Sola Coffee Cafe

What a fun Raleigh coffee find !! This one is very cute, great coffee, a great menu, beer & wine and the great service and staff. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating available plus an additional patio w communal picnic tables. Cute.

Such a gem. You’ll wait to be seated but the hosts help get people seated quick so no worries. The juice and the coffee and sandwich were made quickly and so delicious! 😋 If you’re coming here for a virtual meeting, think again! It’s a LIVELY coffee shop and there are not a lot of outlets. Come here to socialize and be amongst people not to work remotely. Thank me later!

Another FIVE STAR Sola meal with this delicious heirloom tomato, bacon, avocado, lettuce, and mayo, followed by my favorite chocolate brownie dessert! (see new photos); (2): EXCITING NEWS – Sola Coffee Cafe is expanding outdoor dining with the addition of an outdoor patio for year-round use – complete with fans for summer and heat for the winter. See photos. Also, Sola remains FIVE STAR STATUS... See photos of my favorite early meal (Breakfast Bowl and cappuccino). Update (1): Wonderful breakfast bowl and cappuccino this morning (see photo) --- Sola Coffee Cafe is a FIVE STAR breakfast and lunch stop we visit frequently. The menu is varied; our favorites include the breakfast bowls; baked goods; cappuccino; chicken salad and avocado; summer tomato sandwiches; desserts; and more. Inside/outside dining; solo, doubles, groups, and child-friendly (pets, too). Location: Free standing building at Greystone Shopping Center in North Raleigh. See you there! PS – Yes, it is irritating if you bring your computer and block up a table during breakfast and lunch hours. Mama should've taught you better... Sola is not an office.

This was my first time here because my friend really wanted a coffee. But I’m glad we fell upon this cute little spot. The coffee was good and so were the mini donuts, I chose the pink panther strawberry flavor. They were warm, fresh and delicious! It was very crowded on a Saturday midday, but service was quick and great. Definitely going back again.

Added to my favorite spot list! So much yum. I wish more coffee spots also provided fantastic food! I arrived at peak lunch time and the line was literally out the door. That said, I only had to wait about 5 minutes.. how?! That’s amazing, especially considering how good the food is. The staff was friendly, helpful, and EFFICIENT. The interior was clean and modern with a cool vide- great place to sit for a bit with friends and/or a laptop getting work done. Parking is a breeze given the shopping center surroundings. I’ll be back (not intentionally working the terminator)..

I like that there are plenty of options on the menu. I recommend arriving very early to avoid the chaos of the crowds. However, if you’re seated outside, like I was, no one cleans the tables. The time I went, there was vomit on the floor, and the worst part was the flies, which completely ruined the experience for me. You order first, and then they bring the food to your table, but by the time the server finds your table, flies have already swarmed your food. It’s not a very smart setup. I recommend the breakfast bowl, the acai bowl and the smoked salmon. To drink the chai latte and the green juice. I definitely wouldn’t recommend the peach ricotta, it was terrible.

It had been a long time since I visited this place, so my husband and I decided to go on NYE. We came right before 11 am, which is when they start switching to lunch. However, we were already in line, so we were able to order breakfast. The line was out the door. There isn't a lot of room to line up inside. I feel like they need a bigger location because it is packed in there, and the tables are quite close together. I got the iced eggnog latte, a side of sausage, and the Nutella and banana toast. Everything was really good. My husband and I also split some mini cinnamon sugar donuts holes. They're quite small but tasty. The staff kept coming around to pick up plates we were done with, and I would prefer to just take them all when we're done to the dishes area. It feels like they just want you out of there to free up another table. Nevertheless, I like the food and drinks and would love to try their lunch/milkshakes sometime.

Wish I could give 6 stars! Loved the vibe inside & out. The coffee & food was amazing. We had hot lattes with the maple cinnamon house made syrup & oat milk, and the smoked salmon toast. Family had the strawberry smoothie and bagel sandwich. Can’t wait to visit again when we visit the area.

Sola for lunch ..is a good idea! Everything from the food, service and ambiance left a great first impression. Met a friend and got the half sandwich (curry chicken salad on baguette) and salad (maximized living salad,which is now my new favorite salad. Stood in a fast moving line and received service with a smile. The staff seemed cheery/friendly and was happy to remove plates etc once done eating . They are closed Sunday and Monday and do not have evening hours or WiFi. However, there is free parking in the lot, indoor and outdoor seating, and plenty of reasons to come back!

Usually I've had good experiences with sola, but I was quite disappointed today. I had my boyfriend pick up some breakfast this morning and I requested the Gonza sandwich but with cheddar instead of pepper jack cheese because that's just my preference. He told me the woman at the counter said they can't sub cheese but it wouldn't be a problem because pepper jack isn't spicy. Well I got the sandwich and after two bites, I was sweating and my mouth was burning profusely from the salsa on the sandwich. No where on the menu does it allude to this being a spicy dish. I don't mind spice, but this was intense. I genuinely couldn't eat it and had to throw the whole thing away. I just think it's interesting that the lady said to not worry about the spice in the cheese but didn't mention the salsa. The sandwich was also very very small and I wasn't expecting that. There are other things sola is good for so I don't want to say it isn't worth going to, but I was quite upset about this experience.

Yummy! The Avocado Salomon Bagel was delicious! On this day I ordered the Avocado Bagel and a Latte both made my day by far. Location is decent, good parking wise and not difficult to locate. It's within a shopping center with a Food Lion - so there you go The only point of sadness would be the fact that they are not open on Mondays. Well, worth a visit OR well worth waiting until Tuesday to grab a cup of Joe and any of their breakfast items! Oh, the customer service was awesome and the atmosphere is very much coffee house vibe.. And, I went for the plain bagel for mine.. It contained red onion, fresh dill, tomato , cucumber and avocado

This place always has a line here even right when they open and for good reason. Never ordered an item here that I didn't like. This time I got the staff sandwich which I liked more than a lot of sandwiches I've had with similar ingredients. And the pink panther donuts were yummy. The vibe inside is always nice as it seems the entire local area is always there and happy to be there.

FYI - very restricted WIFI access - not available 9am-1pm. Frustrating after initially spending $20 on food/drink, anticipating a few hrs work (like comparable places), only to run into connectivity issues. (*They intentionally turn it off during those windows of time. With so much seating, surprised they are discouraging remote workers.) Also very curt and slow service experience. Is a better place to meet up with others, great food and drink menu - diverse and fresh. Very cute apparel available as well. Lots of outdoor seating. With this being a bit of a drive for me, WIFI restriction will prevent me from returning as often. But neighborhood spot for locals.

Food: 4 Ambience: 4 Service: 5 Date/Time: 8/19/2023 1:30pm Crowd: most tables inside and out occupied, 3 in line to order Order: Chicken & Pesto on wheat, Peach Turkey Keep passing this place thinking it was just a coffee cafe (as the name suggests) and finally looked it up to find a menu of food items. It's definitely a busy place and the fact they don't even turn on the wifi until 2 hours before they close (nine at all on Saturdays) indicates the foot traffic they probably have during those off times. That certainly was the case on this Saturday. It's a cute little place but pretty tight for dining with small simple tables near the entrance and lots of tables outside. The main area is pretty packed with the counter and kitchen. The food is very good and fresh and is served relatively quick considering the crowd at the time. The interesting menu item called Peach Turkey was actually a good combination! The Chicken & Pesto was tasty as well but the garlic aioli overpowered the pesto so the expected taste was not there. Overall it was good food and a lively atmosphere. Would definitely recommend it!

SO GOOD. They have amazing coffee (i think it's counterculture, which is the best coffee roaster in the triangle). The food was cooked to perfection. My lovely husband got a blueberry scone, obviously I had to try it, and it was delicious. I ordered a Breakie BLT - the egg was perfectly runny and the bacon had just the right amount of crisp. The cashier was so friendly- she even asked me about the Barbie movie because i was still riding the high of that and wearing my merch. Such a cute atmosphere and I will 100% be coming back.

Great atmosphere and wonderful staff! So friendly and so kind. Cardamom latte was delicious. I got a latte which I didn't love and I told the cashier I didn't like it, and he offered to re-make it or give me something completely new for free -- which I appreciated, as many shops would not do that! All the workers are kind and patient. I will definitely be back! Also, super cute places to sit outside!

Sola my heart Love the atmosphere The place is full of cheer Laughter everywhere The kinda cafe where dogs get treated well And kids beg for the hot minis You'll hear screaming and crying babies occasionally Gender neutral restrooms Service is fast They have seasonal options, parking is optimal There's always a surplus of good energy here The owner is often walking around somewhere And you can really tell that he cares Thanks John

Great food and service but no data or WiFi!!! I was looking for a place to work from home and have a sweet treat and I used to come to Sola all the time so when I arrived and ordered my $20 worth of food, I opened my laptop to realize that there was no service so I had to leave. Big sad. it's still a wonderful place to come if you were showing Raleigh to someone or coming with friends to hang out but the Wi-Fi situation has just rubbed me the wrong way.

Super yummy coffee, super yummy breakfast! Ambiance was great, service was helpful but their breakfast was next level

Pompous owners. Mediocre product. The ownership excuses their terrible service by saying, "but we're so busy".

I have really enjoyed frequenting Sola! This review is based on friendliness, speediness, and quality of food/drinks. However the only con is that they have so many loyal patrons that you really have to find a good time to go otherwise expect to wait in line to get your order. I came here a lot when I was pregnant because they made a really good decaf latte and their sausage egg sandwich was just what I needed. I've also had their Sola mini donuts which is not what you normally would expect from a "donut" but it'll just melt in your mouth and before you know it, you'll want another half a dozen. I like Sola because of its environment and the neighborhood "vibe". I would highly suggest going and trying it out. You might be hooked! My favorite time to go is 730am. There are less people there :)

Great selection if you want a healthy meal. Plus the little baby donuts are yummy too!

Love the whole vibe of this place. Fresh coffee, connecting with old and new friends alike and just an overall feeling of welcome- who can't love this place!? I also like that they limit Wi-Fi during the primary hours so the tables aren't all taken by lone workers staring at their computer. It just encourages community and conversations. Want to feel the heartbeat of our community? Visit Sola!

Let's start with things I liked: (I) atmosphere, not too shabby for working, lightly decorated for the holidays, (II) presentation of the drink was beautiful, that's always a plus. Things that were 'meh': I ordered the chai tea latte and the taste didn't match the presentation. Barely any chai flavor, very mild ...more like warm milk with a hint of chai. (Note: this is a coffee shop, so I would like to assume their coffee is better.) Also, there are very few outlets if you're coming to work and want to use your laptop. That seems fairly intentional with the design, given where the sockets would be they're clearly covered/removed. And they turn off the wifi 9am to 1pm, very unfortunate if you like working from coffee shops like me. Overall ok. I'd be willing to come back and try out their food. But, if you're a chai person and/or intending to sit and do work (with laptop/wifi) then this one isn't for you. If you're just meeting up with a friend and/or looking for a quick bite, then Sola Cafe could be an option.

Just a cool place to chat with friends while enjoying some light savory fare. Quaint local eatery with great seating options, but you'll still have to consider outdoor or to go service because they are absolutely not hurting for business. Go eat and see why you'll wish to go and eat again.

Came back and tried the mini donuts (ordered half dozen for $2.50 but they actually gave us 9!!!) and an iced capp with vanilla and oat milk. So good! The ambiance on a Friday morning is so fun (and busy).

A cute and quick breakfast or brunch spot perfect for a quick bestie meetup--that's what I did! Had their Peach caprese sandwich (seasonal but oh so good!) and an iced latte. They have a full coffee/espresso menu, and seasonal drinks. They have a breakfast and lunch menu with many healthy options. Also of course had to try their popular hot mini donuts (got the espresso flavor). The place does get busy weekday or weekend, but the service is pretty consistently efficient and friendly.

Amazing coffee, delicious food! Great breakfast or lunch spot that has something for everyone! Service is fairly quick and staff is friendly.

I don't know why I don't come here more often! I've loved everything I've ever had from Sola and have picked up some new favorites recently. The coffee and beverage selection is solid, and it's a great choice for a tasty and unique breakfast, or clean and satisfying lunch. My go-to breakfast sandwich on the menu is the Gonza (the green salsa is KILLER!) and the Greystone is a close second. I also never leave breakfast without at least half a dozen of the infamous hot mini donuts! If you don't get anything else when you visit, grab a bag of cinnamon sugar and/espresso donuts. Last time I visited for lunch, I kept it simple with a half sandwich and side. I opted for ra chicken salad sandwich on a baguette with chips as the side. It was just enough for what I needed plus it's hard to beat a $7 lunch! Sola always has really upbeat staff and it feels like a community of people when you visit. They've got a great story and host community events throughout the year. Highly recommend anytime you can get there!

My cousin and I came here for breakfast on a Saturday morning around 10am. The line was out the door! This is a popular spot, we waited about 20 minutes to order. I had a coffee and the mini garden veggie omelet, which had pepperjack cheese, roasted tomatoes, peppers, and arugula. It was the perfect size for a light breakfast. The coffee was good and I love how it was served out of a diner-style mug. We also shared the mini donut holes. We opted for the espresso flavor, which was fantastic. They were still hot when we ate them. Overall, great place for breakfast or brunch, but be prepared to wait in line!

Every time I come to NC from NY I ALWAYS get there coffee and ANY breakfast toast BUT today I had a late and fantastic lunch with wine and WOW. Don't miss out You just gotta go by , let your taste buds go nuts. Great atmosphere Excellent service Never in a rush. So have a seat, slow down and just enjoy yourself.

Such a great place for coffee! It's highly rated for a reason and they are so fast to get everything out for you.

Awesome cafe for coffee and breakfast. I got an iced coffee, which was great, and tried the greystone sandwich, peach scone, chocolate chip cookie and two types of mini doughnuts (cinnamon sugar and birthday cake). The highlights were the sandwich and cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Edit: Returned and tried the gonzo sandwich, which was also tasty, and the pumpkin doughnuts. They do a solid flat white as well.

A north Raleigh staple! You come for the mini donuts but you stay for the ambiance and local coffee charm. When you finally get tired of Starbucks, come to Sola. They source a lot of items locally and have many different community events at the shop. We've heard live music, attended a arts/craft shopping event. The staff is helpful, there is plenty of room to sit in and outdoors and the food is tasty. Can't go wrong with a trip to Sola!

Had to go with the protein bowl and blueberry scone combo again. It did not disappoint! Great balance of protein and carbs ! Time to hit the gym for that leg day ! Came during lunch time and it was crazy busy but for a reason. It's delicious. Either way, I had a place to sit down at the bar area. It was okay with me since I had my computer and something to work on. Also, apparently there is no wifi on Saturday's so I used my hotspot.

This is our absolute favorite spot for breakfast or lunch with friends and family. We are relatively new to the area, and our kids make fun of us because ever since we moved here this is where we go at least once a week. Not only is the coffee fabulous, but the blueberry scones are to die for and the breakfast foods are so healthy and well priced. But the main thing is the ambience. If you love babies and dogs, this is the place to go. I know that the owner is a Christian, and while nothing is overt, the atmosphere is very positive and loving at this establishment . There seems to be no employee turnover so the same smiling faces greet you every time. We gladly give them our business, and hope you will, too!

Hands down the best coffee shop in the area and beyond! The staff eggwich on a croissant is sublime. The line moves quickly and the staff is always courteous and focused on providing an enjoyable atmosphere! A true Raleigh gem.

Easily the best coffee I have ever had in my entire life. Had the privilege of enjoying the most perfect cappuccino and the most incredible tasting breakfast sandwich in recent memory!! Aside from the coffee and the sandwich, the atmosphere and the staff alone are enough to keep me coming back on a daily basis!! I can not be more thankful for having been introduced to Sola Coffee!!!! By the way, I could not leave without grabbing the cutest T Shirt I have ever seen!!

I came to Sola for lunch with coworkers at high noon. This place is a hidden gem near the Sawmill Grill and has plenty of outdoor seating, which we chose because of the beautiful weather. I ordered an iced mocha coffee and the chicken pesto sandwich on sourdough bread. The sandwich was excellent and what stood out was how fresh the ingredients tasted. On the side I had chips and salsa and the salsa was very fresh tasting as well. The iced mocha was decent, but they don't have any berry syrups in their arsenal, which pairs well with mocha. The service was exemplary and our orders came out quickly. I will definitely visit again when in the area.

Avocado toast! Coffee! Coffee drinks! Smoothies! Egg sandwiches! Sweets! Bring your dog! Must be a Saturday morning at Sola :)

Great food, great coffee, better people. I truly love this place, it just feels like home. I've never been disappointed by anything I've ordered. Full coffee shop and full restaurant, this place is the best of both worlds! They have an awesome breakfast menu, as any good coffee shop should, but please don't sleep on their lunch menu! I know I'd regret not mentioning what I feel like is one of their most underrated items, the protein smoothie. Dogs are allowed on the patio area, which is a great place on a nice day to get a bottle of wine from them, some of their famous hot mini donuts and hang out with friends. I just can't cover all the reasons you don't want to miss checking this place out!

Sola is the perfect coffee shop, with great food too. Their lattes are delicious, and they have a variety of house made syrups as well as a rotating selection of seasonal flavors. They are typically pretty busy, but I've always been in and out quick as their service is great. They also sell adorable mugs and other merch! Don't miss the Raleigh mural on the back of a building, as it's a great photo op for visitors or locals. Will definitely be back anytime im in town!

The blueberry scone is absolutely delicious! Counter culture coffee is available here, and the prices are quite reasonable in comparison to comparable coffee shops in the area. The atmosphere is very nice for a quick bite to eat and some good conversation, and the lack of available wifi during specific hours makes this spot more conversational and less of a working environment which can be quite refreshing! Overall, a must try spot for great coffee and tasty food!

Nice local coffee shop with good coffee and food, it has great atmosphere. I like the outdoor seating because can bring my dogs and hang out.

Finally a place in Raleigh that has some character. Incredible coffee. Incredible service. Just good vibes all around. Not sure if the person serving us was the owner of not but regardless he found out it was our first time and welcomed us in by explaining all of their specials (and gave us some free donuts too which were awesome) as a "welcome gift". For the next 40 minutes he also proceeded to remember and talk to me by name which is always something so cool. Overall 11/10

Good lunchtime sandwich shop, friendly, efficient service, usual ambiance and noise level for this type of establishment, but not excessive. Outdoor seating available on weather appropriate days.

Delicious food. Efficient service. Friendly staff. Healthy and unique options, including GF. Vast outdoor area. Ample parking. What's not to love?

The mochas are delicious and the food options can be healthy. Avocado mashed into toasted delicious whole grain bread is scrumptious and relatively healthy. In the summer I forget about healthy and get a sola shake. Soooo yummy and refreshing (caffeinated!) after a hike at Umstead Park. Paired with a Caprese sandwich and side salad I feel great! And let us not forgot that the owner John will make you feel like family. I've been a patron for over ten years. He's chatted with my wife and I pre-kids when they used to have live music at night, after community fund raising races Sola has hosted and now when we bring our children. Sure I've given Starbucks plenty of my money over the years but I'd have gladly spent all of it at Sola had we not moved to Cary.

I have heard a lot about Sola and wanted to try it. Although it is super busy the service was quick and they were good with helping customers find empty in the hustle and bustle. The coffee was a little weak for my preference but the chai latte was delicious! I would go back for that over the coffee! This is a great spot to meet someone, there is plenty going on that you can have a conversation without the whole place hearing you.

I visited Sola with a friend on Saturday morning around 10am and the line was out the door which wasn't pleasant as it was fairly chilly outside. While the wait wasn't terrible it did take some time to finally get up to order so be prepared for that if you visit. I ordered drip coffee and the Staff Eggwich. The Eggwich was delicious and I highly recommend it. It's egg, cheddar, bacon, sausage, cream cheese and maple sriracha on a bagel. After that I went back up and ordered a hot caramel latte with oatmilk and it was so good! The shop was loud and busy but the food and coffee were worth the wait.

Yum! This was such a great place. If you come on Saturday morning, be prepared to wait in line. But, it moves fairly quick and it was worth the wait! Friendly service and delish food! Had the smoked salmon toast, flu shot, staff sandwich and protein shake - loved it all! Cute place, lots of seating- indoors & out...we'll be back!

This is one of my favorite coffee, breakfast and lunch places in North Raleigh. I visit this place about once a month for either a lunch pickup or a coffee to go when I'm in the area. Currently there is no indoor dining but there is ample space outside to sit. And with yesterday's nice weather, there were plenty of people sitting outside. The service is always friendly and quick. They have a wide range of offerings on their morning and day menus. From platters, to sandwiches to salads, the food is always fresh and tasty. I'm not sure where they get their breads from but they are delicious. Yesterday I picked up lunch for me and my son. I went with the protein bowl with the chicken salad, he went with a BLT and a side salad (no chips ). I called ahead and it was ready in ten minutes. They have a very efficient drive through system. They ask you for a description of your car and when you arrive, a staff member brings your order out. Hopefully they open indoor dining soon. Before the pandemic the place was always busy and lively. It's a nice spot to grab a coffee and hangout a bit. And when I'm not following my normal keto / paleo diet, I get the mini donuts with a coffee

Best coffee vibe in Raleigh! Been there so much the staff feels like family. And the coffee itself is superb. If it's your first visit, get a pour over!

This place is definitely more than just a coffee shop! It seems to be packed all the time during their business hours! I had the half a sandwich and half salad combo with the chicken pesto on sourdough and the seasonal watermelon blueberry salad. Both were so good but something about the salad was just amazing! I also got the blueberry hibiscus iced tea. That was good too I only wish that it came with refills! The bathrooms are a little small for how crowded the place was. It's a little pricey for lunch but the food was so fresh that I wouldn't mind paying a little more for lunch every once in a while for higher quality food!

I have heard nothing but good things about Sola Coffee Cafe ever since I moved to Raleigh but never actually made my way over until very recently. I had several encounters with local friends over the years go like this: Them: "Do you like Sola?" Me: "I've never been" Them: "*audible gasp* OMG you have to go..." I'm not kidding. I wanted to jump on Yelp and write my 5 star review as soon as I stopped by for the first time, but decided to wait and form a solid opinion before going ham on Yelp. I've been frequenting around once a week since my first visit and every time I come in, I order the same drink, switching it up by adding flavors from time to time, which is an iced latte with oat milk and an additional shot. My drinks always taste great and the wait is never too long. My drink comes out to be $6-$7, but I'm also adding extra espresso, so it's definitely comparable pricewise to other coffee shops/cafes around town. I recently discovered their hot mini donuts and let me just tell you that you NEED the espresso donuts in your life. Flavors I've tried: pumpkin, cinnamon sugar, espresso, and apple cider with the caramel dipping sauce (Tuesdays only). All of them were hot and sweet and delicious. The espresso flavor was recommended to me most recently by one of the baristas and I think that's the only donut I'll be ordering from now on. The flavor was great but I also loved that there was a little bit of saltiness in the sugar mixture as well. SO GOOD!!! They also have a day kitchen menu which offers lunch items like sandwiches. I haven't tried anything off of this menu yet but will update my review once I do because I'm planning on trying something soon! Finding a parking spot isn't the best but it's generally not awful. They have a really nice outdoor area where you can sit and work or hang out with a friend. I like coming here to co work during the afternoons but sometimes the wifi doesn't work very well (or at all) which can become frustrating. I've also heard really good things about the owners. I know they do an annual charity 5K run - I had signed up to volunteer at the event before it was canceled due to COVID - and they work with local food drives. For example, last week, they offered free donuts to anyone that brought in canned goods and you can bet I was there! They're offering curbside pick up and accepting walk up orders from 11-3PM. Overall, Sola is one of my favorite spots in Raleigh to grab a latte and to get some work done outside. Staff is always so friendly, food and drinks are consistently great, and the vibes are always good. 10/10!

YOU. MUST. GO. I love this cafe. If I'm working or taking a friend I always choose to go to Sola before going anywhere else. Their menu selection is fantastic, their service is great, the staff is caring and the vibes are so chill. I love dropping off my son at school and going here for some well needed along time. I highly recommend ordering a side of maple sriracha sauce with anything you order. I promise it will change your life. I love how Sola has an outdoor and indoor area as well.

Absolutely love this place! They are so busy on the weekends but they have their system down to make sure the line goes by quick and will help you find a seat. Everyone is so friendly. Food is amazing especially their smoke salmon bagel. Coffee is consistent and delicious. You have to try their mini donuts. Very cute coffee shop and nicely decorated.

Their food and coffee is incredible. I really enjoyed their breakfast sandwiches and iced coffee. I would also recommend the BLT with a salad and their homemade salad dressing for lunch. Only downside is they turn off their Wi-Fi during peak times, such as on the weekend.