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    Gray Squirrel Coffee

    4.2 (202 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Gray Squirrel Coffee Photos

    Business Info

    GRAY SQUIRREL COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Gray Squirrel Coffee

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    Jaime S.

    Saturdays are now my day to explore local coffee shops, and today's choice, recommended by a great friend was Gray Squirrel! It's located technically in Carrboro on Main Street, but most would say it's in Chapel Hill within walking distance to Franklin Street. It's located in a very busy area with a parking lot, but it shares it with about 5 other businesses, so you may end up parking in the surrounding area. There's a Hampton Inn next to it with a parking garage as well. It was a gorgeous Saturday and almost all the outdoor seating was taken, and there's plenty!! There's tons on indoor seating as well. It's a pretty nice sized space and they're expanding next door. I ordered within minutes of arriving and I'm so glad I did. There ended up being at least 15 people behind me all of a sudden. I had the salted coconut caramel latte & an apple cider muffin. Both soooooooo good! Both were perfect, not too sweet. Their whipped cream isn't your ordinary whip cream, so it's a must have on top of on your coffee. They have their whole beans for sale to brew at home and they were restocking while I was there as they sell quickly. A lot of people were working on their laptops or just hanging out. It's certainly a cool place to just sit and enjoy your coffee, hot chocolate, tea or soda!!

    4oz whole bean coffee
    Elea T.

    The whip on the salted caramel coconut latte was heavenly. The staff were so nice and we got a sample size coffee bag to brew at home

    Cappuccino and a half way gone macchiato
    Wilkins A.

    Disappointing espresso. I had been here a few years ago and remember loving their espresso. I just went back. The burnt taste is still in my mouth from a espresso. No notes; just plain bitter taste. Not coming back.

    View from inside
    Y C.

    I wanted to try a new coffee spot so I came here. Great location with ample parking. They offer some bakery items and of course an array of coffees. I ordered a latte and the last mixed berry morning bun. You ordered at the counter and sit while you wait. They have tables and bar like stools by the windows. The morning bun was delicious. I did not take a pic of it. I ate it too fast, lol! The latte was good, but unfortunately not great. It was mostly coffee and not enough milk. It drank like a shot of espresso. It did come with a beautiful heart though. I did take a pic of it.

    Cappuccino
    Jennifer D.

    I thought this place was cute right in downtown Carrboro. Seating inside and out made for a welcoming feel. Service was friendly and they served several versions of baked goods. I was a bit turned off by the steep prices, but the latte was decent enough.

    Iris R.

    I came upon Gray Squirrel Coffee Company after reading reviews on Yelp. The staff were friendly and helpful when answering my questions about their menu options. I ordered a latte and a chocolate chip cookie. The cookie was chewy and soft. It paired great with my latte. The latte was smooth. I would definitely order these two menu items again.

    Inside
    Ivan S.

    I have mixed feelings about this place and overall I left underwhelmed. Yes, the place is cute and industrial style goes well with "come study at this cool hipster coffee place" idea. Lots of seating, but also lots, and I mean LOTS of students on their laptops which I guess is not surprising since the campus is so close. Staff seemed friendly too. They also sell some coffee accessories and gear, it's a nice touch and seems like a must have for any cool kid place these days. They also don't have classic flavor options like vanilla or caramel, but rather interesting options like honey-rosemary and maple, another attempt to be different yet I feel like it's just another must-have for a place like this. My main gripe was the drinks and the value. It's expensive. Latte with flavor runs at $6. Add a buck more for milk alternative. Relatively small size too. We ended up trying hot maple latte and iced London fog. Latte was good, I'll give them that, but it had just a tiniest hint of maple. Like... if someone handed it to me and never said anything about flavor, I would have never guessed it's there. I personally don't like sugary coffee and this is 100% not the case here, that said flavor was lacking. London Fog, on the other side, fell completely flat. Did not like it at all. Classic version usually comes with vanilla, they instead use lavender syrup. So it tastes like milk with notes of earl gray and tiiiiiniest hint of lavender. It just doesn't blend well together into a drink, in my opinion. Also it may seem silly, but one thing just stood out to me. So much attention is paid to logo, accessories, customized merchandise for sale like t-shirts and hoodies. Yet drinks are served in plain, non-branded plastic and paper from probably Costco or Sam's club? Not what I expect from a place like this. But that's me nitpicking at this point. Like I said above, I just didn't enjoy the drinks.

    Burnt honey rose latte
    Emily O.

    One of my go-to study spots! It's convenient bc it's so close to campus. I love study spots close to schools since there are other students and it motivates you! My favorite from this place is their honey rosemary latte as well as burnt honey rose latte. They make their own syrups from scratch and you can definitely tell. My favorite in their bakery section is their earl grey and lavender cookie (I always get it) and their rosemary street scone--and it's beautiful bc it has a Carolina blue sugar glaze on it! Ample seating but limited charging if you end up sitting close to the windows. The outdoor area is wonderful to wowhen it's a nice day out.

    Latte
    Andy B.

    Good coffee but good luck finding a seat! About 12 people all on devices taking up every table. I mean yeah there were seats if you want to sit right across from somebody writing a paper or whatever their doing? Yes I know it's not the coffee shop's problem but it's annoying to not be able to sit down in the place with your friends because of this awkwardness. Oh well I guess I'll try to find a coffee shop that's not a study hall.

    Flat White, Iced Maple Latte
    JJ C.

    Atmosphere: Gray Squirrel has an industrial interior with plenty of stool seating and natural lighting. However, the shop is often busy on weekends, so it can be hard to find seating or a quiet area to work. There's ample seating outside, which would make for a great spot to enjoy a nice Carolina day. Service: Our barista was friendly, and our drinks came out quickly! Food: We ordered a Flat White and an Iced Maple Latte. The Flat White was delightfully light and foamy, with a pleasant coffee flavor still present throughout the drink. We couldn't really taste the maple flavor in our Maple Latte, but it was still smooth and not overpoweringly sweet. Overall: Gray Squirrel is a Chapel Hill/Carrboro favorite, and lots of people seem to enjoy working here or catching up friends. The drinks are solid, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and lively!

    the outside of the building

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    1 year ago

    I had a take out order for a group of 9 and they were helpful with handy carry out cup holders.

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    1 year ago

    Staff lovely. Efficient. Good coffee. Comfortable seating! Very convenient to downtown carrboro.

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    3 years ago

    Great local coffee place. I stop by at least once whenever I am in Chapel Hill for more than a day.

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    2 years ago

    There is often a line but service is quick and friendly. Love the morning scones and treats. Lavender lattes are my favorite.

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    Box Turtle Bakery

    Box Turtle Bakery

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    I was lucky enough to get regular weekly bread deliveries from Box Turtle Bakery for awhile there…read more I happened to be on Abraham's weekly route, so it worked out. Now I'll have to actually venture out to Carrboro's Farmer's Market or South Estes Farmer's Market to get his home baked breads and treats. And when I say home baked, I mean literally baked in the special custom designed wood burning bread baking oven attached to the home bakery in his house. Abraham's philosophy is to work closely with local farmers and use fresh milled organic and local grains for his breads and other baked goods where ever possible. Of course, he sells locally too. If you can't get to him at the farmer's markets, you can always work out a time to pick up your order at the Bakery itself. What can I say? You have to work for it a bit, but it sure is worth it. Oh, and just to trip you up, expect some variety! Abraham likes to try new and different recipes and there's something interesting to sink your teeth into and wake up your taste buds just about every week. Disclaimer: I count Abraham as a friend so, yes, I'm pretty excited about what he's doing. But, come on... this isn't some spongy boring white bread with dubious nutritional value we're talking about. This is SERIOUS BREAD! Don't even tell me your mouth isn't watering right now. Mine sure is!

    Everything I've ever gotten from this place is amazing! He makes his products with real quality…read moreingredients (you can taste it). I love the granola bars and scones - not overly sweet, unrefined grains and flours, and great flavor. I buy from Box Turtle at the carrboro farmers market on saturdays.

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    Box Turtle Bakery logo
    Box Turtle Bakery logo
    A couple of grist-style mills that I use to freshly grind all my flour
    A couple of grist-style mills that I use to freshly grind all my flour
    Firing the oven

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    Firing the oven

    Gray Squirrel Coffee - coffee - Updated June 2026

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