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Philadelphia, PA

North America

United States

# Cosi – Upscale Urban Deli in Philadelphia, PA
Cosi is an upscale urban deli located at 1800 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, known for its unique offerings and historical significance. Founded in the 1980s, Cosi gained popularity for its gourmet sandwiches, particularly the tuna salad, catering primarily to office workers. Over the years, it has become a staple in the Philadelphia dining scene, though it has faced challenges due to changing market conditions. The restaurant is appreciated for its spacious seating and community-friendly atmosphere, making it a popular spot for students and professionals alike. Despite mixed reviews, Cosi continues to attract patrons with its nostalgic charm and commitment to quality.

## History
### The story of Cosi
Cosi was founded in the 1980s with a vision to create an upscale deli experience that catered to the fast-paced lifestyle of urban professionals. The concept revolved around providing high-quality food in a casual setting, emphasizing fresh ingredients and a unique menu. The original Cosi locations quickly became popular, particularly in metropolitan areas, where they served as a convenient dining option for busy office workers.

### Milestones and growth
- **1989**: Cosi opens its first location, quickly gaining a loyal customer base.
- **1990s**: Expansion across major cities in the United States, including New York and Chicago.
- **2000s**: Introduction of new menu items and seasonal offerings to keep up with evolving consumer tastes.
- **2010s**: Facing increased competition and changing market dynamics, Cosi begins to scale back locations.
- **Present**: Cosi continues to operate select locations, focusing on maintaining quality and customer service.

### Cultural and local influence
Cosi has played a significant role in the culinary landscape of Philadelphia, influencing local dining trends with its emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The deli's unique offerings have inspired other eateries to adopt similar concepts, blending fast-casual dining with gourmet food. Cosi's presence on Temple University's campus has also made it a popular choice among students, contributing to the vibrant food culture in the area.

### Continuing the tradition
Despite facing challenges in recent years, Cosi remains committed to its founding principles of quality and convenience. The restaurant continues to adapt its menu and services to meet the needs of its customers, ensuring that it remains a relevant and cherished part of the Philadelphia dining scene. Cosi's dedication to maintaining its legacy is evident in its efforts to provide a welcoming atmosphere and a diverse menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

## Community
### Community involvement
Cosi actively engages with the local community, particularly in the Philadelphia area. The restaurant often participates in events and initiatives that support local businesses and promote community well-being. By sourcing ingredients from local suppliers and collaborating with nearby organizations, Cosi fosters a sense of community and connection among its patrons.

### Community notion about the place
The community's perception of Cosi is mixed, with many appreciating its historical significance and unique offerings. However, some patrons have expressed concerns about the consistency of food quality and service. Despite these criticisms, Cosi remains a beloved spot for many, particularly among students and professionals looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.

### Events and gatherings
Cosi hosts various events and gatherings, catering to both casual diners and special occasions. The spacious seating arrangement allows for group gatherings, making it a popular choice for study sessions, meetings, and casual get-togethers. Cosi's commitment to providing a welcoming environment encourages community members to come together and enjoy good food in a relaxed setting.

## Offerings
### What Cosi offers
Cosi offers a diverse menu that includes gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, and flatbreads, all made with fresh ingredients. The restaurant's signature items, such as the tuna salad and roasted vegetable bowls, have garnered a loyal following. Cosi also emphasizes the importance of customer experience, aiming to provide a pleasant dining atmosphere for all patrons.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Cosi is designed to be casual yet upscale, with an emphasis on quality and freshness. Customers can enjoy a variety of options, from hearty sandwiches to lighter salads, all prepared with care. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients is reflected in the vibrant flavors of its dishes, making it a popular choice for health-conscious diners.

### Events and packages
Cosi offers catering services for events and gatherings, providing a range of menu options to suit different occasions. Whether it's a corporate meeting or a casual get-together, Cosi's catering packages are designed to meet the needs of various groups. The restaurant's flexibility in accommodating special requests further enhances its appeal as a catering option.

### Facilities and features
- Spacious seating area
- Free Wi-Fi
- Takeout and delivery options
- Catering services
- Seasonal menu items

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Cosi highlight a range of experiences, reflecting both positive and negative aspects of the restaurant. While many patrons appreciate the quality of the food and the spacious environment, others have raised concerns about service and consistency. The mixed feedback provides valuable insights into the restaurant's strengths and areas for improvement.

### Compliments and strengths
Cosi is often praised for its fresh ingredients and unique menu offerings. Customers enjoy the variety of options available, particularly the signature dishes that have become synonymous with the brand. The spacious seating area is also a highlight, providing a comfortable space for diners to relax and enjoy their meals.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
On the other hand, some reviews point out inconsistencies in food quality and service. Issues such as long wait times and less-than-satisfactory customer interactions have been noted by several patrons. These contrasts underscore the challenges Cosi faces in maintaining its reputation amid changing market conditions.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Cosi presents a mixed bag of experiences for its customers. While the restaurant has a strong foundation built on quality and community engagement, it must address the concerns raised by patrons to ensure continued success. The commitment to fresh ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere remains a significant advantage in attracting and retaining customers.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Cosi is conveniently located in Philadelphia, PA, specifically at 1800 N Broad St. This area is known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to various attractions, including Temple University. The restaurant's location makes it an ideal stop for students and professionals alike, providing easy access to quality dining options. The surrounding neighborhood is rich in cultural and historical significance, contributing to the overall appeal of dining at Cosi.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Cosi serve** Cosi serves upscale deli-style cuisine, including sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.  
**Is Cosi suitable for large groups** Yes, Cosi has spacious seating and offers catering services for events.  
**Does Cosi offer takeout** Yes, Cosi provides takeout and delivery options for customers on the go.  
**Are there vegetarian options available** Yes, Cosi offers a variety of vegetarian dishes on its menu.  
**What are the hours of operation** Cosi's hours may vary, so it's best to check their website for the latest information.

## Visit Cosi Today
Cosi invites you to experience its unique blend of upscale deli offerings in a welcoming environment. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, Cosi continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a place to gather with friends, Cosi's diverse menu and community-friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit spot in Philadelphia. Stop by today to enjoy a meal that reflects the essence of urban dining.

d471e149-2472-47f5-8ba3-a84e62278878

The original upscale urban deli chain that was big on delivering obscenely expensive tuna salad sandwiches to famished office workers in the go-go '80's before these types of establishments metastisized on every major metro street corner. Their numbers have been declining for years no doubt driven to near extinction by the still sky high office vacancy rates and the cratering of client meeting catering but if you find one, their tuna is still gold plated. Four stars for longevity.

723e9dc4-28a4-468b-8486-de428e2eb5d4

The women who worked the register were very nice, but the food was terrible. The upside of this Cosi is that there is a *lot* of seating, and since the food isn't great, it seems that you can find a pretty decent spot to park your behind and read/study/chill.

569c0250-7b8f-47bd-8719-f03a26499c62

Loved that place. First came across it in Chicago. Too bad it's not around anymore. Great food!

2061be91-21cc-4c9f-9154-61fb2e66f510

2 hours before our guests are due for a gathering ,they call to tell us they cannot complete our order. 2 hours. This place has compromised it customers,it's good has lost its lister and their attitude is the reason the chain is failing miserably. How does a company leave a customer strander on an order placed a week ahead. Scrambling we contacted Panera and they are doing all they can to help us feed a crowd . Cosi should be embarrassed,but they are not! They are falling quickly and it will be another failed chain due to the inability to uphold standards and care about customers. They will go bust. No business can exist with unhappy ex patrons. News travels fast. Poor food and worse service.

284d5b73-3f8c-476a-be2a-88c162aacd5b

My first time at a Così. I got their Adobo Chicken with Avocodo. The 12PM line took 10 mins. When I was finally at the counter the lady only asked me if I want chips or carrots with my bowl for $9.71 after tax. I want to point out that the menu listed "served with our freshly baked flatbread"but I didn't know that until I was done ordering and studying a paper menu. I had to wait 25 minutes for my meal and it was handed to me with a ripped wet bottom so that was uncomfortable to walk with. The food itself is amazing! The roasted vegetables tasted really fresh. The chicken pulled apart perfectly on top of the rice blend. I added two small packets of salt, but anyone trying to eat healthier would love the bowl's flavor as is.

8f1b2ec5-c7ec-44d1-9738-091f79b045d5

The food was much better last fall (2018). The prices went up and the food is way worse and small proportions. The flatbread is no longer buttery and flavorful, but tends to be burnt or just taste like dough. I used to really love coming here. Now I come way less. The soups are still decent. Even though they tend not to have the flavors you want. Wait time is ridiculously slow. And they don't make the food in order, so people after you will get food before you. Really disappointed in temple with this restaurant.

c3ab3a8b-0b84-4843-853e-f531d4ab839e

I went to Cosi at this location located on Temples Campus today and ordered myself a Greek Salad and a lemonade. I've been going to Cosi for several years now, at different locations and never experienced an issue. A few bites into my salad, I found a bug sitting on my lettuce. I knew it couldn't be from me because it was around the middle of my salad. This was also after I waited about 20 minutes for my food. This ruined my appetite and especially after paying around $10 for my meal as a college student, this was a huge let down and really grossed me out. I am very disappointed and unsure if I will return to this location.

bf3c8778-9597-4da7-abda-abe512161718

I've been going to Cosi for ~3 years, and my has this place declined. They must hire anyone with a pulse, because some of the cashiers lack any proper cognitive skills. I never order salads, and haven't been here in a while due to the reviews, but was close and figured why not. I ordered a adobe lime salad, pick it up and as I'm leaving the pickup lady tells me to pick up and bag my own carrots. Seriously, you couldn't take two seconds to bag that up? There was legit no one in there. Anyway I drive off and get to campus serc building to eat it. It was my first time getting the salad so I assumed they mixed it for me, but tasted absolutely nothing, even after shaking. I call and they never answered. I call 1700 market Cosi and they answer first ring, and even offer to make me another one which I applaud them for, but decided it was best to just go back to Temple. I get there and the lady behind the counter was very nice offered to make another salad, even though I declined I was just hungry and wanted some dressing. She told me they ran out and the cashier should have mentioned to me(lol of course; pls refer back to 2nd sentence). She insisted and I obliged. I'm hungry at this point and start eating frantically. I stop to get a sip of water and look down to see what looks to be salmonella infested chicken. Had to snap a picture and laugh. It's my fault for going there, never again. I was close to reporting to Jeff Cole, but opted for yelp again. The lady at the pickup line was very nice and I'm sure it's probably not her fault but never again. For reference/context this was 4/18/19 @5:30PM

5212549a-f56e-43fe-ad29-19efa94286c1

Such a rude cashier! I held back the urge to throw this employee under the bus (the one with the long braids), but for the first day back to school, this is already a terrible experience - for Cosi. First time in, looking at the menu while in line. The cashier called for the next person in line once, ONE TIME, and I didn't hear because she said it so low and I was distracted by the new menu. She called again, rudely, without much more effort than the first time. Then she rolled her eyes at me as I walked up to her station. After I ordered one thing, she just held out her hand to take my card. Not "would you like anything else?" Didnt tell me my total. Nothing. Just held out her hand like I owed her something. (No pun intended). Then when I handed her my card, she gave it back and pointed at the card reader so I could swipe my card myself. Then proceeded to force a fake smile to the next person. Wonderful. Good job. I won't be returning.

43e7629f-4b18-4c61-a29b-b88b552e8738

This was the perfect little stop when we were exploring the temple campus. Clean, classy, and full of great on the go options! I had their freshly squeezed raspberry lemonade and a small chai tea latte for that extra boost! My husband loved their fruit and yogurt parfait

Discover Cosi on North Broad Street in Philadelphia for delicious, fresh meals in a vibrant setting. Perfect for a quick bite or relaxed dining experience.

Cosi Restaurant in Philadelphia - Fresh Meals on North Broad Street

Philadelphia

Cosi

Pennsylvania

Explore the full menu at Cosi in Philadelphia. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 1800 N Broad St, Philadelphia.

Cosi Menu – Food & Drinks in Philadelphia

Learn about Cosi, a popular restaurant located at 1800 N Broad St, Philadelphia. Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and delicious meals in the heart of the city.

About Cosi in Philadelphia

Opening hours for Cosi, Philadelphia. Find opening hours for Cosi at 1800 N Broad St, Philadelphia on our website.

Cosi Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Cosi

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