benna's a mere block away. This was back when I needed a double espresso over ice to gird my loins for my daytime bartending job at Monk's, and the lovely Benna's girls served me my juice with a dose of humor that made the prospect of all those lonely drunks seem a bit more manageable. Monthly art shows give you something to look at while you dream away over your Artisan Boulanger croissant, vegan peanut-butter krispy treat or custom bagel sandwich, and piles of magazines, flyers and newspapers are always on hand to entertain the text-obsessed. This is a neighborhood place; a community hub where the locals gather for a fix of friendliness along with sustenance and caffeine. Five years ago, I was a stranger to the hood, but now I can count Benna's owner Nancy as a friend, and depart with hugs from my coffee-shop neighbors. When I lost my cell phone in a cab, I ran here frantically to use the phone and they helped me find a number. When I didn't have cash, Nancy put me on a tab to pay later. This is a homey place, and I feel lucky to be able to call it "my" corner coffee shop.

Friendliest ladies ever. I have never gotten tude' from those girls even when I order some annoying bagel sandwich and the girl has to chop up bananas by hand and there are people waiting. I appreciate that. I don't really order food from other coffee shops in town or complicated drinks because the folks seem so miserable making it...Benna's..I salute you. But...... it is super annoying when the mom groups come in and let their babies run wild. It's HOT coffee that your kid is reaching up for from my table, people! Control your children! And better yet, clean up after them! put the toys BACK! They never do. I second Joe z's question about hipsters..I see some crusty kids there, some punk looking kids, some art schooly looking, some mod looking...I guess you could say the clientele is youngish, friendly, and dresses cute. I don't see why that would detract anyone from going to a place...

I have somehow inexplicably neglected reviewing Benna's for this long, when I have been a South Philly resident for almost two years now and frequenting Benna's when I simply need a quiet place to sit with a book and a piping hot cup of tea. This Benna's was the very FIRST Benna's, located at the corner of 8th & Wharton streets, not to be confused with Benna's 2 on Passyunk Ave. Benna's offers a small and comfy atmosphere. Some people might become frustrated with the limited seating options, as Benna's only has four tables and seating at the coffee bar. However, this is one of the things I like about this Benna's. Because of the limited seating, it never gets too crowded. If you are looking for something more substantial to fill your belly with than just a cup of coffee or tea, try one of their daily soups or a bagel with cream cheese and tomato. The last time I was at Benna's, I ordered the white bean soup and one of these days, I am going to turn my kitchen into a culinary chemistry lab trying to figure out all of the ingredients in this soup so that I don't have to rely on somebody else to make it for me. I also love how they place little knitted cup cozies on every glass of hot beverage that they serve. There's nothing like a soul-warming, tall glass of ginger tea wrapped in a nifty handmade cozie. It brings the smiles, that's for sure. On warm n' sunny days, head over to Benna's for a tall glass of iced coffee or my personal favorite, their sparkling lemonade.

I personally am not a BIG bagel fan! Never know what it's gonna be like! So I go in to get my Husband who is overweight and has heart issues a sandwich. I choose the Hummus on plain bagel with tomato, onion and cucumber slices. So you should have seen his face when I told this Meat Loving Overweight Stubborn Man what I got him. He proceeded to pick on the sandwich and make fun of my choice for him till ...until he took a bite! Then the slightly salty taste and smooth flavor of Garlic in the Hummus took over with the combination of the tomato and cucumber gave him a Zing in his face I never saw before. " WOW said this massive meat loving man. Holy goodness I'm in heaven!" So what do you know, I know am buying hummus and cucumbers on a regular basis now! Good things do come to those who wait. And this place is by far one of the freshest places in south philly for a sandwich.

Loved the iced coffee in a tall glass and I loved the ice cubes (I'm picky when it comes to the ice, I prefer crushed cuz I'm an ice cruncher, sucks for my teeth). I didn't have anything special, just a bagel. It was too sunny to sit outside so I sat inside and checked out the artwork. The place was comfy, not too crowded so I didn't see the place as appealing to ONE certain type of clientele. It was a nice experience on a nice day. But will I go there again? Probably not because I'm cheap and go to chains and have bad taste. In everything.

Cute little cafe with amazing house roast. I had a bagel with mozza, basil and tomatoes and the house roast. You can't go wrong with basil, tomato and mozza, it was delicious. The house roast had me coming back for more. Will definitely swing by again for more coffee!

I really really love this place. Just stumbled upon it one day and spent most of my day there working. It had a very airy feel with enough space to work, read or just catch up with a friend. Definitely could sense this is a neighborhood favorite. A nice diverse clientele. I noticed a lot of ink ;) Couldn't stop myself from staring at times. The art selection is well done. Lots to consider and be inspired by. Again, something else I couldn't take my eyes off of. The food selection is excellent and tasty. Especially for vegans. Didn't try the coffee but I enjoyed a good cup of chai or was it a latte? with a bagel sandwich. Benna's has quickly won me over. I do believe it to be one of the best cafes in Philly. It's on the other side of town for me but I'm definitely looking forward to my next trip there.

Finally stuck my head in here after moving into the neighborhood 6 months ago. I had the white mocha and a bagel with scallion cream cheese. Probably the most delicious mocha I've ever had. A magical combo of great coffee and heavenly chocolate. The scallion cream cheese was wonderful as well and seemed very fresh. As if they just mixed it together that morning. I'll definitely be back when I need a morning pick-me-up.

I really don't want to be that guy, but where is the wifi? It is 2014, and cafe's without wifi are so close to extinction. I am sort of impatient, but what can I do? That being said, this little shack deserves three stars. However, the lack of Internet connections just simply annoys me. Oh yea, the bagels are delicious. The coffee is delicious. The cup warmers are unnecessary. Just pay for wifi please.

Cute little coffee place right in my neighborhood. I haven't stayed to sit, but the for-here coffees are in pint glasses and my wife loved the croissant she got on Saturday morning. Once I get some time, I'll look to go back and try some more stuff from their menu-- they have sandwiches and various pastries (do I remember seeing vegan cupcakes?). The atmosphere seems laid-back; Phillyblog says they have wireless, but I've just stopped in for to-go coffees. I'm thankful that there's a cafe just around the corner from our house.

I really like this place. Good coffee, friendly staff, very vegan friendly (tofutti cream cheese, vegan soups, cupcakes, cookies, brownies). Combine the Avocado + Tomato + Tofutti + Bagel sandwich (I think it is sandwich #4) with a large Depth Charge (Coffee + shots of espresso) and you have a great afternoon on your hands. They are also dog friendly so you don't have to leave your pup outside when ordering a nice iced coffee on a hot day.

Cool and nice little spot for munchies and a good quality coffee. Very good reception by one of the girls on a Sat. morning. Definitely would come back! Check my profile for other tips :)

Great espresso and caps, filling bagel sandwiches, and a warm environment to relax. Baristas aren't the friendliest but they are good at what they make.

OBSESSED with their coffee and chocolate croissants. Love Amber the barista. She's wonderful. Nancy is a sweetheart, and runs an amazing coffee shop......nice work!

Simply awesome! Bring your thermos to enjoy fills of hot or iced coffee at a ridiculously reasonable price. Five stars! Can I give six?

Had a very tasty sandwich here the other day with avocado, tomato, and cream cheese on baguette. Even though it has the same owner, the space is a lot friendlier and relaxed than B2. Maybe because it's not right on Passyunk Ave? It feels less scene-y and more neighborhood-y. Drinks are $1 off the 16oz price if you bring your own cup! Yup, that's a $1 coffee folks.