Best Coffee Shops In Chapel Hill, NC 

Searching for the best coffee shops in Chapel Hill? We have you covered!

Chapel Hill, NC, is primarily located in Orange County and is a huge hot spot for young professionals, students, and families. The addition of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has caused tremendous growth and opportunities for residents in the town. When driving around, you will see beautiful architecture, businesses, shopping centers, restaurants, and coffee shops.

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Since we enjoy coffee so much, we decided to set out on a mission to find you the coffee shops we deem to be the best in Chapel Hill. Stick with us while we dive deeper into these immaculate coffee shops in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area.  

Perennial 

Perennial features a classic menu of coffee and tea beverages with pastries & light fare in a foliage-filled space. The atmosphere at Perennial is light and airy and allows for a relaxing and calming space where students can study, get work done, or gather with friends. 

Their menu includes espresso, brewed coffee options, seasonal specials, tea drinks, house-made syrups, and coffee alternatives. One of the seasonal favorites is the Spicy Mocha Latte. That includes espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, cinnamon, and cayenne house-made cinnamon whip. On top of delicious drinks, Perennial has assorted local baked goods that are available for purchase daily. 

Check out their website here! 

Located at 401 West Franklin St

The hours are as follows: 

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Caffe Driade 

If you've been looking for the most relaxing coffee shop in Chapel Hill, Caffe Driade is the perfect place for you! The shop is tucked in among the trees and out under the stars. Caffe Driade is an award-winning, independently-owned, full-service espresso bar, wine bar & teahouse. It is popular amongst residents who want a tranquil environment paired with a beautifully roasted cup of coffee. On certain days, they also have live music for entertainment!

They strive to remain unequaled in the area by achieving a balance of quality in their carefully crafted products, their gorgeous and evocative atmosphere, and stellar service. Their menu includes brewed coffee options including pour-over, cold brew, cafe au lait, espresso, americano, and more! They also serve coffee alternatives and tea.

If you enjoy a snack with your coffee, Caffe Driade serves croissants, cheese scones, muffins, cookies, chicken salads, and even a treat for your furry friend! At Caffe Driade, you can purchase various coffee drinks, coffee by bag, tea, beer, and wine.  

Check out their website here! 

Located at 1215-A East Franklin St

The hours are as follows: 

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 

Carolina Coffee Shop 

The Carolina Coffee Shop is a must-try, as they are the oldest continually running restaurant in North Carolina. The shop is locally owned and operated and has been serving the Chapel Hill area for nearly a century. Due to the popularity, they are extremely busy and recommend stopping by early and expecting a wait. Unfortunately, they do not accept reservations or call-ahead on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They offer online and take-out orders with an auto-gratuity of 18% will be added. 

The atmosphere at Carolina Coffee Shop is warm and inviting, and they take pride in showing off Chapel Hill's magnificent history. They are known to be a great place for friends, family, and even first dates!

Carolina Coffee Shop serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks throughout the week. The food here is delicious and embraces a modern take on southern cuisine. 

They have all of your favorite classic coffee beverages, along with coffee cocktails. One of my favorites is the Espresso Martini. It's a $12 drink that includes Tito's vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, simple syrup, and espresso. Their breakfast menu consists of griddles & waffles, omelets, specials like eggs benedict, steak and eggs, etc., and delicious sides. Lunch options are salads, omelets, and various sandwiches.

Check out their website here! 

Located at 138 East Franklin St

The hours are as follows: 

Every Day: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Epilogue Books, Chocolate and Brews 

Do you consider yourself to be a bookworm? Epilogue books, chocolate, and brews is a crossover between a bookshop and a coffee house. You can relax and read a book while enjoying one of their delicious craft brews, a glass of wine, churros, and a cup of chocolate. To ensure your taste buds get the best experience, they have sourced locally from Carrboro Coffee Roasters and Ponysaurus Brewing of Durham.

The aim of the Epilogue is "to be a place where people can gather, whether to cultivate new ideas, learn old ones, or escape into the welcoming atmosphere that books, chocolate, and coffee all provide.".

Some of the coffee options on their menu include drip, espresso, americano, red eye, cappuccino, cortado, flat white, macchiato, flavored options, etc. 

Their food menu embraces the owner's Mexican roots including churros, conchas, cookies, empanadas, and more. Their bookstore offers various books in every genre, gifts and goodies, puzzles, and more. If you like to be surprised, they have a blind date book option where you can order a book, but you won't know anything about it until it is delivered.

Check out their website here! 

Located at 109 E. Franklin St

The hours are as follows: 

Sunday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM 

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

La Vita Dolce

La Vita Dolce is an espresso, gelato, and wine cafe in the Southern Village of Chapel Hill, NC. 

"This is by far my favorite coffee shop in Chapel Hill. The staff is always friendly, and the hand-crafted seasonable beverages the team concocts never disappoint!".

After looking worldwide and many tastings later, Victrola's Empire Blend was the chosen coffee for La Vita Dolce. It is a full-body blend with flavors of dried fruit, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. It also encompasses steady brightness paired with a body that makes it delicious, black, or with various kinds of milk. La Vita Dolce was also the first in the area to offer nitro coffee, a cold brewed, nitrogen-infused coffee that is available on tap. 

La Vita Dolce serves classic drip, pour-ver, lattes, cappuccinos, and more, along with specialty drinks. A fan favorite is the Dolce White Russian, which is a two-shot streamline espresso with a touch of vanilla on ice, topped with hand-shaken hazelnut cream. If you dislike coffee, they also serve tea, chai, matcha latte, sparkling matcha lemonade, etc. 

If you want something sweet, try their homemade gelato or sorbet. Flavors include wildberry lavender, avocado sage, spicy mango, lemon ginger, white chocolate rose, etc. You can also try their gelato drinks, which consist of espresso or nitro coffee overtop your choice of gelato.

Check out their website here!

Located at 610 Market St Suite 101-C

The hours are as follows: 

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM 

Wednesday, Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

Tin Cup Joe

Tin Cup Joe has a signature drink, the Dr. Pepper Latte, which was inspired by the owner's childhood memories of drinking warm Dr. Pepper. It is now a favorite and a must-try. Owner Chris continues to this day to sell some of the best local coffee out of his camper on Franklin Street. He uses coffee from Carrboro Coffee Roasters and dairy from Maple View Farm and Homeland Creamery. 

Their coffee options include espresso, au lait, red eye, lattes, cappuccinos, mocha, americano, and more. You can add shots in the hazelnut, vanilla, caramel, and Dr. Pepper flavors. They also serve tea and Kava, which is their current featured drink. Kava is a root-based drink from the Pacific Islands that is quickly becoming popular. It is known for its earthy taste and relaxing effect. 

Check out their menu here! 

Located at 516 W Franklin St next to Al's Burgers

The hours are as follows: 

Sunday: CLOSED

Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM 

Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM 

Joe Van Gogh

The founder of Joe Van Gogh says,

"My goal with all the coffees we sell is to get to the source. To get to know the farmer, the co-op, the mill, and the importer. It is a lengthy, global process that is personal to each of us along the coffee supply chain ... the more we know and are a part of the coffee that we roast, serve, and drink, the better we are.".

If you prefer coffee at home, try out Joe Van Gogh's available beans, or you can visit one of their cafes for a delicious drink! They create amazing coffee by roasting their beans to order on the world's most innovative, sustainable, and fuel-efficient Loring Smart roaster and packaging all coffee by hand. At Joe Van Gogh, they take pride in the art and craft of everything they do from seed to service and from concept to cup.

Click this link to view the coffee they have available for purchase! 

Consider Joe Van Gogh's Cafe if you're looking for an event space. They can host your special event on weeknights from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM for a fee of $100 plus the cost of drinks and a 15% gratuity. You can include a catering package for an additional charge. 

Check out their website here! 

Located at 1129 AD Weaver Dairy Rd

The hours are as follows: 

Every Day: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM 

Coco Espresso, Bistro, & Bar

Coco Espresso, Bistro, & Bar is a fully plant-based dual-concept restaurant including a coffee shop, breakfast and lunch cafe by day, and a restaurant and full bar by evening. The environment at Coco Espresso, Bistro, & Bar is inclusive and welcoming to people from all walks of life. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, so you can enjoy your coffee and delicious food while gathering with friends, meeting with family, or relaxing alone. 

Their coffee and espresso bar includes many options, flavors, and sizes. Some of those are the Americano, brewed coffee, cappuccino, cafe au lait, a French press, cortado, and more. They serve specialty lattes, one being the brown sugar cinnamon latte, a fan favorite. If you don't like coffee, they have tea, sodas, juices, and other non-coffee beverages. 

Check out their website here!

Located at 101 Glen Lennox Dr

The hours are as follows: 

Monday - Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Wednesday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Best Coffee Shops In Chapel Hill - Final Thoughts

All of the coffee shops in Chapel Hill, NC, provide you with delicious coffee, pastries & food options, an excellent atmosphere, and friendly staff. While Chapel Hill is mainly known for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, they are constantly being recognized for award-winning restaurants and coffee shops.

With the population and popularity of Chapel Hill continuing to rise, it's fair to say you can expect more businesses to begin moving to the area! No matter what part of Chapel Hill you reside in, a quick drive will satisfy your caffeine needs. 

If you found our list useful, please share it with family and friends, and feel free to leave us any suggestions or tips. 

If you're interested in real estate in Chapel Hill, check out our website or contact us to connect with an agent who can answer any real estate-related questions. 

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best coffee shops in Chapel Hill, NC.