Choosing Your Coffee in Old City Philadelphia

A coffee menu becomes easier to read when you start with your preferences rather than the unfamiliar names. Think about whether you want a concentrated drink or a longer cup, whether you like milk, and whether sweetness is part of what you are looking for.

At Mocha Melt Cafe, the specialty coffee category lists espresso, espresso macchiato, flat white, Americano, cappuccino and cafe latte. These are different ways to enjoy espresso, not a ranking from better to worse. Choose the format that sounds good to you.

Espresso is the concentrated base used in many cafe drinks. An Americano combines espresso with water for a longer drink. A macchiato adds a small amount of milk or foam, though preparation can vary, so ask if you have a particular style in mind.

Cappuccino, flat white and latte combine espresso with milk in different proportions and textures. Rather than relying on a universal size or ratio, read the cafe's current listing and ask about the serving. That is especially useful when comparing the drink to one you have ordered elsewhere.

A simple coffee can work alongside a rich dessert, while a flavored latte may be the sweet part of a visit on its own. If breakfast is the focus, start with your food choice and then decide how much coffee or milk you want beside it.

Mocha Melt has separate pages for breakfast, croissants, crepes, waffles, cakes and other categories. Looking at a food photo next to the drink menu can be more useful than choosing them as entirely separate decisions.

The cafe is at 124 Market Street in Old City Philadelphia. Check the Visit page for opening hours and directions, especially if your day includes timed visits to nearby attractions or travel across the city.

Snackpass is the source for the latest online ordering information. Use it to check current prices and availability. For caffeine preferences, ingredients, milk choices or allergy questions, speak with the cafe about the particular drink you plan to order.