J'aime French Cafe Introduce
**Introduction / Overview: Bringing the Essence of Paris to Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Area**
For residents across the Pennsylvania region who crave the authentic, delicate artistry of French baking, **J'aime French Cafe** offers a true culinary escape. Situated in a charming corner of Philadelphia, the name itself, which translates to "I love" in French, captures the spirit of the establishment: every pastry is made "with love." This locale seamlessly combines the craftsmanship of a high-end **Bakery** with the inviting atmosphere of a chic **Coffee shop**, providing locals with an ideal destination for breakfast, a quick coffee break, or a sweet indulgence.
J'aime French Cafe is widely celebrated for its commitment to classic French techniques, delivering pastries that customers consistently describe as being "very good, close to the french ones." Their croissants, in particular, have garnered acclaim, often being hailed as some of the best in the city. The focus here is on quality, flavor, and a commitment to tradition, all while maintaining a cozy and welcoming ambiance. The menu features signature French staples like the buttery Croissant, rich Pain au Chocolat, and the custardy, rum-infused Cannelé, alongside savory options like quiches and handcrafted sandwiches. Furthermore, the bakery skillfully caters to diverse modern palates with highly praised unique offerings, including a must-try **vegan chocolate croissant**. For anyone seeking a slice of Parisian pastry perfection without leaving Pennsylvania, J'aime French Cafe is a daily destination.
**Location and Accessibility**
Conveniently located in the desirable Rittenhouse Square vicinity of Center City Philadelphia, J'aime French Cafe serves as an easily accessible spot for residents, students, and professionals alike.
The bakery’s address is: **401 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA**.
Its location on the corner of 17th Street places it perfectly within walking distance of the historic Rittenhouse Square park and the surrounding residential and commercial blocks. For customers from various parts of Pennsylvania visiting the city, the cafe is well-served by Philadelphia's major bus routes and is relatively close to the SEPTA Broad Street Line, ensuring straightforward access.
The café maintains regular operating hours for customers seeking their daily fix:
- Tuesday - Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
The shop is set up to accommodate a **Quick visit**, ideal for grabbing a coffee and croissant on the way to work, but also provides a pleasant environment for those who wish to linger. The cafe accepts modern payment methods, including **Credit cards** and **Debit cards**, for a smooth, fast transaction.
**Services Offered**
J'aime French Cafe offers services designed for maximum comfort and convenience, whether you're starting your day or taking a break:
- Takeout Service: Quick and efficient service for customers picking up orders, perfect for the bustling Philadelphia commuter or resident on the go.
- Dine-in Experience: Provides seating in a cozy, chic atmosphere for guests who wish to enjoy their pastries and coffee at a leisurely pace. The interior design contributes to the delightful, charming experience.
- Breakfast Service: Primarily operating as a morning and early afternoon spot, the cafe is optimized to serve high-quality breakfast options, including pastries, coffee, and savory items like quiche.
- Full Coffee Bar Service: Offers a wide selection of coffee and espresso-based beverages, including Drip Coffee, Espresso, Draft Lattes, Americano, Cappuccino, and Latte, often featuring local favorites like La Colombe drafts.
- Crêpe Preparation: Serves authentic French crêpes, including classic options like the French Jam Crêpe, which are made to order and served warm.
- Bulk/Family Orders: Offers larger items, such as the **Family Quiche** (feeds 4/6 people) and larger cuts of cakes like the **Flourless Chocolate Cake** and **Olive Oil Cake**, requiring advance ordering for planning events.
**Features / Highlights**
J'aime French Cafe has garnered a loyal following in Pennsylvania thanks to its distinct features and high-quality products:
- Award-Winning Croissants: Acclaimed by customers as having the best croissants in Philadelphia, including the plain **Croissant** ($3.75), **Chocolate Croissant** ($4.00), and **Almond Croissant** ($4.00).
- Authentic French Pastry Selection: Excels at traditional favorites such as the decadent **Pain au chocolat**, the spiral **Pain au raisins** ($4.25), and the highly-praised **Cannelé** ($3.50), recognized for its crispy caramelized exterior and custardy center.
- High-Quality Vegan Options: A standout feature is the universally-loved **vegan chocolate croissant**, which customers rave is indistinguishable from its dairy counterpart, providing an excellent choice for plant-based diets (e.g., "LOVE the vegan chocolate croissant!!! It's a must try!").
- Savory and Meal Items: Beyond sweets, they offer substantial items like the **Individual Quiche** ($7.95) and fresh-made **Sandwiches** ($8.95 - $9.95), ensuring satisfying meal options.
- Cozy and Chic Atmosphere with Amenities: The interior is described as having a "cozy and chic atmosphere," with beautiful interiors. They also offer customer amenities such as **Wi-Fi** and a **Gender-neutral restroom**, enhancing the dine-in experience.
**Contact Information**
To place an order, inquire about the menu, or confirm operating hours, please use the following contact information for J'aime French Cafe:
Address: 401 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
Phone Number: (215) 852-5228
Mobile Phone: +1 215-852-5228
**What is Worth Choosing at J'aime French Cafe**
Choosing J'aime French Cafe is choosing an experience defined by quality, authenticity, and thoughtful service. For the Pennsylvania resident, it offers the highest standard of French baking, making it a compelling alternative to travel or a simple convenience store pastry.
First, the **uncompromising quality** of their foundational products is what makes this bakery truly worth choosing. With claims of having the "best Pain au chocolat in the US" and "best croissant in Philadelphia," you are guaranteed a world-class pastry experience. This is not fast food; it is artful baking where traditional techniques produce flaky, buttery perfection. For special occasions or simply a moment of self-care, this level of quality is a differentiator.
Second, the cafe’s **inclusive and modern approach** is highly valuable. The highly-reviewed **vegan chocolate croissant** ensures that dietary restrictions do not necessitate a compromise on quality or flavor. This dedication to crafting exceptional alternatives while maintaining the integrity of the product is a testament to the chef's skill and commitment to all customers. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom also contributes to an environment that is welcoming and functional for a diverse city clientele.
Finally, its **Rittenhouse location and quick-visit suitability** make it a perfect, everyday luxury. Whether you need a quick caffeine boost with an exquisite pastry before work or a tranquil spot to enjoy a breakfast quiche during the weekend, J'aime French Cafe delivers. You receive the authentic, warm French experience—the aroma of freshly baked bread and the taste of European tradition—without ever having to leave the heart of Pennsylvania.
J'aime French Cafe Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
J'aime French Cafe Photos










J'aime French Cafe Location
J'aime French Cafe
401 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
J'aime French Cafe Reviews
coffeecroissantquichetartspinachseatscappuccinoblack and tanbitterolive
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Probably the best Pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) I had in the US! The pain au raisins and the cannelé were also very good, close to the french ones, coffee was nice too. If I come back to Philadelphia, I will be back!
March 11 · Alexandre ChevalierLOVE the vegan chocolate croissant!!! It's a must try! You'd never know it's vegan if someone just handed it to you. No eggs, no butter, no dairy.... Just delicious goodness.
March 19 · Charlotte CGood location and beautiful interiors. Spinach -Salmon Quiche, Almond Croissant and Cafe Americano - were all good.Tried their Orange-Mango fruit juice. Only recommendation would be to have expiration date on it even though it’s freshly made and stored.
September 05 · A “FC” SWell deserving of its ratings! This little gem transports you to a small rural French neighborhood where locals gather every morning for a croissant and an espresso. Everything was tasty and service comes with a smile. Enjoy!
August 12 · Rob MA jewel box of a pastry shop. Came by for Sunday morning croissants and coffee. Picked up some French pastries to bring to a friend for her birthday. Impressive all around. Excellent service. The place can get a bit crowded. There are only 2 seats and a bit of counter space.
March 19 · Sue Spolan
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