In a sunny little corner of South Philly, MUG Coffee & Clay is quietly doing something special. Part specialty coffee shop, part ceramics studio, and 100% neighborhood gem, this cozy space run by Luis and Hannah is where handcrafted mugs meet community love.
Luis roasts the beans. Hannah throws the clay. Together, they’ve created a shop that not only fuels locals with excellent coffee but also uplifts fellow artists through workshops and handmade goods. It’s the kind of place that feels like a Philly secret—until you walk in, and it instantly feels like home.
1. How did you come up with the name of your business?
A mug represents where our passions come together (coffee & ceramics)
2. What is your business and who are your customers?
We are a neighborhood coffee shop, featuring high quality specialty coffee that Luis roasts himself. Hannah makes all of the mugs and plates for the shop in the studio area of the shop. We host artist workshops for the community to engage with art.
3. How did you get started in this business?
Luis has been working in coffee since 2012, eventually leading to learning to roast the coffee and starting his own company (Vamo Coffee). Hannah started working with ceramics in recent years and became dedicated.
4. How did you choose the location and how is it a good fit for your business?
Our shop is located in our neighborhood, on the border of East Passyunk / Italian Market area of Philadelphia. We enjoy serving our neighbors, people visiting Philly, and those seeking specialty coffee and / or art.
5. What excites and energizes you most about your work?
We look at each coffee served as a collective experience, from the international coffee farmers we source our coffee from, then roasting each batch in Philly, to our handmade mugs & friendly service. We continue the collaborations in our shop space by highlighting local artists through workshops.
6. Do you have a favorite memory of running your business since you've started?
We had a wild surprise opening on the morning of the Eagles Superbowl parade, right after we got our Health Department approval. Luis came up with a drink special called "The Champion's Brew" and we opened the door. We are only a few blocks from Broad Street, so we were able to run up the see the parade just in time and celebrate with the city.
7. What is one thing you need in your workspace to make it your own?
Our coffee and ceramics
8. If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room, what would it be?
9. Where do you go in Philadelphia for inspiration?
We love live music, art, and food.
10. What’s your favorite piece of Philly culture?
Philadelphia is full of down to earth and passionate people
11. What’s your favorite local meal?
• Tamalex, 1163 S. 7th St, 19147
• Los Gallos, 951 Wolf St, 19148
• Casablanca, 947 Federal St, 19147
• PHO 75, 1122 Washington Ave, 19147
Visit MUG Coffee & Clay
Swing by and experience the magic for yourself at 1155 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147. Whether you’re after a perfectly roasted cup, a handmade mug, or a seat at an upcoming clay workshop, MUG has a spot for you.
📍 Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 8 AM–6 PM
Monday: Closed
Stay in the loop (and get your daily dose of mug envy):
🌐 mugcoffeeandclay.com
📸 @mug_coffee_and_clay
📞 (267) 764-5547
