Coffee shops serve important functions beyond just making sure we get our daily caffeine fix-- they are also important communal areas.  They are spaces where we meet friends, make friends, appreciate our neighbors' art, and discuss issues both within our local communities and our communities at large.

Coffee shops are a vital cultural institution, the bar's sober older sibling. Not only in the modern era, but historically, figures such as Hemingway, Dostoevsky, Picasso, and many more frequented cafes.  Here are the ten best coffee shops to check out in the state of Pennsylvania. You might not meet the next F. Scott Fitzgerald there, but you might meet the next Tom Wolf.

1. Philter Coffee, Kennett Square

Philter Coffee is known for one thing-- and that is genuinely delicious-tasting coffee. That and this window seat that offers a quaint view of the street.

2. The Green Bean Roasting Co., York

Sit back and enjoy a smooth cup of joe at The Green Bean Roasting Co., famous in York for their excellent coffee.

3. Biddle's Escape, Pittsburgh

Biddle's Escape is a haven in the Regent Square neighborhood of Pittsburgh, that offers a vast selection of coffees and teas from around the world, homemade pastries and food, local art, performances, and artifacts.

4. Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes, Harmony

Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes is simply that-- Wunderbar! Enjoy their decadent coffee drinks or their famous crepes.

5. Beehive Coffeehouse & Dessertery, E. Carson St, Pittsburgh

Beehive is known not only for scrumptious coffee and baked goods, but for their breakfast, lunch, and alcoholic drinks, as well. Also, I'm pretty sure they made up the word "dessertery," which is pretty cool.

6. The Cosmic Cup Coffee Co., Easton

Cosmic Cup Is the place to go if you're into intricate and impressive latte art. The atmosphere matches the creative energy that goes into each and every drink they serve.

7. Old City Coffee, Philadelphia

Old City Coffee has two locations: one on Church Street, and one in the famous Reading Terminal Market. They roast their coffee in small batches to ensure optimal freshness and taste with every bean.

8. Gryphon Cafe, Wayne and South Kensington, Philadelphia

Gryphon Cafe is the ultimate environment to relax with a date or watch a local musician perform. Located along Lancaster Avenue in Wayne, it's in a quiet yet vibrant community and serves only the best coffee.

9. Prince Street Cafe, Lancaster

Prince St. Cafe was established in 2006 and today serves such a large variety of coffee drinks that you'll have to ask the barista for help deciding which to try first.

10. Elixir Coffee, Philadelphia

Elixir Coffee is dedicated not only to serving top-of-the-line coffee and food, but to the arts as well. They have different artists paint murals in their shop-- you can even apply on their website!

What are your favorite coffee shops in PA? Tell us in the comments below!