The best cafes in Durham

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

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Cafes · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Lanza’s Cafe

Cafes

Cozy brunch destination featuring espresso drinks, bagels and pastries, plus gluten-free treats.

601 W Main St C (Carrboro)

“Cozy brunch destination featuring espresso drinks, bagels and pastries, plus gluten-free treats.”

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Caffè Driade

Cafes

Scenic cafe with patios amidst gardens & trees, serving coffee, tea, wine & assorted baked goods.

1215-A, E Franklin St (Chapel Hill)

“Scenic cafe with patios amidst gardens & trees, serving coffee, tea, wine & assorted baked goods.”

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Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery

Cafes

Start your day with Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery, where breakfast, lunch and dessert are made with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch, and…

6490 Tryon Rd (Cary)

“Start your day with Chanticleer Cafe & Bakery, where breakfast, lunch and dessert are made with fresh ingredients and a homemade touch, and every pastry is baked in-house. Sip Joe Van Gogh coffee, grab a sandwich, then remember why Cary mornings are actually pretty great.”

From the Apex newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Purr Cup Cafe

Cafes

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.”

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Asali Desserts & Cafe

Cafes

Friendly cafe for delicious baked goods, coffee, tea and other drinks.

107 Edinburgh S Dr Ste 106-A (Cary)

“Friendly cafe for delicious baked goods, coffee, tea and other drinks.”

Website ↗

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