There is a new reason for Philadelphians to follow the scent of cinnamon down the streets of South Philly. At the corner of Ninth and Catherine, a small blue pickup window is quietly serving some of the most talked-about buns in the city, and locals and visitors alike cannot seem to get enough.
This is not your average bakery churning out the same old sticky buns. Pop’s Buns, a name that is already buzzing across social media, takes the classic cinnamon roll and gives it a deliciously creative twist. Sure, you can always count on their gooey, perfectly swirled original—soft, sweet, and dripping with icing—but the real excitement lies in the rotating lineup of inventive flavors. One week might bring a raspberry kolache bursting with jam; the next, a strawberry-pecan sticky bun layering nutty crunch with fruit-filled decadence. For the savory-inclined, there is no shortage of good options. Think cheese and chutney kolaches, or a hearty sausage gravy roll that could rival any brunch dish in the city.
Part of the shop’s magic comes from its rotating menu. Each week, a new set of flavors is revealed, keeping regulars guessing and newcomers intrigued. Still, the traditional sticky bun remains a comforting constant for purists.
It has not taken long for Pop’s Buns to become a South Philly sensation. Since opening, the shop has drawn crowds willing to wait in long lines, with some customers driving hours just to get a taste. Their growing reputation even caught the attention of the Philadelphia Eagles who tapped the bakery to provide treats for the team. For five straight weeks, Pop’s Buns was up before dawn to bake the perfect fuel for Philly’s most beloved players—a feat that earned them a loyal fan base well beyond the city limits. Even though they just celebrated their one-year anniversary in September, they were included in Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly list for 2025, cementing their place among the city’s must-try food spots.
For Drexel University students looking to make the trek, the journey is simple: hop on the L to 15th Street, transfer to the Broad Street Line down to Lombard-South, and enjoy a short, brisk, 15-minute walk. While some might call it a hike, anyone who has tasted one of these buns will assure you it is worth every step. The shop normally operates Thursday through Saturday, 8:30 am to 1 pm, but the goods are first-come, first-served—once they sell out, that is it for the day! After taking a hiatus this summer, they are now reopened and ready for business. This week’s menu even features a fan favorite: cinnamon apple!
In a city famous for its cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and tomato pies, Pop’s Buns has managed to carve out its own delicious corner of the food scene. So do not hesitate to follow the crowd, follow the scent, and prepare to meet the bun that might just ruin all others for you.