The Ultimate Guide for the Best Coffee Shops in Raleigh

raleigh, north carolina is unlike any other city you visit. gives you the advantages of a big city with the convenience of living in a small town. Raleigh is full of culture, style, history, and best of all, amazing coffee! Now, we’re not calling Starbucks, but Raleigh is home to some of the best local coffee shops! some of them even become delicious lunch spots in the afternoon and craft beer bars at night. many others also function as gift boutiques featuring the work of local artists.

Reading: Best coffee shops in raleigh

but this list is about coffee! we wanted to create a comprehensive list of coffee shops in raleigh. so no matter where you are in the city, what atmosphere you fancy or what garnish you would like with your coffee, we have the details you need!

Check out our ultimate guide to the best coffee shops in Raleigh, North Carolina.

42 & lorenzo
cup a joe
morning times
the mill
bittersweet
heirloom brewery
Common Ground Cafe & desserts
black coffee coffee
mr walter coffee
full bloom
benelux coffee
jubala coffee
lucky tree
brewed coffee bar
thanks a coffee with milk
third place
lucettegrace
off-hour coffee

1| 42 & amp; lawrence | 134 east martin street.

hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. 8am-4pm

best drink: cold nitro brew

42 and 42 years old lawrence is a local coffee shop with local faces surrounded by a european atmosphere. guests will find bowler hats hanging from a tin ceiling that serve as lighting. indoor and outdoor seating is available. 42 & amp; lawrence offers a seasonal menu as well as cold beers, lattes, coffee sodas, and kombucha on tap.

2| cup of coffee | (1) 2109 avent ferry rd suite 142 & (2) 3100 hillsborough street.

hours: (1) Mon.-Fri. 7 am-4 pm, Saturdays & sun. 9am-4pm (2) every day 6am-7pm

best drink: chilled large lever

cup a joe is all about beverages featuring coffee, smoothies, lattes, teas and more. they also sell whole beans by the pound. be sure to check the website for daily specials. at each location, cup a joe features artwork from different local artists every 3 months.

3| the morning times | 10 hargett street.

hours: every day from 7:00 to 18:00

best drink: homemade chai latte

the morning times is a classic cafe with an artsy atmosphere and delicious food. They have indoor and outdoor seating with an upstairs art gallery where guests can relax in comfortable chairs. their food menu includes items like corned beef & amp; picadillo, sweet chicken biscuit and a quesadilla for breakfast. And don’t forget the homemade bagels! lunch and children’s menus are also available; cocktails and craft beers served during lunch and dinner.

4| the mill | main street 146 s.

hours: Sun.-Wed. 9am-6pm, Thurs-Sat. 9am-10pm

best drink: white raspberry latte

the mill is proud to serve coffee roasted locally by joe van gogh. this spacious two-story building provides guests with seating options for private conversations or large groups. Did we mention they turn into a craft beer bar at night serving 20 local beers on tap? the mill offers weekly specials on all drinks.

5| bittersweet | 16 e. martin street

Hours: Sun.-Thu. 14:00-22:00, Friday and Saturday. 14:00-23:00, Monday closed

best drink: black and coke

bittersweet is the only place you’ll find that serves coffee, cocktails, and coffee cocktails all day. do not forget to enjoy a delicious delicacy with the drink of your choice. Bittersweet offers daily specials like the scone, muffin and quiche of the day. There are also homemade cakes available. Seasonal and year-round menus are made with local, all-natural ingredients. enjoy a drink on the go by its bay window or take a seat on its outdoor patio.

We all love a delicious cup of coffee in the mornings.

But if the sun is down, don’t miss out on Raleigh’s vibrant nightlife and impressive breweries!

Now, back to the delicious coffee you came here for.

6| relic brewery | 219 west street.

hours: every day from 8:00 to 18:00

Best Beverage: Everything paired with the mochi donuts heirloom brewshop is Asian-inspired, from its food and drink to its décor. heirloom serves little waves coffee sourced from kenya, mexico, brazil and columbia. all of their syrups and flavors are homemade at home. their teas and sake are Asian and their craft beers are all local. Try Curried Tofu Sauce + Biscuit to see how deliciously Asian meets South. but beyond breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert menus are available.

7| common grounds cafeteria & desserts | 219 n salem st.

hours: Mon.- Wed. 7am-7pm, Thurs-Sat. 7am-8pm, Sun. 7am-6pm

best drink: gunpowder pearl green tea

Common Ground Cafe & Desserts is just that, an amazing cafe serving delicious desserts. Their flavor selections for your coffee are endless, with not only classics like hazelnut and vanilla, but also specials like pomegranate and lavender. In addition to its unique décor, Common Grounds is known for its large selection of one-of-a-kind coffee mugs for sale. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Be sure to check out their website to see what local musicians are playing and what seasonal events they’re hosting.

8| single coffee coffee | 7705 lead mine rd.

hours: Mon.-Sat. 7am-3pm

best drink: Iced coffee with maple syrup and cinnamon

sola coffee cafe takes the coffee shop to the next level. Using only fresh local and organic ingredients, sola serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have indoor and outdoor seating with a pet-friendly patio. Solo’s homemade mini donuts and amazing toast creations are unlike anything you’ve ever seen or tasted. They even have take-home pizzas ready to bake. While you’re there, be sure to snap a photo in front of their “I Believe in Raleigh” mural.

9| mr walter coffee | 145 davie e. street

Hours: Sun.-Thu. 7am-8pm, Friday and Saturday. 7am-9pm

best drink: Vietnamese iced coffee

sir walter coffee is known for more than just its logo featuring the face of sir walter raleigh, named after raleigh, nc. his slogan is coffee + coffee + comfort and that’s just what you’ll find when you walk in. orange and gray furnishings and unique artwork create a retro vibe. Sir Walter offers delicious meals including a waffle bar, bacon and mushrooms; cheese croissants, crackers, bagels and burritos. there is also an amazing selection of specialty coffee cocktails to choose from. Sir Walter Coffee sells its beans by the pound so you can take the deliciousness home with you.

10| full bloom | 141 w main street.

hours: Tue.-Sat. 8am-7pm, Sun. 10am-4pm

best drink: classic latte

full bloom is known for its artisan roasted coffee beans and its signature cold brew, honey, which can be purchased in bulk or by the cup. they also serve delicious artisan breakfast sandwiches and treats like maple bacon cupcakes from local businesses. all of their ingredients are fresh and locally sourced. Full Bloom even serves up local craft beer on tap for lunch or dinner drinks.

11| benelux coffee | 402 oberlin rd. suite 118

hours: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

best drink: anything with waffles

benelux coffee was inspired by a trip to belgium. the star of their menu is the brussels waffles. Benelux also prides itself on serving small-batch, in-house roasted coffee. guests can purchase their raleigh roasted coffee by the pound or by the cup. be sure to check out the giant mural made of coffee beans. benelux also has a location at the alexander family ymca.

12| jubala coffee | 8450 honeycutt rd. & 2100 hillsborough street.

hours: Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. 8am-5pm

best drink: almond latte

jubala coffee serves delicious coffee brewed any way you like: pour over, espresso or French press. their breakfast menu includes cookies with endless toppings, liege waffles with toppings, yogurt, fruit, and sandwiches. Jubala’s owner is all about the community and takes pride in serving locally sourced counterculture coffee.

13| lucky tree | 3801 hillsborough street.

hours: Monday to Thursday. 7am-6pm, Fri. 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. 8am-8pm

best drink: honey latte with almond milk

lucky tree is owned and operated by twin sisters and was inspired by their childhood tree house. lucky tree is more than just a coffee shop; They make a point to support all things local. twice a month they organize free the mic, an open mic night for singers, rappers, poets, musicians and artists. the cafe also features and sells artwork and handmade items by more than 50 local artists. their menu is completely wheat-free and there are plenty of vegan options available.

14| coffee bar | 2411 Crab Tree Blvd. & 2310 bale st. series 106

Hours: every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. m. to 3 p.m. m.

best drink: classic pour over coffee

the brew coffee bar is what you would call a classic coffee shop, best known for its pour over coffee. In addition to staples, they also have a seasonal menu and a retail store with coffee and tea available. Be sure to try their breakfast treats, including bagels, sandwiches, and pastries. brew also has a location in cary, nc.

15| thanks a coffee with milk | 1118 kentworth dr.

hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. m. to 6 p.m. m., Saturday. 8am-5pm

best drink: charleston latte

thanks a latte is a family owned boutique and cafe run by a mother and daughter team. this place is every woman’s dream: coffee and shopping. thanks a latte serves delicious coffee and tea creations, hot or iced. You can also buy a large jar of your favorite latte to take home for later.

16| the third place | 1811 glenwood avenue.

hours: every day from 7:00 to 12:00

best drink: almond milk macchiato

From its coffee to its decoration, the third place is unique. Known for its oriental rugs and red high-back chair, Third Place has local art and antiques for sale throughout its store. you won’t be able to miss the eclectic crystal chandeliers hanging from an old tin ceiling. but let’s not forget their fresh and local ingredients. Third Place serves Larry’s Coffee and offers breakfast items including bagels, sandwiches, muffins, and pastries. be sure to try their salmonwich.

17| lucy grace | 235 salisbury street.

hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. 9am-4pm

best drink: lucettegrace iced coffee

lucettegrace is named after the owner’s two daughters. More than just a coffee shop, Lucettegrace is a contemporary patisserie that mimics a French bakery. the desserts and cakes created by the owner/pastry chef are as beautiful as they are delicious. all ingredients are locally sourced. don’t forget to try one of the spectacular macarons.

18| idle hour coffee | 1818 oberlin rd. #103

hours: every day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

best drink: Vietnamese coffee

Raleigh’s newest coffee shop is off-hour coffee. this cafe offers amazing cakes and desserts like matcha cheesecake with pistachio cookies. all of their cakes are made from scratch or by local vendors. these desserts are not only delicious but also beautiful to look at. With indoor and outdoor seating, sit back in a comfortable chair and try the highly recommended banh mi sandwich.

exploring the best coffee shops in raleigh has given us a better idea of how unique the city of raleigh is. Raleigh is homemade, locally sourced, and community-driven, from its coffee shops to its business owners.

We hope this definitive guide to the best coffee shops has been helpful. no matter which coffee shop you choose, choose local. and we can’t wait to share our favorites with you during your next stay at our stateview hotel.