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    Iris Coffee Lab

    4.4 (161 reviews)
    Open • 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Iris Coffee Lab Photos

    IRIS COFFEE LAB ATMOSPHERE

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

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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!

    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.

    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!

    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

    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.

    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.

    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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    3 years ago

    Decent coffee. Good WiFi connection with secure password thats changes regularly. They also have a couple decent breakfast sandwiches

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    3 years ago

    One of my favorite coffee shops in all of Raleigh! The baristas are so personable and the rosemary latte is my absolute favorite!

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    Ask the Community - Iris Coffee Lab

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    I first encountered Boulted Bakery at a morning meeting, when a colleague generously brought in a…read morebox of croissants and other baked goods. They were good enough that I decided I needed to visit the bakery myself. The shop did not disappoint. I ordered a decaf Americano and took my time looking around. For the road, I picked up a half loaf sesame pan, butter, and goat cheese--a simple combination, but one that seemed like the perfect way to appreciate the quality of the baking. What struck me most is the attention to ingredients and technique. Boulted mills its own flour, works with organic and heirloom grains, and relies heavily on natural fermentation. The breads are baked with a beautifully dark, deeply caramelized crust that delivers considerably more flavor than the pale, overly uniform loaves found at many bakeries. Something is reassuring about a bakery that doesn't try to overcomplicate things. Great flour, careful fermentation, skilled hands, and a hot oven. The results speak for themselves. I was impressed by Boulted Bakery. The quality is top shelf, and the pastries that first introduced me to the place were no fluke. This is clearly a serious bakery, and well worth a visit.

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    Bittersweet has amazing desserts and drinks. I've been several times and each time I enjoy what…read moreI've had. A solid go-to is their s'mores sundae which is sooo good! The chocolate brownie is thick and rich, but not too sweet, and the marshmallow cream is divine, especially with the ice cream. A lot of their drinks and gin based, which I'm not the biggest fan of, but I always find something I can enjoy. The service is great and relatively quick, and everyone I've met there is kind and willing to help. The inside is a bit small, so smaller crowds are better and it does tend to get crowded later in the evening and on weekends. The outside street sitting area is nice too and hopefully will be fully fixed soon. Overall a great places to stop for drinks and desserts after a nice meal! And the menu rotates seasonally so you'll always have the chance to try something new!

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    Stopped by Lucettegrace a little while back and wow what a nice surprise! When you arrive there is…read moreparking available on the street or in the parking lot next to the Patisserie. Fun fact: the owner named the Patisserie by combining his two daughter's middle names. When you walk in you'll feel like you've been transported to Brooklyn with a touch of Parisian elegance mixed with downtown industrial vibes. To order you'll walk up to the counter and place your order. Once your order is placed you'll grab a seat wherever there is an open table. For coffee I ordered the vanilla latte and my partner ordered the iced caramel latte. The vanilla had a nice balance of flavor and the ceramic cup was a nice touch. For pastries my partner ordered the cookie and the ham & cheese croissant. Both were excellent, with the cookie being more of a shortbread cookie with dark chocolate and the croissant having great flavor and plenty of ham and cheese. I ordered the Nun'Ya Biscuit which was like nothing I've ever ordered before. It was a biscuit seasoned with smoked cheddar cheese, breakfast sausage, scallions, and complete with sausage gravy inside the biscuit. You definitely need to order the Nun'Ya Biscuit if you stop by Lucettegrace. Definitely looking forward to our next time visiting Lucettegrace. Highly recommend checking out this coffee shop if you are in Downtown Raleigh.

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    Yellow Dog Bread Company

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    For this weekend's edition of coffee shop Saturday, I chose Yellow Dog and I'm so glad I did…read more Yellow Dog is located in a really busy location. There are several other businesses that share the small parking lot, so parking is slim. It's super cute and cozy inside with a few tables. There's also a few tables outside. I was greeted right away by the awesome staff. My daughter and I both ordered iced coconut lattes, she has a 12oz, I had a 16oz, and I ordered a slice or coffee cake to go. After my first sip, I wished there was a 24 oz. That was the best iced latte ever!!! The coffee cake was so perfect, but made me wish I had a hot latte to accompany it...I'll have to go back!! I'm super made at myself for not buying any of their bread or any of their other locally or in house made goods, everything looked so fresh & delicious.

    Why is the staff so miserable? I came in ready to order …read more.. no line and the woman behind the counter gave me the dirtiest look. It felt as though I didn't belong there. There was a " what are you doing here you don't belong here" kind of look etched over her face which is a surprise because I've been a customer ever since they opened and while I'm not a regular for to remember my face I am a part of the community, even if I don't look like it. Whatever preconceived look she was expecting I don't know. I'm not expecting anyone to smile like I'm someone's long lost relative, but I am hoping in this world to be treated with kindness that I offer as well. Civility would be welcome. I honestly felt like they couldn't wait for me to leave the store which is a very odd and uncomfortable experience. Oddly enough, the case was kind of empty. They had their signature cinnamon rolls and pecan buns, which are always on point, but the vibe was really off today.

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    This café is a real treat, but it can be a dangerous temptation! As soon as you step inside and see…read moreall those amazing pastries, you might find yourself adding a few pounds. Before you know it, you're thinking about what to eat or take home, and you were just there for coffee. Yikes! First off, all the pastries are made right at Asali. From what I understand, nothing is made outside the café. My favorite breakfast is their egg and cheese croissant. It's always just the right temperature. So good, you might even use your fingers to pick up and eat all the flakes that fall off. The staff is super friendly and even answers any questions you have about how they make their drinks. Speaking of drinks, you can pretty much get anything you want. Regular coffee, pour-over, all sorts of lattes--hot or cold. This is one of the reasons why I return time after time. The staff's ability to be creative and add some wow factor to your drink. Asali might just be the best cafe in the entire Raleigh area.

    Asali Desserts & Cafe is a Middle Eastern cafe that serves baked goods and drinks. The inside is…read morefairly spacious and modernly decorated. They have so many pastries to choose from, ranging from macarons to cakes. They also have a small brunch menu. The service was fine and the items came out quickly. I got the Hazelnut Cheesecake Mousse and Breakfast Croissant. The Hazelnut Cheesecake Mousse had a stick blue fondant above it, which I think was mostly used for decor. I did not like it a lot so we took it off and it made the cake taste a lot better. There were not super strong hints of the cheesecake flavor, but it tasted fine. I wish the Breakfast Croissant had a type of meat in it, but it was still good. The croissant was very buttery and large. I would probably rate this spot a 3.5/5 stars if I could. The food I got did not impress me too much, but I would love to give them another shot and try their other pastries.

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    Iris Coffee Lab - coffee - Updated October 2026

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