Breakfast is serious business. With many professionals electing to morph their first meal of the day into a meeting, we tapped the RM team for their go-to brekkie spot boasting tasty cuisine and an ideal ambiance for connections with colleagues and clients around the city. … A toast, indeed!
“I’m not a big breakfast person (brunch, please!)—but if I must dine before 10am, you’ll find me at Plates every time. That Breadbox Coffee cart is a vibe. … Order the BEC breakfast sandwich and prove me wrong.” —Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“The outdoor seating at The Morning Times with a bagel and iced latte in hand is the best place for a meetup—especially during the crisp fall season!” —Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock
“The Morning Times—the coffee and bagels are so good, and the environment is so cozy.” —Cameron Rhinehardt, Account Executive, @camrht
“Jubala in North Hills” —Debby Serena, Account Executive
“Waffles are my fave, so First Watch is always my go-to spot for breakfast.” —Heidi Reid, Contributing Writer, @heidi.laurel
“It’s hard to beat Big Ed’s for a business brekkie, but I also like Sir Walter Coffee for a quick work meeting. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is bustling, and the avocado toast with everything bagel seasoning always hits the spot.” —Kelsie Barton, Contributing Writer, @kelsie_barton
“Go-to breakfast meeting would have to be Jubala on Hillsborough Street. Bacon, eggs and coffee on the patio… what’s not to love?” —Sean Junqueira, Contributing Photographer, @seanjunqueira
Local businesses to support in Raleigh and Wake County for National Hispanic Heritage Month—and beyond
National Hispanic Heritage Month returns Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and to celebrate, we want to ensure our local Hispanic-owned businesses get the love they deserve—not just this month, but all year long. Here, some local Hispanic-owned shops, restaurants and other businesses to support.
Here’s the dish on where to fuel your daily grind, whether you’re working, studying or meeting with friends.
Happy National Coffee Month! If you’re someone who’s always looking to grab a cup of joe by any beans necessary, August is your time to shine—and it’s the perfect excuse to check out all the coffee shops we’re so blessed to have here in Raleigh. But with so many to choose from, how are you to know which one fits your vibe? Here, we take a deep dive into a few local coffee spots we love a latte.
Socializing 🤝delish drinks. “Build relationships over delicious food and quality drinks.” Because the communal space is so busy at certain times, Wi-Fi isn’t available around the clock, so bring friends, fam and/or co-workers for a chance to disconnect and convene over a cuppa. And be sure to strike a pose in front of the super ’Grammable I Believe in Raleigh mural.
Fact or fiction? Fact: The coffee from the typically quiet Texas-based spot means business, what with plenty of outlets, office phone booths for private calls and a conference room for collabs that won’t bother others. The high-end coffee pairs well with the small snacks on offer, including muffins and breakfast sandwiches featuring beloved local Michael’s English Muffins. Pro tip: The lavender latte is a must. BRB, we’re playing Lavender Hazeon repeat.
Cozy vibes serve up the perf perch for some idle time. Come for the coffee, stay for Tepuy Donuts (check out which flavors are featured online beforehand!). Post up on one of the homey couches inside—or, if it’s not too hot out, pull up a chair at the bright yellow-hued outdoor tables. Sounds brew-tiful!
It’s giving earthy elegance with no decor detail forgotten—from plush green seats to dark wood trims and bright wallpaper in the bathrooms (!), NTM greenery throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces (the back patio is a major vibe). True to its name, the locally sourced menu—complete with breakfast and lunch ops—and atmosphere will no doubt leaveyou happy. Come weekends, stick around for live music from local musicians.
“It’s the best of both worlds…” Think a large room where you can chat with friends at any volume (dropping first and last names is highly encouraged… *sips tea*) and a red room boosting the unspoken rule of being a quiet work space in this eclectic caffeine spot. WKNC (aka NC State’s radio station) is always playing funky music in the large room, adding to the unorthodox yet welcoming vibe. And if you are on the rise and grind, you can grab a brew as early as 6am. Pro tip: Try the iced vanilla trainwreck on “Wired Wednesday”—you can thank us later.
Named for the English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh (aka Raleigh’s namesake), this Downtown coffee/cocktail bar touts historically good beans and specialty coffee cocktails if you’re in need of something stronger than a regular cuppa (!). Espresso martinis, always. And don’t sleep on the food either.
From the oriental rugs to the vintage and local art to the antique pieces lining the wall, this Five Points stop is one of a kind. After browsing the colorful creations and eclectic glass lanterns hanging from the ceilings, be sure to try a macchiato with almond milk and a Salmonwich. Sounds like first place to us!
Hence the name, this Hillsborough shop gives major worldly vibes. Be sure to come with an empty stomach to fill up on the paninis, scones and other delicious baked goods. And if you’re craving an organic brew on a weekday, go early or you’ll have to compete for a seat with the flocks of NC State students who trek across the street for an in-between-class coffee.
With friendly baristas at all three locations, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a full lunch menu, this space is the optimal blend for any coffee stop, whether you’re trying to hunker down for a study sesh or chat with friends. The biscuits are a must-order—go sweet with a topping of fresh blueberry compote, or savory with egg, cheese and protein.
Stretching through the heart of NC State and Meredith all the way into Downtown Raleigh, Hillsborough Street carries a key part of Raleigh’s culture—from college student staples (see: Insomnia Cookies) to vital businesses and pieces of our city’s culture (all hail the original Char-Grill!).
Calling all blokes with spokes! Spin into Raleigh’s oldest bike shop to prepare for your next road, greenway, trail and city adventure on wheels. Let’s put the foot to the pedal. @cycle_logic
There’s no beans about it. With friendly baristas and beans roasted by Black and White Coffee Roasters of Wake Forest, your espresso experience is sure to fuel your daily grind. Bottoms up! @jubalacoffee
No trouble is found a-foot when you stop in this friendly shoe repair/retail shop that’s been helping poor unfortunate soles for over 35 years. Totally laced it! @manmurshoe
“Providing quality prints and embroidery since 1989,” this spot can create a custom design for your event, race, fam reunion, and anything in between. ICYMI, custom is cute! @progressivegraphics
It’s time for the curtain call. Perch in the park for live theatrical productions—from Shakespeare and drama to comedy and musicals. Major props, indeed. @theatreinthepark
Ready to curate your creativity? Find NC State-affiliated “collecting and exhibiting” museum encouraging discovery and thinking outside the box. @ncstategreggmuseum
For lofty and lavish views and artsy accommodations, book a stay-and-play at this mod hotel mere steps from Village District and right across from NC State. How’s that for sleeping in style? @aloftraleigh
Venture up these storied stairs for history, draft brews and filling food (sandwiches! soups! gumbo! chili!). There’s nothing like a trip to the tavern. @mitchstavern.raleigh
321 Coffee teams up with NC State for new co-branded coffee.
Wake up with a cup of Pack pride via 321 Coffee’s new co-branded coffee with NC State (!). Dubbed Greater Good, the coffee partnership is many years in the making. 321 Coffee founders Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans met during their freshman year as Park Scholars at NC State—and the pair credit the university for much of the coffee’s success.
To wit, the company’s first sales came on campus; Wrege and Evans’ friends and fellow NC State alumni helped get the first shop at the State Farmers Market off the ground; and benevolent brewers were selected to be a part of NCSU’s Miller Fellowship, which helped them transition into full-time entrepreneurship.
“This coffee brings the story full circle,” says Wrege. “So much of what we have created is thanks to NC State and the people that we met along the way. We are proud to be a part of the Wolfpack.”
The coffee also represents the shared value between 321 Coffee and NC State of working in pursuit of the greater good, says Wrege. Both parties strive to make a meaningful impact in the community, with 321 Coffee currently employing 50+ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).
NC State University
Sam, one of 321’s first employees and a lifelong Wolfpack fan, is featured on the Greater Good coffee packaging. “NC State and 321 are like a second family to me,” he says. “Having their support means everything.”
To top it all off, a portion of the proceeds from Greater Good sales will go to support NC State student scholarships in the areas of need, merit, study abroad and athletics. So, one Pack, one goal. Talk about caffeinating for a good cause!
