Tucked in the Pleasant Valley Promenade Shopping Center, New World Coffeehouse is known for its locally roasted coffee, casual atmosphere, and famous cookies. The cafe is a great place to get work done on a laptop while enjoying coffee, or taking a break from shopping. In addition to the standard coffees, mochas, and cappuccinos, New World offers cold brewed coffee and creative smoothies. If you need something to go along with a drink, a specialty cookie can do the trick.
Bean Traders is dedicated to the art of roasting and slinging coffee. Since being opened by an optimistic, coffee-loving couple in 2000, the coffeehouse has won nearly a dozen local magazine awards for its coffee and atmosphere. The interior here is inviting, a little chaotic, and funky—the way a loyal, quirky friend might be. Coffee slingers here serve bagels and cookies, and trade in the likes of specialty pour-overs, southern pecan iced coffees, and pumpkin lattes.
This vibrant cafe, bakery, and German restaurant can safely be called a local favorite. Seasonal menus feature eclectic German specialties made with only locally-sourced ingredients. The bakery offers a generous menu of breads, cakes, pastries, and cookies. Guglhupf’s interiors are stunning, and feature an interior terrace and courtyard, a beautiful patio for outdoor dining, and an atrium. The cafe also often hosts wine and local food-related events, and exhibits the work of local artists.
Sola stands apart for its absolute dedication to coffee and its stylish, friendly atmosphere reminiscent of European coffeehouses. The cafe offers a rotating list of espresso, French press, and pour over coffees. On mornings and weekends patrons line up for hot mini donuts. There is plenty of outdoor seating from where you can enjoy a nice menu of sandwiches, flat breads, and salads. If you’re short on time, all of the coffee and menu items are available through a call-ahead drive-through.
The Morning Times is a brick-walled coffeehouse that serves coffee, breakfast, and sandwiches for a hip and bohemian-leaning crowd. The coffee bar is downstairs, while a secluded upstairs gallery is perfect for catching up with friends over a group brunch. Outdoor seating spills onto the sidewalk on East Hargett Street. The Morning Times is quick, friendly, and right in the middle of downtown Raleigh. If you ask the baristas kindly, they might jazz your coffee with a shot of bourbon.