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There’s nothing better than a good cup of coffee in the morning. Or the afternoon. Or even in the evening. And North Carolina is filled with an abundance of locally owned coffee shops, each offering a bit of homegrown flavor and insight into the cultures of our towns and cities.
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Larema Coffee House
Larema Coffee House, named for the word meaning “my friend” in the Acholi language of Uganda, serves tea lattes and coffee milkshakes blended with local ice cream. Return during the evening hours to bond with locals during karaoke and open mic nights.
Community Matters Cafe
The leaders of Community Matters Cafe — including 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist chef Chayil Johnson — foster life skills for those recovering from addiction. Employees build communication and other soft skills while learning how to bake flaky pastries and brew cinnamon bun mochas.
Backstage Coffee
Located in the 1903 Jones-Lee House, Backstage is a Barbie Dreamhouse full of bright colors, disco balls and glitter. This shop is owned and operated by Mackenzie and Anna Park, who feature a pop-culture-themed coffee menu — think colorful drinks with playful names nodding to “Legally Blonde” or Taylor Swift — alongside the classics.
Appalachian Java
Appalachian Java brings local flavor to downtown Burnsville with organic coffee, house-made gelato and fresh pastries served morning through evening. Grab a sidewalk table near the town square or settle in upstairs for a slower pace. It’s a go-to spot for a casual bite with mountain views just beyond the door.
Bad Moms Coffee
Order from Bad Moms’ seasonal menu — or go all in with a flight — then claim a spot on the green velvet couch or head outside in the heart of Belhaven. Drinks like Mama Bear, Barbie Girl and the Hot Mess Latte pair with standout pastries for a start to the day that’ll put a pep in your step.
Bobby Boy Bakeshop
Bobby Boy Bakeshop, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery, is where tradition meets artistry. Chef Josh Coe’s meticulous approach to baking results in some of the finest pastries in North Carolina. The croissants, made with expert precision, are buttery, flaky and full of texture — perfect representations of the craftsmanship that defines Bobby Boy. Pair a delicious pastry, croissant or danish with an item from the coffee menu. Pro tip: The iced coffees feature coffee ice cubes.
Cedar Mountain Outpost
Cedar Mountain Outpost keeps things easy just outside DuPont State Forest, pairing made-to-order pizzas, grab-and-go bites and a full coffee bar with fuel for the road. Stop in for a latte, local beer or quick meal, then head back out to continue chasing 250-plus area waterfalls.
Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee
Soft light, exposed brick and the scent of roasting beans immediately warm you up at Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee, which nods to its home in an old building with rustic-chic furniture and finishes. Settle into a charming booth beneath the glowing “Sylva” sign and sip something brewed with care and conscience.
SUNdays Cafe
SUNdays Cafe sits above South End Surf Shop, pairing coffee, smoothies and acai bowls with wide Atlantic views. Start with a latte or cold brew, then linger over light bites as waves roll in. It’s an easygoing perch for soaking up the coast from sunrise on.
Cocoa Cinnamon
With three Durham locations, Cocoa Cinnamon uses creative spices in its coffees and teas to create unique flavors. Try a Rumi that starts with African or Asian hand-brewed coffee, with added rosewater and cardamom. There’s also the See-Line Woman espresso, with black strap molasses, dark melted chocolate and homemade vanilla latte. For the sweet tooth, sample the single-origin sipping chocolates on the outdoor patio.
Little Switzerland Books and Beans
Fiction, nonfiction, history, classics, cookbooks — the list goes on. And at Little Switzerland Books and Beans, you’ll want to grab a cup of coffee before your treasure hunt. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this coffee shop and bookstore hybrid is a place of peace for travelers, offering three floors of books and other trinkets to explore.
Orchard Coffee
Named “NC’s Best Coffee Shop” multiple times by Food & Drink magazine, Orchard Coffee is beloved in this mountain town. Founded by three-time World Latte Art Champion Cabell Tice, this coffee shop offers gorgeous latte art (obviously), adorable to-go cups, scratch-made baked goods and a recently opened coffee truck. Pro tip: The velvety smooth mochas are a customer favorite.
Ocracoke Coffee Company
Located in a historic island home nestled in the heart of the village on Ocracoke Island, Ocracoke Coffee Company has been an island institution for 20-plus years, serving coffee, espresso, smoothies and baked goods. Don’t miss the Nuts n’ Joltz, featuring a double shot of espresso, chocolate, peanut butter and banana. Enjoy your beverage on the front porch to catch up on all the latest gossip and island news, where the salt air mixes with the aroma of coffee.
Cork & Brew
Baristas at Cork & Brew whip up classics, but a fleet of syrups, sauces and add-ons (think cold foam and gummy candy) leave room for experimentation. For a boozier morning, opt for a mimosa flight with flavors like peach and pineapple.
Mountain Grounds Coffee
Mountain Grounds Coffee serves up fresh brews and specialty teas at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Pair your drink with a locally made pastry or breakfast burrito, then ease into the High Country pace.