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Best Coffee Shops in Apex
Are you moving to Apex, NC, and love coffee? Check out these ten great coffee shops in Apex!
Are you moving to or visiting the charming town of Apex, North Carolina? Nestled between Raleigh and Cary, Apex has earned its nickname "The Peak of Good Living" for many reasons, including its exceptional coffee culture.
With a population of over 75,000 residents, this thriving community seamlessly blends small-town charm with big-city conveniences, creating the perfect environment for families, young professionals, and retirees.
Welcoming new residents daily, Apex is not only one of the safest places to live in North Carolina, but its affordable cost of living and sought-after homes for sale make it one of the best places to call home in the state.
From the historic downtown district where century-old buildings house modern coffee shops and top-rated restaurants, to newer developments where innovative concepts serve busy professionals and families, Apex does a great job of preserving its heritage while embracing growth and change.
For anyone considering calling Apex home, its coffee shops are a popular attraction among residents. The quality and character of these local coffee shops offer a genuine glimpse into the values and lifestyle that define this exceptional town.
Here are the ten best coffee shops that make Apex a true caffeine lover's paradise.
1. Mission Market
Location: 124 N Salem St, Historic Downtown Apex
Mission Market is a coffee and cafe shop in Downtown Apex, NC, specializing in serving handcrafted coffee with an all-day breakfast & lunch menu. Established in 2020, this cafe serves classic and seasonal lattes, matcha, and espresso beverages.
Their food menu is also popular and includes acai bowls, avocado toast, paninis, bakery items, and smoothies. The modern, health-conscious approach and ethical sourcing make it a favorite among young professionals and health-minded locals.
2. Common Grounds Coffee House and Desserts
Location: 219 N Salem St, Historic Downtown Apex
Common Grounds Coffee House and Desserts is a family-run business that always offers a warm welcome and relaxing space to enjoy delicious coffee and treats.
Best known for its freshly brewed lattes and delicious treats, the menu includes coffee, juices, matcha, ice cream, and various desserts. With plenty of coffee flavorings to choose from, it is no wonder that Common Grounds is one of the best coffee shops in Apex.
Located in the historic downtown inside the Tobacco and Mule Exchange with lots of tables and seating both outside and in the landmark Mule Exchange building. This beloved local institution has served the community for years, creating lasting memories over coffee made from premium-grade beans.
The combination of historic charm, family hospitality, and legendary desserts creates an authentic small-town coffee house experience.
3. The Mocha Room
Location: 2145 Ten-Ten Rd, Apex, NC 27539
The Mocha Room is a veteran-owned coffee shop in Apex, NC. This military family decided to open up and manage a coffee shop after relying heavily on coffee and the calmness of coffee shops to get them through difficult times in the military.
Their mission is to unite people and offer a space for community connection. Whether you're craving a classic cappuccino, a decadent mocha, or a refreshing iced latte, The Mocha Room brings your coffee dreams to life with an inviting setting and welcoming atmosphere that urges you to linger a little longer.
Aside from delicious coffee, they also serve refreshments, snacks, and sweets, including breakfast and lunch items, pastries, and ice cream. Drink choices include smoothies, tea, and, of course, coffee.
The Mocha Room also offers its entire shop as a rental space if you're looking for somewhere to host your next party. It has a semi-private area that seats up to 20.
4. Peak City Coffee
Location: 1600 Olive Chapel Road, Suite 336, Apex, NC 27502
Peak City Coffee is the perfect place for all coffee lovers. As small batch roasters, they deliver the highest quality specialty coffee. This locally-owned roastery focuses on the craft of coffee from bean to cup, offering fresh-roasted beans and expertly prepared beverages that showcase the true potential of specialty coffee.
After sourcing the beans, Peak City carefully roasts them in-house to create unique and delicious flavors that enhance and perfect all coffee beverages. They sell favorite products in stores, including the Peak City House Blend, Whispering Pines, and Full Steam.
5. Notes Coffee House
Location: 830 Perry Road, Apex, NC 27502
Notes Coffee House is a cozy establishment where coffee lovers can gather and indulge in their favorite brews. Located inside Rock N' Roll High School, their unique blend of coffee and music creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
This coffee shop's creative environment makes it perfect for artists, musicians, and anyone seeking inspiration with their caffeine fix. It serves traditional and artist-inspired drinks, and all menu items are delicious and well-crafted.
Featuring indoor and some outdoor seating, this is the perfect spot to hang out and enjoy coffee while supporting a local business.
6. Piranha Joe Coffee
Location: 2237 Old US 1 Hwy, Apex, NC 27502
Piranha Joe Coffee is on a mission to provide the area with the highest-quality, exceptionally crafted specialty coffee beverages using only the best ingredients. Established in 2020, this coffee shop is unique because it serves coffee in the morning and transitions to beer and wine in the afternoon with Vicious Fishes Brewery.
Creating a beloved community gathering place, combining specialty coffee and craft beer makes a fun day-to-evening destination. Offering a laid-back atmosphere, plenty of seating and parking are available for guests.
7. Turkish Coffee Lady
Location: 1460 Chapel Ridge Road, Unit 170, Apex, NC 27502
Turkish Coffee Lady is a popular coffee shop and eatery serving the Apex area. Established in 2009, they are passionate about bringing communities together over their mutual love for coffee.
Turkish Coffee Lady is the first and only authentic Turkish coffee brand in the U.S., and its mission is to build a global community of coffee explorers and empower women.
This woman-owned specialty coffee business continues a 500-year-old tradition of bridging cultures through authentic Turkish coffee preparation and cultural exchange.
This specialty coffee shop in Olive Chapel Professional Park is a unique destination in the Triangle area. Its menu features delicious beverages, desserts, and savory dishes.
8. Haraz Coffee House
Location: 1750 Olive Chapel Road, Apex, NC 27502
Haraz Coffee House is a popular coffee franchise with over 27 locations, one of which is in Apex. Serving authentic Yemeni coffee, this specialty coffee house focuses on premium organic blends, transporting you to the mountainous regions where their beans are sourced.
From light to dark roasts, this highly-rated Apex coffee shop offers a great selection of drinks, tasty desserts, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly service. There is even a drive-through.
9. Foxtail Coffee - Hunter Street
Location: 76 Hunter Street, Suite 112, Apex, NC 27502
Foxtail Coffee Company is a coffee shop located on Hunter Street in Apex that is best known for its freshly brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and pastries. As the first location in North Carolina, this coffee shop chain has many locations throughout the country, many of which are in Florida.
Foxtail Coffee Company is dedicated to sourcing the finest coffee worldwide from environmentally friendly and ethical farms. All beans are roasted in-house and used in various brewing methods.
Offering delicious lattes, a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service, this Apex coffee shop is a popular spot to get work done and hang out with friends and family.
10. Sweet Talk Cafe
Location: 2008 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex, NC 27502
Sweet Talk Cafe is a locally owned coffee shop in the Beaver Creek Crossings shopping center. This popular coffee shop features a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy great company, exceptional coffee, and irresistible desserts.
Sweet Talk Cafe features Asian-inspired beverages and desserts, including Korean shaved ice (bingsoo), croffles (croissant-waffles), and honey brick toast. Fusing traditional coffee culture with Asian dessert innovations creates a one-of-a-kind experience.
Offering excellent service, affordable menu items, and high-quality food and drinks, visit Sweet Talk Cafe for your next cup of coffee. The Strawberry Matcha is also a popular menu item worth ordering.
Methodology
Factors such as location, menu items, and reviews and ratings were considered to determine the best coffee shops in Apex, NC.
FAQs
What is Apex, North Carolina, known for?
Apex, North Carolina, is a thriving Raleigh suburb recognized for its high quality of life, low crime rate, strong sense of community, walkable downtown area, and growing real estate market.
Can coffee be grown in North Carolina?
The climate in North Carolina is generally not suitable for growing coffee, but it can technically be grown on a smaller scale indoors. Innovative methods such as hydroponic farming offer a way to grow coffee within the state.
What coffee shop is the most popular?
Starbucks is the world's largest and most popular coffee shop chain, leading in total sales and overall number of locations. With over 35,000 stores in over 80 countries, Starbucks has a massive presence in the United States, generating over $31.6 billion in sales in 2023.
Best coffee shops in Apex, NC - Final Thoughts
The downtown and Historic area of Apex, NC, is constantly growing and adding new boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. Apex is even home to some of the best ice cream in the Triangle.
When searching for your go-to coffee shop in Apex, you will find at least a few that serve exceptional beverages and satisfy your cravings. The coffee shops in Apex provide customers with a calm, relaxing, and welcoming environment where they can escape reality for a while.
Their shops are also perfect for working, meeting friends, or enjoying time alone. For prospective residents, this vibrant coffee scene shows a place where local entrepreneurship thrives and innovation meets tradition.
As you explore Apex's neighborhoods and consider where you might call home, don't just look at square footage and school districts (though those matter too). Pay attention to which coffee shop is closest to your potential new home, because that morning ritual might just become essential in this remarkable town.
At Raleigh Realty, we believe that finding the right home means finding the right community. Let us show you houses and neighborhoods where you will build lasting relationships and daily routines. Contact our Real Estate Experts today to discover homes near your soon-to-be favorite coffee shops.
