If you’re in need for a caffeine boost, then you’ll find many great local coffee shops in downtown Raleigh where you can get your espresso or latte fix, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
Over the past 10 years that we’ve lived in Raleigh, the coffee scene has definitely upped its game and continues to get better.
Whilst we are primarily latte drinkers (or flat whites when available, being Aussies), we’re no strangers to the coffee shops in the downtown area.
But with the insurgence of the whole craft coffee scene growing exponentially with new coffee shops, coffeehouses, and cafes opening up, it has really made choosing a cafe a challenge now there are so many options available to you.
The coffee scene continues to improve!
To help you out, we’ve listed our favorite coffee shops and cafes in downtown Raleigh (or within a 5-10 minute drive) where you can find the best roasted coffees, creamy lattes, and that delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee beans – who knows, you may even find us there!
Best Coffee Shops in Downtown Raleigh
Below are the coffee shops we personally love and visit regularly in Raleigh. You can often find us working at one of the tables or simply enjoying a roasted coffee with a friend.
You can find all these coffee shops on this helpful interactive map. Download this map by clicking the star icon in the top bar:
1. Jubala Coffee
Jubala is a chain of three coffee shops in Raleigh, but it’s the Hillsborough Street location you’ll find us at most often, either as a couple or even with our kids (you’ll know why soon!).
I love all things Jubala. From the coffee, to the vibe, to the location and their delicious food offerings – everything is made to order from their specialty coffees to their waffles and breakfast biscuits.
Whilst I can’t speak for their specialty coffees as I like to watch my sugar intake, for me their latte ranks as one of the best in the city, and they sell flat whites which us Aussies love (similar to a latte but made with less milk).
What I do know is, our kids absolutely love their nutella and banana waffles, and their choc chip cookies, and I love their egg and bacon biscuits. In fact, my daughter will happily drive the 15-minutes to their downtown Raleigh location from our home just to get their waffles.
I love the location on Hillsborough St, right across the road from NC State University campus and the Belltower, and underneath the cool Aloft Hotel which is one of the best places to stay in downtown Raleigh.
Being close to NC State’s main campus, it’s a popular spot for Wolfpack students to either work online and meetup with college friends, but there’s a cool mix of locals here, too!
Their menu is simple and not overwhelming. They use local beans from Counter Culture in Durham, and I always find their baristas super friendly and professional – you can tell they care about providing a great customer experience and delivering a superior product.
There’s an outdoor seating patio area with a great view of the iconic campus bell tower, our preference in warmer weather and to watch the world go by.
This is definitely one of the best coffee shops in Raleigh. And in the fall, they make a popular pumpkin spice latte. What’s not to love. Read our full review of Jubala Coffee shop.
- Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: JubalaCoffee.com
2. Heirloom Brewshop
We never could have imagined that after all our time traveling extensively through Asia, that one of our favorite downtown Raleigh coffee shops would be a union of Laos, Taiwan and Japan. For one thing, each of those countries has its own unique culture, and it’s amazing how effortlessly they intertwine at Heirloom Brewshop.
Heirloom is located in the Warehouse District (underneath the Dillon building), which is one of our favorite spots in downtown Raleigh and where you’ll find us often.
As mentioned, lattes are our go to coffee fix and if you’re a latte fan too, you can’t go wrong here! But from all reports, their full coffee and tea menu is popular!
Whilst there are other important elements for ranking “the best coffee shops”, if we’re purely talking lattes, Heirloom is our current favorite. Jubala a close second.
Heirloom is a specialty coffee shop, premium tea house, and sake bar with an Asian-inspired menu and aesthetics.
I love the wood slat ceiling, pink espresso machine, and large windows that provide for lots of natural light and a bright, sleek venue – it’s the best coffee shop in Raleigh aesthetically in my opinion.
They offer a great variety of beverages from brewed coffee and pour overs, to cortados, loose leaf teas, sake, draft beers and cocktails. There’s also a small bites and breakfast menu inspired by the founder’s Laotian and Taiwanese roots.
Food is central to their creativity and offerings for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with gluten free options and menu items for vegetarians/vegans and carnivores. Keep them in mind for breakfast in downtown Raleigh.
Consider the Taiwanese Fried Chicken Bowl and the Chicken Rice Porridge (I added a fried egg). Other options include a “Mapo” Tofu Rice Bowl, and Salt + Pepper Tofu. Oh, their Mochi Donuts (gluten free) are a hit too, and their space and ambiance is so inviting!
I find the service consistently friendly and personable, and the ambiance is always on point. It’s typically peaceful inside, much quieter than most coffee shops making for a nice space to get some work done. And there’s a few tables outside for those warmer days!
I’m a big fan of this coffee shop for many reasons, but I keep coming back simply because of their consistently great lattes – and our kids would drag us here for the cookies, and mochi donuts.
Heirloom is locally owned and operated, and they serve Little Waves Coffee and Counter Culture Coffee, both local coffee roasters in nearby Durham. Read our full review of Heirloom.
- Address: 219 S West St, Raleigh
- Website: HeirloomBrewShop.com
3. The Morning Times
Another favorite Raleigh coffee shop for many of the locals is right in the heart of downtown, and one we’ve been going to for years, The Morning Times.
We enjoy grabbing a coffee and our kids a treat from the pastry section and then sitting at one of the tables in the space upstairs that has a cozy laid-back atmosphere and also functions as a mini art gallery. It’s a great space to catch up with friends or get some work done.
This is a popular coffee shop with locals, and at peak times they’ll be lined up out the door.
If it’s quiet, we also enjoy sitting downstairs at the window and watching the world pass by outside. They also have seating on the sidewalk which is awesome on sunny days – and dog friendly if you have a furry friend.
Our lattes are always consistently good (they use Counter Culture coffee) and served by friendly and experienced barristers who never keep you waiting too long, and our kids love the chocolate chip cookies – are you noticing a theme here!
They serve all your regular coffee options plus teas, cocktails and beer. And they also sell breakfast and lunch items, including a kids menu, and each time we visit they have gluten-free baked goods.
Although it’s called the ‘Morning’ Times they are open till late and on they offer beer and cocktails. Stop in and relax, or grab a coffee to go and explore downtown on foot.
- Address: 10 E Hargett Street, Raleigh
- Website: MorningTimes-Raleigh.com
3. Idle Hour Coffee Roasters
A welcome addition to the Raleigh coffee scene back in 2020 was the boutique Idle Hour Coffee Shop, which quickly grew in popularity for more reasons than one!
Yes, this is a coffee house first and foremost, but good luck getting out of here without eating one of their delicious pastries or desserts, especially if you have kids like us!
Upon entry you are greeted by their pastry and desserts display and let me just say, it’s all great eye candy and our taste buds agree! The matcha cheesecake is an especially popular item on the menu!
But they also serve excellent coffee! This is a full coffee bar with staples such as espresso, latte, Americano, cappuccino, mocha, macchiato, chai latte, and pour over plus cold brew, nitro, and their highly regarded Vietnamese coffee!
Located on Oberlin Road in a lovely neighborhood spot not far from Five Points and Cameron Village, this is an adorable coffee shop from the outside with an inviting interior space that’s aesthetically pleasing – clean and fresh in appearance, a lovely ambiance, and welcoming and helpful staff.
All their pastries are made from scratch or by local vendors, and their popular Tepuy Donuts (handcrafted sourdough doughnuts) are a hit with the locals, and our daughters!
There’s also a small cafe menu with paninis and sandwiches and bagels if you’d like something more substantial, and while we haven’t ventured past their pastries and desserts yet, their Banh Mi sandwich comes highly recommended (next time).
If you visit in the fall, don’t miss their specialty fall lattes, the maple ginger and lavender honey latte. We also think their flour-less chocolate brownie slice pairs perfectly with a latte!
Inside seating consists of a few comfy couches and chairs, plus cozy booths, and outside is a few tables and chairs for the warmer days!
Overall, the space is beautiful with very chill vibes and coffee worth traveling for – I could definitely see myself working out of here post pandemic! A must try Raleigh coffee shop!
- Address: 1818 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh
- Website: Idle Hour Coffee.com
5. Black & White Coffee at Videri
This is a great little coffee shop inside the Videri Chocolate Factory in the Warehouse District – the smell of coffee + chocolate when you enter is heaven on earth!
Black & White is a bean to bar coffee roaster who started in nearby Downtown Wake Forest and now have three locations.
Their coffee and baristas create a great latte, and considering you’re in a chocolate factory, why not try their Mocha latte as they use the chocolate made onsite, or buy a block of chocolate from Videri and dip it in your coffee!
Chill environment with a clean and bright indoor seating area, but I love the outdoor patio area on a nice weather day as a place to sit and relax over a coffee and conversation. Got kids like us? Videri also offers soft serve ice cream – win, win!
Offering a full coffee bar menu, some great specials and seasonal drinks, and small selection of pastries. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, go see for yourself and leave with some beans and chocolate!
Black and White Coffee is a black owned Raleigh business by US Barista Champions Kyle Ramage and Lem Buttler.
- Address: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: BlackWhiteRoasters.com
6. 42 & Lawrence
Located across from Moore Square and historic City Market in downtown, 42 & Lawrence serves up really good organic coffee (using their own Larry’s Coffee) and nitro cold brews at their mod bar setup.
On the menu is a full coffee bar including all the espresso drinks, nitro cold brew, pour overs, and teas, specialty drinks using their own syrups made in-house, plus a small selection of pastries.
I like the sleek and modern interior of this coffee shop, with lots of natural light coming in from the large windows that look out on the corner of S Blount and E Martin streets.
Known for experimenting with unique coffee creations from their coffee lab, you can sit at the bar and watch their friendly barristers do their thing, or grab one of the high tables or sit outside on the sidewalk.
Go check out their coffee flights, or if you’re a tea lover their selection of loose-leaf teas is also popular with the locals.
- Address: 134 E Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: 42lawrence.com
7. Lucky Tree
This is a hidden gem of a coffee shop in Raleigh. We didn’t even know it was here for quite some time when we first moved to Raleigh.
Located on Hillsborough Street but a bit further down from NC State and away from downtown. If you’ve heard of the Brickhouse Sports Bar it’s next door to that, and across the street from Meredith College.
Lucky Tree offers a wide selection of delicious coffee and tea options and specialty lattes, and great vegan and gluten free bakery goods. Plus, wine and beers. Our kids are fans of their hot chocolates and I love their muffins!
But that’s not all. The other cool thing about this Raleigh cafe is it doubles as a local art and gift shop.
They represent artwork and handmade items from more than 50 local artists, so while you are waiting for your coffee, you can browse what’s on offer.
They also have live music nights and host the Free the Mic every 2nd and 4th Monday from 7-10pm.
And its coffee is roasted in Durham and milk by NC State’s Howling Cow. I love how they support local businesses and entrepreneurs in so many ways.
- Address: 3801 Hillsborough Street
- Website: LuckyTreeRaleigh.com
8. Iris Coffee Lab
The Glenwood South District of downtown Raleigh is known as the entertainment district with endless bars and restaurants up and down Glenwood Ave, and thanks to Iris Coffee Lab it’s also home to a cool coffee shop!
A modern, clean and stylish space that is continuing to evolve, coupled with personable staff and a relaxed vibe to sit for a while and enjoy a lovely coffee and bagel over conversation with friends, or pull out your laptop and work online over breakfast.
All the coffee and non-coffee drinks you desire, plus a rotating food menu that changes daily; at time of publishing bagels were a feature, with their Hotshot Bagel, an all-time best seller: egg, cheese, bacon, chive cream cheese, and hot honey from NY. In the past we’ve had smashed avo on toast and donuts.
Many New Yorkers will agree they have the best bagels in Raleigh because they are shipped in from NYC – made from the Hudson River water they all love!
I LOVE their Fall seasonal drink – an orange, chocolate latte. I wish it were year-round. We work down the street from Iris Coffee Lab at Raleigh Founded so love stopping here for a coffee break.
- Address: 725 Tucker St, Raleigh
- Website: IrisCoffeeLab.com
9. The Optimist Raleigh
Lovely neighborhood coffee shop tucked next to Historic Oakwood and nearby Mordecai, one of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh (inside the beltline).
Considering they opened during the pandemic in May 2020 and quickly grew to become one of the most popular coffee shops, their name and attitude is on point.
A calm and relaxing space with plants indoors and out creating a very inviting and homely feel, plus cool decorations especially during Halloween time.
The indoor seating area is bigger than you imagine (can fill up quickly on weekends), and if you prefer fresh air there’s a small outdoor sitting area in the front, and a small courtyard out the back.
Full coffee bar menu (they use Black & White Coffee), plus syrups and alternative milks, seasonal drinks and non-coffee drinks, as well as beer, wine and Mimosas.
Food wise there’s a small breakfast and lunch menu with hot and cold items and baked goods, pastries.
Overall, a relaxed and cozy space that’s not too loud if you want to sit for a while and get some work or study done. Parking out front in the small shopping center area.
- Address: 1000 Brookside Dr STE 109, Raleigh
- Website: TheOptimistRaleigh.com
10. Global Village Organic Coffee
Located on Hillsborough Street a short walk from Jubala, and directly across from NC State University, if you’re not familiar with Global Village but know of Mitch’s Tavern (one of the top sports bars in Raleigh), well this coffee shop is directly underneath Mitch’s.
If you’re looking for organic coffee and tea in Raleigh, this is a favorite cozy coffee shop of ours that pours quality coffees and specialty teas.
On the menu is organic coffee, wellness teas and super tea lattes, baked goods, sandwiches, breakfast burrito, avocado toast and more.
During the Christmas holiday period, we enjoyed their seasonal peppermint mocha and Christmas cookie latte, and one of their homemade baked goods, pastries and paninis (vegan and gluten-free options).
It’s a casual hangout with people of all ages, and especially State students studying or networking. So, if you’re looking for a meeting spot with friends or a place to get a bit of work online done, keep them in mind.
- Address: 2428 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: 50cupstea.com/global-village
11. Rebus Works
Rebus Works is a unique neighborhood shop in the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood on the edge of downtown Raleigh that is part coffee shop, art gallery, and grocery store!
It was established in 2003 as a community-oriented gallery run by artists, for artists with a focus on media and artists that were less frequently featured in other Raleigh locations.
We love to stop in here for a quality coffee and tasty bakes goods (or stay for a while and work online) and enjoy the cool and quirky decor with open space and nice lighting. They also have a record player for tunes that adds to the ambiance.
Admire the art on display, explore the local products in the grocery section, or maybe indulge in a craft brew (or grab a can to go).
They even have a weekend market showcasing local vendors. This place is such a hidden gem in Raleigh that truly supports local and a nice spot to visit with your partner or a friend, or even solo.
- Address: 301-2 Kinsey St, Raleigh
- Website: rebusworks.us
See Rebus in the video below.
12. Sir Walter Coffee
When we took a visiting family member from Australia here and they commented that they felt like they were in Brooklyn, NY. With its hip and modern interior, I thought that was a fair observation.
We haven’t frequented Sir Walter as much as I’d like, but when we do I always enjoy the vibe and drinks.
Located on E. Davie St. in downtown Raleigh and not far from Moore Square, Sir Walter Coffee is a cool barista bar with a focus not just on all your regular coffee options and flavors plus nitro cold brew and Vietnamese iced coffee, but also unique coffee creations, tea lattes, tea cocktails, kombucha, bubble tea smoothies and beer.
Sticking with our theme, we typically order a milkadamia latte, and they serve bagels and waffles to keep our kids happy. You get welcoming service and helpful tips on what to order, and a hip space to hangout and socialize or get some work done.
Not always the quietest of cafes if you’re easily distracted, but we always enjoy the upbeat music and atmosphere. It’s a popular place during First Fridays in Raleigh.
- Address: 145 E Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: SirWalterCoffee.com
13. Little Native Coffee Co.
Housed in a historic building on S. Person Street and merely steps from the heart of downtown, Little Native Coffee is one of the newest coffee shops to hit the Raleigh scene, and we’re all for it.
It may be small in size, but it’s big on coziness and character. In fact, there’s just a different aura about it and it gave us the feeling of walking into a coffee shop in another city. We enjoyed sitting by the open window with our lattes and lemon cake.
Full coffee bar menu and a selection of baked goods. There are a few small tables inside to sit and sip or get some work done online, and a nice outdoor patio to enjoy a coffee in the warmer weather.
- Address: 426 S Person St, Raleigh
- Website: DrinkLittleNative.com
14. BREW Coffee Bar – McNeill Pointe
We have been frequenting the original BREW Coffee Bar in downtown Cary since 2016 for their awesome lattes (they make the best lattes in Cary), and their location in McNeill Pointe (5 minutes’ drive north of downtown Raleigh) makes equally good coffees!
They do what their name says, brew quality coffee in real black ceramic mugs – if you follow us on Instagram you’ll know I’m not a fan of coffee in paper cups!
Brew serves up a full coffee bar of drinks including Espresso, Lattes, Cappuccinos, Americanos, Cold Brew and Drip, but also teas, kombucha, and craft beer!
As for food, choose from items like bagels, muffins, avocado toast, granola, and chicken & salad sandwiches.
Fair amount of seating inside and out, minimalistic interior, chill vibe, and generally always very clean.
- Address: 2310 Bale St #106, Raleigh
- Website: brewcoffeebar.co
15. The Left Hook Coffee
We first met the founder of The Left Hook, Kristin, brewing coffee at Rebus Works, and are excited that she’s now open her only little coffee shop inside one of the coolest, and newest neighborhood bars in Raleigh, Gussie’s.
Located on W. Morgan St near the roundabout on Hillsborough St and Saint Mary’s School and close to NC State University’s main campus, Left Hook occupies a cozy spot at the end of Gussie’s with a lovely outdoor patio area, and a few high-tops, booths and a cozy chair inside.
The Lefthook is a small batch roaster and coffee counter with a chill vibe and good music. Full Espresso bar, filtered coffee, cold brew, and non-caffeine options including hot cocoa and matching.
They roast their own beans, make their own syrups, and Kristin is very personable and experienced, tell her Caz & Craig from @ThisIs Raleigh sent you!
- Address: 927 W Morgan St Suite 116, Raleigh
- Website: TheLeftHookCoffee.com
16. Cup A Joe
Cup A Joe has been a popular coffee shop amongst the NC State students (and Raleigh locals) for over three decades. Located on Hillsborough St just a 5-10 minute walk west of campus, this is a coffee shop where you always see people on laptops or meeting with their classmates and friends.
They’re a small establishment, but they roast their own beans in-house, so you know they are fresh and aromatic. Personally, not my favorite cup of coffee by any means, but I do enjoy the interesting vibes, community gathering atmosphere, and they showcase local art.
They have a large variety of drinks including daily drink specials, and also serve teas, smoothies, and breakfast items and baked goods (including big cookies. Prices are reasonable and service prompt.
- Address: 3100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: CupaJoe.com
17. A Place at The Table
There’s no better community concept than at A Place At The Table Cafe, a pay-what-you-can and pay-it-forward cafe with multiple options to pay and to pay-it-forward if you can.
If you love to support local and those who are less fortunate than most, head here for a good cup of coffee – brewed with Black & White Coffee Roasters so you know it is good!
Pair your choice of latte, cappuccino, macchiato, mocha or espresso with something off the breakfast or lunch menu – I like their build your own biscuit sandwiches and club sandwich – and either sit indoors our outside on the sidewalk.
- Address: 300 W Hargett St #50, Raleigh
- Website: TableRaleigh.org
18. Bittersweet
More of a bar than a coffee shop, but for a different caffeine fix, I love to go to Bittersweet for their Espresso Martinis and Irish coffees (take me back to Ireland) and they do a range of coffee cocktails.
And during the day, our kids even love it here for their delicious and creative desserts including hot chocolates and s’mores sundaes. Their all-natural, local menu changes seasonally!
If you enjoy the concept of a dessert bar, a place where you can get bourbon with your pie, or champagne with your cake, put this local favorite bar on your list.
- Address: 16 E. Martin St., Raleigh
- Website: BittersweetRaleigh.com
19. Pine State Coffee
Finally, another recommendation to get a quality cup of coffee in Raleigh is Pine State Coffee, which is located on the outskirts of downtown.
Pine State has been a consistent favorite amongst the locals and our family, and we love it because they have gluten-free and vegan pastries!
It has a warm, relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with warm wood walls and fairy lights behind the counter. It only has a few tables inside and outside to sit in at, so if you’re looking for somewhere to quickly grab a takeaway coffee this is a good option.
I also love how when you walk in the first thing that hits you is the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans. And how when you order a latte, you get a MUG or latter, not some tiny cup! 10/10 for portion sizes!
It also doubles up as a retail space selling things like bags, shoes, totes and hats. Come for the coffee, stay for the pastries, leave with a hat.
- Address: 1614 Automotive Way, Raleigh
- Website: www.pinestatecoffee.com
Final Thoughts
I hope this list of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh helped you to find your next coffee fix while you’re in downtown.
Of course, people’s opinions of what makes a great cup of Joe is subjective, but as Australians, we think we know a nice cup of coffee (and cafe scene) when we sip on one.
Australia has one of the best coffee scenes in the world, on pare with New Zealand, and whilst serving up a consistently high-quality cup of coffee is important, what makes a great coffee shop to us also depends upon things like:
- Friendly service and professional baristas.
- Vibe and atmosphere.
- Variety of bakery goods, small bites.
- WiFi that works!
- Great location!
All of these coffee shops we’ve mentioned have ticked the boxes of those criteria, and we’ve been ruthless with our choices to ensure we only recommend the best of the best! (that’s how much we love our coffee!)
If you’re looking for the best coffee in Wake County, or even further in the Triangle, you must check out Fount Coffee & Kitchen in Morrisville. We absolutely love it! I feel like I’m back in Australia. And I love how everything on the menu is gluten free. Their coffee cake is delicious!
Please share with us in the comments below which was your favorite coffee shop in Raleigh downtown?
