9 Local Coffee Shops in North Carolina That We Love

Coffee is literally addicting. So is a good coffee shop, and just about every North Carolina town or city has a coffee shop that’s worth a visit. We’ve picked some of our favorites below.

Coffee is one of those staples you can never get enough of. It’s quite literally addicting. For some it’s the caffeine that keeps them coming back, and for others it’s the ritual of it all. 

Whether that ritual is your classic home brew, or finding yourself in a cozy atmosphere, during the coldest days of the year, we’ve built a list of local coffee shops we love. And, just in time for the holidays, we’ve checked in on their seasonal flavors for your daily coffee consumption. 

1. Dough Joe’s Doughnuts & Coffee, Winston-Salem 

Remember Belle from Beauty and the Beast? 

Dough Joe’s atmosphere is like Belle’s dream cottage.  Here’s what’s on their seasonal menu: 

• Canela de Leche
• Spiced Marmalade Cappuccino 
• Salted Caramel Latte 
• Butterbeer Latte
• Butterbeer
• Candy Cane Hot Cocoa 
• Mint Mocha

2. Drift Coffee, Wilmington

With 5 locations in Wilmington, Wrightsville, and Ocean Isle, Drift Coffee is your light, airy, trendy, internet café. It may take a little longer to get cold down there, but they’re definitely committed to some classic holiday flavors. 

• Toasted Marshmallow Flat White 
• Peanut Butter Blossom 
• Peppermint Mocha 
• Gingerbread Man latte

3. Asali Cafe, Cary  

Meaning “sweets” and “honey” in Arabic and Persian, Asali Cafe  specializes in Mediterranean desserts, and is the brainchild of two NC State alumni who understand coffee shops are a place to socialize, study, and relax.

• Gingerbread latte 
• Peppermint Mocha 
• Orange Mocha 

4. Meeples Brew, Morrisville

Meeple’s Brew is a unique coffee house that has over 850 board games in addition to their fun seasonal flavors!

• S’mores latte
• Blood orange chiller 
• Spiced apple latte 
• Peppermint 
• Gingerbread latte

5. Green Joe’s, Greensboro 

Industrial atmosphere and talented baristas, Green Joe’s has rich flavors year-round that blend in perfectly with holiday decadence. 

• Raspberry Truffle 
• Chocolate Eclair
• Charcoal Mocha 
• Triple C 

6. Double D’s Coffee and Desserts, Asheville 

How often do you enjoy your coffee in a bright red double decker bus? 

Well, next time you’re in Asheville check out Double D’s Coffee & Desserts for a unique experience as well as their classic flavors. 

• Red Hot Chili Mocha 
• Peppermint Bark Mocha
• Creme Brue Latte 
• Double Decker White Mocha 

7. Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, Elizabeth City  

Muddy Waters Coffeehouse is cozy, kitschy, and “as comfortable as your living room without going home.” The perfect place to catch up with friends or set up for work, and their abundance of cold-weather flavors doesn’t hurt.  

• Muddy’s Magical Elixir
• Gingerbread Latte 
• Eggnog 
• Hot toddy
• Maple Oak Macchiato 
• Snowflake 

8. Thornwell Books, Morganton 

A bookstore and a coffee shop, Thornwell Books brings seasonal flavors to their menu under the names of some pretty famous authors.

• The Angelou 
• The Dickens 
• The Joyce
• The Grimm 
• The Hemingway 
• The Wilde

9. Crema Brew, New Bern 

Crema Brew is a neighborhood coffeehouse founded by a couple that bonded over late-night coffee dates. 

We’re interested in anything calling itself a “bear latte”! 

• Polar Bear Latte
• Swiss Bear Latte
• Circus Bear Latte 
• Black bear Latte
• White Chocolate Raspberry 
• Toffee Nut Latte 

READ MORE: The Perfect Holiday Drinks, As Selected By NC Bartenders and Mixologists