October officially means cozy season in Philadelphia, and there are plenty of places around the city that capture that fall feeling. Here are four spots worth venturing out for that will give you maximum coziness.
Eremita Cafe (Roxborough)
In my opinion, few cafes are cozier to find yourself in than at Eremita Cafe on Ridge Avenue. With its squishy mismatched armchairs, autumnal-colored walls, and stained-glass art, it’s the perfect place to get some work done with a latte, or meet friends for a cup of tea and a board game. Eremita’s autumn specials sound delicious: lattes in the form of maple pistachio, orange cardamom, and pumpkin cinnamon.
Wax + Wine (Old City)
What could be cozier than making candles and drinking wine? This BYOB spot lets you wander around its “Scent Cellar” with glass in hand to sniff more than 60 fragrances and blend scents into two custom 8-ounce candles. Make a reservation for two or purchase a gift card for the candle-obsessed person in your life.
Mostly Books (Queen Village)
Give me a rainy day and hours to kill in a bookstore anytime. It’s easy to lose track of time at Mostly Books, the Queen Village staple that boasts a quarter acre of used books across several rooms and multiple floors, often stacked halfway to the ceiling. With its wooden floors, exposed brick walls, and hand-written signs, the shop is full of little nooks and crannies and furnished with mismatched, well-worn chairs where you can settle in with a book and get lost in everything from historical fiction to self-help.
The Random Tea Room and Curiosity Shop (Northern Liberties)
While studying abroad in England more than a decade ago, I developed a daily tea ritual. The team at The Random Tea Room understands the importance of that ritual, and they’ve created a cozy space where you can slow down and enjoy an international selection of teas and herbal blends. They occasionally host events, like gong-fu cha, or Chinese teatime, on Oct. 18.
