Stephen's Cafe

Inside Stephen's Cafe

Stephen’s Cafe is a cozy, kosher-friendly spot in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood, ideal for those looking to start their day with fresh-baked bagels, pastries, and thoughtfully prepared breakfast sandwiches. Nestled just a short stroll from the Barnes Foundation, it draws a mix of locals and museum visitors who appreciate a casual setting to recharge over reliably good food and coffee.

The cafe features a straightforward but satisfying menu, including buttered bagels, cream cheese, and a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches on sourdough that showcase a comforting, no-fuss approach to classic deli-style fare. Their pastries, like a well-regarded babka, stand out as fresh and buttery, pairing nicely with solid coffee that complements the overall breakfast experience.

Inside, the atmosphere leans toward laid-back and inviting, with staff known for their friendly service and efficient pace, making it a convenient stop whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed mid-morning break. The welcoming vibe and approachable menu resonate well with people who value a neighborhood cafe where the food feels homemade and the environment is unpretentious.

Stephen’s works best for morning and lunchtime visits, especially for breakfast lovers seeking kosher options without complicated menus. Folks who enjoy casual conversations or a simple, satisfying meal before exploring nearby attractions will find it fits comfortably into their routine. It’s less about trendiness and more about dependable comfort, making the place a practical choice for both regulars and visitors exploring Fairmount’s local scene.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Great coffee

Popular for

Breakfast

What they serve

Coffee

Quick bite

Best for

Breakfast

Brunch

Lunch

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Wheelchair-accessible seating

Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Paid parking lot

Paid street parking

Parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 01:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

07:30 AM - 03:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

54 Reviews

Binyamin Radensky

23 Dec 2025

Extremely delicious bagels, sandwiches etc. in a beautiful cafe. Staff were extremely friendly and nice. Food came out super quick. Really great vibes and really great food, can't recommend enough.

Julia Fleisher

11 Dec 2025

Stephen’s Cafe was delicious! We went for lunch after going to the Barnes. It was a quick walk and in a great area of Fairmount. Everything we got was delicious, and highly recommend!! So happy to have Stephen’s as an option in the city!

Jody Lurie

11 Nov 2025

Avocado sunshine is delicious. Definitely try the cheese ring -- and ask for it warm -- because it's amazing. The babka layered pastry is awesome, and the coffee is solid.

Patrick Mellin

30 Oct 2025

Amazing pastries and delicious bagels! Welcoming atmosphere and pleasant people behind the counter. As soon as they get through some growing pains, it has the potential to be a solid addition to the neighborhood.

Chagai Bader

28 Oct 2025

Stephen's Cafe is a top kosher café for breakfast lovers! They serve delicious, fresh dishes with great coffee in a cozy setting. From fluffy omelets to perfectly baked pastries, every bite feels homemade. Friendly staff and a welcoming vibe make it the perfect start to your day!

david gold

22 Oct 2025

I like the food at this location. It may take some time for the food to be ready, but it’s always fresh, tasty, and worth the wait. I’ve consistently had good meals here.

Michael Ghen

21 Sep 2025

I'm so glad to have a great new spot nearby for coffee and breakfast! The iced coffee was smooth, and I'd definitely recommend the salmon & cream cheese bagel sandwich. The shady outdoor seating with placemats was a nice touch and makes it a chill place to go for brunch when it's nice out. I also got a knish which was a great savory pastry option, which are harder to find.

Carolyn Steinberg

21 Sep 2025

Get the sufganiyot! Ordered 2 of their special Dubai Chocolate flavor and OMG. They were amazing! Very large and the filling was perfect.