One of my favorite treats is to work from a coffee shop. There is no shortage of great ones in Raleigh and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you are looking for a coffee shop to meet up with friends, have a space to work, a place to people watch, or just a grab-and-go great cup of coffee, here are 15+ coffee shops in Raleigh, North Carolina, and in the surrounding towns.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2024.
Top 15+ Coffee Shops in Raleigh NC
41 North Coffee Company
41 North Coffee Company in Wendell, NC is located right in the heart of Main Street, across from Aubrey & Peedie’s (seen here). The coffee is delicious, plus it is a great spot for lunch or for a sweet treat. The WIFI is reliable and it has a nice, laid-back vibe.
Address: 41 N Main St, Wendell, NC 27591
42nd & Lawrence Coffee Shop
42nd & Lawrence Café is located in downtown Raleigh across from City Market. It is one of the best-kept secrets in the city. It is a low-key spot, with delicious brews, and the option to order online and have your order ready when you arrive. The coffee shop takes sustainability seriously in their practices and they offer delicious coffee in an unpretentious environment.
Address: 134 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Blackbird Books and Coffee
Photo via Blackbird Books & Coffee Instagram
A bookstore + a coffee shop? Say less. Located in Historic City Market, Blackbird Books & Coffee serves up seasonal lattes and teas. They also offer really great events, like a monthly silent book club, monthly pop-up book club, yoga classes, and more!
Address: 323 Blake St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Black & White Coffee
Photo via Black & White Cafe Instagram
If you like trying interesting coffees, try out Black & White coffee. There are locations in Wake Forest, downtown Raleigh, and a newly opened location in RDU Terminal 2. I tried their Orange Rosemary Latte and it was absolutely delicious.
Addresses: 327 W Davie Street (inside Videri Chocolate Factory), Raleigh, NC 27601 | 314 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Cultivate Coffee Roastery
Cultivate is a quaint coffee shop in downtown Fuquay-Varina with a great pet-friendly patio. It is welcoming and cozy, with the perfect small-town vibe. They do a lot of work in the community supporting those recovering from addiction.
Address: 128 S Fuquay Ave, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Cup-a-Joe
Photo via Cup-a-Joe Instagram
Cup-a-Joe has been around for over 20 years and is a Raleigh staple for a great cup of house-roasted coffee. It is a funky, eclectic spot and one of my favorite places to get work done on a sunny afternoon sitting on their patio.
Address: 3100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Fount Coffee is in the up-and-coming town of Morrisville and offers a great sense of community. Their menu is 100% gluten-free and they offer great coffee drinks, wine, and smoothie bowls.
Address: 10954 Chapel Hill Rd Ste 109, Morrisville, NC 27560
Full Bloom Coffee Roasters
Photo via Full Bloom Coffee Instagram
This is hands down the prettiest spot in Garner. I drove past it for months without realizing what a great gem it is for the area. I love the Honey Brew Cold Brew with cinnamon. The cafe has great sandwiches and makes a great date night spot with local brews on tap.
Address: 141 W Main St, Garner, NC 27529
Heirloom Brewshop
I never want to leave Heirloom. It is such a delightful workspace with the prettiest fiddle leaf figs and other greenery that makes for a serene space. Their coffee is delicious and they have amazing teas, sake cocktails, and other unique options. You can find Heirloom in the Dillon in the Raleigh warehouse district.
Address: 219 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Idle Hour Coffee
Idle Hour is located right near Cameron Village and 5 Points. It has such a bright and fun space with delicious coffee and sandwiches. We tried the Grilled Cheese, the Norwegian, and our favorite, the G.O.A.T.
Address: 1818 Oberlin Rd #103, Raleigh, NC 27608
Jubala Coffee
I love Jubala’s coffee and tea and they have great sweet biscuits and avocado toast. There are three locations in Raleigh, one on Hillsborough St, one in Lafayette Village, and one in North Hills.
Addresses: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607 | 8450 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 |
200 Park at N Hills St Suite 140, Raleigh, NC 27609
lucettegrace
lucettegrace was one of the first coffee shops I ever visited in downtown Raleigh, and is still one that I frequent the most. I first visited when I was interviewed for my feature in Walter Magazine here. I love their hot drink selections and their macaroons are the best! If the lavender one is on the menu, definitely order that one!
Address: 235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Lucky Tree Coffee
Photo via Lucky Tree
This cute coffeehouse features delicious coffee and food options plus local vendors in the shop. They also host events like Free the Mic and other community events. Check their Instagram for offerings!
Address: 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
The Morning Times
Photo via Morning Times Instagram
Morning Times has been around since 2006 in downtown Raleigh and offers a second-floor art gallery with rotating pieces from local artists. They offer breakfast all day and serve their sandwiches with tater tots. Plus they have great specialty coffee, which is likely the reason you’re stopping by!
Address: 10 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Optimist
The Optimist opened in 2020 right in between Oakwood and Mordecai and serves locally roasted B&W coffee beans. Its the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful space with great outdoor seating options, freshly baked goods, and seasonal coffee favorites. The Optimist partners with several local businesses, including Trophy Brewing and Tribucha for offerings in the shop.
Address: 1000 Brookside Dr. STE 109, Raleigh, NC 27604 |
Sir Walter Coffee
This delicious spot has the best traditional coffee and tea beverages, plus great experimental coffee and tea beverages and a fun food menu at the kitchen location on Fayetteville St (set to open soon). Check out their espresso martini, too!
Address: 145 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | 555 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Sola Coffee Café
Photo via Sola Coffee Café Instagram
Sola Coffee is located right off of Lead Mine Rd. in North Raleigh. They serve a full menu, plus craft beer and natural wine, and their coffee is delicious! Sola also offers really cool community events, such as local markets and their annual Hot Minis 5K which raises money to end ALS.
Address: 7705 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
Thanks-a-Latte Coffee & Gift Boutique
Photo via Thanks-a-Latte Instagram
Thanks-a-Latte is a perfect spot for meeting friends for a leisurely coffee or as a co-working space with its large farm tables & reliable WiFi. I love their lavender lemonade and their scones. They have the cutest selection of gifts and welcoming employees.
Address: 1118 Kentworth Dr, Holly Springs, NC 27540 | 61 S Broad St E, Angier, NC 27501
Looking for other local favorites? Check out the Best of Series here.
