7 Best Coffee Shops in Raleigh 2024

In Raleigh, North Carolina, there’s an exciting coffee culture brewing, and it’s not just for locals – it’s for everyone, whether you live here or are just visiting. Raleigh has this cool mix of Southern charm and big-city vibes, making it a top spot for folks who really love their coffee.

So, in this blog post, we’re going to take you on a journey through the seven best coffee shops in Raleigh for 2024. The coffee scene in Raleigh is always changing, like a work of art that keeps getting better, and we’re your guides to this delicious adventure. Whether you’re a serious coffee expert, an adventurer looking for new experiences, or simply someone who enjoys a great cup of coffee, our list will show you the absolute best places to get your caffeine fix in the city

Jubala Coffee 

Jubala Coffee is the go-to destination for those who appreciate exceptional coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. Their claim to fame? The beloved “Cortado,” a classic espresso delight made by skillfully combining equal parts espresso and steamed milk.

Jubala Coffee isn’t just about its famous coffee; it has a special charm that makes it stand out. They have a menu that celebrates Southern food and even take part in barista competitions. So, when you visit, you’ll find a wide range of coffee experiences, and they add extra flavor with syrups they make in-house. You can enjoy their Espresso, which features two shots of different espresso types every Friday, or you can try something unique called “1 + 1.” It’s where one shot of espresso meets steamed milk, and the other gets all foamy on top.

But what really makes Jubala Coffee special is how much they care about getting really good coffee beans and keeping their natural flavors. They work hard to make sure the coffee they serve is top-notch. And if you like pour-over coffee, they have those too, with both single-origin and blended coffee options. It’s all about making your coffee experience the best it can be.

The Optimist Raleigh 

The Optimist Raleigh stands as a sanctuary for coffee lovers seeking a warm and inviting escape. While they may not have a single famous drink, what makes this specialty coffee house shine is its dedication to creating diverse and delightful coffee experiences.

A standout favorite here is the Honey Lavender Latte, a sweet and floral masterpiece that weaves together honey and lavender syrup with rich espresso. Beyond this aromatic delight, The Optimist Raleigh offers an array of espresso-based treasures, from creamy lattes to frothy cappuccinos and bold Americanos. Coffee aficionados will appreciate their commitment to quality, showcased in a selection of pour-overs featuring both single-origin and blended coffees. And when hunger strikes, The Optimist Raleigh has you covered with a tempting assortment of sandwiches, snacks, and pastries.

What truly sets The Optimist Raleigh apart is its dedication to local partnerships. They source their coffee from Counter Culture Coffee, a beloved local roaster, and their pastries from Layered Croissanterie and Darlin Design Cookies, ensuring that every element of your experience is steeped in the Raleigh community.

Heirloom Brewshop 

Heirloom Brewshop is not your ordinary coffee stop, it’s a journey into the world of unique and delicious coffee experiences. While their most famous drink isn’t specified, this specialty coffee shop offers an array of tantalizing options that promise to surprise and delight your taste buds.

One of their standout offerings is the Mochi Doughnuts, sweet and chewy Japanese-style delights crafted with rice flour and filled with an array of flavors. And for those seeking a sip of something special, the Matcha Latte awaits, a sweet and earthy masterpiece blending matcha powder and steamed milk.

But what truly sets Heirloom Brewshop apart is its culinary flair. Beyond coffee, they offer a delectable menu featuring Laotian and Taiwanese dishes, creating a fusion of flavors that are truly unique. Their dedication to sourcing extends to their partnerships, with coffee from local roaster Little Waves Coffee and teas and sake from Asia.

Sir Walter Coffee 

Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Sir Walter Coffee isn’t just a coffee shop, it’s an experience. Their signature “Sir Walter Latte” hints at the creativity that defines this coffee haven, where you can expect a variety of delights. Dive into coffeehouse classics, including lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos, each crafted with precision and care.

But the true magic unfolds in their Coffee and Tea Cocktails, an intriguing fusion of flavors both with and without alcohol. And if you’re seeking the refreshing embrace of cold brew, Sir Walter Coffee has you covered, offering an array of options, including the sought-after nitro cold brew. Beyond the drinks, Sir Walter Coffee presents an enticing menu, boasting pastries and sandwiches that complement your coffee adventure perfectly. The atmosphere here is a sensory delight, with hip and colorful decor inviting you to unwind, whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee or indulging in a mouthwatering meal.

Sola Coffee Cafe 

Sola Coffee Cafe is a family-owned haven that radiates warmth and flavor. A standout favorite here is the Honey Cinnamon Latte, a sweet and spicy masterpiece that marries honey and cinnamon syrup with rich espresso. But the journey doesn’t end there, Sola Coffee Cafe boasts a diverse menu of espresso delights, from creamy lattes to frothy cappuccinos and bold Americanos.

At Sola Coffee Cafe, it’s not only about serving great coffee, they offer so much more. If you’re someone who loves to explore the different flavors of single-origin and blended coffees, they have a pour-over selection that will make you happy. But it’s not just coffee – they want you to have a complete food experience. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and even pizza here.

They take their commitment to quality seriously. They work with a local roaster called Counter Culture Coffee for their coffee beans, and they get their teas and wines from small farms and tea gardens. This means that every sip of coffee and every bite of food at Sola Coffee Cafe is made with a lot of care and is authentic and tasty.

And when you step inside, you’ll find a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place where you can relax with a nice cup of coffee or savor a delicious meal. It’s like a comfortable and friendly place to hang out and enjoy good food and coffee.

Lucky Tree 

Lucky Tree isn’t just a coffeehouse, it’s a hip haven where coffee and creativity collide. One of their standout creations is the Vanilla Maple Latte, a sweet and flavorful espresso delight that harmonizes vanilla syrup and maple syrup with rich coffee. Beyond this inviting sip, Lucky Tree presents a menu brimming with espresso classics, from velvety lattes to frothy cappuccinos and bold Americanos.

What truly sets Lucky Tree apart is its blend of coffee and culture. This coffeehouse doubles as an art gallery, featuring local art exhibits and hosting open-mic nights that infuse the space with a creative and welcoming ambiance. Amidst whimsical decor and a relaxed atmosphere, Lucky Tree invites you to unwind with a cup of coffee, savor delectable treats, and immerse yourself in the local art scene. 

42 & Lawrence

42 & Lawrence is a haven of unique and cozy coffee experiences. Their signature drink, the “Cortado,” hints at the exceptional coffee journey that awaits within these welcoming walls.

For those seeking a refreshing kick, their nitro cold brew offerings are sure to satisfy. And if you’re a coffee connoisseur in search of nuance, their pour-over menu presents a variety of single-origin and blended coffees to delight your palate. But what truly sets 42 & Lawrence apart are their specialty drinks, infused with house-made syrups. It’s a testament to their commitment to crafting unique coffee experiences. In the midst of its laid-back and inviting ambiance, this coffee shop warmly beckons you to unwind, whether you’re sipping on a delightful cup of coffee or getting down to business.

FAQs – Raleigh Coffee Shops

Q: Are there any coffee shops in Raleigh that provide jobs for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities?

A: Yes, 321 Coffee provides downtown Raleigh with delicious coffee in a cozy setting, and they also provide jobs for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Q: What are some coffee shops in Raleigh that have a cozy atmosphere?

A: Some coffee shops in Raleigh that have a cozy atmosphere include:

• Heirloom Brewshop 
• The Morning Times
• Sola Coffee Cafe 
• 42 & Lawrence

Q: What are some coffee shops in Raleigh that also serve food or turn into lunch spots in the afternoon?

A: Many coffee shops in Raleigh also serve food or turn into lunch spots in the afternoon, including:

• Heirloom Brew Shop – Coffee, Tea, Kitchen
• Sir Walter Coffee
• Common Grounds Coffee House & Desserts
• Pine State Coffee
• Lucky Tree