When Areli Barrera de Grodski and Leon Grodski de Barrera opened their third Cocoa Cinnamon location in Lakewood (featuring delicious homemade churros and drinking chocolate), they intentionally hired locals to craft their bold beverages and continue their commitment to the Durham community by encouraging those who can to donate toward coffee for those who can't afford it. Order a churro or two and check out the original bike they outfitted to grind and serve coffee around town when they opened a decade ago on display.
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Hours:
Monday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Being a Brooklyn Native recently moving down to NC, surrounding my Mexican cuisines, bakeries and cafes. This place was a gem I’m glad I found. I don’t believe these 1 star negative reviews, especially saying if you’re this race they’ll make you wait, I’m black so yeah. Lol anywho! I’ve been here twice so far, same vibe from different employees. As a churro lover! These absolute best churros I’ve had since I left NYC. Lattes were rich and flavored. A bit on the pricey side especially for the cup size they give you lol. but this is it’
Kristin Kharrat
Nov 15, 2024
5
Cocoa Cinnamon was homey, charming, and warm. I tried the Guadalajara (sweet milk chocolate) and Granada (velvety dark chocolate) hot chocolates, as well as the cinnamon sugar and cardamom sugar churros.
The Guadalajara was light, fluffy, and had little kicks of sweetness between sips. The Granada was rich and a little bitter, perfect for dark chocolate lovers.
The churros were freshly made with love. The cinnamon sugar was classically crafted, while the cardamom sugar had soft and unique hints of spice.
Would definitely come again! Fit for studying (on the communal tables) and causal coffee chats with friends or family.
Melissa De Yoe (Meli55a)
Nov 7, 2024
4
Staff was not very attentive/friendly. There were 4 of us in line, and the girl at the front of the line abandoned it bc we waited so long while two girls were working on making 1 order or churros. The Al Mokha was good.
They had free bags of compost, which is super cool.
Andy Mazzurco
Nov 2, 2024
5
We always get fantastic service at Cocoa Cinnamon! The coffee is great, roasted in-house, and the churros are so good! Try the cardamom sugar on your churros if you get them!
J B
Oct 26, 2024
5
I went two days in a row. This place has been on my list for awhile. I’m glad I was able to try the hot chocolate with almond milk and vegan churros. T
Chloe Campbell
Sep 16, 2024
5
Got La Frida--truly magical. The cardamom cinnamon churros were the best I've ever had. Really great coffee and a great space.
Luis Lluberas
Sep 8, 2024
5
Churros like those in Spain without having to fly there! Made to order and can be paired with a great coffee or chocolate. Plenty of seating indoors or outdoor...but I recommend outdoors to best enjoy the experience. Parking on premises. Friendly staff. Highly recommended
Danielle Stacy
Aug 17, 2024
5
I've been to Cocoa Cinnamon multiple times before, but today I got an iced Chai Latte and a churro. Both were exceptional. Don't expect the Chai Latte to be super sweet, even with vanilla syrup or honey added, but it has a great spicy flavor. The churro was absolutely amazing. I had mine with cinnamon, and it was still hot while I ate it. Basically, like the best, freshest cinnamon sugar donut but with a much crustier texture. Just delicious! The indoor seating is community style with large tables that you can sit multiple groups around. I opted to sit outside because the volume was a bit too loud for me because it was pretty busy on Saturday morning. Outside had smaller tables where I could sit by myself and enjoy my book and the weather.
Karla Garcia
Jul 27, 2024
4
I've liked some drinks I've ordered and disliked others. I would recommend the Dr. Durham. Nice outdoor seating, indoor seating is a bit limited.
John Godkin
May 22, 2024
5
Awesome, full service coffee shop. At this location on Chapel Hill Rd., they roast the little waves brand of coffee and you can get freshly made churros.
