There’s no better way to beat the winter chill than a hot cup of coffee. Beyond the franchises like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, there are dozens of great local coffee shops sprinkled throughout the Triangle area — and especially in Durham.
While this city is best known for its world-class healthcare and prestigious Duke University, Durham has adopted a hip and trendy vibe unlike any other place in North Carolina. It should come as no surprise that the coffee in Durham is every bit as unique, too. Check out our list for the best places to grab your next cup of coffee.
Cocoa Cinnamon in Central Durham
Locations: 2013 Chapel Hill Road, 2627 Hillsborough Road, and 420 West Geer Street
People can’t get enough of Cocoa Cinnamon‘s hand-poured coffees and cozy atmosphere. Three locations — complete with a roastery at their Lakewood location (2013 Chapel Hill Road) — serve a variety of different drinks, but all stick with the coffee company’s commitment to locally sourced ingredients and traditional drink-making techniques.
While it’s a little too chilly to sip coffee on the patio right now, you can still kick back in one of dozens of comfortable couches or pull up a seat by the window.
Dulce Cafe in Southern Durham
Location: 5826 Fayetteville Road #106
You won’t just find savory drinks here. You’ll also find delicious gelato and a small menu of wraps and sandwiches. Dulce Cafe is a quiet little spot in an unassuming location — right off of Fayetteville Road in the Sutton Station shopping plaza — but it’s certainly a great spot for coffee in Durham.
Pine Cone in Central Durham
Location: 905 West Main Street, Suite 20-H
Adding to our list of coffee shops that serve more than just coffee, we have Pine Cone. This cozy spot serves locally made ice cream from Maple View Farm and delicious coffee from Joe Van Gogh in Hillsborough, so it’s a must-visit for anyone in the Downtown Durham area.
While you’re visiting Pine Cone, don’t forget to check out Brightleaf Square. This shopping center breathed new life into old tobacco warehouses.
Caffe Bellezza
Location: Throughout Durham
Food trucks are seemingly everywhere in the Triangle, so it’s no surprise that a mobile coffee shop has made the list.
Caffe Bellezza offers a balanced menu of coffee and tea (with quirky names like The Mona Lisa and Hermie Doesn’t Want to Make Toys Anymore) and prides itself on using local ingredients for its syrups.
If you’re out at the Durham Farmer’s Market or Durham’s Food Truck Rodeo, you can find this great place to grab coffee!
Beyù Caffè in Central Durham
Location: 341 West Main Street
Looking for a little more sizzle on your Saturday afternoon? Not only does Beyù Caffè serve up signature drinks like lattes and mochas, they also serve up a calendar filled with live jazz music.
You’ll find this cozy spot for coffee right on Main Street in the heart of Downtown Durham.
Chat with Our Neighborhood Guides Over Coffee
We love the cozy little spots of Durham, so it’s always a treat to show home buyers, newcomers, and even current residents around our favorite neighborhoods.
Are you looking for homes in Durham? Thinking about selling your home? Let’s chat — how about over coffee at one of these top-rated coffee shops? Talk to our neighborhood specialists or give us a call at 919-381-9456.