Street Bros Coffee: Experiencing Philadelphia’s Rival Bros on Tasker Street

Rival Bros has become a prominent name in Philadelphia’s vibrant coffee scene. My introduction to Rival Bros came through a recommendation from Greg, the creator of the Coffee Guru App. Back in 2014, during my initial visit to Philadelphia, Rival Bros was already establishing itself as a respected roastery, operating a popular coffee truck near the station. Although I missed the chance to experience them then, my return the following year coincided with the opening of their first permanent coffee shop at the corner of 24th and Lombard Streets.

Three years later, during another trip to Philadelphia as part of my Grand Adventures series, I witnessed Rival Bros’ impressive growth. By this time, they had expanded to three locations. This brings us to today’s focus: their Tasker Street location, the most recent addition at the time and a key part of Philadelphia’s thriving south side coffee community, alongside establishments like Ultimo Coffee and Plenty Café.

Stepping inside Rival Bros on Tasker Street, you’re immediately greeted with the aroma of their signature Revolver blend, the staple espresso offering. Alongside, they feature a decaf option and a rotating single-origin espresso. For pour-over enthusiasts, a selection of single-origins, four during my visit, are available via Chemex. For those on the go, batch brew is readily available, along with cold brew, nitro cold brew, and various iced coffee preparations. To complement the coffee, Rival Bros offers a concise menu featuring toast and sandwich options, as well as a tempting assortment of pastries.

You can explore further details and impressions in the sections below.

Exterior view of Rival Bros Coffee Shop on Tasker Street, Philadelphia

Inside Rival Bros Tasker Street: A Detailed Look

Located at the corner of 11th and Tasker Streets, Rival Bros’ Tasker Street location occupies the ground floor of a neat, three-story building. The storefront faces Tasker Street, inviting passersby into its coffee haven. The interior space is thoughtfully divided into two main areas. The front section houses the service counter, the heart of the operation, while the back room, accessible via a short flight of broad steps, provides a relaxed seating area.

Mirroring their original Rival Bros Coffee Bar, the Tasker Street shop features two entrance doors, a practical design that efficiently manages customer flow, particularly for those grabbing takeaway orders. The counter extends across almost the entire width of the space. The left-hand door leads directly to the till, the designated ordering point. Conversely, the right-hand door is positioned at the far end of the counter, strategically placed near the gleaming Synesso espresso machine, marking the area where customers anticipate and collect their meticulously crafted coffee orders.

View from Tasker Street highlighting the entrance of Rival Bros Coffee

Ambiance and Design: Brightness and Space

The front area of Rival Bros benefits from abundant natural light, thanks to three tall, slender windows along the front wall and four adjacent windows lining the left-hand side. Combined with the two glass doors, this design choice creates a bright and airy atmosphere. The back room, while roughly the same size and shape, being wider than deep, adopts a different ambiance. Grey walls and exposed floorboards contribute to a more understated aesthetic. Although natural light is less prevalent here, with only two narrow windows on the left-hand wall, the clever incorporation of mirrors on the front and back walls, supplemented by borrowed light from the front area and ample artificial lighting, ensures the back room remains a well-lit and inviting space.

Interior view showing the counter area from the left entrance of Rival Bros

Seating and Layout: Comfort and Community

Towards the back of the seating area, directly ahead, you’ll find a pair of metal mesh chairs thoughtfully arranged around a small coffee table, set against a non-functional fireplace in the back wall, creating a cozy nook. To the right, a wide, shallow alcove offers a degree of privacy with a three-person bar facing the front wall. While the view from here might be limited, it offers a quieter, more secluded seating option.

The majority of seating is configured in a U-shape, wrapping around the front, left, and back walls, fostering a sense of community. Starting to the left of the steps leading to the back room, a bench seat accommodates two to three people along the front wall. This is followed by corner seating units positioned at the front and back corners, and finally, another two to three-person bench seat against the back wall. Each of these seating arrangements is equipped with pairs of fixed, round tables, one at each end. The corner units further benefit from an additional table in the center. Complementing these fixed seating options, each table is paired with a black, metal chair, providing flexible seating arrangements.

Seating area in the back room, featuring benches and round tables at Rival Bros

Coffee Experience: Revolver Blend and Single-Origin Espresso

On my initial visit, opting for a familiar favorite, I chose a cappuccino made with Rival Bros’ Revolver blend. While the allure of the four single-origin pour-overs was strong, the Revolver blend proved to be an excellent choice. Its robust flavor profile effectively cut through the milk in the first sip, before gracefully mellowing, allowing the rich, creamy milk to harmonize and take center stage. It was, in essence, the quintessential start to the day.

Cappuccino with latte art, made with Revolver blend at Rival Bros

Direct Trade and Exceptional Espresso: Hacienda Sonora

Following my cappuccino, I had the opportunity to speak with Joe, the manager, gaining insights into Rival Bros’ commitment to direct trade practices. They are increasingly focused on enhancing the quality of their green beans, prioritizing beans with sweet and fruity characteristics. During my visit, the featured single-origin espresso was sourced from Hacienda Sonora in Costa Rica. Intriguingly, Hacienda Sonora employs both the natural and honey processing methods for their coffee beans, subsequently blending them as green beans.

Naturally, curiosity piqued, I had to sample a shot of this single-origin espresso. It was truly exceptional. While extracted relatively quickly, it resulted in a longer shot by volume, attributed by Joe to the substantial crema produced. The resulting espresso was remarkably creamy, exhibiting a syrupy texture and a complex flavor profile characterized by rich, fruity notes and a subtle hint of acidity. It was undeniably one of the most memorable espressos I had experienced in a long time, quickly becoming a strong contender for that year’s Best Espresso Award. (Indeed, Rival Bros, Tasker Street was recognized as a runner-up for the 2019 Best Espresso Award).

Single-origin espresso served in a glass with water at Rival Bros

More Than Just Coffee: Retail and Food Options

As a roaster, Rival Bros naturally boasts a commendable retail selection, offering customers the opportunity to take home their favorite beans. Adding a surprising element to their offerings, they also sell bread, expanding beyond the typical coffee shop fare. Accompanying the coffee and retail, a selection of cakes and pastries are available, located near the till area. For those seeking a more substantial bite, Rival Bros provides menus for both pour-over and espresso options, as well as separate cards detailing their sandwich and toast selections.

Retail display of coffee beans and bread for sale at Rival Bros

Conclusion: A Must-Visit Philadelphia Coffee Destination

Rival Bros Tasker Street embodies the spirit of Philadelphia’s specialty coffee scene. From the carefully sourced beans and expertly crafted coffee beverages to the thoughtfully designed space and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a destination that caters to both casual coffee drinkers and discerning enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a quick takeaway, a relaxed coffee break, or an immersive espresso experience, Rival Bros on Tasker Street delivers a consistently high-quality offering that is well worth exploring.

1100 TASKER STREET • PHILADELPHIA • PA 19148 • USA
www.rivalbros.com

Explore more of Philadelphia’s exceptional coffee offerings with the Coffee Spot Guide to Philadelphia.