Walk down 9th Street in Philadelphia and the air changes. It isn't just the smell of the city or the exhaust from a passing SEPTA bus. It’s the scent of roasting beans and melted cocoa hitting the humid Pennsylvania air. That’s how you know you’re near Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House. Honestly, if you grew up around here, or even if you've just visited the Italian Market once, this place feels like the neighborhood's living room. It's crowded. It’s loud. It’s perfect.
Established in 1995 by Anthony Anastasio, this isn't some corporate "third space" designed by a marketing firm in Seattle. It’s a legacy. The Anastasio family has been a fixture of the 9th Street Italian Market for over a century. We’re talking generations of history baked into the floorboards. When you step inside, you aren't just getting a caffeine fix; you’re stepping into a timeline that stretches back to the early 1900s when the family first started selling produce nearby.
The Secret Sauce of Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House
Most people show up for the cannoli. They aren't wrong. But the real magic of Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House is the juxtaposition of the old-school grit of the market with the high-end refinement of their chocolate work. Anthony himself is often there. He’s a guy who knows his regulars by their first names and their specific orders. That kind of connection is becoming a lost art in the age of mobile ordering and silent pickups.
The coffee is roasted right there. Small batches. You can taste the difference because it hasn't been sitting in a warehouse for six months. They do a dark roast that actually tastes like coffee, not burnt rubber. And the chocolate? It's hand-dipped. They do these chocolate-covered figs that are basically legendary at this point.
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is just a tourist trap because it’s on the main drag of the Italian Market. Total myth. Look at the guys standing at the counter. Those are locals who have been coming here since the doors opened. They’re arguing about the Eagles or the price of tomatoes. It’s authentic because it has to be; South Philly doesn't tolerate fakes.
Why the Gelato Changes Everything
You haven't lived until you’ve had their gelato on a Tuesday afternoon when the sun is beating down on the pavement. It’s dense. It’s creamy. It’s nothing like the "Italian Ice" you find in a grocery store freezer. They use traditional methods, and the flavors rotate based on what’s fresh and what Anthony feels like making.
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Sometimes they have a pistachio that actually tastes like nuts, not green food coloring.
The seating is tight. You might end up elbow-to-elbow with a grandmother who’s lived on Christian Street for eighty years. That’s the point. The shop acts as a social glue. In a world where we’re all glued to our phones, Anthony's forces you to be part of the world for twenty minutes. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible.
Beyond the Espresso Machine
Let's talk about the gift baskets. It sounds boring, right? Wrong. During the holidays, this place turns into a high-stakes logistics hub. They ship these crates of Italian goodness all over the country. It’s how displaced Philadelphians survive the winters in Florida or California. They pack them with torrone, specialty roasted beans, and those biscotti that are hard enough to break a tooth but soft enough to melt perfectly in a cappuccino.
The shop has expanded its reach over the years, but it hasn't lost its soul. They’ve managed to navigate the changing landscape of the Italian Market—which is now home to incredible Mexican taquerias and Vietnamese spots—while remaining the anchor of the Italian-American experience.
The building itself is a piece of history. It’s got that narrow, deep Philly row-store vibe. The walls are lined with photos that tell the story of the Anastasio family. You see the black-and-white shots of the old market stalls, the heavy wooden crates, and the faces of people who built this neighborhood from the ground up.
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Realities of the 9th Street Experience
It isn't always easy. Parking is a nightmare. You’ll probably circle the block six times or end up paying for a lot. Is it worth it? Every single time.
If you're looking for a sterile, quiet place to work on your laptop for six hours, Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House might not be your vibe. It's bustling. There’s the hiss of the steam wand, the clatter of spoons, and the constant hum of conversation. It’s a place for talking, eating, and observing.
The menu is deep.
- Traditional Espresso (short, dark, powerful)
- Hand-dipped chocolates (the orange peel is a sleeper hit)
- Freshly filled cannoli (don't let them sit; eat them immediately)
- Specialty paninis if you're there for lunch
One specific detail that often gets overlooked is their commitment to the "Italian Market Festival." When that event rolls around, Anthony’s is the epicenter. They serve thousands of people, yet the quality doesn't dip. That’s a testament to the staff. Most of them have been there for years. They move with a speed that is honestly impressive to watch.
How to Visit Like a Pro
Don't just walk in and stare at the menu for ten minutes. The line moves fast. Have an idea of what you want. If you’re unsure, ask for a recommendation, but be ready for a quick answer.
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- Grab a coffee first.
- Browse the chocolate case while you wait.
- Check out the retail section in the back for beans to take home.
- Find a spot outside if the weather is nice to watch the market chaos.
The prices are fair. You’re paying for quality and the fact that these items are made by hand, not a machine in a factory. In 2026, finding a place that still values the "handmade" label without charging an arm and a leg is a rarity.
The Cultural Weight of a Coffee Bean
Why does a coffee shop matter so much? Because places like Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House are the keepers of tradition. As the city gentrifies and old storefronts turn into glass-fronted condos, Anthony’s stays the same. The green awning is a beacon.
It represents a specific era of Philadelphia history that refuses to be erased. It’s about the immigrant hustle. It’s about the idea that a family business can survive for decades if they just do one thing really, really well. In this case, they do about five things really well.
The coffee isn't just a drink; it’s a ritual. In Italy, coffee is a quick, standing-up affair. Anthony’s brings that "bar" culture to South Philly. You stand, you drink your espresso, you exchange a few words, and you go about your day. It’s efficient. It’s European. It’s quintessentially Philadelphian.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to Anthony's, follow this specific plan:
- Visit on a weekday morning. The market is active but not overwhelming. You’ll see the "real" side of the neighborhood before the weekend tourists arrive.
- Order the "Granita" in the summer. It’s a frozen coffee treat that is arguably the best in the city. It’s icy, bold, and perfect.
- Buy a bag of the "Anastasio Heritage" blend. It’s their signature roast. Take it home, grind it fresh, and your kitchen will smell like 9th Street for a week.
- Ask about the seasonal chocolates. They do specific items for Easter, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day that you won't find the rest of the year. The chocolate-covered strawberries are a massive hit in February.
- Walk the rest of the market. Use Anthony’s as your home base. Grab your cup and then wander down to see the cheesemongers at Di Bruno Bros or the butchers at Cannuli’s. It’s the full experience.
If you’re looking for a gift, skip the generic gift cards. Ask them to put together a custom box of chocolates. You can pick exactly which ones go in. It shows you actually put thought into it. The dark chocolate sea salt carmels are a safe bet for anyone with a soul.
Anthony's Italian Coffee & Chocolate House isn't just a business; it's a landmark. It’s a reminder that even in a fast-paced digital world, there is still a massive demand for a good cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate served with a side of neighborhood history. It’s the kind of place that makes Philadelphia feel like home, even if you’re just passing through.