Pilgrim Roasters in Manayunk [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
An upscale looking building off of the very popular Main Street in Manayunk is host to a gem of a coffee shop called Pilgrim Roasters.
Welcome to Pilgrim Roasters Manayunk [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Owned and operated by Dan Faehl and Ryan Connelly since June 2017, the upscale coffee house is inviting as soon as you walk in. With the atmosphere having a comfortable trendy look, it is perfect for anyone wanting to sit down and study, to have a quick business meeting, or maybe to have a low-key date at.
Dan Faehl of Pilgrim Roasters [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
What drew me in is the obvious fact that Pilgrim Roasters goes the extra mile to roast their own beans, aiding in how our cup of java tastes. To ensure that the flavor notes in their coffee beans are of higher quality, the owners purchase beans from micro-lots around the globe. Which means they buy coffee beans from small farms that can curate a higher-end bean.
Roasting Coffee at Pilgrim Roasters [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
Pilgrim Roasters then roasts those beans to create the freshest and perfect flavors, and even more important—they are knowledgeable with how to offer each small lot from the region it came from. For example, owner Dan Faehl explained to me that Brazilian and Columbian coffee beans go well with milk, whereas batches from Ethiopia have floral and citrus notes—causing them to be a more exciting brew—does not need to use milk and is best as a pour over.
Coffee Beans Roasting [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
“The best way to taste the flavor differences is to do tastings to understand the flavor contrasts in coffee,” stated Dan Faehl.
And for someone like me who loves coffee and has a great palate, they will be offering Cupping classes beginning next month. Enlightening even the most avid coffee drinker with classes on how to distinguish the unique and exotic differences with the various mico lots.
Mocha Latte Closeup [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
We were treated to some of Pilgrim Roasters exotic and aromatic lattes, including two of their more popular menu items: the Matcha Latte and Mocha Latte. I love a good Mocha Latte, and unlike how most coffee houses, these are made simply with their own roasted beans, some milk, and a touch of cocoa powder. The owners choose to not do blends, allowing their coffee to hold its own. And it was delicious, although I do prefer my lattes to be on the sweeter side, so I did add a little sugar—but not much, and I was in Mocha Latte bliss.
Amaris Pollock Enjoying a Mocha Latte at Pilgrim Roasters
We also tried out their Matcha Latte, which BTW—I’ve never been a fan of Matcha. However, after one sip I actually wanted to drink the whole cup instead of just ascertaining my opinion with a single sip. I enjoyed it so much that I hoarded the cup instead of passing it to my friend, and I most certainly would order it again when I go back.
Matcha Latte at Pilgrim Roasters Manayunk [Photo: Amaris Pollock]
We also tried one of their Caffe Lattes, which was equally distinguished with its flavor, and I felt it had acidity notes along with an undertone of cocoa—it gave me the warm comfort and satisfaction that I I enjoy in a cup of happiness.
If you want to experience an enlightened cup of coffee and bring some of their exquisite coffees home with you, you can by going to Pilgrim Roasters, 4120 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127.
Amaris Pollock is a freelance writer and photographer covering the local restaurant scene. Email arpollockus@gmail.com for requests.
