Durham's Best Coffee Spots

You're probably wondering how we made this list, and we don't blame you. With so many places tucked away in Durham's most populated streets, we polled locals on social media for suggestions on their favorite coffee spots.

Bean Traders

Flannel, Birkenstocks, mismatched mugs, plates, and cutlery ... it's all a part of the charm of this South Durham gem, where high-grade, delicious coffee is brewed with lots of study space and house-made treats to enjoy.

Beyù Caffè

Dorian Bolden, a 2002 Duke alum, opened Beyù Caffè in the heart of downtown Durham. “I am a firm believer that what has always separated Durham from any other place, and the reason that we call it Dirty Durham, is diversity,” Bolden said. Take in the mellow vibes, coffee and flavors every Tues - Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cloche Coffee

Cloche Coffee arrived in the Ninth Street District across from Duke East Campus in 2019. The beautiful tranquil interior filled with plants is the perfect place to work, catch up with friends, or recharge. They serve organic, ethically sourced, fair trade coffee from Larry’s Coffee.

Cocoa Cinnamon

When Areli Barrera de Grodski and Leon Grodski de Barrera opened their third Cocoa Cinnamon location in Lakewood (featuring very delicious homemade churros and drinking chocolate), they were intentional about hiring locals to craft their bold beverages. Order a churro or two and check out the original bike they outfitted to grind and serve coffee around town on display.

Counter Culture

Counter Culture is brewing beauty from beans, and folks are taking notice. There certainly is a distinct culture to their coffee! Although their brick and mortar is only open to the public at their training room on Fridays at 10 a.m., this Durham-based coffee roasting company has training locations throughout the country and delivers blends directly to your doorstep.

DULCE CAFE

Sweet doesn't even scratch the surface. Drink your warm beverage with a side of dessert at this hidden gem. Located in South Durham at Sutton Station, this delectable spot earned this Yelp review: "Oh. My. God. So delicious. Why did I wait so long?? "

Esmeralda's Cafe

A hidden gem on North Pointe Drive, Esmeralda's Cafe offers a diverse selection of tea, coffee, fresh pastries, and fresh fruit. This family-owned and operated location also has a full breakfast menu. “We are passionate about what we do because we have a love for food, drink, music, and great service.”

EverLou Coffee Co.

If you love that tasty, slightly sweet, cereal milk at the bottom of your cereal bowl, head to the newly opened EverLou Coffee Co. With creative menu items like the Fruity Pebbles latte or Cinnamon Toast Crunch latte, your tastebuds will never be bored. EverLou aims to provide a safe space with great coffee for everyone to enjoy, and they serve a variety of treats from local bakeries, including JP's Pastry and Junie B's Cookies.

Foster Street Coffee

Snag a coveted seat for an expertly crafted brew among scores of coffee dates and telecommuters at this Central Park gathering spot. Need a little privacy? The public, first-come, first-served meeting room offers AV, a whiteboard, and seating for 8. Snacks and light lunch fare keep you fueled for a productive day, and they’ll even validate your parking in the Liberty Warehouse garage.

Gojo by Goorsha

Guess what panini, tea, and coffee fans? There’s a cafe in town brought to you by the wonderful people at Goorsha, bringing Ethiopian coffee and a lunch menu with bowls, salads, and sandwiches for lunch.

Joe Van Gogh

As indicated by their name, Joe Van Gogh takes pride in the art and craft of everything they do – seed to service and concept to cup. Whether you're looking for study vibes, beverages, warmth, or sweet sips, you'll find it at one of their Durham locations on Broad Street and Woodcroft.

LITURGY BEVERAGE COMPANY

Located in the Durham Food Hall and at Queeny's in the pop-up window, Liturgy Beverage Company is a specialty coffee shop that is focused on connecting the work of farmers with the habits and rituals of their community in Durham. They specialize in single-origin tea, coffee, and chocolate beverages designed to highlight the unique flavors of their regions. Grab a coffee and check out the food options at the Durham Food Hall.

Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bakeshop

Mad Hatter's Cafe and Bakeshop invites you to stop and smell the coffee and eye-catching baked goods. Morning, noon and night are all beautiful times to "clear your mind, indulge your senses and treat yourself." Their house-made cookies, pastries, and brownies pair perfectly with their hand-crafted beverages.

Namu

There is much, much more to be discovered betwixt the bamboo shoots and long grasses in this private oasis off 15-501. Namu's coffee game is on point, and it's the perfect spot for delicious coffee, intimate conversation and solo relaxation.

Oak House Durham

The original location of The Oak House in Elon, NC was such a success that its owners decided to expand. Their craft coffee/wine bar concept is now in the heart of downtown Durham on the ground floor of One City Center. Grab a cup of coffee during the day, and at night, cozy up at the bar or table with a great glass of wine. Oak House prides itself on having the best of both worlds.

Parker and Otis

Gifts. Goods. Grub... and it's all great. Jennings Brody has created an oasis of delightful food with fresh, local ingredients and wares that are perfect for any occasion. Parker and Otis is open seven days a week, serving breakfast and lunch with an amazing array of gifts, gourmet food, cheese, wine, and candy to go along with that cup of coffee.

People's Coffee

Mmmmhmmm — coffee for the people. People's coffee has proudly served Black & White Coffee near the Southpoint area since 2018. You'll never get bored with their rotating menu offering a variety of house-made specialty drinks that will keep you coming back for more.

Press Coffee Crepes, & Cocktails

If you want to visit France without planning an entire vacation, we can help. Press is a new European-inspired coffeehouse offering quality coffee and a variety of sweet and savory crepes, located in the American Tobacco Campus. Grab a coffee from their beverage menu and enjoy a crepe outside on their covered outdoor patio.

Rofhiwa Book Cafe

Offering titles by Black writers across the globe and a wide selection of coffee brews, Rofhiwa Book Cafe anchors the Driver Street and Angier Avenue intersection in East Durham that bustles with diverse, locally owned businesses. Stop by for books, coffee, conversation, and more books!

Saladelia

Gourmet coffee all day, folks — from a place that's been catering in and around the Triangle since 1988. In addition to coffee, they offer a diverse and delicious menu. You can find them at several locations around Durham.

Triangle Coffee House

Triangle Coffee House at UHill Walls recently opened and is ready to serve you a variety of creative and decadent coffee recipes.

Whisk and Rye

When Andy needed a break from his hectic schedule in the medical field, the idea of serving the community Shelby’s pastries with coffee led the couple to purchase a trailer and start Whisk & Rye. Their rotating menu brings fresh ideas daily, with memorable staples like cinnamon rolls, vegan chocolate croissants, gluten-free ginger cookies, and of course, coffee.

*** New to Durham's Coffee Scene ***

Omie's Coffee Shop and Roastery

You feel the warmth of Omie's Coffee Shop as soon as you walk through the doors. Named after the owner's beloved grandmother who exuded love and kindness, Omie's mission is to be a safe space within the community and serve the best coffee products around. With espresso drinks, drip coffee, cold brew, tea, and local baked goods, it's the new place to be in North Durham.