Pho? Coffee? All in the same place? YES! I cannot rave about Ineffable Ca Phe enough. The food is excellent and authentic. The coffee is expertly brewed and prepared. The café experience is unique, inspired, and smart.
First, the food is authentic and excellent. I inhaled a delish pork banh mi. It was simple, yet delivered layers of flavor and texture not found in other sandwiches. A plethora of accoutrements are available to tinker with the flavor profile of any dish you order. Hoisin sauce, Thai chili sauce, and sesame oil are some of the extras available if you choose.
The Vietnamese coffee drinks I could tell are authentic and I regret not ordering one. Also, looking back I wish I ordered a tapioca pearl drink to take as dessert on the way out. However, the drip coffee I ordered was absolutely delish. I noticed that La Colombe beans are used, which I am not typically fond of. However, my coffee tasted absolutely amazing so it is clear that the Ineffable Ca Phe staff are expert coffee brewers. Way to go!
Finally, the cafe experience is unique, inspired, and smart. There is a printer available for printing over the WiFi. I've never seen that service offered, but can see how it would be useful for someone cramming for a test or working very hard under the watchful eye of strangers to meet a deadline. For the free spirits among us, there are a ton of random books around. The bright greens, light colors, and adequate lighting facilitate a relaxed but productive atmosphere. I'm sure in the warmer months the outside seating is a big hit. If I'm ever in Pittsburgh again I will go out of my way to get back to Ineffable Ca Phe to sample more of the menu and get things done!
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David Givens
Google
a week ago
5.0
Excellent food, friendly staff, and a warm, fun atmosphere . The seasonal Vietnamese shrimp crepe is AMAZING. Don't miss this during the day... or after dark! ;)
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Linda Peters
Google
a year ago
5.0
The whole vibe was amazing there - from the set up, outdoor seating, the staff. They have plenty of seating & a small area with some games & books. A cozy little coffee shop - definitely will be a regular here!
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Melanie Moseley
Google
2 weeks ago
5.0
This is my new favorite study/coffee/dining spot! There were several aesthetically pleasing study spaces with accessible outlets, the service was fast, the food was tasty, the coffee… oh my goodness the Vietnamese iced coffee was delicious, and the atmosphere was like something from a Rom-Com.
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Ghost Guy Explorations
Google
2 months ago
5.0
Had a five spice latte this morning, not sure what is included in the latte but the top had cinnamon scents and tastes and near the bottom was almost a wine like flavor. Will definitely return for lunch some time.
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Alex King
Google
2 months ago
5.0
Quite possibly the best Bahn Mi sandwich I’ve had (outside of Hanoi itself)
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Langston Wells
Google
2 months ago
5.0
Edit: The bagels are SO good. Fluffy and a bit cakier but delicious. One of my Pittsburgh favorites. The jalapeno cheddar is the best.
This place is huge! I had never been here in my 5 years of Pittsburgh but would recommend to anyone now.
I ordered the cold brew and lemongrass chicken banh mi. The cold brew was stronger than I'm used to but was still tasty. They also serve pho, bubble tea, pastries and more.
The ambience inside and outside is really great and offers a range of opportunities for people. Some areas are open and louder, some are quieter and cozier, and the outdoors has a nice patio with another enclosed dining area. The whole space has great interior design and warm lighting which makes it feel homey and unpretentious. Definitely stop by!
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Mikayla Cooper
Google
3 months ago
5.0
This was my favorite coffee spot in Pgh before we moved, my husband and I would stop in weekly! I used to get a papaya latte when it was a special, and I’d continue to order it long after it was taken off the menu. The owner (such a kind and cool guy) always knew us and exactly how I liked my drink every time!
We just visited after a year of living elsewhere and this HAD to be our first stop. He still remembered us and made my drink exactly the same!! Best coffee and best service ❤️👏🏼
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Anthony Teo
Google
4 months ago
4.0
Nice spacious cafe and brunch place with Vietnamese bites. Nice place to spend a morning. Quality wise the flavors are alright, and the banh mi’s baguette could be fresher. Prices were also a little high, the banh mi was $13.
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C S
Google
4 months ago
5.0
The food was delicious. I had the lemongrass bahn mi, my partner had the pork rice bowl. The pickled carrots and veggies on both were perfect. The portions were not gigantic American diabetes making. This is a plus for us. We noticed several reviews noting that the food was served in takeout containers. The owner must have listened because we didn’t receive our food that way but in a metal tray for the sandwich and a standard plastic bowl you get pho in. All in all this was a great find.
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Chris Winters
Google
4 months ago
5.0
Great vibes and super friendly folks. Had the veggie banh mi and was really happy with not only the filling (flavorful tofu, spicy but not overwhelming jalapeños, sharp pickled bits) but also the bread, which was crusty enough to notice but not so much that a bite just smooshes the fillings out the sides. They know good sandwich construction, and I appreciate it!
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Ciara DeWalt
Google
6 months ago
5.0
Actually loved this place! So much seating! Indoor and outdoor. The ambience is as great! It all felt cozy and welcoming!
I just got a iced vanilla latte and it was really good!
(I always feel like you can judge a place by a iced vanilla latte for some reason!)
They have so many options! I definitely need to go back for the bubble tea or some food options!
My girls got marble cookies and loved them!
The staff wasn't as friendly but they could have just been tired or having an off day!
Overall would definitely return!
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Nicole Louie
Google
7 months ago
5.0
Amazing and cute cafe to get lunch and work in. I got the chicken pho which was great and had tender chicken and a pleasant broth. I also got a banh mi to go and enjoyed that as well! Will definitely come back
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Hakan Akel
Google
8 months ago
5.0
The space is part coffee shop and part Vietnamese cafe, with couches and the coffee bar being the first things you see when you walk in. But around the corner inside is a funky, industrial space for chowing down on the restaurant's banh mi sandwiches.
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Chidori San
Google
3 years ago
4.0
My sister highly recommended this café to me and it didn't disappoint! It's a lot bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside. There is plenty of seating (tables, bar, and booths), and wi-fi for customers. Their menu includes food and drinks from typical bakery items and coffee to more specialized Vietnamese food that is reasonably priced and filling.
The restrooms were clean and the staff was on top of keeping the restaurant tidy. They lost one star for giving me a dirty spoon with my order.
Other than that snafu, which was quickly handled, their food was awesome and the custard on espresso was to die for! Overall a great experience and I will be going there often in the future!
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tweevee
Google
4 years ago
5.0
Packed place. Lovely environment. Service is perfect.
Great coffee shop for studying, getting work done, reading a book, hanging out.
Outside area is perfect on a nice and sunny day.
Inside area is beautiful and a feast for the eyes.
Street parking and small parking lot available.
P.S. When you walk in, head to your right and support your cute little shop called Spruce and Adorn. Jenifer is so fun to talk to. Her essential oil candles smell so heavenly.
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J C
Google
5 years ago
4.0
Great place for classic vietnamese coffee and bahn mi (I got mine as a rice bowl). The atmosphere is nice, modern and chill. Prices are decent. Flavors are fantastic. Staff were ok, but not the most welcoming.