Best Coffee Shops in Raleigh (2025)

A Raleigh staple turned house roaster, Jubala pairs meticulous espresso with scratch biscuits and waffles. Frequently cited by Axios and praised by local food writers, it’s an essential stop for quality and community—now expanding downtown, per the News & Observer.

US Barista Champion–founded Black & White pours precision coffee inside Videri Chocolate Factory—an only-in-Raleigh pairing. Regularly recommended by Eater Carolinas and local editors; still very much active downtown with patio seating and chocolate-adjacent aromas.

Part coffee and tea house, part sake bar, Heirloom brings Laotian, Taiwanese, and Japanese flavors to the Warehouse District. Featured by Eater Carolinas and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, it’s known for exacting brews and a quietly striking room.

Family-owned since 2012, Sola is a North Raleigh gathering place with strong espresso, hot mini donuts, live music, and community fundraisers. Recognized by WRAL and voted Best Coffeehouse by Wake Living readers in 2025.

A downtown standby since 2006, Morning Times serves Counter Culture coffee with house-made pastries and an upstairs art gallery. Frequently noted by local critics for its enduring role as Raleigh’s urban living room.

Born in 2020 and now growing, The Optimist brews with Black & White beans and excels at friendly hospitality. Spotlighted by Axios for new locations and by WALTER Magazine for quality drinks and work-friendly vibes.

A roaster-run café tucked near Mordecai, Pine State is beloved for its balanced espresso and neighborhood feel. Lauded by WALTER Magazine and the News & Observer’s coffee bracket coverage; a local’s pick for bags to take home.

Downtown’s playful coffee-and-cocktail bar slings inventive signatures alongside classics, day to night. Regularly featured by Eater Carolinas and praised by locals for its creative menu and late hours.

A roastery-café with Vietnamese touches—think iced Vietnamese coffee and bánh mì—plus strong pour-overs. Recommended by Axios and Visit Raleigh for remote work and unique drinks.

Part coffee shop, part local art market, Lucky Tree hosts open mics and showcases work from dozens of makers. Highlighted by WRAL and Hillsborough Street’s business district as a creative anchor with organic, wheat-free bakes.

A rising indie roaster known for nuanced lattes and a warm, owner-led vibe. Topped Axios’s Triangle coffee ranking and profiled by Raleigh Magazine; a new standalone café is in the works while the Gussie’s bar continues to pour.

Since 1991, this NC State–adjacent original has fueled generations with straightforward coffee and community. A culture touchstone mentioned by Axios and local media; Hillsborough Street remains open, with Mission Valley now back too.