15 Best Coffee Shops In Raleigh, North Carolina

Best Coffee Shops & Cafés In Raleigh

Raleigh is a great place to grab a cup of coffee. It has all the benefits of a city with the feel of a friendly town that you would be happy to call home.

This town is full of culture, style, and some of the best coffee you’ll ever have. 

We take a look at 15 of the best coffee shops and cafés in Raleigh, North Carolina so next time you’re here you can check them out. 

Best Coffee Shops In Raleigh

1. 42 & Lawrence

42 & Lawrence coffee shop has some unusual decor, bowler hats as light shades. This is a place you won’t easily forget and not only because of the interesting lighting. 

They serve delicious coffee from 7 am to make sure you are wide awake for your day and if you need an afternoon pick me up they are open till 5:30 pm Sunday to Thursday.

For something different, sit outside and have an afternoon tea and pastry. 

As well as coffee they serve signature drinks such as the romantically named Taj Mahal and seasonal beverages like Blueberry Coffee Tonic. 

Address: 134 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601 (click for map)

2. The Morning Times

Despite being called The Morning Times, this downtown coffee shop is open until 8 pm each evening.

They open from 7 am and also do deliveries. The Morning Times has been operating since 2006 and offers lots besides its excellent coffee. 

An all-day breakfast menu has delights such as a scrambled egg and cheddar cheese croissant. Other specialties include sweet and savory biscuits, omelets and burritos. 

Depending on the weather, sit inside or out and enjoy the amazing coffee, bagels and wonderful community atmosphere. 

Address: 10 E Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (click for map)

3. Cup A Joe

Cup A Joe is all about the beverage whether that is coffee, milkshakes, or smoothies.

At a stone’s throw from North Carolina’s State University, this bright and popular coffee shop always has something going on. 

If you like the coffee you can buy the beans per pound or even order them online for curbside delivery. 

Every day of the week has something special so look out for Milkshake Mondays or Fusion Fridays to see what Cup A Joe in Raleigh has to offer. They are open 6 am to 7 pm all week. 

Address: 3100 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607 (click for map)

4. Bittersweet

For those who can’t decide between coffee, cocktails, and dessert then Bittersweet is the place for you.

Choose from a seriously long list of exotic drinks with an emphasis on gin, they have 70! 

From their menu of evening coffee, their most famous drink is Black and Coke which is chilled espresso with Mexican Coke. 

As well as these intriguing drinks Bittersweet bake their own tasty pastries in-store using quality, locally sourced ingredients. 

Opening hours are from 2 pm to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday with late opening till 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. 

Address: 16 E Martin St Raleigh, NC 27601 (click for map)

5. The Mill

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For meeting a group of friends or just a cozy chat over coffee The Mill caters to both large groups and intimate gatherings. They serve locally roasted coffee by Joe Van Gogh. 

Choose from drip, pour over or French press depending on your preference or one of the seven different espresso drinks or six specialty lattes.

If you’re not in the mood for coffee, The Mill also serves tea, chai, hot chocolate, or hot cider among other things.

In the evenings the coffee shop turns into a bar serving locally brewed craft beer and a selection of wines. 

Address: 3201 Edwards Mill Rd #153, Raleigh, NC 27612 (click for map)

6. Heirloom Brewshop

Heirloom Brewshop was named one of America’s Best New Restaurants in 2019, and it’s not hard to see why.

This is not your typical coffee shop. The decor, as well as the menu, are a fusion of Asian and American styles.

All of their syrups are made in-store from scratch, coupled with their Little Waves coffee.

Heirloom Brewshop also offers an impressive selection of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Japanese teas.

Another impressive menu features many types of sake as well as draft and craft beer and cocktails. They are open 8 am to 6 pm daily. 

Address: 219 S West St Raleigh, NC 27603 (click for map)

7. The Third Place

A warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere awaits you in The Third Place. Oriental rugs and high-back chairs mark this coffee shop as one of a kind.

Much like the giant Raleigh acorn that the owner created in 1992 and that is used in every New Year’s Eve celebration here.

Coffee is made fresh daily with Larry’s Coffee and served with an assortment of pastries and sandwiches.

While you’re there check out the local arts and antiquities that are often for sale in the coffee shop. 

Address: 1811 Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27608 (click for map)

8. Sir Walter Coffee

Like the town, Sir Walter Coffee is named after the famous explorer Sir Walter Raleigh. This coffee shop exudes a retro vibe with its orange and gray decor and unusual artwork. 

You will find some of the best coffee in Raleigh here along with some exceptional coffee cocktails, hot teas, and tea cocktails.

If you’re feeling peckish there are some tasty snacks and light food options like specialty toasts and Belgian waffles.

If you are hooked on the taste of Sir Walter coffee they sell beans by the pound. 

Address: 145 East Davie Street, Raleigh, NC 27601 (click for map)

9. Full Bloom

There are many reasons to visit Full Bloom in Raleigh.

Of course, coffee is the main reason for its handcrafted roasted coffee beans, but there is also the amazing signature cold Honey Brew.

Organic cold brew coffee infused with pure honey. 

And we haven’t even mentioned the fantastic artisan sandwiches, panini, or bacon maple cupcakes yet. All ingredients are locally sourced and fresh. 

When they’re not serving great coffee Full Bloom offers craft beer on tap. Opening hours Tuesday to Friday are 8 am till 6 pm and 8 am till 3 pm on the weekend. 

Address: 141 W Main St Garner, NC 27529 (click for map)

10. Sola Coffee Cafe

Sola Coffee loves its town, and the mural on the front of their café says so. In large letters, ‘I believe in Raleigh’ leaves no one in any doubt as to what kind of community they live in. 

Serving breakfast from 7 am with a large menu and lunch from 11 am to 2:30 with an equally vast selection you certainly won’t go hungry at Sola Coffee Cafe.

Homemade donuts, toast creations, and ready-to-bake takeaway pizzas are just some of their delicious fare. 

All of this washed down with delicious Counter Culture coffee. 

Address: 7705 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, N.C. 27615 (click for map)

11. Benelux Coffee

A coffee shop inspired by a trip to Belgium means that the star of the show at Benelux Coffee is the wafel.

Beautifully partnered with delicious in-house roasted coffee the wafels are topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. 

There are lots of coffee blends to choose from and a good selection of tea blends as well.

Originally created to bring a taste of Benelux countries to Raleigh the coffee shop is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. 

Address: 402 Oberlin Road Suite 118, Raleigh, NC 27605 (click for map)

12. Jubala Coffee

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Located in North Raleigh Jubala Coffee weighs, grinds, and brews every cup to order. So whatever you are craving, you just have to ask.

Their coffee menu is extensive and brilliantly paired with their delicious food menu. 

Serving locally sourced Counter Culture coffee Jubala is committed to serving the Raleigh community.

Their coffee comes from Black and White coffee roasters in Wake Forest, NC and they have developed relationships with their coffee suppliers in Kenya. 

Jubala Coffee is frequently updating its coffee to offer customers new tastes all the time. 

Address: 8450 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 (click for map)

13. BREW Coffee Bar

For those who like their traditional coffee shop, BREW coffee bar will please them.

They serve pour over coffee and serve staples such as bagels, pastries, and sandwiches. Seasonal menus offer something different every few months. 

Opening hours are from 8 am till 3 pm every day. You can buy your favorite coffee beans and tea blends to take away or order online for delivery. 

Address: 2310 Bale St. Suite 106,  Raleigh, NC 27608 (click for map)

14. Lucky Tree

Lucky Tree is not just a coffee shop, it is a venue that supports local artists such as singers, musicians, and poets.

Twice a month they have an open mic night to encourage new talent to share their gift. 

When not inspiring new talent you will find the owners and staff promoting a vegan-friendly and wheat-free menu to complement their organic coffee and tea. 

The coffee shop also sells items created by local artists and is open from 7 am during the week and 8 am on the weekend. 

Address: 3801 Hillsborough Street, Suite 137, Raleigh, NC 27607 (click for map)

15. Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts

In the southwest Raleigh suburb of Apex is this delightful coffee house that is just as well known for its desserts as its coffee. It also sells wonderfully unique coffee mugs. 

Their selection of coffee blends is amazing with flavors such as lavender and pomegranate as well as the traditional vanilla or hazelnut.

If you are in the mood for dessert they serve such delights as cheesecake and pastries. 

Common Grounds also host seasonal events often with local musicians. A perfect way to spend a chilly winter’s evening. 

Address: 219 N Salem St (at Saunders St), Apex, NC 27502 (click for map)

Final Thoughts

Raleigh is a great town in North Carolina, with a wonderful community spirit. 

A lot of the coffee shops here are owned and operated by people who grew up in Raleigh, and they have the town’s best interest at heart. 

We hope you get to enjoy a coffee there soon. 

Check out our selection of the best coffee shops in North Carolina in the other places we cover in the state.

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