10 Best Coffee Shops in Cary, NC

May 07th, 2024

Life in Raleigh
10 Best Coffee Shops in Cary, NC

Best Coffee Shops in Cary, NC 

Are you searching for the best coffee shops in Cary, NC? Here are ten great coffee shops in Cary!  

Raleigh Realty is a local real estate company helping people find their dream homes or sell their current ones. Aside from real estate, we provide helpful guides and tips for navigating your new area. We have guides from restaurants, neighborhoods, real estate trends, and Cary's best coffee shops. 

While we mainly like to focus on helping sellers and homebuyers with their move to the area, we also take the time to keep you updated and informed on everything Cary has to offer! If you're interested in real estate in the area, contact us or visit our website to be connected with one of our agents who can help you start your moving process!

So, have you been hunting for the best coffee shops in Raleigh and Cary, NC? Cary is full of the most exquisite coffee shops throughout the town and makes for the perfect destination after visiting one of the best bookstores in Raleigh. The coffee shops in Cary are convenient and enjoyable for all, whether you prefer black or sweetened coffee with exceptional flavors. 

This guide will take you on a tasty adventure of the best coffee shops Cary, NC, offers.

pouring coffee and coffee shop

Here are the best coffee shops in Cary, NC

1. 321 Coffee

The honorable mention of this article is 321 Coffee. Although it is located in Raleigh, NC, it must be mentioned. This coffee shop and roastery is staffed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have a lot of love to give and offer. 321 Coffee fully embraces diversity and is working to partner with other businesses in the area further to promote disability inclusion through a diverse supply chain. 

321 Coffee roasts its coffee, offers a full-scale espresso menu, and partners with different companies to provide them with coffee. They employ over 40 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who roast the coffee, take orders, and make the lattes. 

Even better, they are committed to using only the most sustainable products. When visiting the shop or ordering online, you will find fully compostable cups, lids, straws, etc. They also offer a refillable growler program to reduce plastic waste. Next time you're in the area, please visit 321 Coffee, where you will receive fantastic customer service, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and delicious coffee. 

Located at 615 Hillsborough St

The hours are as follows: 

Every Day: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

2. Gather 

The Gather is a relatively new yet popular shop in Downtown Cary. The name Gather comes from the concept they envisioned for their space where folks can come to take fun classes, shop for locally made items, or enjoy a delicious coffee. 

Gather has become so popular because they embrace the idea of staying local. They use beans from Bethesda Roasting Company of Durham and Joe Van Gogh of Hillsborough, NC, to craft their delicious and unique coffee. You can purchase locally made items and buy their coffee grounds, mugs, t-shirts, and more. 

While they make exceptional coffee that all customers enjoy, Gather is passionate about making goods, learning, and teaching food, craft, gardening, and business classes. The employees host classes at gatherings and by the talented makers in the Cary Community. 

Located at 417 Kildaire Farm Rd 

three people holding coffee cups

3. Crema Coffee Roaster

Crema Coffee and Bakery is genuinely like no other. Their goal is to redefine your coffee experience. Your tastebuds will be met with flavors you've never experienced before since their beans are roasted in-house. These beans are used to make all of their coffee and espresso beverages. You can also purchase them to take your experience home with you. 

The Crema Bakery also offers a wide selection of Korean-style baked goods with select ingredients crafted with artisan determination. The bakery goods they've selected to sell are a fresh and unique take on traditional baking. 

If you find yourself at Crema to meet up with friends or colleagues and don't enjoy coffee, they also offer milkshakes, bubble tea, teas, smoothies, and more! The atmosphere at Crema is immaculate. People love to visit Crema for their daily coffee, from the bright colors to the inviting ambiance. 

Located at 1983 High House Rd

The hours are as follows:

Sunday: CLOSED

Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

4. BREW

BREW Coffee Bar is located in the Cary Theatre Building. They take pride in being active community members and providing an exceptional customer experience. 

Brew coffee serves everything from tea to pour-overs, espresso, cold brew, beer, and wine. With their wide range of coffees and beverages, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

The environment is perfect for those working from home and looking to get out of the house while still getting work done. The owner, Tyler Montague, loves providing a space where people can gather and feel comfortable. They also offer food items, and it's recommended that you try the Peanut Butter Banana Toast!

Located at 122 E Chatham St

The hours are as follows: 

Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Brewing coffee in a white mug

5. Esteemed Coffee

Esteemed Coffee is similar to 321 Coffee in the mission it serves. Angie and Tamara (owners) say their mission is "to connect employees with various disabilities and put the community at large, in such a way that the lives of all are enriched through their fellowship in a warm, welcoming environment.".

The name of their coffee shop comes from their slogan, "building esteem and employment for adults with different disabilities.". At esteemed Coffee, they use their space to showcase local artists with visual, communication, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can stop by the shop to purchase any available art pieces. 

Their menu includes delicious cold and hot drink options and your typical bakery food items. 

Located at 114 S Academy St

The hours are as follows: 

Sunday - Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday - Saturday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

6. Chanticleer Cafe and Bakery 

Chanticleer is a hidden gem coffee shop and cafe on Tryon Rd in Cary, NC. The unique feature is their mascot, Chanticleer, the rooster. They say, "Chanticleer is a proud and magnificent rooster who is the barnyard king. He announces the beginning of each day with pride and artistry". At Chanticleer Cafe and Bakery, they strive to bring that same pride and craftsmanship to part of your day. 

The atmosphere at Chanticleer is calm and relaxing, although most of the time, they are busy. Tables turn over relatively quickly, so there might be times that you have to wait, but only for a short time. The drinks at Chanticleer are made using products from Joe Van Gogh of Hillsborough, NC. They serve everything from their house blend to lattes, espresso, frozen drinks, and more that can be sweetened with numerous flavors from the UK. 

The cafe at Chanticleer uses only the freshest ingredients to make homemade food with a distinctive style and refreshing taste. Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, sandwiches and quiche, salads, and soup du jour. 

Everything is fresh and in-house, and the menu constantly rotates on the bakery side. Some items include croissants, danishes, muffins, cookies, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts. 

Located at 6490 Tryon Rd 

The hours are as follows: 

Every Day: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

muffins and baked goods

7. Java Jive Coffee and Tea

Java Jive Coffee and Tea is a popular and quaint coffee shop in Cary, NC. Aside from their delicious coffee, they serve other popular beverages like milkshakes, smoothies, sodas, and juice. They truly make it to where everyone can enjoy. The location is perfect, and the layout of the coffee shop provides customers with privacy where they can relax, enjoy a book, and more.

This family-owned coffee shop only uses coffee beans selected and roasted by the owner's brother. You can enjoy coffee in one of their nooks and crannies or outside on the patio. They line the walls with canvases made by the community's people, so there is always something beautiful to look at while enjoying your coffee. 

They also serve sandwiches, strudels, cinnamon buns, and more. 

Located at 2425 Kildaire Farm Rd

The hours are as follows: 

Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

8. Brecotea 

Brecotea is one of the newest additions to Cary, and it did not disappoint. Starting with the atmosphere ... the decor is fantastic and chic but still embodies a warm and inviting coffee shop feel. It's rather large, so people love to come here for work, meetings, or gatherings with friends. 

Natural and seasonal ingredients inspire the drinks at Brecotea; they only use fresh and organic milk. The bakery is stunning. The presentation of goods makes you feel like you need them, whether you're hungry or not. The award-winning chefs at Brecotea are dedicated to creating extraordinary taste through the finest craftsmanship. 

The bakery items consist of fluffy and flavorful loaves, danishes, croissants, buns, and cakes. Drink choices include fresh fruit tea, yogurt tea, milk cap tea, paradise tea, milk tea, boba brown sugar milk, milkshakes, and a wide variety of coffee options! They also serve decadent desserts, including Mille Crepes, puff pastries, and more! 

Located at 1144 Kildaire Farm Rd 

The hours are as follows: 

Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM 

9. Asali Desserts and Cafe 

Asali Desserts and Cafe is located in Macgregor Village and specializes in Mediterranean desserts, cakes, small plates, coffee, teas, and more. Coffee options include drip, pour-over, Turkish, cold brew, and various espressos and flavored lattes. 

Hanahi and Jamaao own the cafe. They combined their last names, Asad and Ali, to create "Asali." They later realized that "Asali" meant "sweets" and "honey" in both Arabic and Persian. The couple deemed the name fitting for their cafe and saw it as a sign of good luck. 

A fun event hosted by Asali is high tea. The reservation includes a pot of tea, assorted sandwiches, Iabna spread, olive palmiers, and assorted desserts. They also have gift boxes of desserts and pastries you can purchase for friends and family. 

Next time you're looking to host an event, consider Asali. You will receive help from the owners and staff with all aspects of your event, including theme development, venue scouting and selection, decor, tablescapes, flower arrangements, music, desserts, and more!

Asali is more than just your typical coffee shop. While they serve delicious coffee, you are also served a wonderful experience. From their desserts and small plates to exceptional customer service, you will surely enjoy your time at Asali. 

Located at 107 E Edinburgh S Dr

The hours are as follows: 

Every Day: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM 

coffee shop with wood tables

10. La Farm Bakery 

La Farm Bakery is a popular modern-day cafe in the heart of Cary, NC, with a bake shop, espresso bar, and full menu serving French and American food. A must-visit spot for brunch, the coffee menu consists of lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks. 

Located at 4248 NW Cary Parkway

The hours are as follows: 

Monday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Final thoughts on the best coffee shops in Cary, NC 

The town of Cary, specifically the downtown area, constantly grows and adds new additions like coffee shops, restaurants, etc. 

When discussing coffee shops in Cary, you will find your perfect place in downtown and surrounding areas. Throughout Cary, you will find numerous unique, relaxing, and inviting coffee shops you can visit for daily coffee, meet with friends, or get some work done away from home. As a local real estate company, we love exploring and supporting Cary-owned businesses and the surrounding towns/cities. 

Please let us know if you found our helpful list or have any new suggestions. 

If you're interested in real estate in the Cary area, you can contact us to connect with an agent who can help you search. 

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Ryan Fitzgerald

Ryan Fitzgerald

Hi there! Nice to 'meet' you and thanks for visiting our Raleigh Real Estate Blog! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I'm a REALTOR® in Raleigh-Durham, NC, the owner of Raleigh Realty. I work alongside some of the best Realtors in Raleigh. You can find more of my real estate content on Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and more. Realtor Magazine named me a top 30 under 30 Realtor in the country (it was a long time ago haha). Any way, that's enough about me. I'd love to learn more about you if you'd like to connect with me on Facebook and Instagram or connect with our team at Raleigh Realty. Looking forward to connecting!

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