The Optimist

What a fabulous dessert shop! Perfect place to grab an after dinner cocktail and dessert and…read moreconveniently located near St Roch Oyster Bar which is where we had dinner. Service was top notch with friendly folks greeting you the moment you enter the doors. Our bartender was so sweet and so welcoming. Had me a $10 Paloma cocktail that was just right and went to town on dessert. Everything was just delicious. Fresh made whip cream, perfectly balanced sweetness with the desserts and cute atmosphere. Loved my first time here and it won't be my last!

Stopped by Bittersweet for a nightcap & dessert while in the city. When you arrive parking can be a…read morelittle tricky in this area as you'll either need to find parallel parking or parking in a nearby garage/paid lot. Walking into the cocktail bar/dessert lounge it feels trendy, dim-lit, like something that belongs in a very large city (but glad to have it in Raleigh), and 21+ as I was asked for my ID at the door. Once you walk in, definitely have your ID ready and then you will be seated. A server will then come by your table to take your order. For drinks, I ordered the Fireside Old Fashioned (Maker's 46, cayenne, chili-pepper sugar, Crude smoke-salt bitters) and my partner ordered the Chai Espresso Martini (house-made chai tea, vodka, sweetened espresso). Both drinks were excellent and well made. The old fashioned had a nice full bourbon taste and a really nice spicy flavor at the end each sip. For deserts, we ordered the s'mores sundae (torched house-made marshmallow cream, Valrhona dark chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, toasted graham) and the Caramel Apple Cupcake. The Caramel Apple cupcake was good but was more like a muffin vs. a cupcake and was on the dry side. The s'mores sundae was excellent and had so much chocolate flavor. Overall, would highly recommend checking out Bittersweet if you are around the Downtown Raleigh area looking for a nightcap or dessert bar.

1.6 mi•Warehouse District

Bubbles and cupcake special

Chai espresso martini

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Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic

Heirloom

4.4(242 reviews)

Takes reservations

Casual dining

Phenomenal, as always The tuna has a delightful, refreshing…read morecitrus sauce that compliments the fish really well. The fried chicken - I don't get fried chicken ever, but I am so glad I did. Amazing crunch and juicy chicken. 10/10 Also staff was sweet, as always and I love that they turn down the overhead lighting and switch to lamps for dinner

Heirloom is this Asian-inspired cafe in downtown Raleigh. There is no parking lot so find street…read moreparking or parking garage. It is cute inside with a fair number of tables for people to study or work. They have lots of drinks, including matcha, and food (brunch, lunch, and dinner). The service was friendly and efficient! Items came out fast. My friends and I got the Saucey Char Siu Bowl, Furikake Fries, and Crispy Chicken Biscuit (Nashville Hot & Hot Honey). The Furikake Fries were thin and not heavily seasoned! It came with a spicy ketchup which was good to dip the fries in. I got the Crispy Chicken Biscuit in Hot Honey. The chicken is basically Taiwanese popcorn chicken and it was fried to perfection! The hot honey flavor did not really come through for me, but the biscuit was pretty soft. Overall, this is a nice cafe! Lots of food and drink options with an Asian twist.

Interior of entryway

Cruller with ice cream and chili oil

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@_thencfoodie_

Lucky Tree

4.3(167 reviews)

3.6 mi•Ridgewood

We had some time to kill and were looking for a non-chain coffee spot. This one was close by and…read morehad great reviews. So we decided to give them a try. We had a little difficulty finding it. GPS brought us to the parking lot behind the building. There isn't clear signage to direct you where to go. We managed to find our way up the stairs and into the building. There are a number of businesses located inside. Lucky Tree is super cute. It's set up to encourage working, with plenty of charging spots all around. There is a variety of seating, from long wooden tables to smaller individual areas. We ordered a chai latte and golden milk latte, both with oat milk. Both drinks were good. Fyi there is a separate entrance from the side that takes you directly to another smaller parking lot.

This is a place I wish was closer to my home. Thankfully it's not to far away. Very cool relaxing…read moreenvironment. Friendly staff. Good menu selection. A variety of seating options. And a variety of things for sale in the front. I got the iced vanilla maple, it was phenomenal. It had the right amount of sweetness with a great flavor. Also the almond butter cookie was soft and flavorful. I will be back. Thank you for a great experience.

1.4 mi•Fayetteville Street

Cool light fixture made of bottles

Front of building

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Ordering counter

Sir Walter Coffee

4.1(256 reviews)

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.

Coffee or Cocktail

Breakfast burrito

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The Bar at Sir Walter Coffee

Iris Coffee Lab

4.4(161 reviews)

1.5 mi•North Boylan

For this week's edition of coffee shop Saturday, I chose Iris Coffee Lab. It's a block away from…read morethe Glenwood South area, located in a little neighborhood of condos, apartments and small businesses. There's plenty of seating inside and outside. There is street parking with a couple of garages nearby. I ordered as soon as I arrived and sat inside to enjoy my vanilla latte on a very hot afternoon. The service is good, everyone is friendly. The latte was perfect, strong and hot!!! It's busy and somewhat loud inside, but great for catching up with friends or working.

Note to future self: please don't come back! I've been here once before and I think we tried the…read morecherry marzipan, and this time I got an iced vanilla latte with just regular milk. Pretty blah. Lexi you can make better coffee at home. Just stay home. Staff were very nice and space was open

1.3 mi•Fayetteville Street

Atmosphere

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Interior

Morning Times

4.2(696 reviews)

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)

1.5 mi•Warehouse District

Front counter

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Upstairs seating

Bad Cat Coffee

4.0(64 reviews)

Such a cute place! The owner made our coffees and chitchatted with us- she is such a dear. I had a…read morelavender latte, which was delicious. My friend had the snickerdoodle latte and the pumpkin muffin, which were both "delightful". 10/10 would go back!

The absolute best chai latte I've ever had. Usually they aren't sweet enough but I got this iced…read morewith a pump of vanilla and it was perfect. It's right at the front entrance of Morgan Street Food Hall. The menu was a little chaotic lol just a hand written paper but barista was super friendly.

1.6 mi•Warehouse District

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel

Coffee booth

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Black and White Coffee

4.6(81 reviews)

Great Coffee paired with local chocolate is a match made in heaven…read more Black and White offers an incredibly wide range of beans for both the afficionado and the novice. Baristas here know how to highlight the origin, process, roast, and brew method--as well as perfecetly textured milk. A little bit busy and tight when I first walked in, there's plenty of space outside (as long as it's not too cold) and the packed nature lends itself to the busy/cozy vibes that we all long for when looking for a local cup of coffee. For a nationally recognized roastery and distributer, I was both impressed and happy that Black and White's storefront was able to back it up.

10/10 Fantastic I…read morecan't explain it besides - it has such a full flavor best latte I've had! Wish I knew the secret so I could replicate at home, but i'll just have to keep coming back Great outdoor patio as well

Entrance of the main road

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Sonder Coffee

4.3(96 reviews)

10.8 mi

Love Sonder so so so much! I have gone several times and have not stopped thinking about the banana…read morepudding latte since I got it the first time (I hope it makes a return someday). I love the concept of a coffee flight so much and I appreciate that Sonder lets you build your own instead of having set flavor options. Diner day was such a fun experience and the service was pretty quick despite how long the lines were. Will happily attend future fun events here and be back for more fun latte flavors.

Sonder is a cute coffee shop in Wendell that I've been to twice now but unfortunately, it just…read moreisn't a favorite of mine. The first time, I got the banana latte, which was good. On my second visit, I tried an iced coffee flight, but unfortunately, the coffees were very watery and lacked much flavor. The service also hasn't been the best during either visit. I really wanted to love Sonder, but based on my experiences so far, I don't think it's somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit again.

Iced blue matcha

Berry salad at Sonder Coffee

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Canned lattes. These are made in house to enjoy on the go.

NoRa Cafe

4.5(210 reviews)

9.0 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!

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

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

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"Chicken Salad Sandwich"

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7 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Emily M.

Elite 24

3 years ago

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Raleigh, The Optimist invites you into a green haven filled with lush plants that breathe life into the space. The moment you step inside, you're wrapped in a warm embrace of nature, with the plant-filled decor creating a serene backdrop that whispers a calm tune amidst the city's hustle. It's more than just a coffee shop; it's a retreat where each corner has been tenderly curated to offer a soothing ambiance. The menu at The Optimist is a tribute to wholesome eating. They offer a tantalizing array of healthy food options that not only please the palate but also promise a nourishing experience. Their breakfast offerings, particularly the Goat Meal, won my heart, while the rotating seasonal menu keeps the food journey interesting and fresh. The Optimist is not just a name, but an experience that resonates through the cheerful staff, the cozy ambiance, and the delicious, healthy food options. It's a place where the community gathers to share smiles, stories, and a love for good food and coffee. While the pricing is reasonable and won't break the bank, the wealth of flavors and the inviting atmosphere make every dime spent well worth it. read more

Josie S.

Elite 23

220

3 years ago

The Optimist" is a delightful and charming cafe that truly lives up to its name. Stepping inside feels like entering a whimsical world of cuteness and aesthetics. What sets this cafe apart are their unique drink options, and the pink matcha I tried was an absolute standout. The combination of the vibrant color and the delicate flavor of matcha made for a refreshing and Instagram-worthy experience. Additionally, their menu boasts delicious fresh sandwiches that are a perfect complement to their beverages. The ingredients were undoubtedly high-quality, and the taste left me craving for more. The ambiance, coupled with their creative offerings, makes "The Optimist" a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a delightful and memorable cafe experience. read more

Yama A.

6 years ago

My regular coffee shop. Go to the back and there is a really cozy patio, can get a lot of work done and really enjoy my time there.

S H.

1 year ago

Just came from there. Perfect place to read, meet friends and service awesome. Price point just right.

Troy N.

6 months ago

Great vibe, if you know, you know, this place really sucks, but that's what gives it, it's great vibe!

T W.

5 years ago

Mediocre menu items. Not impressed. Nothing stands out, would not come out of my way to come here

Helen T.

4 years ago

Great addition to the neighborhood.

The Optimist - coffee - Updated October 2026

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Jubala Coffee

4.3

(620 reviews)

Came here with my daughter on a Saturday morning. We got there around 9ish and it was packed. There…read morewere barely any seats inside, and because it was a chilly morning and the patio was still a little wet, not many people were sitting outside. On a nicer day you can sit outside if you prefer. My daughter ordered the waffle with Nutella, and since she wanted syrup, we added the cinnamon glaze. She really enjoyed it. I do wish they had whipped cream as an option because I feel like waffles and whipped cream just go together, but that's honestly a small thing. I ordered the avocado toast with the fried egg on top and also the house-made granola. I did not realize the granola serving was going to be so big, so I definitely over-ordered, but no regrets because everything was so good. The avocado toast was delicious. The bread was soft, fresh, and filling, and the whole thing was just really satisfying. I ended up taking the granola to go, and later that day when I ate it, I was like wow... it was still amazing. Honestly one of the best granola and yogurt bowls I've had. So good. I also got an almond latte. Nothing overly fancy, just a solid latte done well. Staff were friendly and patient, especially with my daughter wanting to order. That always means a lot. Another plus: plenty of parking, and they have two single-stall bathrooms, which is helpful. I also really like the Lafayette Village area in general. After you eat, you can walk around, hang out, and enjoy the area a bit. So it can be a quick coffee stop, or you can make a little outing out of it. Definitely worth checking out.

I was surprised by the amount of people at this location at 10:45 am on a Wednesday. Not too noisy…read morebut definitely an energetic crowd of remote workers, stay at home mom's ( had 3 next to my table and overheard their conversation) students and friends just catching up. I enjoyed my toasted biscuit with raspberry jam along with my almond latte. The servers were friendly and attentive.

Jubala Coffee

4.4

(21 reviews)

I usually skip breakfast, but I woke up slightly hangover and in need of substance. Jubala did me…read moreright, their bacon egg biscuit was the perfect size to fill me up without feeling stuffed, the biscuit was flavorful an texture was wonderful. I also had the iced sea salt caramel latte with the balanced amount of bitterness and sweetness. Fast and friendly service, sat outside to enjoy the warm weather, great little coffee shop serving up delicious flavors.

Good spot in downtown. The food looked great but I stuck with a flash coffee that was pretty good…read more My only knock is I didn't see a regular cold brew on the menu, only nitro, but I could have missed it. There's plenty of seating inside and out, too. The baristas were great.

Sir Walter Coffee

4.2

(15 reviews)

Yummy food and homemade bagels! Cute little dining room upstairs to relax. Outdoor seating too on a…read morenice day.

Wtf? Last time I was here the coffee was great. This time it was horrible. Thought it was a mixup…read moreso asked for a replacement after taking a sip, but they just watered down the same mud water. Mistaking dark coffee for light is ok, it happens. But to lie to me and water down the same dark coffee and try to pass it off? I don't think they brew coffee on the weekends, they must've just had some leftover dark coffee and only asked if I wanted light or dark out of habit or confusion because they did not have what they pretended to give me. Or the people the people working don't drink coffee themselves and had no idea what they were saying and just read the question on the machine. Whatever the case may be, there's a cheaper cafe closer to me but I remembered the coffee being better last time. So learn from my mistake and don't expect any quality coffee on the weekends.

Smooth Joe Coffee

4.5

(35 reviews)

Needed a pick me up after riding my bike in the early morning on the Neuse River Trail. I stopped…read morein and grabbed one of their seasonal iced coffees as well as a cinnamon roll. The staff member offered to warm the roll for me but I said no as I foolishly thought I was going to make it all the way home before devouring this fresh baked good. Don't be as foolish as me - if they offer, get it warmed up. (It was still amazing at room temp but I bet it would have been even better warm.) Anyway, I did not make it far before I cracked open the cinnamon roll and ate it while sitting at a stoplight in my car. Truly, such a good sugary baked good. Just wow. I feel like this spot is considered a hidden gem, so I hope you will see this and give them a try!

we stopped by for an iced coffee, an iced latte, and a ham and cheese croissant. the croissant…read moredidn't make it into my photo, but my boyfriend really enjoyed it and said it was delicious. the drinks, on the other hand, were just okay. nothing was necessarily wrong with them, but they didn't stand out enough to make me want to come back specifically for the coffee. what i did love was the atmosphere. despite having a steady stream of customers, the cafe stayed calm and relaxed. it's located in a quiet neighborhood, has outdoor seating, and just has an overall pleasant vibe. the woman who took our order was also genuinely friendly, which made the visit even nicer. i really liked the area and the feel of the cafe. i just don't think i'd return for the drinks alone.

Willow House Coffee & Community

4.6

(35 reviews)

Found this coffee shop on TikTok! Me and my aunt were in town for a concert and I HAD to have a…read morelatte somewhere! I got the slugger latte (i think that was the name?) and it was made to absolute perfection! The barista most definitely took their time and put a lot of love into this latte. Outstanding customer service and vibe.

Some coffee shops are designed for a quick caffeine fix. Others become part of the fabric of a…read moreneighborhood. Willow House Coffee is firmly the latter. Bryan and Judy have created something that feels increasingly rare: a space where hospitality is the defining feature. Equal parts coffee shop and community living room, Willow House welcomes everyone; from remote workers settling in for the morning to families with young children, friends lingering over conversation, and neighbors who simply stopped by to say hello. The café itself is airy and expansive, filled with natural light and the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It invites you to slow down. Tables become workstations, conversations stretch a little longer than planned, and children move comfortably through the space without anyone batting an eye. It is thoughtfully designed for real life. What makes Willow House memorable, however, isn't just the setting. It's Bryan and Judy. Their warmth is woven into every interaction, whether they're greeting a first-time visitor or welcoming back a regular by name. Having had the privilege of knowing them personally, I can say with confidence that the care they extend isn't performative. They have an extraordinary ability to make people feel genuinely seen, and that spirit shapes the entire experience. The coffee is every bit as impressive as the hospitality. My standing order is the "Salty Southerner" equally exceptional served hot or over ice, with the perfect balance of sweet, salty and smoky. The pastry case highlights locally baked treats alongside gluten-free options, and the Artie Bars have earned something of a cult following among regulars. Parking can appear limited at first glance, but don't let that discourage you. A complimentary two-hour parking garage sits just steps away, making the café surprisingly easy to access. Its location also places you within walking distance of the trails and open landscapes of Dix Park, making it an ideal stop before or after an afternoon outdoors. Willow House Coffee isn't simply a place to grab a cup of coffee. It's the kind of place that quietly reshapes your plans for the day. You come for a drink, stay for the atmosphere, and leave already thinking about your next visit. In a city filled with cafés, that feeling is what makes Willow House stand apart.

Meeple's Brew

3.8

(27 reviews)

More like 3.5 stars but I'm feeling generous today and overall enjoyed the space…read more The staff here is so friendly, the space was clean and there is a fair amount of selections of different board games. I got a London fog which was a little too sweet for me but still cozy. I loved the bathroom sign haha wish I took a pic! You'll have to go check it out yourself. Plenty of parking in the large shared parking lot out front. Wish they had longer hours for some evening board game meet up options but it is what it is.

I came here during my trip to Cary and overall was not impressed with the service. We waited 30…read moreminutes for a Croiffle which I'm pretty sure they just forgot about until we asked for an update. When it came out it was laughable that it took them so long (photo attached). There was only 1 other customer in the whole place. My Slamwich was decent and came out in about 15 minutes. My nephew liked the smoothie he got and we enjoyed the selection of games to play while we waited. So I recommend only coming here if you're not in a rush.

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4.6

(44 reviews)

What a cool spot to grab a cup of coffee (and other treats and merchandise). There is plenty of…read moreseating outside. There is so much cool, different decor to admire. I ordered a latte with a shot of lavender. So good! I wish this place was closer to me- I would stop by all the time!

Stopped by Pine State Coffee over the weekend as there are so many coffee shops I've been wanting…read moreto try around the triangle area. When you arrive there is parking available out front and also in the gravel lot behind the coffee shop. When you walk in you'll be transported to a woodsy feel, community driven coffee shop. To order you'll walk up to the counter to place your order. I ordered the 16 oz peach latte which just a heads up that the 16 oz has 4 shots of espresso in it. Since it was peach season I had to try their freshly made peach syrup. The latte was good and the beans were a bit more on the acidic side which I enjoy. You may want to stir the latte a bit as there was a bit of syrup at the bottom of the cup. Definitely check this place out if you are in the Mordecai neighborhood in Raleigh and are looking for good coffee.

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4.4

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