Run by Capriccio, the 1,200 square foot, 1.5 million dollar Cafe Cret specializes in Philadelphia products like La Colombe coffee, LeBus breads and Lore's Chocolates. The café also happens to be the first free-standing coffeeshop on the Ben Franklin Parkway.
Indoors, the spacious high-ceiling cafe has plenty of windows, with doors flung open on warm days. A stunning mural of noted architect, Paul Cret, canvasses one wall. The cafe's man of honor was the department head of architecture at the University of Pennsylvania for more than 30 years and also designed the Rodin Museum and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Tip your cup to Cret and then head outside. The al fresco patio is prime grounds to be seen, soak up some wifi, or to simply admire the astounding views of the grand parkway and the colorful scenes of Love Park.
Craving the cold stuff? They'll whip you up milkshakes, malts, and spiced chai shakes with Bassett's ice cream (also available by the cone), not to mention paninis and pastries.
Take it hot? Go with grilled eggplant and provolone sandwiches, egg and cheese breakfast burritos or veggie chili. More sophisticated selections like grilled salmon over a bed of greens also add to a slick menu.
If your from out of town and find yourself a little lost, the café stocks informational brochures for tourists and serves as an information center with an outdoor digital screen to highlight the city's offerings. Clearly, this is more than a caffeine fill station.
