Menagerie Coffee, a beloved fixture in Philadelphia’s coffee scene, has expanded its footprint with the opening of a new café in Northern Liberties. This marks the company’s second brick-and-mortar location, following a successful 11-year run in Old City and a five-year stint at The Bourse Food Hall, which closed in 2022.
The new café, located in a space previously occupied by a video game store and e-sports venue, features a design inspired by owner April Nett’s recent trip to Albania. The interior boasts rustic white oak wooden beams, high ceilings, ample natural light, and intimate seating arrangements. The bar’s curvature is mirrored in the shop’s curvilinear design elements.
Founded in 2013 by Nett and co-founder Elysa DiMauro, Menagerie Coffee first gained popularity in Old City. The expansion to The Bourse Food Hall was a significant milestone, but the decision to close that location came after a successful five-year period. “When our lease ended, we knew we had another shop in us,” Nett told Daily Coffee News. “We spent years surveying different commercial spaces before choosing Northern Liberties for our new café, bakery, and roastery.”
The design and construction of the new space were once again handled by Kole Made, the firm responsible for the original cafés. They collaborated with Shiftspace to repurpose equipment and materials from The Bourse shop, ensuring continuity and innovation in the new location.
Continuity is also evident in the staff, with 90% of the team from The Bourse joining the new venture. Although DiMauro departed from the organization in 2022, she and Nett maintain a close relationship. “The most valuable lessons we’ve learned are to stay true to ourselves and our collective business identity,” Nett reflected. “Menagerie’s essence lies in its people—staff, guests, vendor partners, and the communities we serve.”
Looking ahead, Menagerie plans to begin roasting its own coffee. “Coffee people are some of the kindest, most wonderful individuals in the service industry,” Nett remarked. “While transitioning to self-roasting will lessen our relationship with our current roaster partners, it’s a necessary step toward fulfilling our vision.”
The new café’s menu features offerings from local favorite Elixr Coffee and Minneapolis-based Dogwood Coffee, available as pour-overs, cold brews, and espresso drinks. The all-day breakfast sandwiches, seasonal lunch options, and in-house baked goods, including cookies, granola, muffins, scones, and smoothies, reflect a commitment to quality and community.
“It’s crucial for us to stay grounded in who we are each day,” Nett stated. “Understanding how we come together and how our spaces are used helps define our uniqueness and supports sustainable growth for Menagerie Coffee in our neighborhoods.”