WARNING: I am writing this on my own behalf and not that of Iris Coffee Lab, 'cause it's about to get real. PROS: When being nailed to the Cross, Jesus Christ of Nazareth screamed outward towards the world he was working to heal: "GOD; WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?!"; However, I didn't see him in the tomb three days later...? It seems that the Infliction is not only divine, but an active choice we all make to indulge in it's venereal nature--Some rise above, while others bury themselves deeply in the ground, while others lie down and die in front of us as the Infliction fumigates into the air like hot sewage. I am not supposed to be at Iris Coffee Lab today--It's my second day getting coffee out ever, after yesterday. Today, I actually decided to go to The Optimist, and my first thoughts were as such: "Wow--Art Deco--Noooooo way... Who jerked off Mr. Gatsby to get him to 'yerk gold foil everywhere? This is fake. This place is actively working to kill me. I am not going to get coffee here." Now, here's where I get confused and I don't care anymore: I found Iris Coffee Lab, and instead of putting my finger on it... I'm excepting it: A total vibe. The almost gallery-like environment does create and sustain the truly neutral decadence of life; That is--until--people like Brian show up... It WAS divine, and I AM crazy: He saw me, pondering the place and accosted me with an essence that can only be described as the new 2025-Genuine care. While I did feel like a dumb, stupid, 195lb baby when I only had cash (I don't have a bank account.), Brian looked back and didn't even question what he saw: Someone who just really needed a coffee, first and foremost. Brian--This is the most delicious coffee I've ever had. I love being alive. I love Iris Coffee Shop, and I'm not religious at all, and I'll be seeing you all again soon. Thanks 'gain for paintin' Ah picture purty. Does anyone know where I could get a Visa Gift Card around here? CONS: Does not take cash read more

My friend and I came here on a Sunday afternoon It was busy, but not crazy or line-out-the-door type busy. Also we easily found a parallel parking spot nearby (free on weekends!) which was a miracle knowing how Raleigh parking can be. Immediately coming in, the place was super cute! I love how it's nestled in and the decor is very simple, bright, and clean looking. One thing I noticed immediately upon looking at the menu is they don't show the prices for anything, so you really can't know until you get your final receipt (which btw is only text/email option). I don't know if it's just me, but I generally like to see the prices of food/drinks on the menu because it does guide my ordering decision and just prepares me for what I will be paying. This bothered me and I do wish they would display the prices somewhere.. On that topic, things were pretty pricey which may be why prices aren't readily displayed...? My friend's bacon egg and cheese bagel was $10.25 which made our eyes widen, but he did say it was good! Onto drinks: I got matcha and it was great! Love that it was ceremonial-grade too. I had ordered iced but was served warm, but it was totally fine because the barista immediately went back to make me an iced one AND let me keep the warm one :') which I was honestly excited about just because it was so pretty!! I really appreciated it! My friend got a vanilla latte, but sadly said it lacked overall flavor and sweetness *Overall, cute vibe, friendly service, but definitely would not label as super affordable* read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Delicious food!!!! The avocado toast is my favorite in the triangle. Highly highly recommend Iris! Yummy matcha, and super fun seasonal drinks. read more

Hands down, this is the best coffee in Raleigh. They take their coffee seriously, with well-honed blends and baristas that sweat the details. Highly recommended. read more

Coffee was good but I have no idea why this place is popular for their matcha? Mine was light green and tasted like milk. Maybe it was the barista idk read more

First time trying this coffee shop, and honestly, I loved it very much. Came with a friend, and the lady at the counter was super nice and provided us with some pastry recommendations. The brownie? SO FLUFFY and DELICIOUS. I want to come back to try their bagels. Cute place and so cozy ambiance! Can't appreciate it enough. Loved this!!!!! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Brownie, coffee cake, iced latte, latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I wasn't too impressed with this place. The atmosphere inside is modern but in a cold way, and my $7 specialty coffee wasn't anything to rave about. The brewed coffee was ok, but not worth going back for, unfortunately. read more

First off, having free parking for customers is AMAZING especially when you're looking for food in Raleigh. The overall vibe is clean and put together. The food here is AMAZING, I highly recommend the hotshot bagel. The only thing is it's a bit more expensive than a normal coffee place, and the matcha is not made super great. I can't speak on the coffee. The wait time was pretty standard for the quality of food. read more

honestly 5 stars for the mango sticky rice matcha. very subtle but distinct mango stinky rice flavor. i came in the morning and luckily beat a long line that formed quickly after i got my order. also got the chili crunch bagel (not spicy enough but still good!!) the mango sticky rice matcha was so good i was going to order another on my way out. unfortunately the line was too long and i was tired. i'll def be coming back next time im in town!! read more

Throughly enjoyed my out of office day at this cute spot. Definitely a hidden gem. I'm frequently in the area and never noticed it. I kinda like that it's hidden. They definitely have a rush time but nothing crazy. I spent the day here doing work. I met up with a friend and then got a lot of good work done on the laptop. Wifi works perfectly! It is a nice environment, perfect for catching up with a friend, and cozy enough to have a nice cup of coffee or tea. Noise level is average. They play background music so if you need a little more quiet make sure you bring your headphones/AirPods. For breakfast I had the honey lavender latte with a plain bagel, cream cheese and bacon. Wow, seriously soooo good. I could have had another. Towards the end of my stay, I had the Peach tea (hot). Drinks and meals are presented so nicely. I will say if yo i want something to eat come before noon. Once they are out there's no more. Staff were great. Super nice. It's a small team. They work really well together and are very welcoming. I really enjoyed myself for my first time. Looking forward to stopping in again. read more

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Kind of an obscure location and directly connected to a parking lot below ground floor, lies a modern cool coffee shop. The coffee cups are also pretty cool, but nothing other than the edges to grab them by. Definitely a nice spot to escape and study for a bit as well! My friend also had their drip coffee, quite good as well! The lattes are very instagrammable though! Next time I'm definitely trying the blue matcha latte! It just looks so cool and fresh from the other pictures! Definitely one of the more hipster coffee shops I've been to! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

TLDR: Quick, friendly service. Expensive prices. Don't recommend the blue matcha, stick with the coffee. While passing through downtown I stopped here for a matcha latte. A parking garage is located next door and street parking is available. Since it was free, I parked on the street and walked to Iris. I like how they allow dogs inside while you order. Then if you have a dog, they ask that you wait outside till your order is ready. The menu and prices are clearly listed online and behind the counter. They offer coffee, tea, desserts, and some food options. The cafe is on the small side, but offered ample seating. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. It has minimal decorations and does not look very nice. However, I do like all of the plants. I ordered an iced blue matcha latte, made with oat milk. It rang up at about $6. This seemed pricy so I hoped the drink was large (since only one size is offered). It was not. The drink was ready about 2 minutes after I ordered so very quick. It had the expected light blue color with a little ice. Since it was expensive and small, I hoped it at least tasted good. The flavor was unexpected. It had a faint flavor and tasted like a watered down version of leftover Cheerios cereal milk. Although it tasted fine and was refreshing, it was not what I expected. I would not order it again. Blue Matcha has a light flavor to begin with so not an error on the part of the cafe. Personally I like strong teas, so will stick with Green Matcha lattes. Overall, I didn't like my selection and found it too pricy. They seem to be better known for their coffee, but the high price point is limiting. read more

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Inside is very cute and vibey. Not the best outdoor view because there are apartment complexes and parking garages around, but still some good outdoor seating. I got the Popeye bagel which was okay, it was very messy, not sure if I'd get it again. I also got the seasonal tropical matcha drink which was yummy. Staff was very nice. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Popeye's bagel Seasonal matcha drink - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Fantastic ambience, friendly staff, great lunch and brunch options. The cappuccinos are fantastic

Our order: blue matcha latte and smoked maple latte (seasonal). Staff seemed a little overwhelmed when we visited as they had just ran out of their smoked maple syrup and was running behind on food orders. Our barista offered to make the syrup and we waited. I wanted to get my blue matcha latte hot (for the aesthetics LOL) so was a little surprised when it came iced. Didn't want to send it back. Not sure what to expect and found it to taste like cereal milk. Can't say I tasted any matcha but it was still a refreshing pick me up. Strong and smoky flavors in the seasonal latte that warmed our bodies up in autumnal chills. Industrial decor with chill music. Many people lounging and working. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Smoked maple latte (seasonal) Blue matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

I dunno. The staff seemed really sweet. The baked goods, a little long in the tooth. The coffee, while 3rd wave, was just average wave. Not a lot to get excited. I am not sure I'd say it was a lab.....the name sort of drew me to expect some experimentation. Maybe that was for another day. The cafe part? Well stuff was available...but a cafe vibe...not exactly hitting that mark either. More like a food truck that morphed into a building and needed to grow into itself a bit more. The offerings just didn't live up to the name. read more

Minimalist, bright. Easy parking. Hang out, or grab a coffee and take a walk around the charming neighborhood nearby! Attentive staff too. The latte was great. Bagel sando (the "hotshot") was normal, butttt they don't have their food prices anywhere so you don't know how much you're paying till you get rung up. My order ended up ~$18, which is fine if I was making an informed choice. It seems weird to hide food prices :/ I would expect a little more for bfast at this hidden & high price point. Would definitely come back for coffee! read more

A vibe. The staff is always kind and welcoming, which makes a huge difference and isn't always the case in the Triangle! I go there specifically for the Blue Matcha late which is not only delicious but such a great value for the size. I also like to pop in and try different food one the menu. It changes regularly have they do really fun, unsuspecting specials but I've never been disappointed. Some of my favorite things about Iris don't have anything to do with the coffee or food: 1--always amazing music that's just the right mood and volume 2--A couch. Hang out for a bit or used the tables, bar seats or community table to work 3--Chair leg covers. No chairs scraping across the floor and making your ears bleed! 4--Lotion in the bathroom. It's important to moisturize! 5--Art on the walls. Cool, colorful and another way to support locally. I love the feel of this place--I always feel welcome. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Blue Match Latte with oak milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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I love that they offer seasonal coffee specials that are super unique and delicious. I have not tried their food but the coffee itself is worth a visit. They have a walk up order counter inside with quick service. Ambiance is light and bright and they offer indoor and outdoor seating. Perfect spot for a weekend morning coffee. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Amazing coffee shop with lots of seating and friendly baristas. I tried an iced blue matcha latte, which was excellent, as well as an oat milk chai latte, which was incredible - one of the best I've ever had. Coffee cake was also solid (they carry pastries from Union Special). Will be back! read more

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Great coffee and I love the ambiance. Costumer service was great and the food was so good. I can't wait to return soon. read more

Excellent ambiance for some quiet reading. Very smooth coffee. Their London food item (I forgot what it's called) is interesting but was pleasantly yummy. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

The blue matcha latte drew me in to visit Iris. Honestly, I could not taste the matcha at all but it had a taste that I couldn't pinpoint. Wasn't bad but also wasn't great. The cafe is beautiful, bright, and spacious. I'd love to hang out here and read a book or get some work done. The barista was super helpful! I had my baby in a stroller and asked if she could take my order from upstairs which she did. There are 3 steps when you walk in so not sure how handicap friendly it is? read more

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It's been an agonizingly long time since I've sought out a new cafe to explore and work at. Today I did just that and I am so pleased with this find, especially after such a long hiatus away. Iris provides a welcoming, calm environment. I loved the natural light flooding in, I always focus better in bright airy spaces like at Iris. Thankfully it was not very busy this afternoon and I had plenty of tables to choose from. I imagine table real estate, especially those with an outlet nearby, is harder to come by on the weekend. They had some ambient music playing at a totally reasonable volume and I was able to find deep focus no problem. I was also so thrilled with the customer service and menu options. The employees were very friendly, helpful and upbeat. I ordered the seasonal latte which was presented beautifully. The flavors are all made in-house which always gets bonus points in my book! It was perfectly executed, not too sweet but just enough flavor to complement the espresso. I would love to return and would recommend! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

This was a super cute coffee shop in the downtown Raleigh area. I had just left the airport and needed somewhere to get my work done while waiting for hotel check-in and this place was a gem. The staff is extremely friendly and the cafe had a clean, modern vibe. There were other people there working for several hours too so I didn't feel out of place at all. My only feedback is that my coffee and food seemed to be a bit over priced. But that seemed like a fair trade off for a nice place to work for the day. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Decent coffee and the cinnamon bun was delicious. Kind of a weird vibe in there, I see what they're trying to go for but it fell flat. The coffees took way too long, for two small flat whites it took nearly 20 min and there was just one person before us. The coffees were also very small. Better coffee places around the corner. read more

"I'm blue if I was green I would die." Is this what the matcha said at Iris cafe? The blue matcha is what intrigued me to try Iris. It's light, earthy flavor will certainly bring me back. Located near NC state's campus, it's a great place for a study break with your friends. read more

10/10 WOULD RECOMMEND Iris is easily in my top three coffee shops list and I have been to dozens of shops in Georgia, Tennessee, California, South Carolina and North Carolina. The carefully curated in-house-made breakfast selection, their commitment to excellence in everything they do, the team culture and their GREAT attitudes are what make them my favorite. I always make it a point to visit (multiple times) when I'm in town. read more

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I came for the blue matcha latte and iced coffee, but stayed for the bagels. The reviews I read were saying that the food wasn't as good as the drinks, but WOW, this bagel was awesome. I got the seasonal bagel with cream cheese, peaches, tomatoes, balsamic glaze, and tomatoes, the blue matcha latte, and an iced coffee. The matcha latte did lack a little matcha-ness and the iced coffee was a little lacking flavor too. Customer service was great and the ambiance was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Iris!!! Will be coming back. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Blue matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Such a unique coffee shop. You have to try the blue matcha latte. Not only was it the most unique matcha latte I've ever had, it was easily the best I've had. I'd love to try their coffee, but they've won me over with this drink. I will say that there's not a ton of room to sit down, so if you are looking for a study spot, this may not be the place for you. But don't let that discourage you from trying this place out. read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Blue Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Definitely has good coffee! Got the cherry marzipan special and the honey lavender latte and they're both delicious. Not much for outdoor seating though unfortunately if you're wanting to sit outside on a nice day and drink your coffee. Plenty of seating inside though! I ended up just taking my stuff and going to pullen park. read more

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Coffee Lab . . . I literally changed my review. I had given them a one star, but I am being to critical. I got a funky vibe when I walked in and a funky vibe from he barista that cause me to be in my feelings as Drake would have said. lol, I literally sat there, in my feelings and my bagel came out and it looked amazing, then a took a bite and OMG . . . . It was amazing. Then I stared to walk back all the negativity that I felt. The food was amazing. Service really could have been better. They need to post prices on the menu or show some breakdown of the cost on the iPad when you pay. Ambiance . . . It was morning, so it was a morning, productive, everyone in the office, Monday morning vibe. read more

I came here after discovering that so many other Yelpers were raving about this Blue Matcha Latte special that Iris Coffee Lab and Cafe had. Maybe it was because I ordered it unsweetened and with almond milk, but I didn't really understand the hype behind this drink. It tasted like regular almond milk to me, even though it was advertised as having a cookies 'n creme flavor. Nonetheless, I thought the inside of the cafe was a really cute place to study and get work done. While the baristas were so nice and charismatic, I'm not sure whether I'd come back again, even if it were to try their other drinks. I will say, however, that I would want to try one of their Tepuy sourdough donuts that they usually stock in their pastry case! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Blue matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Cute minimalist decor, but they were out of a lot of stuff and the water cups were a little dirty read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Inside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

A bit over priced Starbucks has more value on their Matcha I felt I drank a water down matcha tea for $6 in a kids cup read more

Amazing drinks and options if you don't like coffee. Love their Orange creamsicle latte, and blue matcha latte is great too. Their bagels are really good too. Parking usually isn't bad during the day and you can find a spot on the street. It isn't too big so it can get full fast but they have seating outside. Great coffee and a great spot to work from too. Check out @raleating on Instagram for recommendations on Triangle food spots! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Pink Matcha Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Stopped by early in the morning and first, I love the concept. It's a minimalistic, simple, clean coffee shop and the employees here were so friendly and wonderful! Let's start with the butter caramel latte. Delicious! Not overly bitter, not overly sweet. It was a perfectly balanced latte. Look at that little heart on top, the barista did a wonderful job! Then there are the baked goods. The cinnamon pull apart was basically a cinnamon roll in muffin form and it was delicious! The icing drizzled on top was nice and sweet, the perfect amount of cinnamon. Delicious snack! Then there was the rosemary apple crostada with oak crumble. Oh. My. Goodness. This thing was amazing! Nice fresh apple chunks. Perfectly balanced, not small, baked good that will leave you craving more! I took that first bite and fell in love! They did a wonderful job! This is a wonderful little coffee shop that is definitely worth a visit! read more

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Went here for the first time on a nice Saturday morning, very cute atmosphere inside! But if you have a stroller - there is some stairs to walk down when you enter, so it's best to just sit outside then. The customer service was excellent, everyone was very friendly. The art inside is pretty and there's a good chunk of seating. I went with their seasonal latte which was orange Creamsicle and was absolutely delicious!!! My husband got the cold brew and said it was excellent!! I also got the chocolate croissant which was decent! I will definitely be coming back soon! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Iris is an eclectic coffee shop near downtown Raleigh! They had an art showing and live dj on the weekend when we came here. The environment was so fun and the coffees were so unique and flavorful! read more

Iris Coffee Lab - Cappucino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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PSA: The Blue Matcha drink does NOT contain matcha. Ambiance: It was strangely humid in here and I wanted to like it but didn't. There aren't a lot of seats, and the counter seats don't have a leg supports so your legs are kinda awkwardly dancing. I got a hot cocoa which was more like warm chocolate milk than a rich chocolatey drink. My friend got the matcha latte and it tasted very watered down to me. Wasn't a huge fan. I've had a lot better for cheaper. read more