The MilkBoy brand started as a small recording studio during the early ‘90s, over a music store in North Philly. In later years, the studio moved to Ardmore, and partners Tommy Joyner and Jaime Lokoff opened a coffee shop and cafe below the studio. They quickly established a cult-like following, thanks to a dedication to providing great live music and a chill atmosphere where patrons can come day or night.

The new Market East location, which opened this past August on the corner of 11th and Chestnut, has more of a hip vibe than the comfy coffeehouse aura of its Main Line counterpart – it serves booze! Although there are two bars serving a full complement of alcoholic beverages, the spot continues to live up to the MilkBoy reputation.  

The majority of the first floor is occupied by a long, dark wood bar that overlooks not only the standard beer taps and bar fare, but also classic coffee contraptions. To avoid the newly flocking crowds, arrive early on weekend nights in order to fully enjoy the giant garage door windows that open the entire space up to 11th street.

Expertly executed coffee cocktails are on offer, including the Waiting Room – my new fall favorite. Frangelico, Peppermint Schnapps, hot chocolate and coffee all in one drink? Perfection on a crisp fall or winter eve. Other unique cocktail options include the Tini Pickle (Absolute and pickle juice) and The Doctor (Beefeater, St. Germain and lime).

Milkboy also offers a large selection of canned beer, ranging in price from a local can of $3 Straub to the $8 Avery White Rascal. They chose cans for their recyclability, and there are can crushers throughout the bar so you can kill two birds with one stone…drink and help the environment. Each brew also comes ensconced in a MilkBoy koozie, to keep your hand dry and your beer chilled.

There are great all-day drink specials seven days a week. Shots of Jack Daniels go for $4 (with an accompanying Straub for $2 more); $5 will bring a pickleback or spicyback combo and $3.25 scores a can of Miller or Bud. During 4–7 PM weekday happy hour, all drafts, well drinks, wine and specialty cocktails are $1 off.

The second floor offers a 200-person standing room performance venue, and there is no shortage of live music options in upcoming weeks.  A detailed schedule can be found here. In general, MilkBoy’s comfortable vibe and friendly staff are a much welcome, much needed addition to the neighborhood.

Photos by Danya Henninger