Whiskey and coffee? Sounds like the perfect combination to me! If it does to you, then make sure to pay a visit to Char & Stave with locations in Ardmore and Philadelphia’s neighborhood of Chestnut Hill. Open from early morning til late at night, Char & Stave will serve all of your beverage needs. Not only are the drinks delish, but the atmosphere is simply cool.
Char & Stave’s motto is “coffee made by whiskey people.” This makes sense since it is owned by Phoenixville’s Bluebird Distilling. Char & Stave offers an array of spirits and coffee-based drinks. The Whiskey Smash latte is my favorite. It’s easily one of the best warm drinks I’ve had. Both of my most recent visits to the Philadelphia area have brought gusty Arctic air, so warming up with this latte is the perfect solution. The Whiskey Smash, although it has whiskey in the name, is non-alcoholic; instead, it uses barrel-aged espresso and salted whiskey caramel. Yum!
Locations in Ardmore and Chestnut Hill
Both branches of Char & Stave are tastefully decorated and resemble an old-time cafe. It’s like a European cafe meets an old-fashioned soda fountain meets a Prohibition-era speakeasy. The menu fits the vibe precisely. Another favorite drink of mine is the Nuts & Berries latte. This includes housemade blueberry syrup and black walnut bitters. It’s got an earthy taste with a hint of sweetness.
Warm up with a signature cocktail such as a Hot Toddy or an Irish Coffee. Try a specialty Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Espresso Martini. Clearly, the drink options run the full spectrum as you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for, alcoholic or not. All of the spirits are made by their parent company, Bluebird Distilling, which is available for purchase as well. Try a seasonal whiskey such as their Winter or Summer, the Juniperus Gin, or the Phoenixville Whiskey.
Events
Char & Stave offers many events, too. Whether it’s a Dungeons and Dragons gathering or playing host to live music, there’s always something happening. At most coffee shops, I prefer to take my drink for the road. At Char & Stave, though, it’s best to enjoy your drink there. The combination of atmosphere and their tasty offerings makes it an easy place to sip over conversation or even alone while getting work done.
Both Ardmore and Chestnut Hill provide the perfect locations for Char & Stave, as they are both throwbacks to a simpler time. With boutiques and stores nearby to meander in and out of, the coffee shop fits in flawlessly. During my next visit to the greater Philly area, I look forward to a coffee or cocktail at Char & Stave, followed by exploring Chestnut Hill or Ardmore at greater length. Cheers!
