Rosa Blanca Cafe

I love when you order a Cappuccino and you can tell it’s proper before you take a sip because the weight is right. The beans are nothing special which I appreciate, not having fruity undertones in my coffee. I got a pastry too which I’m pretty sure they said it was cheese and it turned out to be strawberry rubarb. I wasn’t mad though because it was still yummy– flaky and not too sweet at all. Yum!

Stopped here today to get some lunch while listening to the live music at Dilworth Park. Even with it being lunch time and having an event (plus the Farmer’s Market) going on, there was plenty of seating outside for us to enjoy the weather. I ordered a spinach empanada and my boyfriend ordered the cuban sandwich. We enjoyed both of them and with drinks for both of us from the fridge, it was only $ 10 per person, which is very reasonable. The empanada is a snack size, so if you want something filling for lunch you may want to get more than one — for me, it was perfect.
The reason for 4 stars is that the service seemed a little slow. We still had a half hour to sit after eating before I had to get back to work, but it would have been longer if we didn’t have to wait as long for our food — or if we could have gotten a number for a table and had someone bring it out when it was ready.

Today was my second time visiting Rosa Blanca, which is near my office. My husband and son came into the city to have lunch with me and I was excited to take them to this café. We ordered two tomate sandwiches and a guava cheese pastry to split. They brought us one sandwich instead of two, so my husband had to go back inside and wait while they made a second one. Then, we looked at the receipt and realized that they charged us $ 2.50 each for a cup of water! Um, isn’t tap water supposed to be free at restaurants? And if it’s not, it would have been nice to know that before we paid. I assumed the extra $ 5 charge was for the second sandwich. $ 5 for two cups of tap water is beyond ridiculous, and I wouldn’t have wasted our money if I had realized what we were being charged for. I’m disappointed — I was looking forward to coming here often on my lunch breaks since it’s so close to my new job — but today’s visit left a bad taste in my mouth. :(What a bummer.

Stopped by for a quick snack on our way by the other day. I had a spinach empanada and my fiancé had a chicken one. Both were pretty good and fairly priced ($ 4 each, I believe) for the size, which certainly wasn’t a huge filling meal, but it was a nice substantial snack. The place is really small but fairly empty on a Saturday afternoon. We sat out near the fountain for 10 minutes while we ate. I’d stop by again, possibly for a light lunch or something like that.

Usually I wouldn’t stop by a place like this. It’s a little café for convenience, good for a quick bite, drink and restroom break. I was hot and thirsty so I took shelter inside. The space is neat, simple, clean and I got what I needed at a good price. (I was expecting places like these to be overpriced). Service was good and I enjoyed my stay.

Nice place. Loved the rum punch (right ratio of alcohol to juice) and the choice of seating to enjoy the city. Alas, the corn and spinach empanada was awful. The crust was uncooked and lacked flavor as did the filling. Too bad — especially for $ 4.50!

The food here is very good for café food! The guava turnovers are awesome, the empanadas are tasty. And the bistec-​mushroom-​Swiss panini is huge and yummy! I haven’t tried the coffee or drinks yet, but the food is good! And there is an overabundance of seating outside in Dilworth Plaza. I’m really glad they redid this area outside City Hall. It’s much nicer, somewhere you would actually want to be.

I had to return a Latte. I’ve never returned a coffee beverage before… in my entire life. They originally forgot about me, then when I was standing there for 5 minutes and had to remind them what I was drinking. They rush to make me a new beverage, and once I return to the office it’s HORRID! Beware

After almost six years living in Philly, I have finally found my tasty pick-​me-​up coffee cup. Café Con Leche.
A free friendly tip for perfect pronunciation, its pronounced: cah-​fay cone lay-​chay!
You have no idea how many times I’ve asked the lady behind the counter to repeat the pronunciation for me. I wanted to know how to correctly pronounce café con leche the next time I order one. «you know“café’ au lait» this is the Cuban version” she said, after she repeated it for the 10^th time. I told her «So, next time I come, I will order the cuban version of café’ au lait and you will know what I want?» She said yes.
— Café Con Leche ($ 3)
The café con leche was very strong, made with Garces Trading Company coffee. Espresso-​based with equal quantity of frothy hot milk. Delicious, smooth, balanced and rich in flavor. Boy, that coffee was a pleasure.
–Toasted Cuban style sandwich” Egg and cheese ($ 4)
I’ve got one word for you Unilocalers: Eggs-​cellent!
Toasted bread buttered and pressed for a fluffy, moist, yet crispy.
Will go back for more cah-​fay cone lay-​chay!
Four and half Unilocal

I tried to grab a sandwich here shortly after it opened last summer. I was gluten-​free at the time so I just asked for the insides of the sandwich (no bread). It was the worst naked sandwich I’ve ever had. It was supposed to be a cuban sandwich with pork but instead it was some thinly sliced ham and a slice of Kraft-​like cheese. I could have gotten a better sandwich at 7 – 11. I can’t believe Garces owns this café.

I was a little shocked at how tasty my chicken empanada was, seeing how it looked like the server just heated it up in a small oven off to the side. It was so delicious though. I was just stopping in for a minute while roaming City Hall, but I will definitely go back again for some of the hot beverages and food.

I stopped in this café to escape the snow and they let me in a little before they opened. The woman was so pleasant, coffee fresh brewed and muffins were fresh. PLUS they had amazing international music playing. what a great way to start my morning!

I thought this place was great! Delicious food, good service and ample seating. The cocktail menu isn’t big but the Mojito was good. We shared the chicken croquettes and spinach & corn empanada. Both were good but the croquette was mouth watering good! And the aoili… Yumm!
I had the braised brisket which came on a bed of rice and it was fantastic! Well priced too

Rosa Blanca has nabbed a spot on my short list of great Philadelphia coffee houses. If you are not familiar with the reconfigured Dilworth Park, then look for Rosa Blanca on the west side of City Hall and on the north side of the park. The signage is very discreet. In front of the building is a cluster of brightly hued chairs and tables, and makes for a truly delightful place to sit with your cup of java on a sunny day!
The coffee here is excellent, comparing favorably to the gold standard set by La Colombe. Notably, the prices are higher than La Colombe’s but one is paying for the location (gorgeous) and easy/​underground access to Suburban Station and the subways. The coffee is rich, robust and without a bitter finish. No burnt overtones like the coffee served by a famous national chain.
The empanadas, which I had never considered a breakfast food, are sublime. Filling, flavorful and not at all greasy. Meanwhile, the breakfast baked goods are both delicious and eye-​catching.

Cute place right next to the ice skating rink. Have a variety of food and beverages. Seems like a great place in the summer with all the doors open. Not much room to add cream and sugar to your beverage due to organization.

It’s in the newly renovated area next to Philadelphia City Hall and the all glass architectural design of this little café allows for plenty of natural light and view to the new space and hustle and bustle of Center City.
Granted, I think this café probably gets more action during the summer when they can open all of the door/​windows and have outdoor seating but while it’s so cold outside, the space inside is enough to keep you out of the cold.
I had a hot chocolate from here and it was pretty good. Tasted like real cocoa, not some cheap chocolate mix from Costco.
The rest of the menu didn’t seem too exciting so I didn’t even bother.
I’m not a huge fan of the interior design. Feels like it was half complete. Sure, it’s open and all, but it wasn’t done right.
There’re limited tables and seats indoors but this is more of a order to-​go spot.
Price: $ 4+
Wait: A few minutes after ordering

I am extremely disappointed/​disgusted with the breakfast that was just delivered, especially coming from a Garces restaurant.
I ordered the chicharron, which is supposed to be pork belly, two eggs prepared your way, rice and beans, and sweet plantains. While most of the components of the dish were tasty, the «pork belly» was all fat with absolutely no edible meat (see picture). It is disgusting.
Fortunately, Dana, who answered the phone when I called to complain about my piece of fat with eggs, was very kind and apologetic. I am not sure if every chicharron is served like this, or if one slipped through the kitchen without being noticed, but I highly recommend avoiding this dish.

Went in to grab a quick lunch. The service was fine, but what can you expect from «take-​away» type of café. I ordered the Cuban, it was good. I will definitely get one again. I’m also interested in trying the other sandwiches that they have on the menu. I wish the menu was a little larger but the food is good. I will definitely go back.

Stopped in here for a quick lunch with my dad at the little café in Dilworth Park. It was OK. We ordered a couple of the El-​Capitans and ate at a table outsite. The sandwiches were real tasty and I would recommend ordering one if you come here, however, the reason I gave this café three stars is because of the service. It was just too slow for my liking.
They have another Rosa Blanca location on Chestnut that I’ll be trying soon. The café in Dilworth Park has an abbreviated menu so I’m curious to try their other options.
I would still recommend that you stop in here for lunch because the food is tasty and flavorful — just don’t expect to be in and out.

I paid $ 3 for the smallest empanada I’ve ever seen. They had decoy larger pastries on display to trick you. So sad I bought something there. Dilworth is a corporate disappointment and one day I’ll live in a tent there again.