Being in grad school and creating content for my blog has created a great opportunity for me to explore coffee shops around Raleigh and its suburbs. I find it helps me to stay focused and on task to devote time to work at local coffee shops, while also staying well caffeinated. Here are the 15 best coffee shops in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for 2020.
Top 15 Coffee Shops in Raleigh NC
41 North Coffee Co
41 North Coffee Co in Wendell, NC is located right on the Main Street, across from Aubrey & Peedie’s (seen here). The coffee is delicious, plus it’s 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 Expresso Bar and Coffee Lab
42nd & Lawrence Expresso Bar and Coffee Lab is located right in downtown Raleigh across from City Market. This spot is a coffee lab to experiment with Larry’s Beans. It’s a low-key spot, with delicious brews, and the option to order online and have your order ready when you arrive.
Address: 134 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Cultivate Coffee Roasters
Cultivate is a quaint coffee shop located in downtown Fuquay-Varina. It feels nice and cozy, with the perfect small town vibe. My favorite part is the coffee subscription with freshly, locally roasted coffee beans. I’m also really excited about them bringing ice cream to the shop soon!
Address: 128 S Fuquay Ave, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Cup-a-Joe
The Hillsborough St. location has become one of my favorite spots to get work done and to have a great hot Chai Fusion. It’s a great, local spot, and one that I feel my most productive at on weekends.
Address: 112 W King St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Fount Coffee + Kitchen
Fount has a great atmosphere, amazing avocado toast, and coffee options in Morrisville. It’s always packed, but the airy environment and friendly staff make it a welcoming experience!
Full Bloom Coffee Roasters
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, plus it 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 pretty workspace with the prettiest fiddle leaf figs. Their coffee is delicious, but 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, but also their BLT is one of my favorites in Raleigh. There are two in Raleigh, one of Hillsborough St and one in Lafayette Village.
Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607 | 8450 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
lucettegrace
lucettegrace was one of the first coffee shops I went to in downtown Raleigh, and it holds a special place in my heart. I interviewed for my feature in Walter Magazine here and was really thrilled for the opportunity. I love their hot drink selections, but their macaroons are the best!
Address: 235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Maude’s Garden & Coffee
I love the eclectic vibes of Maude’s Garden and Coffee! There are lots of great gift ideas for the gardener in your life, fresh flowers, and delicious coffee. It’s a great spot to spend the afternoon.
Address: 12333 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
The Optimist
The Optimist opened in 2020 right in between Oakwood and Mordecai and serves locally roasted B&W coffee beans. It’s space is beautiful, has great outdoor seating options, freshly baked goods, and seasonal coffee favorites. It’s a great spot for a sunny afternoon spent catching up over socially distant coffee!
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. The interior is gorgeous and open, plus it’s in a great part of downtown Raleigh.
Address: 145 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601 | 242 S Main St Suite 118, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Sola Coffee Cafe
Sola has the “I believe in Raleigh” mural painted on the side and collaborates with Two Roosters for delicious flavors. It’s located right off of Lead Mine Rd. in North Raleigh. They serve a full menu, craft beer, and their coffee is delicious!
Address: 7705 Lead Mine Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
Thanks-a-Latte Coffee & Gift Boutique
Thanks-a-Latte was my original go-to coffee shop in the suburbs of Raleigh. I love their lavender lemonade and their scones. It’s a great space for coworking with reliable Wifi and big, farm tables. Plus, they have the cutest selection of gifts and welcoming employees.
Address: 1118 Kentworth Dr, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Looking for other local favorites? Check out the Best of Series here.
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