Coffee in Durham is tradition with a modern edge: brick-walled cafés, bold brews, and the scent of espresso rising through a city steeped in soul and innovation. It’s where I sip something strong and smooth, surrounded by thinkers, makers, and storytellers.
I’ve got a molasses-sweet cold brew beside my notebook, the soft rhythm of street jazz in the background, and the legacy of tobacco warehouses turned creative hubs—right here in the ever-evolving pulse of Durham, North Carolina. Who knew history and hustle could blend so beautifully?
"Rooted flavor, progressive spirit, and warmth in every pour? This is Durham coffee culture!"
Unique Coffee Shops in Durham, NC:
1. Bean Traders
Rating: ★★★★★
Located in the Homestead Market, Bean Traders is a local independent coffee shop that serves fresh coffee from bean to cup, roasting, and brewing their beans on-site. Established in 2000, the coffee shop has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and prides itself on serving ethically- and sustainably sourced coffee beans and roasts high-grade delicious coffee in compostable cups.
The café also sells a range of freshly baked pastries and light bites, made with local and artisanal ingredients, and sells their coffee at South Durham Farmer’s Market. Bean Traders is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and early dinner, seven days a week.
Bean Traders, 105 W Nc 54 Hwy #249, Durham, NC 27713, Phone: 919-484-2499
2. Beyu Caffe
Beyu Caffe is an upbeat, bohemian hangout on Main Street in the heart of Durham that serves freshly roasted and brewed coffee, an all-day menu of hearty American fare, a full-service bar, and complimentary wireless Internet. Founded in 2009 by Dorian Bolden, Beyú Caffè serves its own signature coffee blend named Heart & Soul with a smooth and delicious flavor and character, along with a range of the usual favorites such as americano, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, and espresso.
Beyú Caffè serves a menu of light bites such as pastries and sweet treats and offers catering services for private events and functions. Beyú Caffè is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, seven days a week.
Beyu Caffe, 341 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701, Phone: 919-683-1058
3. Cocoa Cinnamon
Cocoa Cinnamon is a locally-owned and operated coffee shop that focuses on serving excellent coffee, tea, and hot chocolate as well as community engagement in an eclectic and relaxed atmosphere. The café has a comfortable interior space with cozy seating, a community book swap station, a large outdoor patio for summer sipping, and complimentary wireless Internet.
The coffee shop’s first location opened in downtown Durham in 2013 and the second in Old West Durham two years later, both of which serve signature coffees and specialty drinks, traditional offerings like mochas and lattes, tea, juice, sipping chocolate, beer, and wine. The café offers a small, rotating daily selection of freshly baked goods and Mediterranean fare, also stocks a wide variety of artisan chocolate bars and spreads, along with a small selection of merchandise such as coffee presses, T-shirts, and postcards by local artists.
Cocoa Cinnamon, 420 West Geer Street, Durham, NC 27701, Phone: 919-697-8990
4. Foster Street Coffee
Located on the ground floor of the Liberty Warehouse Building on Foster Street, Foster Street Coffee draws inspiration from around the world to bring the community of Durham flavorful unblended single-origin coffee and espresso-style coffee drinks, and delicious homegrown fare.
The café is a cozy and comfortable spot for enjoying a variety of great coffee from cappuccinos and macchiatos to mocha lattes and espresso-style drinks. There is also a large assortment of fine loose teas available and a menu of light fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Foster Street Coffee is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily.
Foster Street Coffee, 530 Foster St #2, Durham, NC 27701, Phone: 919-797-9555
Date Ideas:
5. Saladelia at Duke University Perkins Library
Located in the William R Perkins Library, Saladelia at Duke University Perkins Library is a casual Mediterranean-inspired café and coffee bar that serves traditional Mediterranean fare, freshly brewed coffee and espresso drinks, and house-made baked goods. Established in 1988, Saladelia Cafe + Catering is an independently-owned business that specializes in delicious, home-made Mediterranean cuisine prepared with fresh, local, and organic ingredients.
The menu features an array of gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, homemade soups, a variety of hearty entrées, and Mediterranean mezze platters, as well as decadent sweet treats and desserts such as cakes, cookies, and pastries. The drinks menu boasts a range of coffee, tea, and organic smoothies and juices, as well as a local beer and wine selection. Saladelia @ Duke University Perkins Library is open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday.
Saladelia at Duke University Perkins Library, 411 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC 27705, Phone: 919-684-2049
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