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.
Nearly a North Carolina landmark, Mitch’s Tavern is an old-school pub that serves good beer and hearty American dishes including gluten-free gumbo and stews, gazpacho, and Cuban sandwiches. The bar is tucked away in a brick building on Hillsborough Street, and walking in you’ll feel as if you have stumbled into a simple, valuable secret. Mitch's is located nearby North Carolina State University, and has a history of feeding generations of students with items from a specials menu known for miles around.
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.