Today I had the crispy potato brekkie. The food was excellent. I had a great conversation with the staff and enjoyed the clean atmosphere. Also to note, as a personal preference, there is a difference between cold brew, mocha, and drip coffee and I definitely prefer a nice mocha over their drip coffee. I met with the manager recently and you get free refills for drip coffee, and if it is cold brew it is $2.00 because it is a different bean from what I was told. While still relatively expensive, that makes more sense. While a little bit on the pricier side, Drift provides a nice place to eat and enjoy a nice time with others. read more

My boyfriend and I stopped in for coffee and, unfortunately, the experience wasn't the best. Before even walking inside, we noticed trash blowing around outside the front door. Once inside, the floors could've used a good sweeping as well because the same situation was present on the interior floors, both in the customer area and behind the counter. There was also a strong musty/moldy smell, and we couldn't figure out whether it was coming from the visibly dirty drink station, the spots on the ceiling that appeared to show water damage and/or mold, or somewhere else entirely. A fun little mystery we didn't ask to participate in. While looking at the menu, a woman working there approached us with a strange attitude, almost as if we were up to no good for simply reading the menu. We said we weren't ordering food, joined the line, and she immediately snatched the menus away. We ordered a medium iced mocha and a medium iced caramel macchiato. The macchiato isn't actually on the menu, but the barista said she could make something similar to Starbucks' version, so we went with it and were charged for a medium iced latte with caramel. I asked for whipped cream on my mocha, but was told they didn't have any and could offer cold foam instead. I agreed, then noticed I was being charged $0.80 for cold foam. COLD FOAM. At this point, babe, keep the foam. We waited about 10 minutes for our drinks. While waiting, we sat at an empty table, only to be approached by the same woman questioning why we were sitting down and pressuring us to order food. We explained we were waiting for our drinks, declined, and she walked away mid-food turn down with an attitude. Then our drinks were ready. We went to pick them up and immediately noticed a hair sitting directly on top of one of the lids. And the drinks? Both mediocre at best, especially considering the price. There were also several customers walking around barefoot while staff walked right past them without concern. I understand we're in a beach town and shoes sometimes become optional, but this cafe is nowhere near the beach. When people are walking barefoot just a few "feet" away from where food and drinks are being prepared, it's honestly pretty unsanitary looking. I'm not opposed to paying more for good coffee and a nice atmosphere. But mediocre drinks, high prices, visible cleanliness issues, a strong musty smell, barefoot customers, questionable customer service, and a complimentary hair garnish made this an easy never again for us. Unfortunately, I don't see us returning. read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Dirty Floor, Bare Feet - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Honestly impressed with this place! Multiple locations and this one was decorated very well, ambiance was great. Food was great! Came out quick and everything was absolutely delicious. Servers were all very friendly. read more

See all

"The first experience was very disappointing." This is my first time to the restaurant. When I walked in, I didn't see anyone coming to say hello or show me what to do. After a long time of waiting, I took the initiative to go to the counter to order. After calling, I went to the table to sit and waited when another staff came and told me not to sit there, and told me to "if you want to eat, go to the front of the restaurant" - a sentence that made me feel like I was being chased. While the food I had finished ordering and was on the table, she said that if I wanted to sit in this area, I had to contact first. But obviously from the beginning I was not instructed or reminded by anyone about that regulation. After that, she also called another woman to clean up all the glasses and eating utensils in front of me, making me feel seriously discriminated and disrespectful. I am really disappointed with the service and behavior of the staff here. Hopefully, the restaurant manager will reconsider how to train staff as well as the process of welcoming guests - especially for first- time visitors, so that no one else has to go through the same experience as me. read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

My husband wanted a cup of coffee and we were in the area, so we tried this place out. I ordered the Granola and Yogurt: Greek yogurt, walnut granola, strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, and drizzled with honey. It was the perfect portion for a quick breakfast. The interior is bright and welcoming; and the service friendly. Edit: I posted this and turned to post a comment on their FB. Their website link goes to the location in OIB. They charge $5.30 for what I paid at the Hanover location: $9. Why the big price difference?? read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Yogurt and granola bowl. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The food is always tasty and the service is great! The variety of breakfast options is good and ingredients are fresh. All the staff are attentive and accommodating. McKenzie is our favorite server!! read more

Shockingly poor management and customer service I used to be a regular at this Drift location on Oleander Drive with my family, but after my experience yesterday afternoon, we won't be returning. We went in to simply request a duplicate receipt from a recent business meeting so we could file an expense report--a completely standard request at almost any cafe. Instead of basic customer service, we were kept waiting for an unreasonable amount of time. When we finally spoke to the manager (who was wearing green glasses and appeared to be the franchise owner), she was astonishingly rude. She showed zero empathy and actually snapped, "I can't be responsible for your inability to hold on to a receipt." As frequent patrons, we were shocked by the sheer hostility and complete lack of interest in retaining our business over something that takes two seconds to look up in a modern point-of-sale system. A little basic courtesy goes a long way, and unfortunately, you won't find it from the management here. read more

Food and service always great! Very healthy options for breakfast and lunch. Regular breakfast options as well as yogurt, smoothies, lots of warm drinks too read more

I'm a raving fan of Drift (and a frequent customer...meaning 2 or 3 times a week). Lots to love about Drift, the food being one. But the staff, specifically at the Hanover location, are what keeps us coming back. The team has created an atmosphere of family for frequent visitors like me & seems to do the same among the staff there. Thank you! read more

Holy guacamole that food was so good! Every bite I wanted to do a little dance. I got the breakfast burrito on greens and got goat cheese instead of shredded cheese. My husband didn't like it, but I think he would have if it was on potatoes instead (which you can ask for)! He got the fried chicken sandwich which was pretty average, not special, but definitely yummy. The dill dressing it came with was super yummy! I am picky about coffee too and I got a latte and it was great. I saw in reviews people complaining about prices but I thought the prices were very good.... I had so much food on my plate, I was stuffed! And a $5 latte is very comparable to ANY coffee shop. The ambiance was great, the servers were kind and attentive. Wait time was a little long but isn't the point of a sit down restaurant to sit and talk anyway? Overall 9/10, a 10 for me (I will be dreaming about the bowl I had) but I'll say 9 since my husband didn't love it as much as me. read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Breakfast burrito bowl sub cheddar for goat cheese and fried chicken sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Delicious baked goods! The salted chocolate chip cookie was on point! Great ambience and enjoyed reading a book with my tea.

Super sweet server and a delicious veggie burrito. My friend had a grain bowl and said it was superb. I'd visit Drift over First Watch any day. read more

Nice inside, decor feels light, summery with fresh flowers adorning each table. Ordered a brown butter cappuccino which isn't listed on paper menu but is on their app menu. With your choice of milk, cinnamon, and housemade brown butter syrup. It is so good! Not very sweet. The brown butter as that extra oomph. Comes in a tiny cup. Breakfast ordered a crispy potato brekkie and subbed mushrooms for the bacon. So good! The roasted tomato aioli really makes the dish! Btw it's a little spicy. Potatoes were crispy, mushrooms so savory, and eggs were so fluffy. Ordered to-go and chef cooked it quickly. I also was the only one there. They didn't mind that I sat inside to wait for my order. Indoor and outdoor seating. They have an app you can order from. Didn't work last night for me to order ahead, but looked like it was working this morning. Drift is one of the best breakfast spots in town! Will be back! read more

See all

The menu is full of healthy delicious entress. I go there several times a week and the food is cooked to perfection every time. They are always staffed to handle the customer volume so you're never left waiting an excessive amount of time to be served. It's my favorite breakfast or lunch restaurant. I have to say the lattes are the best in town and keep me coming back for more. read more

Drift is our favorite place for breakfast or brunch! The servers are first-rate and remember our names and our orders from the previous week! We especially love Mackenzie . Favorite dishes include scrambled eggs toast and the breakfast burrito . read more

This cafe is beautiful from the moment you walked in. I love the decor and bright feel. I ordered the açaí bowl and blue cloud latte. The açaí bowl was very delicious, possibly one of the best I've ever had. The blue cloud latte is made from butterfly pea flower, vanilla, and ginger. It was very light. It's more of an acquired taste as you drink it. My husband got the breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon, and arugula on it. He said it was delicious. The waitress helping us was very cheerful and our food and drinks came out very fast. We were in and out within 30 minutes. If I lived closer this would be a spot I'd visit often! read more

See all

Favorite brunch spot! The crispy potatoes are unmatched!! I come here a couple times a month and always order the same thing!

The atmosphere was nice and the service was fine, but overall the food was only average. I ordered an iced chai latte, which was just okay. For breakfast, I got the Nutella French toast, and I was really disappointed, it was just one slice of brioche with some Nutella drizzled on top, a few blueberries, and one strawberry. For over fifteen dollars, it was the most expensive piece of bread I've ever had, and it wasn't even that good. Personally, I don't think that's enough food for the price. read more

Food at Drift has become extremely variable. They have good days and bad days, but the price stays the same. Kinda creeping up the pricey scale. Once, in Raleigh location, I had to return a meal and I really, really HATE doing that. And in another instance, a barista lied about the kind of milk they used. Did not like that either. There is innovation in the menu. The pancakes with compote are really a treat (when they can get the balance of the compote right so it does not out-muscle the pancakes themselves. The bowls are really the real deal for me as the eggs are always cooked according to my tastes when I ask. That's the one constant. I think there are so many locations that it is hard for them to keep consistency at a high level. I will always alway recommend the coffee and the New York Coffee cake and the seasonal muffins, and cookies. All of the baked goods definitely rock my world. Recap: Baristas mostly always on point Menu very interesting but sometimes a hard miss Bakery case always a sound option. The vibe. Totally rocks the beach ambiance without beating you over the head with seashells. read more

We loved our experience at Drift! The food was nothing short of amazing! Very unique and eclectic vibes! Service was spot on - We highly recommend! read more

Omg the coffee, the aesthetics, the menus! The staff is super friendly and the food and drink is awesome every time! I go daily so I definitely know. Get the strawberries and cream pancakes and you will not be disappointed! Run don't walk! read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Mackenzie was the best server! We had such an amazing experience ! Food was great & service was very attentive! read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

So first off, it was so so hot in there when I went in, drinks are expensive for what they are a small smoothie is 8 dollars. The smoothie is so bland and their matcha is way too sweet. So just in all it's very over priced, not the best, and too hot. read more

Was really happy with my pancakes and the tea I got can't remember what it was called but it was blue and had ginger in it, I got it hot. Our waitress was amazing. Place is really nice inside. read more

This is the second time going to Drift at Hanover Center. The first time was so wonderful that I couldn't wait to come back. However, I didn't think about the fact that my parents paid for that meal. I went today for brunch with my wife and son. The food was delicious, at first. I had to have the poached eggs remade. I had asked for medium, but the whites were very runny still, which really grosses me out. The second time was better but by the time they came out, the toast was cold along with everything else. So at that point the food was not as good. Their pancakes are incredible, but not so much when they're cold. But that isn't the reason for this post. The reason I feel like I have to write is because of the cost. If you go just for coffee, then the prices are actually good as are the drinks. But it's not a place that you go just for coffee . For the three of us, the bill came out to $74. $4.20 for a side of bacon!!which only consisted of two slices!! Very good bacon, yes, but definitely not worth $4.20. That was the only additional item we got, so $74 for three entrées, three drinks and two slices of bacon. After including the tip, it cost almost $100 for the three of us to have breakfast. It's absolutely absurd. It actually feels disrespectful. This is not New York City and we don't make NYC salaries. The prices are completely unreasonable. I'm shocked that no one else has mentioned it. We will not be going back. We just can't. And that really sucks. read more

Great service! Food was delicious and no wait time, the brekkie potatoes were wonderful!

Everything from the food to the ambiance was great. Highly recommend and we will be back soon. read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Nutella French Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

See all

Food was great! Server was delightful and attentive. Very cool vibe in the resturant. Upscale diner/ cool cafe. Would go again.

My new favorite spot. All the ladies are super sweet and the food and dirty chai lattes are on point!!

I was in the area and wanted a place that offered iced lattes as well as breakfast food and Drift did not disappoint! Everyone was very friendly, the service was quick and both the iced sugar free vanilla oat milk latte and scrambled egg toast with mushrooms and herbs were delicious. I will be back. read more

Drift Cafe - Hanover Center - Iced sugar free vanilla oat milk latte and scrambled egg toast with mushrooms and herbs. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The food here is amazing and the staff is so friendly and efficient. It's to me the best breakfast place in Wilmington.! Try the breakfast burrito or the scrambled eggs with marinated mushrooms yummy! All their coffee drinks are amazing and their smoothies, too.. read more

I just now walked in to have a cup of coffee and sit at a table outside to have a break from my walk. I was told it was a full service restaurant not a coffee shop. So I can get a cup of coffee and leave but not take up any room for just a cup of coffee. I live just a mile away and had hoped to make this a thing but really? Very disappointing. read more

My review is going to be 5 stars because it's about the actual SERVICE I received and the quality of the food, drinks. Which was excellent all across the board. Not the fact that it doesn't have outlets everywhere for a computer. It's a sit down restaurant... Neither is my review a made up story about how I was asked to leave while drinking a coffee. Will be coming back anytime I need a great meal. read more

The food is fresh and hot. Service is great and so is the atmosphere. The staff are very friendly. I would recommend this restaurant if you're looking for a good meal. read more

Food was very good. Nice presentation. I had the strawberry pancakes. Not what I expected but they were delicious. Restaurant was clean and decorated tastefully. With that being said the hosted had a big attitude problem. Never smiled. When we asked for a booth she wasn't happy about cleaning it. The waitress did a good job but she wasn't very friendly. We all felt very unwelcome. We visited on 10/20 around 2:00. Not sure I would go back. read more

We loved it!the food was yummy and the server was excellent. Nice ambience too. The only downside is that it's not in Leland! Please come pretty please. read more

Best brunch food and service in Wilmington. And it's not close. Great atmosphere, clean facilities. What more could you ask for? Fantastic baristas as well. Will make sure to take a picture next time of the food that looks like a piece of art. I consider this a great place to take friends that are visiting and want a taste of the Wilmington food scene. read more

Food was GREAT! Service 10/10 (shae)! Super clean restaurant, new favorite brunch spot

Honestky, service and food was great. However, this is a college town, and it was surprising that Drift, known for its coffee and tasty menu items, has no public Wi-Fi or outlets to charge your lap top. Won't be back to this location for that reason :( read more