Hello dear
Welcome To Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc.
Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc. is a delightful gem located at 4501 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA. This vibrant café and mini mart specializes in Ethiopian cuisine, offering a unique blend of flavorful dishes and community atmosphere. Highlights include their delectable injera platters, featuring perfectly spiced lentils and tender meats, complemented by a variety of homemade sides. The cozy space encourages connection and relaxation, with fresh coffee options, including their renowned lavender latte. Alif Brew also hosts Ethiopian Buna ceremonies, enriching your experience with cultural traditions. With its warm service and inviting environment, it's the perfect spot to savor delicious food and vibrant community vibes.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Sambusa
Breakfast Bowl Special
Lentil & Beet Salad
Assorted Muffins and Pastries
About
Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc.
If you're in Philadelphia and on the lookout for a cozy café that offers a delightful fusion of Ethiopian cuisine and welcoming vibes, look no further than Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc.. Nestled at 4501 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143, this unique establishment not only serves aromatic coffees but also boasts a tantalizing menu filled with authentic Ethiopian dishes.
As you step inside, the ambiance greets you with a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for both a quick coffee break and a leisurely meal. Alif Brew shines brightly with its array of appetizers such as the Lentil & Beet Salad tucked in a mix of pickled beats and feta, or the crispy Sambusa, which comes either vegetarian or meaty. For breakfast lovers, their Breakfast Bowl Special makes for a hearty start to your day, featuring scrambled eggs with turkey bacon paired with home fries.
The star attraction, without a doubt, is the diverse selection of Injera Wraps that you can savor. Imagine biting into the Chicken Wrap filled with spicy shredded chicken and homemade cheese or opt for the Vegan Lentil Wrap—a delightful mix of spices, fresh salad, and lentils that perfectly captures Ethiopian flavors.
Dining at Alif Brew is not just about eating; it's an experience. Their platters such as the Chicken Platter with spicy chicken stew alongside teff injera and choice of sides highlight the vibrant nature of Ethiopian fare. Customers rave about the rich spices that fill their dishes, particularly the meticulously prepared lentils that bring a cozy, comforting feel to each bite.
Moreover, they offer a charming mini mart filled with essential Ethiopian groceries, making it easy for patrons to bring a piece of their delicious experience home. Whether you’re hunting for Teff flour or Berbere seasoning, you'll find unique items to elevate your own culinary endeavors.
The volunteer-led coffee ceremonies add a uniquely cultural twist, honoring the tradition of Ethiopian coffee roasting right in front of you. Patrons have shared how the engaging staff and lively atmosphere cultivate a sense of community—making every visit feel special.
In the words of one satisfied customer, Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc. can be described as the best community café in the area, creating a hub for both delicious food and meaningful connections. With stellar reviews highlighting the Lavender Latte and the unique Alif Special, it’s no surprise this café has quickly become a local favorite.
In summary, Alif Brew & Mini Mart Inc. is more than just a place to sip coffee or grab a bite; it embodies the spirit of togetherness and cultural appreciation. A must-visit for food lovers, you won't just consume a meal here; you'll relish a memory. Make your way to Alif Brew—you’ll be glad you did!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Such a wonderful spot. Sunny & pleasant. I enjoyed a very yummy, veggie platter. Loved that the spicy red lentil stew was spiced perfectly.. The cooked beets were warm, comforting, beautiful and delicious. Injera was super fresh, soft & spongy. Service was very good as well, pleasant, communicative and food came out so quick! The only challenges I saw were: 1. People primarily using the space as a meeting place or to work or study and talking louder, staying longer than is polite. It's okay to linger, but please be mindful and maybe don't linger too long when it's busy. 2. There's a tiny bit too much oil (nibber) at the bottom of the vegetable dishes. Overall, a lovely experience from top to bottom. ”
“ Outside of the traditional Ethiopian food and Coffee being great at Alif Brew, they offer many Ethiopian Groceries like Teff Flour, Ambo Water, Berbere Seasoning, etc. I always stop by to grab the Vegetarian Platter but today specifically, I ended up pairing it with the Biriz (which is a drink they made with fermented Honey and Turmeric) which was great. ”
“ Lovely neighborhood coffee house. Great staff. Tasty Middle Eastern dishes. Cute grocery section. ”
“ Best community cafe in the area!! The coffee and food here are phenomenal, easily the best latte i had in a very long time. Also their injera wraps are phenomenally delicious , the staff is super friendly and the place is always bustling with people and good vibes. ”
“ Follow me on Instagram for more reviews! @hopeless_ramen_tic Alif Brew & Mini Mart - Philadelphia, PA Food: Injera Platter – The spicy chicken was perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of heat and flavor. – The beef tibs were tender and packed with rich, smoky berbere spice. – The mild lentils had a bright, subtle flavor that my boyfriend loved. – The spicy lentils were my favorite of the lentils—flavorful with a distinct taste from the mild ones and not overwhelmingly spicy. – The green beans and carrots were well-seasoned and delicious. – The sides were awesome: the homemade cheese, stewed mushrooms, and more—you truly can’t go wrong with any of them! Drinks: Lavender Latte – Hands down the best lavender latte I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried plenty! – Perfectly balanced with sweetness, creaminess, and a strong lavender note. Alif Special – Wonderfully fragrant, with bold ginger notes that made it feel cozy and seasonal. – Such a unique coffee, perfect for fall and winter. I was so grateful to be invited to this incredible spot. My boyfriend and I had an amazing time exploring their menu. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, and everything from the coffee to the food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. What sets Alif Brew apart is their dedication to creating a true “third space”—a much-needed communal place for people to gather, relax, and connect. They even host Ethiopian Buna ceremonies, roasting coffee beans on-site and inviting guests to enjoy the fresh brew while socializing. To top it all off, they have an adorable mini mart filled with unique international snacks. I highly recommend stopping by this gem of a cafe. I’ll definitely be back! Date Visited: 12/1/2024 ”
“ I love the special coffee, sambusa, lentils and beets, lassi, the lunches, etc. everything I have ever had is really good! There are lots of options for vegetarians and vegans or other dietary restrictions like dairy or gluten. The workers are friendly and helpful, there is always a pleasant, calm environment and good music. There is also a market section that has a lot of different things for the kitchen or home. There are also bulletin boards with community events and resources. It's a really welcoming place that is a wonderful part of the neighborhood. I love visiting when I am walking around and also sharing with my friends from out of town. ”
“ I have nothing but good things to say about Alif Brew. Their 6 vegetarian injera wrap makes a perfect lunch and is easier to eat on the go than the traditional injera platter. I like to come here on weekends for ful. The limited menu means the food is always ready in under 10 minutes. The place is beautiful, with indoor and outdoor seating and a lot of sunlight. This is a good place to come for a quick lunch, to sit and study all day, or to try some new snacks from the mini mart. ”
“ I ordered a cold brew black. Fairly strong. Immediately when you walk in, the authentic aroma transports you straight to Ethiopia. Friendly staff. Considerably active during a Thursday morning at 10am. Sat at the window sill. My friend ordered a chicken wrap and wolfed it down so I guess it was good or she was very hungry. Either way, it worked. Ramp entrance so wheelchair accessible ”