Walking into your favorite coffee shop is, undoubtedly, one of the best feelings. The hiss of espresso machines, the air thick with the scent of caffeine and baked goods, the sense of pride in the battered punch card that you pull from your wallet as you pay for your coffee; you’re comfortable here, and you feel as though you’ve come home. While many of us have experienced this, some have never felt this way or just have yet to discover their go-to coffee shop.
Here’s the good news: Hillsborough Street is like a coffee haven for pro and novice java drinkers alike. Whether you enjoy a more commercial or independent atmosphere, or are more likely to reach for a Counter Culture brand brew than not, there is something for everyone.
First, there’s Cup A Joe. A sprawling space located between a used bookshop and a small car dealership, it boasts quite the extensive menu that goes beyond plain coffee. Ally Zilles, a freshman studying communication, certainly recommends the place.
“I like the aesthetic, as well as the atmosphere,” Zilles said.
Zilles said she recommends the iced Café au lait.
Looking for something a bit stronger? Try a 6 Shot King Latte or a 3 Shot Grande Caffe Voltaire. No matter what you decide to sip on, however, be sure to pick up a treat from the counter. If a Rice Krispies Treat the size of your head doesn’t appeal to you, opt for the zucchini bread. You won’t be disappointed.
Another student favorite is Jubala Coffee. Sleek and modern, it offers a variety of caffeinated drinks all brewed with beans from Guatemala, Honduras and Ethiopia as well as beans from Durham and Raleigh. Sarah Worp, a junior majoring in international studies, said she enjoys Jubala Coffee primarily because local Counter Culture beans are used.
For those that don’t know, Counter Culture coffee being sold in coffee shops is quite a big deal; the quality is unbeatable. But that’s not all Jubala is known for.
“They have really good biscuits and waffles with Nutella,” Worp said.
Worp recommends the Cortado and the lattes on any given day, but suggests stopping by Jubala on Fridays for the free espresso.
Ask anyone what their most frequented Hillsborough Street coffee haunt is, and they are likely to mention the one beyond the traffic circle — Liquid State.
Paul Sparacia, a Raleigh local, says he likes Liquid State the best. Sparacia favors just a classic cup of coffee when he’s there. However, if you aren’t interested in a regular beverage, another favorite is the Thai Iced Coffee, which comes in a multitude of flavors (hint: try the chocolate). Liquid State is also known for serving beer and wine, mostly sourced from independent North Carolina brewers and vineyards.
Another preferred coffee shop is Global Village Organic Coffee, which is right across the street from the NC State campus. A very homey atmosphere, patrons can choose from a variety of concoctions, most notably the Mediterranean Irish and the Raspberry Mocha. As the name of the place suggests, all coffee brewed there is organic. The Global Village website attests to this, stating that it uses organically grown coffee because not only is it good for the environment, but “tastes better than conventional coffee.” It, too, has an array of coffee beans spanning the globe, but makes it clear that sometimes your favorite bean isn’t in season, and therefore is not in store. A table of dates for specific beans is also located on the website, which is helpful for when you really want a cup of coffee seemingly right from Indonesia or South America, but don’t know when that bean will return.
And there you have it — an entire list to help you find your next cup of coffee. Try out one place or try them all. Either way, you’re one step closer to finding your perfect coffee shop.