The best cafes in Durham

9 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Run entirely by UNC students, The Meantime Coffee Co. brews coffee with a conscience and invests back into campus through its Social Impact…

180 E Cameron Ave (Chapel Hill)

Run entirely by UNC students, The Meantime Coffee Co. brews coffee with a conscience and invests back into campus through its Social Impact Grant and local partnerships. Expect a cozy, community-first vibe, compostable supplies, and that nice feeling when your daily latte quietly supports Chapel Hill.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, September 7, 2026

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A classic menu of coffee & tea beverages with pastries & light fare in a foliage-filled space.

401 W Franklin St (Chapel Hill)

A classic menu of coffee & tea beverages with pastries & light fare in a foliage-filled space.

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UNC-Chapel Hill’s only student-run, nonprofit coffee shop, Meantime at the Junction pours community-minded caffeine. Every cup supports…

136 E Rosemary St (Chapel Hill)

UNC-Chapel Hill’s only student-run, nonprofit coffee shop, Meantime at the Junction pours community-minded caffeine. Every cup supports full-time student staff, sustainability efforts like compostable supplies and waste reduction, and even a Social Impact Grant investing right back into campus.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, September 22, 2026

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Coffeehouse chain serving signature drinks, mochas & lattes, plus coffee & breakfast.

1408 E Franklin St (Chapel Hill)

Coffeehouse chain serving signature drinks, mochas & lattes, plus coffee & breakfast.

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Whether you need a quiet nook or a little buzz of Franklin Street energy, Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews pairs a fresh read with breakfast,…

109 E Franklin St #100 (Chapel Hill)

Whether you need a quiet nook or a little buzz of Franklin Street energy, Epilogue Books Chocolate Brews pairs a fresh read with breakfast, pastries, Mexican-style treats, and a thoughtful beer and wine lineup so you can make your page-turning a whole vibe.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 28, 2026

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1922

Cafes

1922 is the sister shop to Carolina Coffee Shop, turning out high-quality coffee, tea, and matcha with a few small bites to keep you…

140 E Franklin St (Chapel Hill)

1922 is the sister shop to Carolina Coffee Shop, turning out high-quality coffee, tea, and matcha with a few small bites to keep you fueled. It’s the kind of grab-and-go lifeline that saves slow mornings and powers study breaks, no fuss, just really good drinks.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, September 1, 2026

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Carolina Coffee Shop is North Carolina’s oldest restaurant, a Franklin Street tradition since 1922 where brunch cravings, solid lunches,…

138 E Franklin St (Chapel Hill)

Carolina Coffee Shop is North Carolina’s oldest restaurant, a Franklin Street tradition since 1922 where brunch cravings, solid lunches, and a proper daytime cocktail all feel right at home. Locally owned and still the Tar Heel living room, it’s an easy meet-up spot and a dependable pick for hosting or catering, too.

From the Durham newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Sneak off the street into the woods at Caffè Driade, an indie espresso, wine, and tea bar where garden patios, fresh-baked treats, and the…

1215-A, E Franklin St (Chapel Hill)

Sneak off the street into the woods at Caffè Driade, an indie espresso, wine, and tea bar where garden patios, fresh-baked treats, and the occasional live set make lingering mandatory. Try a pourover from Mexico or a thoughtfully sourced wine, then exhale.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Swap your routine caffeine run for something that actually helps, because at Purr Cup Cafe every sip supports a comfy adoption center where…

210 Prospect Ave (Raleigh)

Swap your routine caffeine run for something that actually helps, because at Purr Cup Cafe every sip supports a comfy adoption center where local rescue kitties thrive and meet their future humans. Want quality kitty time? Make a reservation, enjoy a brew, and feel good about your morning.

From the Raleigh newsletter, September 18, 2026

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