I needed some coffee. So I headed out to Germantown Avenue to see if I could find a cup. Starting at the top of the Hill, I came to Chestnut Hill Coffee, home of tattooed and genial baristas. The restful second floor has a panoramic view of Bethlehem Pike, with new construction decidedly altering that view.

My latte was delicious but I was determined to have something more corporate. After passing six banks, both open and closed, I came to Starbucks, the Wawa of America. With the line halfway to the door, I was able to awkwardly stand around and wonder if Starbucks is the most dangerous place to get coffee in Chestnut Hill with pedestrians crossing in the middle of the block and cars pulling in and out of parking spots with greater or lesser skill.

Making my way to Char & Stave, I realized that having a split personality may not always be a bad thing. “Coffee by day and whiskey by night” is both a great slogan and a lively approach to life. It seems to be reflected in the seating, too. Should I sit at the bar with coffee or only with a cocktail? Should I sit in the window and watch the world go by, or move to the back and curl up with a good book?

Coming out of Char & Stave, I looked left and right on Highland Ave. Cake in one direction, Matine’s in the other. Do I want to have delicious pastries in a former greenhouse? Or delicious quiche in a former bank?

After three coffee shops in two and a half blocks, I was only about 147% caffeinated, so I headed to the middle of the Hill. Passing the Jenks playground on the left (doesn’t sound like the kids need any caffeine) and the Bell Telephone building on the right (I bet they could roast a lot of beans with the heat from the servers), I came to Market at the Fareway. Stepping inside, I came immediately to Poppy’s Cafe, ideally situated to grab a cup and peruse the other offerings in the market. Maybe I’ll start with a selection from Barry’s Buns. Oh wait, Barry’s is gone? I really need to get to the Fareway more often.

Leaving the Fareway, I darted across the Avenue to see if Bredenbeck’s still had their tiny counter of coffee. They don’t, but the ornate cakes in the window catch my eye every time I pass, and I feel like I should get one of each of their pastries.

As I neared the bottom of the hill, (hey, Staples sells coffee for the office, don’t they?) I came to Baker Street Bread and their lovely cafe converted from the mini bread factory that formerly occupied the space. I stopped to recall when the air was filled with the aroma of baking bread and trucks would fill up with bread for the many area restaurants.

Finishing my trek, I wound up at Night Kitchen with their tidy outdoor seating area and low umbrellas that tap my forehead every time I walk by. I’m enticed by even more delicious pastries here. Maybe I’ll pick some up for later.

As I sipped the last of my coffee, I started to think about a place for dinner later on. I can head to my favorite spot, Iron Hill. Oh wait…

Or how about Campbell’s as a backup? No...

Take-out pizza from Fiesta? No…

How about Roller’s?

William J. Rooney is a Chestnut Hill resident.