Best Coffee Shops in Wilmington, NC

Here are the top-rated local favorite coffee shops in Wilmington as of 2022!

With dozens of cute and local coffee shops opening up all over town, it is hard to believe that only just a few years ago one of the only places to get coffee in Wilmington, North Carolina was a Starbucks. With so many amazing beaches it's no wonder people are purchasing real estate in Wilmington and bringing new coffee shops and restaurants to the area.

Now fully embracing coffee culture, Wilmington has plenty of coffee shops that offer different types of experiences everyone will love whether you occasionally enjoy a latte or are a full-blown caffeine addict.

From nitro brews to all kinds of espresso-based drinks, it can be hard to pick where to get coffee first if you are newly moving to Wilmington or are looking for a caffeine boost before a long day exploring some of the best things to do in Wilmington.

Luckily, our team has put together this guide of our favorite coffee shop picks in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2022 that are guaranteed to become your next go-to places to get a delicious cup of coffee.

Keep scrolling to learn more!

Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods

Price: $

Location: 202 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:00AM to 9:00PM

Bespoke Coffee and Dry Goods found in downtown Wilmington is your typical classic coffee shop serving a variety of beverages and baked goods. Featuring an interior that is designed with mid-century details, tons of natural light, and great acoustics, the whole vibe at Bespoke Coffee is super friendly and relaxing.

Locally owned and serving counter-culture coffee as well as local craft beer options, this cute coffee shop is the perfect place to get some work done in a calm space or to catch up with friends.

Selling cute merchandise on the company website including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and drink koozies that can be bought along with one of its signature lattes, there is always something new to try at this cute coffee shop.

Drift Coffee Shop and Kitchen Autumn Hall

Price: $$

Location: 110 Dungannon Blvd STE 170, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 7:00AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday

If you are looking for the perfect place to get espresso drinks as well as multiple options of healthy breakfast bowls, brunch items, and sandwiches that are served all day, then make sure to check out Drift Coffee Shop and Kitchen Autumn Hall.

Named as one of the best coffee shops in town by the locals, Drift Coffee has a fabulous modern atmosphere with friendly staff and tons of menu items that are not only delicious but good for you.

Inspired by cafes all over the world, the founders Michael and Ben Powell wanted to create a cafe that sells only minimally processed, nutritious, and flavorful foods that are all made in-house from clean ingredients.

Sourcing locally premium coffee from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Drift Coffee is taking the idea of fresh to a whole other level.

24 South Coffee House

Price: $

Location: 24 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the week, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends

Found in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington, 24 South Coffee House is one of the go-to spots in town to get amazing espresso, pastries, small breakfast options, and a variety of non-coffee options.

With the only manual espresso machine in all of Wilmington, the quaint coffee shop is full of many authentic coffee options that are full of flavor and served at the perfect temperature.

Featuring daily items that are sold all year as well as a seasonally inspired menu that frequently changes, some drink items that are featured on the summer 2022 menu include the honey bunch latte, lavender matcha, and orange palmer, and cold brew-colada.

Folks Café

Price: $

Location: 1201 Princess St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:45 AM to 10:30 AM Monday, 7:45 AM to 1:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday

Folks Café is often described as a hidden gem by the locals for its extremely welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and wide selection of tasty coffee drinks and things to eat.

Established in 1999 as a small neighborhood gathering place, Folks Café roasts its beans in small batches to ensure amazing quality and provide the freshest cup of organic, fair-trade coffee in all of Wilmington.

Using only the freshest raw green beans and serving multiple varieties of homemade empanadas including chicken, beef, ham corn and cheese, corn and cheese, and kale and black bean, there is no better place in town to sip a cup of warm coffee while enjoying delicious food.

Luna Caffe

Price: $

Location: 604 Castle St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Found in the middle of the Arts and Antique District on Castle Street, Luna Caffe offers a variety of caffeinated beverages including multiple specialty teas and fresh fruit smoothies.

Open in 2013 with a focus on roasting craft small-batch coffee that is sourced from all over the world, Luna Caffe does a good job of providing global influence while also supporting many local restaurants and bakeries from town by serving fresh baked goods.

With a menu consisting of different flavors of frappuccinos, classic espresso drinks, seasonal specialty lattes, iced coffee, fruit smoothies, and non-coffee options including matcha lattes and hot chocolate, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Now offering the option to open your wholesale account with Luna Caffe, there is no better way to bring small-batch roasted coffee with a global coffee profile to your neighborhood.

Cheeky Monkey Coffee

Price: $

Location: 124 S Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cheeky Monkey Coffee in downtown Wilmington is serving lattes, teas, cold brew coffee, and local pastries that are all available to enjoy either inside its modern space or as a to-go option if you want to walk to the riverfront or pick up your coffee on the way to work.

Featuring a Nomadic interior, Cheeky Monkey Coffee is the ideal coffee shop for travelers since it always encourages its guests to try something new and to get out and explore.

Locally owned and operated, all coffee is carefully selected and roasted in-store which ensures freshness and strong flavor making it some of the best coffee that you will find in all of Wilmington.

Bitty and Beau’s Coffee

Price: $

Location: 4949 New Centre Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Considered to be more than just a local place to grab a good cup of coffee, Bitty and Beau’s Coffee is an experience unlike any other in the Wilmington area.

With a shop that is run by people with disabilities, Bitty and Beau’s Coffee is an inclusive and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds that constantly radiates positive energy.

Great for the whole family to visit, the mission of this company is beautiful and inspiring since it is changing the way people see, respect, include, love, and treat others.

Java Dog Coffee House

Price: $

Location: 303 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed Sunday

Serving Wilmington’s historic downtown area for over 25 years, Java Dog Coffee House is by far one of the best coffee houses in Wilmington for its wide offering of specialty coffee drinks, fruit smoothies, and delicious baked goods.

Featuring a cute upstairs that is perfect for getting your work done as well as a friendly staff that is always recommending the next best drink, this iconic coffee shop is a must-visit for all of your iced and hot coffee needs.

Also animal-friendly, your furry friends can hang out with you in this easygoing and relaxing environment.

Port City Java

Price: $

Location: 132 Racine Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM

Waking up in the Wilmington area since its opening in 1995, Port City Java is an eclectic cafe and coffee chain that is known for its fresh roasted coffee in its 15-kilo Ambex roaster.

Now with over 30 locations in North Carolina that feature drive-throughs, a handpicked music selection, and complimentary wifi that will allow you to get all of your work done while enjoying quality coffee, Port City Java is certainly an experience unlike any other.

Spill Coffee Co

Price: $

Location: 1207 S Kerr Ave Suite 1, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday and Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM the rest of the week

Spill Coffee Co is an original coffee house with a super cool atmosphere and out-of-this-world service that makes your morning coffee run a laid-back and therapeutic adventure.

With a staff that is always willing to make a recommendation and a beautiful interior, this dog-friendly coffee shop certainly has a great selection of coffee drinks with tons of options for everyone to choose from.

Offering both indoor and outdoor seating as well as great music and reliable wifi, Spill Coffee Co should be at the forefront of your Wilmington coffee shop bucket list.

Social Coffee and Supply Co

Price: $

Location: 5317 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Sunday

With a company mission to serve and love others through cups of coffee, Social Coffee and Supply Co are one of the go-to places in Wilmington for great craft coffee and tasty tea drinks.

Beloved for its knowledgeable and friendly staff that takes excellent care of its customers, the local community is always raving about its honey lavender latte with almond milk.

Brooklyn Cafe

Price: $

Location: 706 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM Sunday

Family-owned and operated, Brooklyn Cafe specializes in cake donuts, beignets, and organic coffees and teas.

Also featuring a selection of wine and beer as well as outdoor seating and occasional live music performed by local musicians, Brooklyn Cafe is a great place to meet up with friends over great drinks and food.

Morning Glory Coffee House

Price: $

Location: 1415 Dawson St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Hours: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 2:00 PM Saturday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday

Morning Glory Coffee House is known for its large and inviting space with plenty of local and specialty coffee offerings including Longboard coffee roasters and Ethiopian coffee.

Make sure to try the chocolate-covered espresso beans!

Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop

Price: $

Location: 1414 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday

Simply one of the best coffee shops in Wilmington, Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop is considered to be Wilmington’s original cold brew coffee shop that offers many unique flavors of gourmet coffee as well as local craft beer on tap.

Grinders Caffé

Price: $

Location: 890 S Kerr Ave, #2b, Wilmington, NC 28403

Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM the rest of the week

The go-to stop for coffee before work, Grinders Caffé is famous for its fresh roasted coffee beans, a wide selection of baked goods, and cool atmosphere.

Featuring an open mic night every Thursday as well as other entertainment options throughout the week, there is a reason why Grinders Caffé is visited daily by the Wilmington community.

Explore Coffee Shops in Wilmington, NC with UpHomes

Whether you are looking for a nice relaxing spot to get work done or want to enjoy a uniquely flavored latte paired with a tasty pastry, it is safe to say that Wilmington has plenty of options to choose from when it comes to top-rated coffee shops.

Since Wilmington certainly knows a thing or two about good coffee, you should make sure to try at least one of our recommendations for coffee shops in Wilmington.

While this guide will continue to grow as more coffee shops open throughout this beach town, we are not only dedicated to helping you figure out where to get coffee first in Wilmington, but our website also offers easy and convenient access to searching homes for sale in Wilmington as well as guides to local information and events including the best restaurants in Wilmington and best neighborhoods in Wilmington.

When you or anyone else that you know is interested in buying a home, make sure to let them know about the many great resources on our website. We are here to help. Contact us today for more information!