Jubala Coffee ★ 4.2
Raleigh's flagship independent specialty coffee brand with four city locations. Direct-trade sourcing globally and in-house roasting launched in 2024.
Signature drink: Direct-trade single-origin pour-over
Coffee shops, bakeries with seats and the places Raleigh lingers in over a cortado.
Where to sit and slow down
Jubala Coffee (Downtown) ★ 4.0
The downtown Jubala location, with Bar Marigold open Wednesday through Saturday from 17:00. Consistent quality draws the downtown office crowd all week.
Signature drink: Espresso and single-origin filter
Morning Times ★ 3.9
A well-established downtown all-day cafe on Hargett Street serving coffee alongside bagels, sandwiches, omelets, and daily specials. Open until 15:00.
Signature drink: Cold brew
Sola Coffee Cafe ★ 4.2
A family-owned North Raleigh institution since 2012 built around community. Counter Culture coffee, handcrafted food, and an annual ALS fundraising 5K.
Signature drink: Counter Culture espresso
Heirloom ★ 4.0
A stylish all-day Southeast Asian-inspired cafe in Glenwood South. Specialty coffee and matcha through the day; a fuller dinner menu with spiced cooking.
Signature drink: Matcha latte
Joe Van Gogh (Cedar West) ★ 3.9
A Triangle institution founded in Chapel Hill in 1991. Solar-powered-roasted, ethically sourced coffee; the Cedar West outpost serves northeast Raleigh.
Signature drink: Loring Smart Roaster house blend
Raleigh Raw ★ 3.9
Entirely gluten-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, and seed oil-free. Cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and organic scratch food in central downtown Raleigh.
Signature drink: Cold-pressed green juice
La Farm Bakery (Glenwood South) ★ 4.3
Downtown outpost of the James Beard-nominated Triangle boulangerie. Breads, pastries, and viennoiseries alongside Counter Culture espresso and brunch plates.
Signature drink: Counter Culture espresso
Jubala Coffee (North Hills) ★ 4.0
North Hills Jubala has extended hours, making it a reliable evening option. Same direct-trade sourcing and in-house roasting as all four locations.
Signature drink: Direct-trade single-origin
Brewery Bhavana ★ 4.7
The bookshop and flower shop give Brewery Bhavana an all-day cafe character. Belgian farmhouse ales pair well with lunch; dim sum available from opening.
Signature drink: Belgian farmhouse ale
Boulted Bread ★ 4.5
Raleigh's most celebrated craft bakery doubles as a daytime cafe. Stone-milled organic grain, exceptional pastries, and filter coffee in a compact space.
Signature drink: Filter coffee
Yellow Dog Bread Co ★ 3.9
A neighbourhood artisan bakery on East Franklin Street serving handcrafted breads, pastries, and baked goods made from scratch. A devoted local following.
Signature drink: Coffee