Philz Coffee

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	101 Forest Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA
Phone:	+1 650-321-2161
Site:	philzcoffee.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6AM–8PM 6:30AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

A Private User

Theres something very promising about coffeeshops that seem fractionally run-down and worn because it perfumes of charm, character and history. Much like the aging of wine. The slogan, "One Cup At a Time" to a true aficionado of coffee must sound like the mecca of candy stores to the ears of a sugar-philic schoolchild. The Philz Coffee establishment itself is deserving of 4.5 stars, because I honour the craftsmanship and love how Phil brought back the art after a diseasing exposure to desensitizing cookie-cutter chains (i.e. Starbucks or Peets). But, this particular addition to the family in downtown Palo Alto merits *at most* 4. I attribute this first time impression (in comparison to the first Philz in SF and the Philz on MIddlefield) to that new store smell. Im not talking about your olfactory senses. Im talking about the fact that the store needs to mature. Being that this is the first opening week, its gotta "get in the groove," and get the "wear and tear" badge of numerous patrons breaking it in. Im still waiting on the ginger cookies and seeing baristas start feelin the rhythm. Know what I mean? On an end note, I appreciate the fact that each cup is made to serving temperature, but sometimes, near searing hot is what winter chills call for! In any case, Philz is always a worthy visit if you are feeling some solid joe.

Jonathan Warner

The Philz featured in an argument in Silicon Valley HBO. It is, indeed, better than the one on Middlefield in my opinion. Its certainly larger. For those who have been to a Philz before, theres no reason to keep reading, as youve already made up your mind about the place; youre going to have niche coffee at a reasonable price. For those who havent been, though, allow me to enlighten you. I first found this place my first time in the Bay Area, right before a job interview. Its a bit different than a typical coffeeshop. Youll tell a barista what you want and then wait for that same barista to finish it and ask for your approval. Theres none of the name writing like Starbucks, which honestly gives me anxiety about accidentally taking the wrong drink. But the baristas are nice and will correct you if youre confused. With that aside, note the coffee here is a bit different than your typical place, too. I can only describe it as "plantier" or perhaps "fresher". If you seek something light, the Manhattan is almost like a tea. If you want fun, try the Mint Mojito -- basically minty coffee. Worth a try. Once you get your drink, this is one of those places where you can sit, use WiFi, and hack away at your work, as youll see many people on Macbooks doing. It wasnt featured on Valley for nothing.

Alyx Barranger

Philz made me enjoy coffee for the first time. Their Silken Splendor is a drink that you absolutely have to try. I usually order it medium sweet (because I have a sweet tooth) but the beans could stand alone if you truly wanted them to. I think of going to Philz coffee like going to a wine tasting for coffee. There are so many subtle flavor notes that you can actually taste. I recommend reading all of the descriptions because they are super accurate and give you a wonderful description of each option. My only complaint about this specific location is that I think the service is much nicer at the location on Middlefield. The two times I have been here over the other location the barista was pretty rude to me. This location has a much shorter wait, but I think that you sacrifice some of the hospitality that made me fall in love with Philz in the first place. However, the rudeness doesnt make the coffee any less delicious.

Katie Reid

Very friendly and fast pace! I had never been before and there was a line out the door. I waited in line for only 5 minutes then they called me to the counter. I told the barista I had never been there before. She took a minute to kindly explain how it worked and made a suggestion for me after asking what I usually like. She did it in a friendly, but fast way and directed me to the cashier. After I paid she called out my order and let me try it first before I left in case I wanted to add anything sugar or milk which she happily adjusted. They are friendly and super fast. Know what theyre doing to serve as many customers as they can to help them move on about their day with their coffee. The coffee was good too. Nothing fancy, just simple brewed coffee with the different flavored roasts, no flavored syrups,only sugar and milk if desired.

Patrick Power

While Im giving this Philz five stars for the coffee, the atmosphere, the availability of electrical outlets to charge up my phone and the pleasantness of its employees, I found ordering and paying for my iced coffee/bagel a bit confusing. At most coffee shops Ive been to in my lifetime, an order is placed at one end of the counter, and payment is made at that time, with coffee picked up at the other end. In this case, following the sign/guides, I ordered at one end (where the coffee was prepared), was directed to the far end to pay, then back to the other end to wait for the coffee. Initially, because there were a handful of people standing around this same area, I didnt know if I was cutting in on people about to order or if they were waiting for their orders. This is, of course, a minor complaint, but my experience nonetheless.

Sebastian Fiedler

What, I havent reviewed my Number#2 Philz Coffee in Palo Alto? #shakingheadindisbelief When Number#1 on Middlefield Rd seem too far to reach, Ill head over to this one on Alma and Forest. Parking can be tricky, but once you squeezed your ride in between that Lexus and the Maserati youre good to go. I love that every store set up is different - while you certainly get the small, corner shop feel on 18th Street in the Castro or on Middlefield in Palo Alto, this shop is huge! Super high ceilings, a long counter, and a large chill area, where Stanford students catch up on the latest, some office workers have semi-confidential 1:1s, and Tech guys hack into their MacBooks. The Turkish (cream only) comes closest to my heart - rich in flavor and lightly creamed. Spot on, every time.

Austin

Philz takes a very interesting approach to coffee. Instead of the traditional coffee shop where you wait in line to order then a barista makes the drink according to your preferences at Philz coffee is a bit more personalized. You give your order directly to one of a couple of baristas who then they ask you about how you would like your order for example sweet, medium, or rich. You also taste the coffee once it is done and the barista offers to make adjustments if its not to your liking. The whole experience is very personalized which is great and results in coffee perfectly made to your tastes. The coffee itself is fantastic quality and I love the many different flavors available.

Richard Bolt

Im giving Philz a second chance after being thoroughly unimpressed by the faux "espresso" I got there 2 years ago. Sadly, I have to give them a thumbs down on the coffee. Even their light roasts are dark, oily and a bit rancid. Too bad because the staff is friendly, the store is clean & comfy and they are a local business. By storing the whole bean coffee in large open containers the oils on their dark roasted beans are oxidizing and getting rancid. In spite of the creative coffee drink names, Philz cant hold a candle to leading local 3rd wave roasters like Blue Bottle, Barefoot, Ritual, 4 Barrel or Verve.