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Iris Coffee Lab

4.4 (161 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Updated 2 months ago

Iris Coffee Lab Photos

IRIS COFFEE LAB ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Iris Coffee Lab

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Neyda V.

Stopped by for the first time today and really enjoyed this coffee shop! The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, answered all of our questions, and gave great recommendations. The menu is unique, with drinks you don't see at most coffee shops. The space is comfortable with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. I had a cherry latte that was absolutely delicious, and my husband had a cortado made with today's blend--it was complex, earthy, and excellent. We didn't try the food, but everything coming out looked great. A couple of small downsides: parking can be a bit tricky, although we found free street parking just down the block. There were also quite a few flies inside during our visit, so I hope that's something they can address. Overall, a great experience, and we'll definitely be back!

Cortado
Deidre T.

Always enjoy a new to us coffee shop when traveling. Iris is a great little place. Interior is mostly white which provides great light even on a rainy day. They have outside seating on the sidewalk as well which makes it fun to people watch. You have to come down stairs to enter, which was not a problem for us, but made me wonder about those who might have trouble. Is there another entrance? The service was great. Super friendly and quick. Had the cortado as it is my go to drink when trying a new spot. The beans are more on the fruity side .... I prefer chocolate or vanilla note beans. But it was lovely and hit the spot. Served in a glass which I love!

Interior
Alex A.

Stopped by Iris Coffee Lab for a cup of coffee over the weekend. When you arrive parking can be a bit difficult in this area, but there is parking available on the street. The coffee shop is located in the Glenwood south area and feels very modern when you walk in. To order you'll walk to the counter and place your order. I selected from their seasonal drinks and opted for the iced summer crumble latte. I ordered the summer crumble latte (espresso, milk of choice, blueberry, house made oat crumble distillation, subtle lemon coconut infusion, oat tincture, lemon rind garnish) which was excellent and tasted like a bowl of cereal milk. I noticed several people ordering matcha which also may be excellent and something I'll have to try next time. If you are in the Glenwood South area and are looking for a good coffee shop, definitely check out Iris Coffee Lab.

Kiara I.

Iris Coffee Lab is where you bring the friend who can tell you the origin of a bean after one sip, who gets excited about extraction methods and tasting notes, and who genuinely believes coffee deserves the same reverence as a fine bottle of wine. Iris isn't trying to be trendy: it is unapologetically devoted to the craft. The interior reflects that philosophy. A restrained palette of white, charcoal, and soft gray keeps distractions to a minimum, allowing every cup to remain the focal point. It's clean, modern, and intentionally understated. If you're someone who typically reaches for cream and sugar, I'd encourage you to order at least one cup black. Iris sources and roasts exceptional coffee, and tasting it without distractions is the best way to appreciate the nuance and balance that have earned the café such a devoted following. That said, the seasonal menu is every bit as thoughtful. On this visit, I ordered the Mango Sticky Rice Matcha Latte, a drink layered with tropical sweetness, creamy matcha, and just enough complexity to keep each sip interesting. The final few sips, where all of the flavors settled together, were unexpectedly my favorite part. My brother-in-law chose Iris's signature blueberry-forward latte, while my niece ordered the house-made chai. Before she'd even finished half the cup, she looked up and declared, "This is the best chai I've ever had." Her father, after trying it himself, agreed without hesitation. The breakfast menu compliments the beverage program well, offering thoughtfully prepared dishes that feel every bit as intentional as the drinks. Like many destination coffee shops, Iris tends to attract people who settle in for a while. Laptops are open across nearly every table, conversations are minimal, and the room has the focused energy of a shared studio rather than a bustling café. Because of the open design, voices travel easily, making it a better place for quiet work than lively catch-ups. The café is meticulously maintained, including spotless restrooms that reflect the same attention to detail found throughout the space. Parking can require a bit of patience, though I've almost always managed to find a spot without too much trouble. Iris Coffee Lab isn't trying to appeal to everyone, and that's exactly what makes it special. It's a café for people who care about coffee, how it's sourced, brewed, and experienced. In a city with no shortage of coffee shops, Iris has carved out a distinct identity by putting craftsmanship ahead of trends, creating a destination that's as much about curiosity as it is about caffeine.

outside
Maddy W.

alright... this place has taken a lot of my money in the last few days so i felt like i owe them a review... admittedly i've gone four times in less than a week. with a mango sticky rice matcha, a blueberry cobbler latte, two cherry marzipan lattes, and a chili crispy breakfast sandwich under my belt, i feel confident in my opinion about this place. probably the best coffee shop for studying that i've found in the triangle. plenty of outlets, not too loud, delicious drink options and food, strong wifi, easy parking, and overall good vibes. the mango sticky rice matcha is by far my favorite!! and the breakfast sandwich was absolutely delicious. the only downside side is they have some fruit flies?? but outside of that my new favorite place

Matcha yuzu yogurt bowl
Jennie N.

their drinks are truly one of the best in Raleigh! They curate their menus with a lot of care and you can taste it in the quality of their drinks. Their food def needs some work/adjusting. I got the matcha yuzu yogurt bowl today.. i really wanted to like it! But the taste of matcha was barely there, cantaloupe were not fresh/ripe and were too big of chunks to chew, and the yuzu was too overpowering/sweet. Darn! I'm still hopeful about their food though, i feel like it can improve overtime. Especially with how well they do their drinks. They decorated very minimally with touches of earthy tones in the light wood furniture and plants. Nothing special! A good amount of seating but they do get busy during peak hours!

Jasmine mini matcha and candied ginger matcha
Evangelina W.

Iris Coffee Lab is definitely a place I'd recommend to chat with your friend in the afternoon. The shop had a nice amount of light and was bustling with customers on a Saturday afternoon. There were still seats that would open up and I was able to enjoy my matcha and hangout for 2 hours. The menu is what makes Iris stand out to me as innovative and exciting. There are so many cool and different drinks to try especially with a seasonal menu. I ordered the Jasmine mini matcha because it had all of my favorite things but I was disappointed in the ratio of cream to matcha. It was almost too much cream and I wasn't sure why it was designed that way but it was truly "mini". I think next time I'd definitely want a larger drink. I also tried the candied ginger matcha and really enjoyed that. Would definitely go again to try more drinks!

Lily F.

Incredible coffee, and I loved the aesthetic! I got the strawberry creme latte (hot version), and it was fantastic! My partner got the iced version--which was somehow even better than the warm version. I don't like my coffee drinks too sweet, and they struck exactly the right balance. It tasted like there was real strawberry (and not just a super-sweet syrup). Unlike many coffee shops, they gave us a number to bring to our table, so we didn't need to stand around and wait for our coffee to be ready. Instead, they brought it to our table for us. This was such a nice touch! There's a good amount of seating inside, but we sat outside since it was such a nice day. Can't wait to go back & try an iced americano or drip coffee to try out some of their different roasts.

Banana pudding matcha
Andrea A.

I really wanted to like Iris especially considering their partnership with Frame Matcha, but I had a pretty lackluster experience here unfortunately... Got the seasonal Banana Pudding Matcha, which tasted more like banana milk with a hint of matcha. Also felt like the drink was very powdery? Service was fast and friendly. Ambiance is nice- minimalistic feel, open space, lots of natural light. Good amount of seating, but it filled up quickly. There's free 2 hour street parking. 6.5/10 maybe recommend, I'd need to give this spot another try to be sure.

Golden Spring Latte
Camilla M.

The vibes were so cute and the staff was extremely friendly. I tried their spring menu latte and it was really not great. Maybe other items on their menu are better. I love trying new coffee shops and saw great reviews online, but I was not a fan, personally.

Shirley Z.

A lovely lovely place to grab a matcha and chat with a friend. Their specialty drinks were sooo yummy and service was fairly quick considering how busy it was when I went. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this place to get a lot of work done, but I'm pretty picky when it comes to cafe work spots. Overall I would come here again to try another specialty drink and have a chat!

Cherry marzipan latte
Emily B.

Of course I had to try this place based on the reviews. Woah! Cherry-marzipan latte. A must order. So delish. Loved the almondy flavor. So many fun drink flavors and options!

Matcha
Hayley P.

Another Raleigh favorite that I just can't seem to stay away from. On my most recent visit, I came to try their matcha since I have heard such good things about it. I had their mini matcha, which I believe was the Jasmin Mini Matcha, and then their featured Valentine's Day Matcha, Strawberry Matcha Supreme. And wow, the reviews weren't kidding. This matcha was amazing. Just the perfect amount of matcha earthiness matched with the sweetness. Also, they do such an amazing job with the presentation. Iris continues to be one of my favorite breakfast, coffee, and now matcha spots in Raleigh.

Mango sticky rice matcha

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the friendly staff, creative specialty drinks, modern and bright atmosphere, and tasty breakfast and pastries.

Read the full review summary in the app

4 years ago

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

Great cafe! Friendly staff, delicious recipes, and good music taste. Overall would highly recommend!

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

Very good coffee, great location and very friendly barista. I will be back. The iced latte is the best around. Cool vibe.

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

Great coffee and friendly service. Would love to have this kind of coffee shop as my neighborhood cafe.

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

Just had the best executed proper cappuccino I've ordered in North Carolina here. I'll be back.

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6 years ago

Amazing venue and delicious flavors! So happy that Iris has come to the neighborhood! Can't say wait to see how they evolve!

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

Had a cortado, was good as any I've had in in Portland or SoCal. I highly recommend it.

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5 years ago

Insanely good. Good vibe. Excellent pastry. I was moved by my latte and simple honey syrup.

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6 years ago

Great for breakfast. The avocado toast and the latte taste great! My favorite coffee shop in Raleigh.

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Page 4 of 5

Ask the Community - Iris Coffee Lab

Sir Walter Coffee - Caramel Macchiato w. Toasted Marshmallow  BLT in a Bagel

Sir Walter Coffee

4.1(256 reviews)
1.0 mi•Fayetteville Street
•$

I was downtown and was on a break. Needed a quick break so I popped over to Sir Walter for a quick…read moreiced coffee and a bagel. This bagel was nice and soft. It was good. The cream cheese was good, I think it had dill or chives in it. The smoked salmon was very yummy. Now this pickle and these pickled onions could stay wherever they came from. The pickle did not have any taste and it was soft. No crunch. Same with the onions. They were full of vinegar taste and soft. The coffee was good. Just like coffee. Now the Carmel Apple Macchiato was like a Carmel Apple, Sweet. I got mine with Almond milk but I had to go back and top it off with more milk it was full of Carmel. I didn't taste any apple flavor but it was good but really sweet. I did taste the espresso. I think for me if I had this much but with more milk or less Carmel it would have been better. They sit on a corner but you enter on the side kind of. They have seating inside and out. They are quiet until 12 then start playing music. You can bring your laptop and do a little work or read while having lunch. The staff were really friendly. The bathrooms are clean and gender neutral. Give them a try not just a coffee spot they have a bar as well.

Looking for a cozy place to start your morning on the weekend? Sir Walter is the perfect spot…read more Cozy seating. Great coffee. Delicious Breakfast items and baked goods! Next time you're looking for a good coffee spot, stop by Sir Walter.

Photos
Sir Walter Coffee - Coffee or Cocktail

Coffee or Cocktail

Sir Walter Coffee - Breakfast burrito

Breakfast burrito

Sir Walter Coffee - The Bar at Sir Walter Coffee

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The Bar at Sir Walter Coffee

Morning Times - German Chocolate Muffin at Morning Times

Morning Times

4.2(696 reviews)
0.8 mi•Fayetteville Street
•$

First time in Raleigh, first breakfast, and we were nicely surprised and impressed. Unassuming…read morefront on street. Inside--friendly staff, great service, nice, great food. Went to counter to order and pay, took table number upstairs to second floor eat-in rooom, they brought food up to us. Very pleasant , great soothing background music, clean and all around nice experience. Go!

The morning times was a weekly if not daily staple in my life for 10+ years, after moving away from…read morethe city 3 years ago, every time I would come into Raleigh it would be my first stop and it would always feel like home seeing the same familiar faces every time. This morning, I walked in and saw not one familiar face there, and I've come to learn all the staff walked out simultaneously weeks ago. After getting to know many of the staff over the years of frequenting there, anything to make every staff member walk out at the same time has to be big enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth. Am truly sad to see such a Raleigh staple not see the value in the community their staff created. Cheers to Joe, Brennan, Brett, amber, and all of the others past a present (shout out Tim and Casey and Jackie!) for their place in our lives over all of these years! If you are looking for a coffee nearby, jubala (pendo), black & white (videri), heirloom are all great options (and sir Walter coffee and 42 & Lawrence are decent and close)

Photos
Morning Times - Front counter

Front counter

Morning Times
Morning Times - Upstairs seating

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Upstairs seating

NoRa Cafe - Grilled cheese sandwich - lifewithhanny

NoRa Cafe

4.5(211 reviews)
8.8 mi
•$$

Just wanted to take the time to clap for the staff here…read more I've only been here twice now. But both times the service was SO fast. I came here on a week day and it was packed but the kitchen seemed steady. Their service is very stream lined with pagers for food orders. There is a lot of seating but it also seems to be a place where a good chunk of people come to work. They have a library inside as well and the books at the time were all $3 ea. Today I came and it's a Sunday. As expected they were SLAMMED. Line to the door of people waiting and line to the door of people ordering. I still got my coffee in less than 5 min. People waiting on food were getting theirs in similar time. The staff was killing it! They have a large selection of baked goods (lots of laminated dough), fast casual breakfast & lunch, and a huge coffee menu. They also have gluten free options for food and about a dozen gf/df baked goods. They said they have separate prep space and changed gloves for gluten free food but it's a shared oven. I didn't have any issues though. To who ever is managing your kitchen and staff, you're doing a great job. To the staff, hats off Highly recommend this place for a light breakfast and good coffee, or just a good place to hang out on your laptop.

NORA greets you with a warm, friendly vibe the second you step up to the café. Folks outside are…read moreusually sipping their favorite NORA coffee, and most of the time, every chair is full! Obviously it's a favorite spot for catching up with friends over drinks and pastries. Step inside and the mood shifts to something cozy. There's plenty of room to get work done or browse a good book while you enjoy your drink. The coffee and treats are great. If I could suggest one tweak, it's that the place gets pretty crowded--I'd love to see even more space!

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NoRa Cafe - Iced vanilla oat latte and rosemary olive English muffins with bacon and pimento cheese - lifewithhanny

Iced vanilla oat latte and rosemary olive English muffins with bacon and pimento cheese - lifewithhanny

NoRa Cafe - S'mores latte + Michaels English muffins breakfast sandwich - lifewithhanny

S'mores latte + Michaels English muffins breakfast sandwich - lifewithhanny

NoRa Cafe - "Chicken Salad Sandwich"

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"Chicken Salad Sandwich"

Iris Coffee Lab - coffee - Updated November 2026

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