Durham’s coffee scene is a vibrant mix of cozy cafes and trendy roasteries. In this guide, we curante the city’s top coffeee spots where you can find the best coffee and liveliest local communities.
Each Durham neighborhood offers a unique blend of specialty coffee spots. From perfectly brewed espressos to delicious flat whites and cold brews, Durham’s coffee shops know their craft. Join us on a journey through Houston’s top coffee spots.
Bean Traders
9.2/10 (1250 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-484-2499
Spacious seatingTasty bakery itemsCommunity vibe
Bean Traders is a bustling community coffee shop in South Durham boasting an impressive array of tasty treats and caffeinated beverages. The spacious indoor and outdoor seating options make it an ideal spot to work, hang out with friends, or simply savor a delicious bakery item and coffee drink. With a diverse menu that includes scones, muffins, bagels, waffles, quiche, pies, and more, there is truly something for everyone at Bean Traders.
Cocoa Cinnamon
9.2/10 (1714 reviews)
Wide beverage selectionDelicious baked goodsBeautiful outdoor seating
Cocoa Cinnamon is a must-visit coffee spot in Durham, offering delicious beverages and pastries in a cozy and vibrant atmosphere. Customers rave about the wide selection of coffee options, such as the Dr. Durham latte and the Cubano, as well as the unique flavors like salted honey latte and Mexican-inspired hot chocolate. The baked goods, including the morning bun and blueberry muffin, receive high praise for their taste and quality. The ambiance is highlighted by the beautiful outdoor seating surrounded by a pollinator garden, creating a perfect setting for enjoying a morning coffee or getting some work done. Fast and friendly service adds to the overall positive experience at Cocoa Cinnamon.
Esmeralda’s Café
9/10 (397 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-864-8007
Delicious Honduran specialtiesComfortable and homey atmosphereFriendly service
Esmeralda’s Café has quickly become a local favorite, offering a wide variety of delicious Honduran specialties like baleadas and pollo con tajadas. The atmosphere is comfortable and homey, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or lunch. The service is great, with friendly staff who are happy to answer questions about the menu. The coffee drinks and frappes are fantastic, and the food is always fresh, hot, and well-seasoned. The baleadas, especially the carne asada ones, are a must-try. Despite a minor mix-up in order, the warm and welcoming family environment at Esmeralda’s Café is truly a standout feature that sets it apart from other spots in the area.
PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails
9.4/10 (952 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-748-3142
Superb coffeeAmazing foodChic ambiance
PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails is a larger version of the original Graham location, offering superb vanilla lattes and amazing food that is worth the wait, particularly during busy Sunday brunch hours. The outdoor seating is nicely covered and dog-friendly, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal. The restaurant’s ambiance is chic, with hanging lamps and a gorgeous mint green espresso machine creating a cool atmosphere. The crepes are a must-try, but they also offer great coffee and tea options. The service is efficient and polite, rounding out the overall experience.
EverLou Coffee Co.
9.4/10 (140 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 910-501-8359
Knowledgeable staffOat milk optionsVegan-friendly pastries
Located just outside the bustling downtown area of Durham, EverLou Coffee Co. offers a charming and inviting atmosphere for coffee lovers. The friendly and knowledgeable staff make you feel right at home, while the delicious drinks, all made with oat milk, cater to a variety of dietary preferences. With vegan and gluten-free pastry options available, including a tasty granola bar, this spot has something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a classic latte or a unique seasonal creation, EverLou is the perfect place to relax and savor a cup of coffee.
The Oak House Durham
9.4/10 (348 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-339-1383
Versatile drink selectionSpacious and contemporary designFriendly and attentive staff
The Oak House Durham stands out in downtown Durham as a versatile spot for both coffee and adult beverages, making it the ideal place to get work done or unwind. With a spacious and contemporary design, ample workspace, a vast selection of drinks from coffee to beer and wine, this spot caters to various preferences. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring a pleasant experience for every customer. The Oak House Durham provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a good cup of coffee or a refreshing drink.
Tater Bread Cafe
9/10 (143 reviews)
| Directions | +1 919-251-9265
Flavorful potatoesSouthern-style breakfastMade to order dishes
Tater Bread Cafe is a cozy spot that serves up delicious, home-cooked southern-style breakfast dishes that will make you feel like you’re back at grandma’s house. The potatoes are especially flavorful and the menu offers a variety of classic options that are made to order. The service may be a bit unorganized at times, but the food is worth the small wait. The cafe has a mom and pop feel to it and the friendly staff adds to the overall experience.
Foster Street Coffee
9.4/10 (254 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-797-9555
Specialty CoffeesFriendly StaffCommunity Commitment
Located in the heart of downtown Durham, Foster Street Coffee shines as a go-to spot for coffee enthusiasts seeking a warm and cozy ambiance. With an array of specialty coffees to choose from, including unique creations like the Strawberry Latte and Cold Brew with Lavender syrup, Foster Street Coffee caters to those looking to enjoy a flavorful cup of joe. The friendly and welcoming staff add to the upbeat atmosphere of the café, making it a great place to meet with friends or get some work done while sipping on a delicious beverage. The café’s commitment to the community is evident with their AED on-site, showcasing their dedication to providing a safe environment for their patrons.
Cloche Coffee
9/10 (277 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-748-3333
Unique drinksCozy atmosphereFriendly staff
Cloche Coffee, located near the Duke Gardens, is a charming spot with limited indoor seating but plenty of outdoor space to enjoy your coffee. The brown sugar caramel iced latte and the coffee Palmer are unique and delicious drink options that customers rave about. The environment is cozy and perfect for studying or working, with friendly staff who provide quick service and a warm welcome. The honey cappuccino and chocolate almond scone are customer favorites, with the atmosphere and overall experience making Cloche Coffee a hidden gem in town. The only downside seems to be some inconsistency in drink quality, with some customers hoping for improvements in the future.
Cocoa Cinnamon
9.2/10 (1060 reviews)
Freshly made churrosOutstanding espressoCozy and welcoming ambiance
Cocoa Cinnamon is a delightful coffee spot on Chapel Hill Rd. known for its freshly made churros and unique drink offerings. The churros are a stand-out item here, with customers raving about the various flavors like cherry sugar, cardamom sugar, and cinnamon sugar. The ambiance inside is cozy and welcoming, perfect for enjoying a delicious breakfast or working on laptops. The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring a great experience for all visitors. In addition to the outstanding churros, the espresso and macchiato are also highly recommended, making Cocoa Cinnamon a must-visit spot for coffee lovers in Durham.
321 Coffee – Durham
10/10 (102 reviews)
Mission-driven employmentExceptional serviceDelicious drinks
Nestled in Durham, 321 Coffee is a delightful spot that offers more than just your daily caffeine fix. The coffee shop’s mission to provide employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is admirable and sets it apart from the rest. The service here is exceptional, with generous gestures like freshly brewed coffee upon request. The drinks, from the summer S’mores Latte to the vanilla chai latte, are not only delicious but are also served with a sprinkle of blue glitter that’s sure to brighten your day. The atmosphere is welcoming and the baristas are kind, making for a truly enjoyable experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery
9.6/10 (124 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 336-380-6783
Creative seasonal drinksCommunity-centric focusKid-friendly play area
Omie’s Coffee Shop and Roastery in Durham is a cozy spot to enjoy a delicious latte or pastry with friends. The friendly baristas provide great recommendations, and their seasonal drink offerings are creative and worth trying. The focus on locally sourced ingredients and community involvement sets Omie’s apart, along with their low waste system and thoughtful space. The pricing is reasonable, and the warm and welcoming ambiance makes you want to stay a while. The cafe also offers a kid-friendly play area, making it a great spot for families as well.
Cocoa Cinnamon
9/10 (592 reviews)
Local commitmentCreative lattesFriendly baristas
Cocoa Cinnamon is a bustling coffee spot popular among locals and visitors alike. The commitment to local coffee and baked goods shines through, providing patrons with a unique and delicious experience. The lattes are a standout, offering creative flavors that keep customers coming back for more. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, ensuring every cup of coffee is made with care. The space itself is inviting, serving as both a productive workspace and a cozy environment to enjoy a cup of coffee. With a wide variety of seating options and eco-friendly practices, Cocoa Cinnamon is a top choice for coffee lovers in Durham.
Yonder Coffee
9.6/10 (76 reviews)
Unique specialty drinksRotating global coffee beansCozy and inviting space
Yonder Coffee is a hidden gem located in the heart of the city, offering a wide variety of coffee options and more. From unique specialty drinks like the tikki espresso tonic and the hellfire to a rotating selection of global coffee beans, Yonder Coffee is a haven for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors. The cozy space offers ample seating, perfect for getting work done or catching up with friends. With tasty sandwiches, treats, and warm baked goods available, this spot is more than just a typical coffee shop – it’s a must-visit destination for a flavorful experience.
Monuts
9.2/10 (1600 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-286-2642
Fresh pastriesCozy atmosphereLiving wage
Monuts is a beloved breakfast spot with an array of fresh, delicious offerings. The quiche and pastries are standout options that are sure to please any palate. The cozy atmosphere and attentive staff make for a welcoming experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
Parker and Otis
9.2/10 (895 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-683-3200
Lavender LatteBlack children’s booksBeautiful Tobacco Campus setting
Parker and Otis is a charming gem nestled in the America Tobacco campus, offering a unique blend of gifts, gourmet treats, and a cozy coffee spot. The Lavender Latte is a standout with its smooth and creamy perfection, while the Cheddar biscuits and fresh chocolate bars add to the delightful culinary offerings. The eclectic decor creates an inviting atmosphere, and the impressive selection of Black children’s books is a heartwarming touch that sets this spot apart. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick grab-and-go bite or leisurely browsing through plushies and cookbooks, Parker and Otis has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination in Durham.
Liturgy Beverage Company
9.4/10 (101 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 910-242-4274
Perfectly steamed milkWelcoming industrial ambianceWide variety of coffee options
Liturgy Beverage Company stands out for its perfectly steamed milk and friendly, efficient staff. The industrial warehouse ambiance with multiple seating levels adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The vanilla latte and pour over coffee options are top-notch, making it a must-visit coffee bar in Durham.
Early Bird Donuts
9.2/10 (386 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 984-888-0417
Create-your-own donutsTasty breakfast sandwichesUnique Vietnamese coffee
Early Bird Donuts offers a unique experience with their create-your-own donuts option, allowing customers to choose their donut type and filling. The breakfast sandwiches are also a hit, simple but tasty. Not to mention, the Vietnamese coffee provides a refreshing change from the usual coffee offerings at other spots. The specialty donuts for Christmas were an extra special delight, adding to the charm of this cozy coffee shop.
Dulce Cafe
9.2/10 (910 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-797-0497
High end pastriesWarm and gracious staffDelicious Reuben sandwich
The pastries at Dulce Cafe are truly high end, with unique offerings like the mushroom shaped pastry, Easter egg pastry, brownie-based fancy pastry, Persian Love Cake, and carrot cake. The presentation is beautiful and the Persian Love Cake is a favorite among customers. The cafe also offers a delightful Reuben sandwich that stands out as one of the best in town, although some customers were expecting a more traditional version. The staff at Dulce Cafe is warm and gracious, creating a European cafe atmosphere that adds to the overall experience. The lunch menu offers delicious options like lentil soup and gazpacho, and the desserts are exceptional, with the pistachio eclairs receiving high praise. If you’re looking for a spot that serves delicious food and amazing pastries, Dulce Cafe is a hidden gem worth visiting.
Guglhupf Restaurant
9.2/10 (3236 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 919-401-2600
Varied and flavorful menuCharming and relaxing atmosphereExcellent bakery selection
Guglhupf Restaurant is a charming spot with a laid-back vibe that seems perfect for a casual meal. The food seems to be the star here, with dishes like schnitzel, steak frite, and omelettes receiving high marks from customers. The atmosphere is relaxing and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor seating available for those who prefer to dine al fresco. The service is fast-casual, with customers lining up to place their orders but finding that the process moves swiftly. The bakery inside is also a highlight, offering a variety of pastries and coffee that customers seem to enjoy. While some have mentioned that the prices may be a bit higher than expected for brunch, the overall experience of dining at Guglhupf seems to be positive and worth a visit.