To all my coffee lovers, this is your ultimate guide to some of the best coffee shops near campus to fit all your needs. Whether you need a quiet space (other than the library/IAA) for grinding out your assignments or wanting a lively spot for gathering, Raleigh’s coffee shops have something for everyone.
I enjoy going to cafes for meeting up with friends and getting a change in scenery for studying. There are many cafes around the area for different vibes. With a range of cozy nooks, trendy hangouts, and caffeine-fueled vibes, here are my top 10 coffee shops around Raleigh—five perfect for productivity and five ideals for socializing—all within easy reach of campus.
Top five coffee shop for studying
When I need a change of scenery for studying, I try to find cafes with plenty of seating and accessible wall plugs to charge my laptop and iPad. It is also important that they have a chill vibe, and you can see many people who are “locked in.”
- The Optimist
Address: 1000 Brookside Dr STE 109, Raleigh, NC 27604
This café is right outside of Raleigh downtown, it is the perfect place for studying! Its bright and welcoming interior, paired with a quiet atmosphere, creates the perfect environment for focus and productivity. In addition to their regular coffee menu, they offer unique seasonal drinks and a variety of pastries. When I last visited, I tried the sesame latte—it was both unique and delicious!
- 321 Coffee (Centennial Campus)
Address: 930 Main Campus Dr. Suite 151, Raleigh, NC 27606
321 Coffee was founded by a NC State Alumni and has recently opened a new location on NC State Centennial Campus (across from the IAA)! The café has both indoor and outdoor seating, and two reservable conference rooms. Personally, when I need a break from the IAA conference rooms, I always go there and will always feel productive! My to-go order is either an ice vanilla latte for the summer, or hot mocha latte for the fall!
- The Morning Times
Address: 10 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The café located in downtown Raleigh, a cozy two floor café with their coffee bar service area downstairs and seating areas upstairs. It is a popular spot for remote work and studying. They have excellent coffee and pastry! My personal favorite is the mocha latte. My friends also enjoyed their banana muffin, cortado, and a regular latte. If you are new to the area, or just need a new study place, this is a must-visit!
- Iris Coffee Lab
Address: 725 Tucker St, Raleigh, NC 27603
The café is also located in downtown Raleigh, offers a welcoming atmosphere and quiet ambience that make it an ideal space for studying and remote working. Their coffee menu features unique, high-quality drinks, and they have a variety of sandwiches and pastries as well. I have been there a couple of times and have tried their blue matcha. During the summer, their coconut latte is also very good, highly recommend!
- Benelux Coffee (The Village District)
Address: 402 Oberlin Rd #118, Raleigh, NC 27605
This place is in the Village District, which is close by NC State campus making it convenient for students. This place offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with nice seating areas, both indoor and outdoor. The café offers a wide variety of coffee and espresso drinks, along with different pastries and sandwiches. In the summer, I love to order their lavender matcha and enjoy a productive study session with friends in the cozy, laid-back environment.
Top five coffee shop for gathering
When you need a study break and are looking for the best coffee shops in Raleigh to gather with friends, here are some of my favorite spots that offer delicious drinks and a welcoming environment.
- Black & White Coffee, at Videri Chocolate Factory
Address: 327 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
This coffee shop is located at the heart of downtown Raleigh, it is a café that merges with a chocolate store, creating a cozy, relaxed environment for conversation. They have nice outdoor seating, but rather limited indoor seating, and it’s hard to find a wall plug, so would not be ideal for studying. Compared to other coffee shops, they have a smaller menu, but their latte is amazing! If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy great coffee with friends, this spot won’t disappoint.
- Jubala Coffee
Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607
This café is located on Hillsborough Street across from the NC State Belltower. It is a popular spot for meeting up with friends over morning coffee or brunch. With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s perfect for enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, though the nearby traffic can make it a bit noisy for studying. Their Earl Grey tea is refreshing, and the latte I had was rich and flavorful. When I visited with friends, I also tried their turkey avocado toast, which I highly recommend—it was a delicious choice!
- The Third Place
Address: 1811 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608
This place is further away compared to all the other coffee shops listed here, but still an ideal spot for gathering. It has a rustic and vintage feel to it. It is a great place to enjoy coffee and get away from campus to catch up with your friends. Other than coffee, they also have tea and brunch food. Although I have never tried their food, I heard many good things about it!
- 42 & Lawrence
Address: 134 E Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
This café near Moore Square has a modern, minimalist vibe, perfect for a small group hangout. The interior is on the smaller side compared to others, making it a great spot for socializing over coffee, beer, or wine. When I visited with my practicum team, we all enjoyed the space and the variety of drinks on offer. I ordered a strawberry matcha latte, which was delicious, while one teammate opted for a pumpkin spice latte, and another indulged in a cinnamon roll. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed, and fun gathering!
- Heirloom
Address: 219 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
This café in downtown Raleigh, near Raleigh Union Station, offers a modern and stylish atmosphere with excellent outdoor seating. They serve a variety of drinks, ranging from uniquely flavored coffees and teas to sake and craft cocktails. The space feels welcoming and perfect for gatherings, though the drinks are on the pricier side. That said, the quality is worth it! I enjoyed a green matcha latte, while my friend ordered a hojicha latte paired with a pumpkin donut—everything was delicious!
Whether you are searching for the perfect study spot or a nice café to catch up with friends, Raleigh has something for everyone. From vibrant downtown gems to fun neighborhood hideaways, the city offers a variety of unique coffee shops! If you are new to Raleigh, I hope this guide inspires you to dive deeper into its coffee scene, and for locals looking to try something new, I am sure you will find this list helpful in discovering new favorite spots!
Columnist: Fei Lei