Press Coffee & Crepes: Our Favorite Spot in Raleigh for Breakfast, Brunch, and Coffee

If you’ve been following us for a while, you know how much we love uncovering Raleigh’s gems, especially when it comes to coffee and brunch. And if there’s one place we return to again and again, both on lazy Saturday mornings and when we’re entertaining out-of-town family and friends, it’s Press Coffee & Crepes in downtown Raleigh. This European inspired café has become our spot for breakfast, brunch, and coffee, and honestly, it never disappoints.

European Vibes & Cozy Ambiance

Walking into Press instantly transports you to a European café. There’s a warm, welcoming vibe with sunlit tables, chatter of friends catching up over cappuccinos, and the comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee and crepes sizzling on the griddle of the open-air kitchen.

We love sitting inside and feeling that French sophistication but sitting on their outdoor patio is equally as good. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer, ordering “just one more coffee” (which I almost always do).

Why People Love Press

Local to North Carolina with the original Press cafe in Graham, the founders created Press with the idea of putting a unique spin on classic crepes, inspired by their favorite dishes and flavors. And that creativity shows as every plate we’ve ordered has felt both elevated and comforting. Add to that the best coffee in town, excellent service, and thoughtful touches like gluten-free crepe options, and you’ll see why it’s so beloved.

It does get busy – especially on weekends – so our advice is to arrive early or visit on a weekday if you want a quieter experience. They don’t take reservations, but the wait is always worth it and moves relatively fast.

The Coffee (AKA, My Happy Place) & Other drinks

We’ve tried all the top coffee shops around Raleigh, and Press is easily one of the best. Their baristas know how to strike the perfect balance between strong espresso and creamy milk, whether you’re after a velvety flat white (my usual), or a proper 12oz latte, which is surprisingly hard to find done right. At Press they are done right!

One server even knows my order by heart, right down to the fact that I almost always follow my first flat white with a second. That’s when you know a place has become your “local.” Now, since I know they can make a good latte, I tend to have one latte, instead of the two smaller flat whites! Just give me all the coffee!

Our kids love their hot chocolates, too

They also have a grab-and-go espresso bar, which we frequent often. It’s our go-to when we want a great coffee and, if you like, pastry to take on the run (though note: the pastries aren’t gluten-free). Press uses Counter Culture Coffee, roasted in Durham and known worldwide. They also regularly train their experienced baristas. Thank you for understanding why this is important!!

Press serves any kind of coffee and espresso you desire as well as creative seasonal lattes, match and chai lattes, affogatos, hot chocolates (our kids love these, loose leaf tea, and juices.

Because I’m always so focused on their coffees, I rarely order any of their cocktails. But I have stuck with the coffee theme before with an espresso martini! Press has a variety of mimosas, and classic and seasonal cocktails, as well as mocktails.

Delicious Food, Gluten-Free Options & Our Favorites

The main event at Press, as the name suggests, is their lineup of delicious European-style crepes — but these aren’t your typical Parisian pancakes. Press puts a creative Southern twist on tradition, blending European inspiration with regional flavors that make every bite a surprise. And I love that they offer sweet or savory options!

They’re always testing the crepe-filling boundaries, dreaming up new and innovative combinations inspired by their favorite comfort dishes — think a decadent strawberry cheesecake crepe, or a hearty country hash with sausage gravy and over-easy eggs. Their menu changes with the seasons, featuring locally sourced ingredients and fun experimental specials that keep regulars (like us!) coming back for what’s new.

One of the reasons I love Press so much is that it’s one of the few places in Raleigh where I can enjoy gluten-free crepes without feeling like I’m missing out. They use buckwheat flour (just be sure to request it), and they prepare gluten-free crepes on a separate cooking surface — something they’re great about checking on when you order. Almost any crepe on the menu can be made gluten-free, though occasionally a filling can’t be, like the seasonal breakfast poutine I had my eye on — the gravy wasn’t gluten-free, sadly!

Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty to love here. And if crepes aren’t calling your name, Press has a full breakfast and brunch menu featuring Reuben sandwiches, Caprese paninis, avocado toast, breakfast bruschetta, and lox & toast. Most dishes range from $16 to $18, and the portions are as generous as the hospitality. Some of our personal favorites include:

• BLT morning crepe with smoked bacon, pimento cheese, eggs and avocado
• the BBJ&M bourbon bacon jam, grilled portabella mushroom, blue cheese and tater tots topped with hurricane eggs, hot honey, and goat cheese
• Blueberry lemon curd crepe (sweet heaven)
• Grilled portabella hash brown waffles with goat cheese and cucumber dill sauce. (hash brown waffle is also gf) 

PRO TIP: If dining with a friend or partner, why not order a sweet and savory crepe and share it – they are big enough!

Great Customer Service

We’ve always had great service at Press – as mentioned even having one server always happily greeting us and knowing our order. Mistakes can happen anywhere, but how a restaurant handles them says everything, and Press has always gone above and beyond to make things right.

On a visit with my sister, our meal was unusually extremely slow to arrive, and they covered the check without us even asking, and we weren’t too unhappy about the delay as we were busy chatting. That kind of customer service earns big points.

If you’re gluten-free, always double check your order before digging in, as I once accidentally got served a regular crepe and realized after a few bites. The staff were quick to apologize and correct the mistake. As a gluten-free eater, this can happen often at other restaurants too.  Luckily, I’m not celiac, but it still did bring me discomfort through the week.

Why It’s Our Go-To

We’ve taken family members from Australia, visiting friends from out of state, and even business contacts to Press, and without fail, everyone has loved it. It’s the kind of spot that appeals across the board: casual but polished, familiar yet unique.

And when we want something a little different, we head to their Durham location, which we loved before a bike ride along the American Tobacco Trail. And if you like a good day trip, you may want to venture out to Graham, North Carolina where Press began.

Final Thoughts

Press Coffee & Crepes isn’t just another brunch spot in Raleigh, it’s one of those places that manages to combine great food, perfect coffee, European charm, and genuine service into an experience you’ll want to repeat again and again. So, if you haven’t been yet, put it at the top of your Raleigh brunch or breakfast list. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering a second flat white before you leave. OR maybe even a second crepe – one savory, one sweet = a breakfast hard to beat.

Check out these other gluten free restaurants in Raleigh and vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh. We also love these places for brunch in Raleigh and breakfast in Raleigh!