Cafe is a hidden gem in bustling Center City

By: Jessica Leung

Posted: 10/10/08

Some may call Capriccio a hidden gem while others may consider it a typical café serving coffee and the like. Located at the corner of the Ben Franklin Parkway and 16th Street, directly across from Love Park, sits a clandestine red-canopied café that most people pass by on a regular basis without knowing, including myself.

Open Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 8 a.m to 8 p.m., Capriccio serves as a dwelling for people to enjoy. Though this establishment has been in business for almost 20 years, the Center City Capriccio is new to the location.

A little different from the typical Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, Capriccio has a set up similar to those of European-style cafés, offering rich, modern, soothing décor containing deep red fixtures and marble table tops inside. Outside also offers plenty of seating consisting of dark-grey metal tables and chairs similar to that of an outside patio collection. The sign for the café is tucked into the right side of the building making the place a little hard to find, but once inside, the café offers a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Capriccio presents a variety of freshly-roasted coffee blends, flavored cappuccinos, mocha mixes, chai teas, hot chocolate and a few iced beverages. Occasionally, Capriccio also serves seasonal drinks such as pumpkin-spice lattes for the fall. Not only does Capriccio serve beverages, they also have an assortment of baked goods, ice cream, a few salads and a small selection of grilled Panini sandwiches.

Like many other independent operations, Capriccio takes gratification in helping the local economy by buying and selling products from the Philadelphia area. Capriccio sells coffee and biscotti direct from Pennsylvania businesses as well as Bassett's ice cream right from their store.

Satisfied to know that Capriccio takes pride in supporting locals, I took a seat outside to catch a glimpse of the city while indulging in my hazelnut cappuccino. I love coffee of all sorts and was eager to dive into my drink, but found myself a bit disappointed as I took a sip. The hazelnut flavor was great, although there was not enough coffee. There was a little too much of the hazelnut syrup making the drink too sweet and taking away from the taste of the espresso.

On the other hand, Capriccio's fresh-brewed house blend coffee was terrific. It had a strong aroma and taste comparable to Starbucks. The coffee was a little sweeter than Starbucks' house blend, but still amazing.

Of course, I couldn't leave without having tried one of Capriccio's delicious-looking baked goods. I opted for the chocolate filled croissant which I found average. There was very minimal chocolate in the middle, and the actual croissant was not as buttery and flaky as I had hoped for. The croissant was a bit dry, but I still enjoyed my afternoon treat.

If you find that you rather not have chocolate, I would highly recommend the apple cinnamon muffin. The muffin was moist and contained bits of fresh apples and cinnamon in every bite.

While the prices of the items parallel those of Starbucks, the atmosphere and picturesque setting of the city makes the trip worth while. And with so many choices of coffee to choose from, it's a win-win situation.

As you find yourself struggling to stay awake from all the stress and studying of the new school year, come down to Capriccio for a little energy boost. Even if you're looking to try something new, let yourself wander into the city, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the wonders of Philadelphia.