Best Coffee Shops in Raleigh
TOP 5
raleigh coffee shops
Hi friends!
I have been working on this blog post for quite some time. I have tasted countless lattes and browsed several pastry displays to finally narrow this down to my top 5 favorite coffee shops in Raleigh. Whether you’re a long time local or are just spending the weekend in Raleigh, here’s the low down on the 5 places I keep coming back to for more.
Location: outside Downtown Raleigh, across from Meredith College on Hillsborough St.
This coffee shop has my heart. It is my favorite in the city. Not only is it spacious, calming, and bright, but the menu items are created with the upmost quality. Their delicious goods are made using whole ingredients and are completely wheat free, with many of the items also being vegan friendly. I found this shop while attending Meredith College across the street. I had the pleasure of meeting the owners (twin sisters, Amanda and Ashley) numerous times in the shop and even found them volunteering in the Meredith community garden. Their passion for wellness and sustainability is apparent in their shop and, well, I just love to see it. Aside from coffee, when you enter Lucky Tree you’ll also find many local makers and artists to shop from.
Lucky Tree also has a new project called, “Planted.”
The project includes a greenhouse and farm that is being built completely off grid. The goal of project planted is to grow many of the things we use, like: oats, berries, spices and teas; as well as introduce more efficient composting measures for breaking down waste, hosting nature and nutrient work shops, wellness retreats, and artist get-a-ways.
I highly recommend visiting Lucky Tree for coffee and breakfast. You will love it.
Must-haves: The iced honey latte and oatmeal cream cookie. The muffins are also terrific when I need something more filling!
Location: Downtown Raleigh.
42 & Lawrence is another place with amazing tasting coffee. It boasts a very crisp, urban vibe, while serving up a spectacular seasonal latte. I do not like my coffee very sweet. Like really, I mean barely sweet. Because of that, it is always a huge risk to try a latte the way it comes on the menu or to order something special or seasonal. But let me tell you, 42 & Lawrence does it RIGHT. I don’t know what their method is, but it is working. I don’t ever have to make any adjustments or special requests when I order a drink there. It is always perfect and flavorful. They are great at incorporating unique spices into their drinks as well.
They currently have some abnormal hours, but if you find free time while they are open, it is so worth it! They have some new food items since their soft relaunch that look great. The two mini quiches they carry now are super tasty.
Must-haves: Whatever seasonal latte they’re serving up and a mini quiche. This place knows the perfect syrup ratios! Always perfection.
Location: North Raleigh, not far from Crabtree Valley Mall
Okay, you have probably heard lots about Sola. Well, it is true. Sola is fantastic and deserves all the hype! The coffee is delicious and is also perfect for my preferred sweetness. What is special about Sola is their extensive food menu. It's not just basic avo toast or a simple egg sandwich. They have tons of sandwiches, salads, and their famous hot minis (cinnamon sugar = the best.) They also have a variety of retail available and even have local floral arrangements for sale on some days. Because of its deliciousness, it can get a bit crowded, but if you don’t mind the crowd, I 10/10 think you will love it. The food also holds up very well to-go if you’re wanting to eat at home and avoid people. Introverts, I feel you.
Sola is an awesome place to grab lunch or coffee and enjoy some great outdoor seating (their inside is currently closed for safety, as of 9/16/20). I knew as soon as I decided to work on this post, Sola Coffee had to be included!
Must-haves: The iced oat milk latte and hot mini donuts. If you’re eating lunch, go for the caprese sandwich (peach caprese in the summer) or their acai bowl.
Location: Downtown Raleigh
This coffee shop is for my fun-loving, city people. Sir Walter Coffee has an urban vibe with a cozy feel and is located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. I’m a sucker for their bright orange mugs and patio seating. It’s such an inviting shop. I find it a great place for grabbing a coffee and working on your laptop for a few hours. They also have an amazing cocktail menu if it comes to the end of your workday and you’re ready to switch over to something strong than caffeine LOL!
Must-haves: Their iced coffee and a butter croissant. Simple and delicious. They also have a fantastic cappuccino.
Location: outside Downtown Raleigh, across from the NC State Bell Tower on Hillsborough St. They also have a second location in Lafayette Village.
Jubala is all-around fantastic! From high quality espresso to melt in your mouth cookies, they have an array of yummy items I highly recommend. Jubala has been a go-to for me during this year because of their incredibly easy online ordering and curbside pickup process. I have picked up an embarrassing amount of iced oat milk lattes during quarantine. This coffee shop is great for meeting a friend for a treat or just doing a curbside pickup for yourself. Both locations also have plenty of parking which is great to find in the city!
Must-haves: The iced oat milk latte and a chocolate chip cookie. Also a huge fan of their avocado toast!
There are so many great Raleigh coffee shops and new ones opening constantly. It was quite difficult to choose just 5! Be sure to head to my ‘gram to see more places I love and to shoot me a message to let me know what your favorites are. Cheers, coffee lovers!
-from Anna with love
On Instagram:
Lucky Tree, 42 & Lawrence, Sola Coffee Cafe, Sir Walter Coffee, Jubala Coffee, The Coffee Table Blog