We can practically smell these waffles now. | Photo provided by Benelux
For richer or pour over, Raleigh’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. The City of Oaks has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to 40 of the best coffee shops in Raleigh.
Roasts to boast
Benelux Cafe, 402 Oberlin Rd., Ste 118 | Go for the Raleigh-roasted beans and Belgian waffles. Bonus: This shop was recognized by the Guinness World Records team for having the World’s Largest Coffee Bean Mural.
New World Cafe, 4112 Pleasant Valley Rd., Ste. 124, Raleigh | Order an açai bowl with your Counter Culture or Black & White Coffee — plus, there’s a drive through.
Rebus Works, 301 Kinsey St., Ste. 2 | Records? Check. Pantry essentials? Check. Cool events? Check. You can do it all at Rebus Works with a high-quality latte in your hand.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
The Optimist, 4509 Creedmoor Rd., Ste. 104 + 1000 Brookside Dr., Ste. 109 | The Creedmoor location is the perfect WFH escape, complete with a conference room for meetings, and plenty of outlets, and Brookside’s “local haunt” isn’t so spooky. Pro tip: Make sure to say “hi” to the shop’s resident skeletons.
Global Village Organic Coffee, 2428 Hillsborough St. | Serving organic coffee and tea along with syrups made completely in house, this spot has been a Raleigh staple for over 20 years.
Perfect for a date
Giorgios Epicurean Market, 2020 Progress Ct., Ste. 150 | This local gem is inspired by European markets and offers bakery-fresh pastries and a great espresso in an eclectic space.
Press Coffee Crepes Cocktails, 400 Hillsborough St., Ste. 108 | We can’t get enough of Press’s flavored lattes and crepes of all kinds.
Line Dance: Class & Social | 6-10 p.m. | Transfer Co. Ballroom | Free | Get up and get down as you learn popular line dances while socializing with other dancers.
Whose Live Anyway? | 7:30 p.m. | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $46+ | These on-screen improvisers will perform an original show from Raleigh.
Thursday, Nov. 7
Gentle Mat Yoga | 10-11 a.m. | North Regional Library | Free | Get into a light flow with the foundations of yoga and practice meditation + breath work.
Village District Holiday Open House | 5-8 p.m. | Village District Shopping Center | Free | Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a free evening of seasonal festivities, including holiday carolers, hot cocoa, photos with Santa, shopping + more.*
See the special seasonal session savings, available for a limited time. | Photos provided by Oh, Goodness Fine Portraits
We’ve all had, let’s say, slightly stressful family portraits.
You want to give your grandparents a grand gesture, or surprise mom with a framed gift of the kids in their Sunday best. But between wrangling little ones, stiff poses, and stuffy studios, the whole experience gets messy in a hurry.
It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, NC’s own Oh, Goodness Fine Portraits has spent 18+ years mastering the art of making family photos fun.
Their secret? A private, 4,200-sqft studio designed to make you and the family feel right at home, plus a friendly team that helps plan every detail to ensure everyone looks their best. From outfit guidance to in-house childcare, they take the stress out of the experience so you can focus on creating lasting memories.
Plus, their museum-quality canvas portraits are not just photographs; they’re heirlooms — a careful blend of artistry and design that can be cherished for generations.
As of Friday, half of NC voters had cast their ballots in the 2024 general election. If you missed early voting, plan to visit your assigned precinct tomorrow, Nov. 5. Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. — remember to review your sample ballot and bring a photo ID. (WRAL)
Pets
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the SPCA of Wake County is offering 50% off adult dog adoptions to make room for pets displaced by the disaster. Fee reduction will last through Sunday, Nov. 17.
Seasonal
Got a jack-o-lantern decomposing on your porch? Don’t put it in the landfill — take them to a Wake County Convenience Center to compost alongside other food scraps or donate them to a local farmer for their pigs. Read up on more facts about pumpkin waste, including its impact on the environment.
Cause
Raleigh showed out for WNC at Music for the Mountains, a benefit concert that raised over $1 million with acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, BJ Barham, and Fancy Gap. That $1 million dollar check will go to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. (WRAL)
Tech
Microsoft has purchased one of NC’s last remaining megasites less than 90 minutes from the Triangle. The Person County Mega Park in Roxboro was purchased by the tech giant for $27 million, and the company did not comment on what the site will be used for. (Triangle Business Journal)
Open
Premier plus-size clothing store Sajaé Boutique officially opened a new store at Crabtree. Located on the upper level next to Sephora, the luxe boutique is known for stylish, high-quality pieces.*
Announced
Congrats to Olivia J., winner of our 12-Month Massage Membership Giveaway in partnership with The NOW. And an extra special thank you to everyone who entered.*
The Buy
The Buy
Dermatologist-tested laundry detergent sheets brought to you by the same company behind this bestselling stain treater spray. The sheets are hypoallergenic and formulated with ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. Use code 20NEWLAUNDRY to save 20% for a limited time.
I went to my first Canes game of the season on Halloween and had a blast. Check out NC’s own Petey Pablo projected on the ice for the Canes’ “Raise Up” campaign, which includes a 50/50 raffle to benefit WNC.