The coffee shops in Raleigh offer refuge from the everyday, a place where one can curl up with a cappuccino and a captivating novel, or tap away at a laptop serenaded by the rhythmic hiss of an espresso machine. Raleigh’s coffee scene boasts a cup for every curious caffeine connoisseur. Let’s find your perfect cup, shall we?
I have personally tried about 95% of these Raleigh coffee shops. As a result, the information I’m sharing is mainly from personal experience, with a little help from Google reviews and business websites. Here are 50+ coffee shops in Raleigh, organized by location.
Fayetteville Street
There are a plethora of coffee shops on Fayetteville Street and the surrounding area.
42 & Laurence – 42 & Laurence is a stylish cafe with bright lighting that whips up espresso drinks, teas, and even cold-brew flights. Their coffee uses Larry’s beans, they have unique house-made syrups, and they offer a selection of pastries from Union Special. There is very minimal seating here so it’s a great place to grab coffee to go.
Crema – Crema is a coffee shop in City Plaza that’s been serving the downtown office community for over 10 years. They have a basic espresso menu and frappes, as well as all-day breakfast, salads, and sandwiches.
lucettegrace – This is a local patisserie with traditional French pastries, signature creations, over-the-top dessert pastries, macarons, soups, salads, and sandwiches along with a full espresso menu. Sit at one of the many bright yellow tables to enjoy your treat in this bright, industrial space.
Morning Times – Morning Times is a local cafe with an all-day breakfast menu as well as sandwiches and salads for lunch. Their full espresso menu features Counter Culture coffee and there is plenty of seating in the upstairs art gallery and on the sidewalk patio.
Raleigh Raw Juice Bar & Cafe – This raw food cafe features a full espresso menu featuring Raleigh Coffee Company beans. They also have an extensive menu of teas, lemonades, cold-pressed juices, smoothies, smoothie bowls, toasts, steel-cut oatmeal, poke, salads, and sushirittos. Enjoy your food and drink at the bar, or spread out on one of the tables inside or on the sidewalk patio.
Capital District
If you find yourself in the area north of the NC State Capitol Building, surrounded by government buildings and museums, you’re in luck if you want coffee.
The Daily Planet Cafe – Find local eats, brews & wines in a sunny cafe at the Museum of Natural Sciences.
City Market
These are coffee shops in the area east of Fayetteville Street, around City Market, Moore Square, and Transfer Food Hall.
Amorino Gelato – Look for a full espresso menu as well as specialty gelato drinks at this international gelato chain. There is minimal seating indoors but there is a nice patio.
Benchwarmers Bagels – This is a local spot in Transfer Co. Food Hall making hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels and a few espresso drinks. They serve the same menu daily until they run out.
Blackbird Books and Coffee – Browse the curated book selection at this coffee shop and bookstore combo. Enjoy your beverage at one of the tables or snuggle up on the couch.
Little Native Coffee Co. – Visit this tiny cafe in a historic building filled with plants. They have a full espresso menu using beans from Larry’s Coffee. If you can’t find a seat inside, don’t worry, there’s more on the plant filled patio.
Sir Walter Coffee – This is a coffee shop offering a full espresso menu as well as funky coffee and tea cocktails. Expect colorful accents that balance out the chilly temperature and too cool baristas. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating here but make sure to get a receipt if you want to use the wifi.
Sosta Cafe – This is an ultra cozy cafe with amazing sandwiches and even better vegan sides. They have a full espresso menu featuring beans from Full Bloom Coffee Roasters. Finish your meal with a yummy homemade dessert pastry.
Warehouse District
This is the area directly west of the Fayetteville Street District. It is defined by Dawson Street to the east, the train tracks to the south and west and Edenton Street to the North.
A Place at The Table – This local pay-what-you can cafe serves breakfast and lunch all day. They believe everyone deserves a good meal, so they encourage patrons to contribute what they can afford. They offer a full espresso bar using beans from Black & White Coffee Roasters and there is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating here.
Black & White Coffee, at Videri Chocolate Factory – The air is filled with the smell of chocolate at this coffee shop located within the Videri Chocolate Factory. They have a full espresso menu featuring drinks made with Black and White Coffee Roasters beans, and some with Videri chocolate! There are a few tables in the cafe as well as a large patio. This is definitely one of my favorite Raleigh coffee shops.
Heirloom – At Heirloom, East meets West in a culinary collision fueled by caffeine and Kewpie mayo. Enjoy a creative Asian menu and wash it all down with a full coffee and tea menu.
Glenwood South
Glenwood South is Raleigh’s main nightlife district and generally includes a couple blocks east and west of Glenwood Ave between Morgan Street and Peace Street. There are plenty of Raleigh coffee shops in this area if you need help getting your second wind.
321 Coffee – Downtown – 321 Coffee employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who roast the coffee, serve customers, and craft delicious lattes. They also offer a full espresso menu at all locations including this one downtown. The seating here is mostly on their patio, which makes for great people watching.
Good Day Good Night – This contemporary, stylish eatery that offers an array of easygoing international dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibe that’s pure relaxation. This hotel restaurant has a full espresso menu featuring beans from Larry’s Coffee.
Iris Coffee Lab – Iris Coffee Lab is a light and bright industrial style cafe with big windows and so many fiddle leaf figs and large snake plants. They have a full espresso menu with tasty seasonal drinks and a selection of sandwiches to fuel your day. There is plenty of seating indoors and a small sidewalk patio area.
Sahara Hookah Cafe – This is a hookah lounge with a limited espresso and food menu.
The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery + Coffee – The Cupcake Shoppe is a stylish little bakery creating custom cakes and cupcakes, alongside pastries and espresso drinks.
Hillsborough Street
This includes a couple blocks on either side of Hillsborough Street from Park Dr on the east to I-440 on the west. Because it runs alongside NC State campus and Meredith College campus, the businesses in this area are very popular with students.
Cup A Joe – This is a funky old-school coffee house with a very extensive menu of specialty coffee drinks made from house-roasted beans. Look for smoothies, coffee and tea frappes, 6-shot lattes, and lots of whipped cream. A variety of baked treats are also available to enjoy in this cozy coffee shop.
Global Village Organic Coffee – This cozy coffee shop has a full espresso menu, tea, basic breakfast options, and plenty of seating.
Jubala – Jubala is an inviting and cozy local coffee shop chain serving breakfast and lunch daily. They have a full espresso menu featuring Black and White Coffee Roasters beans along with some very good specialty drinks. Choose from lightly sweet biscuits, crispy Liege waffles, or a variety of sandwiches to pair with your beverage. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating but it fills up quickly.
Lucky Tree – Check out this local coffee shop with local art on display and for sale. Expect friendly service and a fun vibe. They offer a variety of oatmeals and snacks, as well as mead, beer, cider, and a full espresso menu with some unique signature drinks.
Morgan West
This is a small area that connects east of the Hillsborough Street District, south of Glenwood South, and west of the Warehouse District. It is home to a few restaurants and bars with more coming, and a surprising number of coffee shops!
Coffee woRx & Maple View Farm Ice Cream – This coffee counter can be found inside Raleigh Pharmacy.
The Left Hook Coffee – This is a coffee counter inside Gussie’s. Look for a full espresso menu and house made syrups. There are a few tables inside and on the sidewalk patio where you can enjoy your drink.
Wake N Bakery Raleigh – This is possibly the only cannabis infused bakery and coffee shop in Raleigh and they have funky espresso drinks.
Oakwood
This area includes Historic Oakwood with the exclusion of a section of North Person Street. I’m generally defining it as bound by Glascock Street to the north, Raleigh Blvd to the east, Edenton Street to the south, and Person Street to the west. It also includes the north side of New Bern Ave west of Lane Street, and excludes College Park. This area is primarily residential but does include a few restaurants and shops.
The Optimist – With its velvet banquets and plethora of plants, this cafe strikes a perfect balance between light and bright and cozy and moody. In addition to a full espresso and hot beverage menu, this is great place for breakfast or lunch and they have wine and beer too! Between the indoor space and the front and hidden back patios, there is plenty of seating, including small laptop tables. There’s also a children’s play area.
Yellow Dog Bread Company – This is a quaint neighborhood bakery and pastry shop. They have a full espresso menu as well seasonal specialties and other beverages to choose from. Enjoy your treats at one of the few tables inside, or head out to eat on the patio.
Boylan Heights
This area includes Boylan Heights proper as well as anything north of MLK, west of the train tracks that cut off the west side of downtown, and east of the prison.
Rebus Works – This is a quirky art gallery, event space, coffee shop with full espresso bar, and local goods shop. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs, especially the edible kind. Enjoy a drink and a snack at one of the vintage tables.
Five Points
Five Points is made up of the neighborhoods surrounding the intersection of Glenwood Avenue with Whitaker Mill and Fairview roads. I’m including the old industrial area west of Wake Forest road that now includes a number of breweries and restaurants. But there’s lots to explore throughout the area including some great Raleigh coffee shops.
Bright Spot Donuts – Bright Spot is a bright and modern donut shop with a sunny patio. I highly recommend the Sourwood Honey donuts, but all of the donuts are heavenly. They also offer a limited coffee menu and a few savory items if you’re not feeling sweet.
Idle Hour Coffee Roasters – This light and bright coffee shop is filled with plants and sunshine. They have espresso drinks and also offer a number of treats from local bakeries.
NOFO @ the Pig – Beware the siren song of NoFo @ the Pig, a quirky cafe and gift shop built upon the skeletal remains of a long-dead Piggly Wiggly. They have a full espresso menu and a number of boozy coffee drinks too.
The Third Place – This is a very warm and cozy coffee house, filled with overstuffed armchairs, art, and antiques. They serve a variety of coffee and espresso drinks, as well as teas, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Village District
This area includes the Village District development as well as the businesses directly to the west and south.
Benelux Cafe – Picture white walls, wood tables, concrete floors, soft lighting, and world’s largest coffee bean mural. Add in coffee and Belgian waffles and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Cafe Carolina and Bakery – This is a local spot serving a variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch items along with a full espresso bar.
Midtown East
This area is defined by I-440 to the north, Capital Blvd to the east, and then it zigzags along the edges of the Five Points District to the south and west. It includes the Midtown East development (Wegmans), Holly Park (Trader Joe’s), McNeill Point, and a number of businesses around Atlantic Ave and Wake Forest Road. There are surprisingly not a ton of coffee shops in this are (yet), but BREW is one of my favorite coffee shops in Raleigh.
BREW Coffee Bar – McNeill Pointe – This is a light and bright industrial coffee shop with a full espresso and tea menu featuring beans from Parlor Coffee Roasters. A few treats from various local bakeries are also available.
Midtown Far East
This is the area directly north of Oakwood. It is defined by Raleigh Blvd to the east, Glascock Street to the south, and Capital Blvd to the west. It includes Gateway Plaza, the businesses on Automotive Way, and Lions Park. There are a couple of great spots to get a coffee in this area that are worth the trip.
Escazu – Escazu is a bean to bar chocolatier offering great chocolate bars, individually wrapped chocolates, ice cream, hot chocolate, and a basic espresso menu. Enjoy your ice cream treat out front in the sun.
Pine State Coffee – Check out this local coffee shop with a full espresso menu featuring beans roasted in-house. They also have beer and pastries from various local bakeries. They share the space with Runology, a local running shop, and also have a variety of tools and supplies to keep your bike in top-shape too, making this one of the most unique coffee shops in Raleigh. The outdoor patio offers endless seating options.
Union Special Gateway – This is an amazing local bakery with a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu available daily. They also have a basic espresso menu and a few tea options.
ITB South
This area is defined by MLK / Western Blvd to the north, Rock Quarry Road to the east, I-40 to the south, and Centennial Pky to the west (more or less). It includes Dorothea Dix Park, the NC State Farmers Market, and areas along the southern gateway to downtown. The options in this are are some of the most special coffee shops in Raleigh.
Purr Cup Cafe – This is a vegan coffee shop and cat café. They offer a full vegan espresso menu, vegan treats, and a selection of beer and wine. You can hang out with cats while you enjoy your drink and maybe you’ll be convinced to adopt a cat by the time you leave.
321 Coffee – Farmers Market – 321 Coffee employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who roast the coffee, serve customers, and craft delicious lattes. They also offer a full espresso menu at all locations including their original location inside the Market Shoppes building at the State Farmers Market.
ITB East
This includes the east half of ITB not covered by other districts. Generally speaking, these are businesses you’ll have to drive to unless you live in the neighborhood.
Little Blue Bakehouse – The Bakehouse is essentially a bakery food hall with an espresso bar. Check out treats from some local bakers and enjoy a nice cup of coffee.
ITB West
This includes the west half of ITB not covered by other districts. These are businesses you’ll have to drive to unless you live in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Bumble Brews Play Cafe – This is a play place for kids 6 months to 6 years, with a full espresso bar, coffee, and tea.
Hereghty Heavenly Delicious – Indulge in custom cakes, pastries, and full espresso menu featuring Joe Van Gogh beans, alongside a light cafe menu and wine. Look for their unique signature drinks and cozy up in compact but relaxed setting.
Quarter Note Coffee – This is a coffee shop with a music theme and homemade chai. They offer a small number of food options as well.
North Hills
I’m including the North Hills development and surrounding businesses as well as the area between St Albans Dr and I-440 to Wake Forest Rd. There’s surprisingly not a lot here for coffee, but you have one really good option. Otherwise, get a smoothie?
Jubala – This is the third location of this inviting and cozy local coffee shop chain serving breakfast and lunch daily. They have a full espresso menu featuring Black and White Coffee Roasters beans along with some very good specialty drinks. Choose from lightly sweet biscuits, crispy Liege waffles, or a variety of sandwiches to pair with your beverage. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating but it fills up quickly.
Crabtree Valley Mall
Considering this is a mall, there’s a pretty great option for coffee if you need a break from shopping.
The Optimist Raleigh – at Crabtree Terrace – Similar to the original location in Oakwood, this cafe strikes a perfect balance between light and bright and cozy and moody. In addition to a full espresso and hot beverage menu, this is great place for breakfast or lunch and they have wine and beer too! There is plenty of seating, indoors and out.
North Raleigh
This is pretty much everything north of the beltline, aside from North Hills and Crabtree Valley Mall. To be honest, I’m not sure how the residents in North Raleigh function with this little caffeine.
Jubala – This was the first location for this inviting and cozy local coffee shop chain serving breakfast and lunch daily. They have a full espresso menu featuring Black and White Coffee Roasters beans along with some very good specialty drinks. Choose from lightly sweet biscuits, crispy Liege waffles, or a variety of sandwiches to pair with your beverage. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating but it fills up quickly.
Sola Coffee Cafe – This is a local espresso cafe well known for their mini donuts. They also serve breakfast and lunch daily.
Have you been to many of these coffee shops in Raleigh? Is there one that you want to try?
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