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Shake up your same old coffee shop routine and explore some of the local favorites and new-to-you options around Durham.
Putting together this guide just reminded me how unbelievably spoiled and fortunate we are to have such a great and innovative coffee scene here in Durham – and this just includes downtown. There’s an abundance of shops all over Durham that you can check out in our Ultimate Guide to 20+ Durham Local Coffee Shops here.
Cocoa Cinnamon
If you love coffee, you have to come here. No questions. Cocoa Cinnamon has three Bull City locations and each has their own unique character. The Geer Street location was their first and has a cozy vibe inside with a great patio outside.
Address: 420 W Geer St, 2627 Hillsborough Rd, 2013 Chapel Hill Rd
Neighborhood: Downtown, Hillsborough Rd, Lakewood
Must-Try Drinks: Dr. Durham, Hot Caramel, Durm Fog, Kublai Klan
Shop Durham Offer: Free Churro with Drink Purchase (Lakewood Location)
Check out our complete guide to Cocoa Cinnamon here
Joe Van Gogh
You can find these shops all over the Durham coffee scene with three prime locations. They even roast their own beans and you can get their coffee at other local spots like Guglhupf and Pine Cone.
Address: 1114-B W Chapel Hill St, 1104 Broad St B, 4711 Hope Valley Rd
Neighborhood: Downtown, West End, Woodcroft
Notes: Be sure to check out their lavender syrup made in house.
Must-Try Drinks: Oat Milk Latte
Shop Durham Offer: 5% off $5 or more
Parker and Otis
Life would be much duller without Parker & Otis. I always find something so very ‘Durham’ here and a greeting card that makes me laugh out loud. This is the perfect place for an afternoon pick-me-up, friend coffee date, or rainy day.
Address: 112 S Duke St
Neighborhood: Brightleaf
Notes: They have a large, shaded outdoor seating area for those warm days too! They serve Counter Culture coffee.
Must-Try Drink: Iced Rose Latte
Beyu Caffe
Beyu is a local staple and they definitely allow everyone to Be-You. The environment, service and food are awesome. They’ve got ample seating so you can settle in and get work done or bring a crew and socialize.
Address: 341 W Main St
Neighborhood: Downtown
Notes: This neighborhood cafe is a popular gathering spot for different community organizing and social groups.
Must-Try Drinks: Caramello or Turtle Mocha
Shop Durham Offer: 10% off coffee and breakfast items weekdays before 10:30am
Durham Hotel
One of my favorite non-office places to work. There’s plenty of (comfortable) seating, the staff is super kind, and the beautiful mid century vibes are worth the trip alone.
Address: 315 E Chapel Hill St
Neighborhood: Downtown
Local’s Favorite Drinks: Coffee Soda, Iced Chai Latte, Coconut and Cardamom Cold Brew Latte
Foster’s Street Coffee
The owner is an absolutely delight and is always ready with a smile. We love their oversized, comfy chairs and cozy fireplace.
Address: 530 Foster St #2
Neighborhood: Central Park
Notes: There’s a large meeting room with a TV that is available for meetings, groups, etc. for free.
Must-Try Drinks: Chai Latte, Iced Mocha
Durham Co-Op Market
May not be where you think of when you want to grab a cup of joe, but the Durham Co-Op has a cute cafe that serves Counter Culture.
Address: 1111 W Chapel Hill St
Neighborhood: West End
Shop Durham Offer: Get a FREE cup of drip coffee every visit
Unscripted Hotel
It’s cocktails by night and coffee by day at this cafe in the lobby of the Unscripted Hotel. I’m a big fan of comfy couches to work on and they have an abundance of them.
Address: 202 Corcoran St
Neighborhood: Downtown
Notes: You know that parking downtown can be a major headache. Good news is that Unscripted has their own parking garage, just have to pay hourly.
Saladelia Cafe
A local staple for 25+ years, Saladelia has 4 locations around Durham. The staff is awesome and the food is great. Quality, taste and value are all outstanding. We love grabbing a cup of coffee and wondering around American Tobacco Campus at the Blackwell Street location.
Address: 4201 University Dr #101, 411 Chapel Dr, 2424 Erwin Rd #303, 406 Blackwell St
Fun Fact: People think Saladeila is the the owner’s last name, but it’s simply a combination of “salad” and “deli” with the “a” added
Coffee Served: Counter Culture
Pine Cone
At Pine Cone, they serve the essentials: Maple View Farm ice cream and Joe Van Gogh coffee. You’ll find this spot at Brightleaf Square and they have specials everyday of the week.
Address: 905 W Main St
Neighborhood: Brightleaf
Notes: They serve the famous Maple View Farms ice cream here, so if you don’t feel like driving all the way out there this is the perfect spot to get it
Shop Durham Offer: 10% off every visit
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