Hot chocolate is not treated like an ordinary drink at RIM Cafe. At this tiny South Philadelphia spot, it becomes something closer to dessert and occasionally even a performance.
The signature Volcano starts with thick hot chocolate and can include homemade whipped cream before dark, milk, and white chocolate are shaved over the top. Other versions go considerably further, including a Crème Brûlée Volcano finished with marshmallows toasted using a blowtorch.
Then there are the cannoli. RIM Cafe fills imported Sicilian shells to order with a blend that includes homemade ricotta and mascarpone, with flavors ranging from traditional versions to pistachio and more elaborate creations.
The cafe has occupied its corner of Philadelphia’s Italian Market since 2005, when René Kobeitri brought his experience from the French Riviera to South Philly. Two years later, Philadelphia Magazine recognized his hot chocolate, helping build the reputation that continues to define the cafe.
A Colorful Corner Where 9th Meets Federal
Some of the best surprises in Philadelphia hide right out in the open. RIM Cafe sits at 1172 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147, on the busy corner of 9th and Federal Streets.
That puts it right inside the historic Italian Market in South Philly. Cheese shops, produce stands, and bakeries crowd the blocks around it, so the walk there smells pretty great too.
The storefront is small and cheerful, and it stands out against the brick rowhomes and stoops nearby. I almost walked past it while staring at a fruit stand, which would have been a big mistake.
Inside, the space is tight, so do not expect a huge dining room. There are a few seats and a little outdoor seating, but most of the fun happens at the counter.
Parking can be tricky in this part of town. I found it easier to park a few blocks away and stroll through the market first.
The real story starts with the man behind that counter, and his journey began far from Pennsylvania.
From the French Riviera to South Philly
René Kobeitri did not start out in Philadelphia. He founded Groupe Rim in 1982 on the Côte d’Azur in France, with spots in Cagnes-sur-Mer and Cannes.
By the late 1980s, he was known as a top caterer. His clients included famous hotels like the Negresco in Nice and the Gray d’Albion in Cannes.
So how does a Riviera caterer end up next to cheesesteak country? In December 2005, René opened RIM Cafe in the Italian Market and brought his big ideas with him.
It worked fast. In June 2007, Philadelphia Magazine named his creation the best hot chocolate in the city.
Locals started calling him the Godfather of hot chocolate, and the name stuck like caramel on a spoon. His motto is simple: Make It Happen.
I heard him say it more than once during my visit, and he clearly means it. He also says he wants friends, not customers.
Wondering what earned him that famous nickname? The answer comes in a tall glass, and it puts on quite a show.
The Volcano That Erupts in Chocolate
My order took a few minutes, and I loved every second of the wait. The Volcano hot chocolate is the signature drink here, and it is made right in front of you.
Thick, rich chocolate gets poured into a tall glass. On some visits, it goes over homemade whipped cream that melts as the hot chocolate hits it.
Then comes the best part. Dark, milk, and white chocolate get shaved right onto the top, so every sip tastes a little different.
The drink is thick, almost like a pudding you can sip. It is served hot, so give it a moment before your first taste.
Toppings can include nuts, dried fruit, or a drizzle of salted caramel. The mix depends on what you order and sometimes on René’s mood.
I paired mine with an almond biscotti, and that was a smart move. The crunchy cookie balances all that richness nicely.
A plain Volcano is only the beginning, though. Wait until you see what happens when a blowtorch joins the party.
Flavors That Go Way Past Plain Cocoa
Picking just one hot chocolate here is honestly tough. The menu goes far beyond the classic version.
The Crème Brûlée Volcano is a crowd favorite. Marshmallows get toasted with a blowtorch until they form a crispy, sugary top that cracks when you dig in.
There are also nutty peanut butter, white raspberry, and spicy versions. One of the strangest options I spotted was a mozzarella marshmallow brûlée, which made me look twice.
Another fun twist is hot chocolate served with a scoop of gelato. The cannoli gelato version is a big hit, and it slowly melts into the warm chocolate.
Feeling brave? Ask for the Surprise Me option and let the staff decide.
Seasonal specials pop up too, like a St. Patrick white hot chocolate. Iced versions of many drinks are available when Philly summers get sticky.
My tip is to share a couple of flavors with a friend. They are rich, so splitting lets you taste more without a sugar crash.
Of course, chocolate is only half the menu, and the other half comes in a crispy shell.
Cannoli Big Enough to Need a Plan
Cannoli might be the second reason people line up here, and they are huge. I mean truly big, the kind you plan your whole afternoon around.
The shells are imported from Sicily. The filling blends homemade ricotta, mascarpone, and impastata cream, and it is packed in generously.
Here is a smart detail I appreciated. The cream is piped in when you order, so the shell stays crisp instead of turning soggy.
Flavors run from traditional to toasted almond, coconut, cinnamon crunch, and chocolate jimmies. Some shells get dipped in chocolate and rolled in candy pieces or crushed cookies.
The pistachio version comes with crushed pistachios on the shell and the cream. Expect to pay around 16 dollars for that one, so these are a treat, not an everyday snack.
I made the rookie mistake of eating one right before dinner. My dinner did not stand a chance.
Believe it or not, some of these cannoli get served warm, and one comes with a fancy international twist.
Warm Cannoli and a Dubai Twist
Hot fudge on a cannoli sounded wild to me at first. Then I tried it on a chilly afternoon and changed my mind fast.
RIM Cafe serves heated cannoli topped with hot fudge sauce and whipped cream. The vanilla version becomes a warm, gooey dessert that is perfect when the wind picks up on 9th Street.
There is also a hot chocolate cannoli, which combines the two famous treats. It is a natural match for this place.
The newest star is the Dubai cannoli. It is rich and indulgent, with a fancy feel that leans into the popular pistachio and chocolate trend.
This one is on the pricier side as well. Still, it is the kind of thing worth trying at least once, just to say you did.
Gelato fans have options too, including a cannoli gelato. That might be the most Italian Market flavor ever invented.
Speaking of gelato, René makes his own, and the flavor list is longer than you might expect.
Homemade Gelato and Chocolate Oddities
Gelato is a quieter hero on this menu. René makes it in house, with flavors like strawberry, pineapple, pistachio, raspberry, blueberry, chocolate, vanilla, and the Philly Special.
Affogato is another winner. A scoop of gelato, such as tiramisu or pistachio, gets an espresso poured over it, and the flavors really shine.
Then there is the chocolate case, which I could have stared at all day. Chocolate Salami sounds strange but is actually a dense chocolate treat shaped like a sliced roll.
Chocolate bark comes loaded with peanuts, pretzels, and sprinkles. There are also chocolate turtles, peanut butter bars, and pretzels filled with salted caramel pecan or peanut butter cream.
Handmade truffles round out the selection. They make a nice small gift if you want to bring something home.
My advice is to grab one chocolate piece for later. The hot chocolate and cannoli will likely fill you up on the spot.
All that sugar needs a partner, and the coffee bar here is more serious than you might guess.
Espresso Worth Its Own Trip
Coffee lovers, this part is for you. RIM Cafe roasts its coffee beans in house, which surprised me for a place famous for chocolate.
The menu covers espresso, Americano, cappuccino, and lattes. There is also a Rene Espresso and a cannoli latte, which tastes like dessert in a cup.
On a cold day, I tried the Cubano Cappuccino. It uses condensed milk, so it is sweet and creamy, and the barista recommended it over a plain cortado.
Taste is personal, though. The Cubano drinks lean heavily on milk and sugar, so skip them if you want a strong, bold coffee flavor.
For something cold, the Fresh Roast Cold Brew is smooth. Tea drinkers can order hot tea or a chai latte, including a dirty chai with a shot of espresso.
Prices run higher than a chain coffee shop, around 6 to 7 dollars for some drinks. The cups are small, but the flavor is big.
Look up from your cup, and you will notice the walls are trying to tell you a thousand stories.
A Tiny Museum of Movie Memories
Every inch of wall space here seems to hold a photo or a souvenir. The inside feels like a small museum that happens to sell cannoli.
There are thousands of pieces of movie memorabilia and photos everywhere. Italian culture and classic films are a big theme, so fans of The Godfather will feel right at home.
René’s own pictures show up all over the place, even on cups. You can also buy t-shirts with his face on them, which is a pretty bold souvenir.
Italian music usually plays in the background. On my visit, René sang along while making drinks, and his smile when he handed over the glass was the best part.
The place has been described as chaotic good, and I agree. It is quirky, crowded, and full of personality.
Take your time to look around while you wait. You will spot something new on every wall.
Not every local regular, though, walks in on two legs, and that story is next.
Friends, Family, and One Famous Squirrel
Hospitality at RIM Cafe feels personal. René and Bella treat guests warmly, and many visitors leave feeling like part of the family.
René likes to chat, share stories, and hand out small mementos. He sometimes offers tastes of dark chocolate, salted caramel, or mascarpone so you can sample the quality.
He loves the United States and its people, and you can hear it when he talks. Veterans even get 20 percent off, which is a thoughtful touch.
Now for my favorite local legend. A neighborhood squirrel seems to know René and will come right up when he talks to it.
Kids have been known to share bits of cannoli and biscotti with this furry fan. Come for the hot chocolate, stay for the squirrel.
The staff stays patient with first timers who have a lot of questions. That helps, because the menu is big and the choices are many.
Before you grab your coat and head over, a few practical tips will save you some trouble.
Smart Moves Before You Go
Timing matters here more than you might think. RIM Cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which catches plenty of visitors off guard.
From Wednesday through Saturday, the doors open from 12 PM to 10 PM. On Sunday, hours run from 12 PM to 9 PM.
This is not a drive through coffee stop. Each drink is made by hand with a little show, so plan for some waiting, especially on weekends and holidays.
Prices are higher than average, with cannoli often at 10 dollars or more. Most people agree the size and the experience make up for it.
There may not be a public restroom, so plan ahead. Parking is limited, so give yourself extra time to find a spot.
Winter is the coziest time to go, and the corner sometimes gets a giant blow-up Santa for the holidays. Summer brings iced drinks and gelato.
You can call ahead at 215-465-3515 with questions. Bring your camera, because the drink making is worth filming.
With all that in mind, there is just one thing left to share.
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