Williams Cafe

255 S 36th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
+1 215-898-6815
$$$ Cafe
(50 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

If you're searching for an inviting and vibrant café that delivers exceptional coffee on the bustling campus of the University of Pennsylvania, look no further than Williams Cafe. Located at 255 S 36th St, Philadelphia, PA, this spot is more than just a coffee shop; it's a haven for coffee aficionados and casual drinkers alike, praised for both its quality brews and amiable staff.

At Williams Cafe, every sip tells a story. Their menu showcases a range of expertly crafted espresso drinks that cater to all palates. From the robust Americano at just $3.50 to the rich, velvety Latte and frothy Cappuccino, each drink is meticulously prepared. A must-try is the Iced Mocha, highly recommended by returning customer Daniela Medina, reflecting the café's specialty in cooling brews that keep you invigorated even on the warmest of days.

The tea lovers won’t be disappointed either; the selection includes refreshing Chai Lattes and the popular Matcha Latte, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Pair your drink with one of their delightful pastries—whether it's the flaky Plain Croissant or the indulgent Chocolate Croissant, they are sure to complement your beverage beautifully.

Beyond just the drinks, Williams Cafe fosters a cozy atmosphere where students can gather to study, chat, or simply unwind. With its clean and comfortable setup, many customers have commented on how warm and inviting the space feels—making it an ideal study spot as Sophia DeGrands aptly notes.

The star of the café is undoubtedly the talented staff. Regulars rave about barista Gab, who is known for crafting “the most delicious coffee” they've ever had, while others highlight Elijah Howe’s infectious smile and service-focused attitude. As Coryn DeGrands shares, the friendly ambiance—combined with the exhilarating espresso and delectable pastries—creates an all-around exceptional experience.

While some patrons like Caitlin Fontecchio have faced minor challenges accessing the café as it's situated in Williams Hall, the overwhelming positive sentiments like those from Ryan Kertzner affirm that once inside, you’ll find not just great coffee, but a community of fellow coffee enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Williams Cafe is a **hidden gem** within the Ucity area that promises not just a caffeine fix, but an engaging experience fueled by quality coffee and a welcoming environment. Whether you're a local, a student, or a visitor to Philadelphia, make sure to stop by Williams Cafe—you won't regret it!

For any inquiries, feel free to contact them at +1 215-898-6815.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Live music
Live performances
Sport
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

50 Reviews
Ryan Kertzner

08 Sep 2025

Best coffee and staff ever!!! Shand was incredibly helpful and made sure my order was prepared in a timely manner! All-star barista Gab prepared the most delicious coffee I've ever had in my whole life!!

Sophia DeGrands

20 Aug 2025

High quality & locally roasted coffee with awesome breakfast options! Located on UPenn’s campus, so it makes for a great study spot :p

Abhi M

14 Aug 2025

SERIOUSLY good espresso on Penn’s campus. I take my espresso very seriously and this place does too. The baristas prep the espresso really well and the lattes, cortados, and cappuccinos are smooth, delicious, and flavorful. I recommend every coffee lover come here for a good drink and studying. I personally rank this among my favorites in the Ucity area.

Caitlin Fontecchio

13 Aug 2025

I don’t want to knock the business and rating since I was unable to try it but just wanted to make a comment that when I went, exterior doors appear to be locked to Penncard holders only. I saw some reviews about people enjoying while visiting Philly so maybe there’s a way in that I missed but I simply couldn’t figure out how to get in the building.

Daniela Medina

11 Aug 2025

the BEST cafe on Penn’s campus! I’ve been coming every year while an undergrad and am never disappointed. I HIGHLY recommend the iced mocha!

Coryn DeGrands

24 Jul 2025

Cozy and clean atmosphere with high octane espresso drinks and delicious pastries. This cafe is my favorite stop when visiting family in Philly, and the staff couldn’t be more friendly and polite! LOVE!!

Cassius Tzoumas

06 Jul 2025

Elijah Howe is the best ever look at that smile on his face happy to serve customers all the time

Heather DeGrands

14 Jun 2025

Fantastic coffee and espresso drinks, as well as yummy pastries and bagels. The staff is super friendly! A hidden gem in Williams Hall.

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