As a wave of local coffee shops emerges across the city, it’s evident that Wilmington, North Carolina, is wholeheartedly embracing coffee culture. With various options, from occasional latte sippers to devoted caffeine enthusiasts, you’ll discover a range of coffee experiences. This guide is your gateway to exploring Wilmington’s most renowned coffee shops, offering everything from nitro brews to a plethora of espresso-based creations, helping you find the ideal spot to satisfy your coffee cravings.
24 South Coffee House
Located in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, 24 South Coffee House stands out as one of the town’s top destinations for exceptional espresso, delectable pastries, light breakfast choices, and a diverse selection of non-coffee beverages.
Their menu includes perennial favorites available year-round, alongside a seasonally inspired selection that frequently evolves. Featured items includes delights like the honey bunch latte, lavender matcha, orange palmer, and the cold brew-colada.
Hidden Grounds
Hidden Grounds Coffee is a secret haven for coffee lovers, nestled in the heart of Wilmington, NC. This family-owned and operated coffee bar is a true city gem, boasting a spacious backyard and bar area where you can relax and enjoy your favorite caffeinated beverages. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the welcoming atmosphere.
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee transcends being merely a local coffee spot; it offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the Wilmington area. Bitty and Beau’s Coffee stands as an inclusive and inviting destination, exuding a perpetual atmosphere of positivity.
The company’s mission is both beautiful and inspirational, as it strives to reshape perceptions, foster respect, promote inclusion, nurture love, and encourage the compassionate treatment of others.
Maroon Monkey Coffee
Maroon Monkey Coffee, located in downtown Wilmington, offers an array of lattes, teas, cold brew coffee, and locally sourced pastries. You can savor these treats either within its modern interior or opt for a convenient to-go option, allowing you to enjoy your coffee while strolling along the riverfront or on your way to work.
Maroon Monkey Coffee is a locally owned and operated establishment, all coffee is thoughtfully curated and roasted in-house, ensuring both freshness and robust flavor, making it among the finest coffee offerings in Wilmington.
Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods
Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods, situated in downtown Wilmington, epitomizes the quintessential coffee shop experience, offering a diverse array of beverages and freshly baked goods. As a locally owned establishment, Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods proudly serves counter-culture coffee and features a selection of local craft beers, making it an ideal destination for both focused work sessions and friendly gatherings.
With an interior adorned with mid-century accents, abundant natural light, and excellent acoustics, Bespoke Coffee provides a welcoming and serene atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed coffee break or quality time with friends.
Java Dog Coffee House
Situated in downtown Wilmington, Java Dog Coffee House has been a cherished part of the port city for over 25 years. This venerable establishment delights patrons with a selection of specialty coffee beverages, refreshing fruit smoothies, and delectable baked treats. With an upstairs area ideal for productivity and a welcoming staff always ready to suggest the perfect drink, Java Dog Coffee House is an iconic destination for all your hot and iced coffee cravings. Additionally, this coffee shop is pet-friendly, allowing your furry companions to join you in its laid-back and inviting ambiance.
Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop
Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop stands out as one of Wilmington, North Carolina’s premier coffee establishments. Renowned as the city’s pioneering cold brew coffee shop, Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop boasts a diverse selection of gourmet coffee flavors and proudly serves local craft beer on tap.
Drift Coffee Shop & Kitchen Autumn Hall
Drift Coffee Shop is your ultimate destination for espresso drinks in Wilmington, featuring a delightful array of healthy breakfast bowls, brunch offerings, and sandwiches available throughout the day. Boasting a modern and inviting ambiance, Drift Coffee is staffed by a friendly team and offers a diverse menu that not only excites the taste buds but also prioritizes your well-being.
Inspired by global cafe experiences, founders Michael and Ben Powell embarked on a mission to establish a cafe dedicated to serving minimally processed, nutritious, and flavorful foods crafted in-house from wholesome ingredients. Their commitment to quality extends to their selection of premium coffee, sourced locally from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, elevating the concept of freshness to new heights at Drift Coffee.
Spill Coffee Co
Spill Coffee Co is a coffeehouse like no other, celebrated for its laid-back ambiance and top-notch customer service that elevates your everyday coffee run into a soothing and delightful experience. The staff is consistently available to offer recommendations, and the coffee shop’s welcoming interior, coupled with its pet-friendly environment, boasts an extensive selection of coffee drinks to cater to all tastes.
Whether you opt for indoor or outdoor seating, you’ll encounter fantastic music and dependable Wi-Fi, making Spill Coffee Co an essential stop on your list of Wilmington’s finest coffee shops.
Grinders Caffé
Grinders Caffé is renowned for its freshly roasted coffee beans, an extensive assortment of delectable baked goods, and a laid-back ambiance. With its popular open mic night every Thursday and various entertainment offerings during the week, it’s no wonder that Grinders Caffé enjoys a daily influx of visitors from the Wilmington community.
Brooklyn Cafe
Brooklyn Cafe is a family-owned and operated establishment known for its delightful cake donuts, beignets, and a variety of organic coffees and teas. The cafe extends its offerings to include a choice of wine and beer, with outdoor seating available for patrons to enjoy. Occasionally, the cafe hosts live music performances by local artists, making it the ideal spot for gatherings with friends over delicious drinks and food.
Folks Café
Folks Café is a beloved Wilmington coffee shop that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering budget-friendly prices and a diverse menu of delectable coffee beverages and culinary delights. They take pride in small-batch roasting of their beans to guarantee exceptional quality and deliver the freshest cup of organic, fair-trade coffee.
At Folks Café, you can savor fresh empanadas crafted from the finest raw green beans. Their empanadas come in multiple varieties, including chicken, beef, ham and corn with cheese, corn and cheese, and kale with black bean.
Luna Caffe
Located in Wilmington’s Arts and Antique District, Luna Caffe is your destination for a diverse range of caffeinated delights, featuring numerous specialty teas and freshly blended fruit smoothies. The café is dedicated to the craft of roasting small-batch coffee sourced from various corners of the globe.
Luna Caffe’s menu is a delight for your taste buds, offering an array of frappuccino flavors, classic espresso creations, seasonal specialty lattes, iced coffee, and refreshing fruit smoothies. For those who prefer non-coffee options, there are choices like matcha lattes and comforting hot chocolate, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.
The Workshop
The Workshop, a charming and rustic coffee and breakfast haven in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The Workshop has built a reputation for serving some of the finest coffee in the Wilmington area. They also offer an array of delectable smoothies, fresh and wholesome sandwiches, and an intriguing touch – megalodon fossils.
When visiting The Workshop, you can choose from limited indoor seating or opt for the abundance of tables and seating outdoors. Alternatively, you can simply grab your coffee and breakfast to enjoy on the go.
Social Coffee and Supply Co.
Social Coffee and Supply Co, a coffee shop in Wilmington, is driven by a mission to not only deliver superb craft coffee and delightful tea beverages but also to make a positive impact on the community. The inviting atmosphere, welcoming staff, and their signature honey lavender latte with almond milk define the heartwarming experience you can expect at Social Coffee.
