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Post submitted by Lauren McElroy

During one of the most recent soul-devouring heat waves of 2007, I found myself peddling around Germantown on my bike. A red sign on an unassuming block of Wayne Avenue caused me to U-turn and peer in the window. It looked open, so I went in.

It had the looks of a tiny neighborhood coffee shop inside, complete with blackboard specials touting their bottomless cup of iced coffee. When I grabbed a menu I found myself staring at it blankly. It was actually quite vast! Too hot to read, I thought. I did a quick scan of the price column, affordable, and waited for a divine ordering intervention. Perhaps detecting my dilemma, a woman sitting to my left began gently inquiring about my culinary tastes, and within two minutes she (who turned out to be Audrey, the lunchtime chef) had established the tantalizing fare she was to create for me (a SPICY chicken and shrimp wrap with homemade buttermilk Ranch dressing.) I noted that this was not on the menu as I added an iced coffee to the order and headed to explore the air-conditioned second floor.

The distinct charm of this residence-turned-restaurant was even more apparent upstairs, where light filtered through sheer antique curtains and there was an eclectic mix of furniture and wall hangings. Upon talking to the co-owner, I found out that they had recently acquired a new local chef and had extended their hours to reflect their recent BYOB status, “with neighborhood prices”. He added that they’d be open to artists displaying work on their walls, too.

So, the verdict: the wrap was great, iced coffee was delish, and the grease trap will assuredly be clean-as-a-whistle next time I’m there! (Don’t ask.)

Urban Café
5815 Wayne Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-844-0296
http://www.urbancafe5815.com/