When you walk into Strange Brew Coffee the first thing you’ll notice is its whimsy. Accented with purple and green paint, decorated with Japanese style vinyl toys, and bright with sunlight- it’s no wonder parents are happy to bring their children over while they sip their morning mochas.

Owners and buddies Bobby Dombroski and John Farrell opened their shop at 1321 S. 2nd St. in May. This location formerly houses a plethora of interesting tenants, including a Mummer’s string band, a produce/deli shop and a bottler for Hutchinson’s soda.

Strange Brew has brought their own finesse to the establishment. After painting and decorating walls with local artwork, the owners made use of the building’s concrete backyard for outdoor seating. Patrons can also choose to sit indoors at a large communal table or small armchairs next to a slew of old books and magazines. Any children visiting from nearby Herron Park at 2nd and Reed can amuse themselves with coloring books, crayons and LEGOs

But it’s not just about the kids. Though Strange Brew offers a small menu of breakfast sandwiches and pastries, Dombroski is quick to remind us that the emphasis is on the coffee. Instead of employing Philly coffee shop powerhouses like Old City Coffee and La Colombe, patrons will be sipping on beans from Counter Culture (North Carolina), Burlap and Bean (Newtown Square) and Crescent Moon (New Jersey).

Plans include hosting live music, open mic nights and craft Saturdays where parents and children can paint vinyl toys. Aside from Grindcore House, a nearby vegan café, Pennsport has been in need of a great community-friendly brew house. And it seems to have arrived.

A look to the south down 2nd St. Cafe is the yellow awning on the left. Park is on the right.

And across the street: Super fancy new houses!!!

–Suzy Grimberg