There’s nothing better than a cup of coffee to start the day and lucky in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area there are dozens of great local coffee shops throughout the Triangle area.
Here is a list of some of my favorites places and some highly recommended places to try for your next coffee fix.
Sola Coffee
Raleigh, NC
A must visit if you are in the North Raleigh location. Sola Coffee “I Believe In
Raleigh” coffee shop has a cool atmosphere and also plenty of outdoor sitting. It is my go-to getaway place. They serve a large variety for breakfast, lunch, and light dinner menu including some vegetarian and gluten-free options. They have a variety of Counter Culture coffees for your morning cup of cup or latte, they also have fresh juices to choose from, Kombucha on tap, variety of Toast, bagels, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, mini omelets, homemade baked goodies, smoothies, açaí bowl, salads, soups, small plates, and flatbreads, and of course their famously delicious hot mini donuts. On Saturday morning they have a pop-up market which is always nice to see and fresh flowers.
Jubala Coffee
Raleigh, NC locations
There are a few locations within Raleigh, but my favorite location of Jubala
Coffee is their Lafayette Village location for the scenery and vibe. They have robust Counter Culture coffee served drip, pour-over, French press, espresso, lattes, cappuccino, or flat white. They also serve freshly baked biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and sandwiches or salads for lunch.
People’s Coffee
South Durham, NC
A unique find in South Durham next to Southpoint Mall is People’s Coffee. You can enjoy a delicious cup of joe or lattes with house-made syrups, a few other steamed drinks including hot chocolate with Chocolate by Videri of Raleigh NC, teas, pre-made juices, smoothies, CBD waters, energy balls, breakfast goodies, toasts, & fresh salads. I like sitting on the outside bar table on lovely weather days.
Fount Coffee
Morrisville, NC
If you love Smoothie Bowls, then you need to try Fount Coffee. This lovely coffee shop in
Morrisville is in the Marketplace at Perimeter Park. Fount Coffee prides themselves that their menu is 100% Gluten Free on all dishes. You can find plenty of vegan options. They also serve Counter Culture coffee, lattes, espressos, teas, Kombucha on tap, salads, toasts, baked goods made fresh daily, locally brewed beers and selected wine with small plates. On amazing sunny weather days enjoy sitting outside or inside with the outside feel with their retractable wall that is open.
Namu
Durham, NC
If you haven’t been, it needs to be on your must-try list. Namu is a true hidden gem in Durham. It can be a little hard to find tucked behind some stores along a service road off Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard. For those who seek it out, it will be a true reward with a coffee lovers paradise. It’s part coffee shop part Korean restaurant that has unique and amazing spaces for a meeting, out with friends, or for the perfect coffee date. The spacious and beautiful location has an amazing assortment of indoor and outdoor seating with a total zen feel where you can quietly sip your latte while escaping for daily life stresses. In addition to a full coffee and espresso menu, Namu has an extensive food menu, beer, wine, and some of the best Korean street food around.
Cocoa Cinnamon
Durham, NC locations
Durham regulars can’t seem to get enough of Cocoa Cinnamon‘s hand-poured robust coffees and their cozy atmosphere. Cocoa Cinnamon serves a variety of different drinks from house made espresso drinks, lattes, chocolate drinks, hot teas, pastries/treats, and there famous fresh churros. There are 3 locations in Durham.
BEAN TRADERS
South Durham, NC
A fantastic go to local spot in South Durham. This place has it all, besides a great cup of Joe you can find delicious variety of fresh pies, waffles, baked goods/pastries, quiches, soups, bagels, Vegan/Gluten-Free bakeries, and more. Bean Traders is a great little spot that is a must try for everyone and is hidden spot right off of Fayetteville Road on Hwy. 54 near Southpoint Mall at Homestead Market shopping center — come see what makes this place a unique spot for coffee in Durham.
Coco Bean
Chapel Hill, NC
Coco Bean is tucked off Hwy 54 near Meadowmont and Fresh Market in East 54 Condo Building. Vegan and gluten free peeps rejoice as you can find plenty of vegan eats and drinks at the coffee shop not to mention even a Vegan Market. Did you know they even have Vegan subscription boxes you can purchase for delivery?
You can also get a variety of lattes, espressos (even CDB & Mushroom coffee), big variety of hot chocolates (I am dying to try the Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate) teas, cold drinks, baked goods/pastries, wine/beer, and much more.
JOE VAN GOGH
Durham, Chapel Hill, & Raleigh
You can find comfort in a cup and a light food menu options in some of the locations including different toast options, biscuits, fresh fruit parfaits and granolas, baked goods/pastries, and a seasonal salad special or sandwich. Joe Van Gogh has a few great locations in downtown central Durham, South Durham in Woodcroft shopping center, in Chapel Hill at Timberlyne Shopping center, and in Raleigh in Cedar West.
There are so many other fantastic and unique coffee shops around the Triangle area, what are your favorite go to gems?
