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    Crema

    3.5 (95 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

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    CREMA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Crema

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    Small cafe.
    Bridgette S.

    Know before you go. This. Is. A. Quickstopgrabandgo place. Order, pay, wait a few minutes, yum, bye. Clean, efficient, tasty brekkie and steamer. Not a full service restaurant. My oatmilk choco caramel steamer was the best Ive had in the triangle. Be kind. Be patient- humans work here.

    Crema de la crema
    Fox E.

    Watch out for the non dairy version of this place. It's called Non-Dairy Crema. This location of Crema is nothing like the other one which probably has something to do with completely different owners. The other one is superior especially because it has amazing bubble tea. This is really just a coffee shop that has crazy ice creams. It's not a bad coffee shop. But the location tells you what this is about. Getting caffeine to the people that work downtown. And also, since they offer decent breakfast sandwiches all the time, not just in the mornings, and because they have great service, I'll go with 4.

    Note to customers.

    The owner has a very bad attitude and it's intentional as he has posted notes on the counter that states that he will yell at you if you stay in one spot too long. I was visiting the area and dropped by because I saw several firefighters going in to eat. He was extremely demeaning towards them and I saw several turn and walk away. He shouted,"You are costing me money!" He made fun of them ordering the same food and loudly stated to his employees that firefighters can't think for themselves because they order the same. I was embarrassed for them. My sandwich was dry and the bread was crumbly, and I just tossed it and went over to Jimmy John's. I should have checked the reviews before had and saved my time.

    Coffee! Cinnamon is the best
    Maddi S.

    I stop by here nearly every weekday morning because it's right across the street from my office. Plus, the employees are all so friendly! My order varies somewhat by day, but I always get a coffee. Since it's gotten colder I've ordered a hot coffee. Don't sleep on the cinnamon coffee! Seriously. It's fantastic, especially when you add some of the hazelnut coffee too. When it was warmer I'd get the cold brew. It was consistently great -- I always drank it black because it had a natural sweetness (as cold brew should). Never was there a day when it tasted bitter. Sometimes, I'll also order a bacon breakfast sandwich on a bagel. A couple times it's had only a slice and a half of bacon, which is less than ideal for a bagel sandwich. Most of the time, though, the bacon amount is fine so I still get the sandwich pretty often. I've also tried the biscuit (sausage & cheese, I believe), which I'd recommend as a breakfast snack!

    Pick a flavor and three toppings, best "soft serve" ice cream downtown!
    Rose L.

    I've been to Crema a handful of time now, but must have walked past it over twenty-five times before I entered. I'm not sure if it's the old awnings that threw me off or the neon lights in the widows, but it is truly a hidden gem and one that I would quickly recommend for coffee on the go, delicious ice cream or if you fancy a wine tasting. While Crema is a little behind times with decorations and even sometimes technology (I have been required to pay with cash a couple times when things aren't working properly), the owner will be quick to strike up a conversation if he's in the building, which he usually is. Whether you like bar seating, couches or to enjoy the outdoors, Crema's got comfortable seating for all. They also have a surprisingly good selection of wines at great prices with wine tastings weekly. I'd definitely recommend checking them out for wine and adding a mental note that if you're ever downtown and need wine you can go here (although, be warned, their hours are a little odd for a Fayetteville establishment). But what truly stands out in my mind as representing Crema is the ICE CREAM! They turn hard serve ice cream into soft serve and add up to three flavors from a little that's a little overwhelming. I remember one day when we were in their and the owner said how many options you had, it was well over the amount of ice cream I'll eat in my lifetime. But whatever your fancy, chocolate or vanilla, you get to add fruit, candies, sauces, etc. It's a perfect stop for a summer day in Raleigh and great for a group--everyone has options, whether ice cream, iced coffee, or even a beer float! So don't me like me and keep walking past, give Crema a try ASAP!

    two men sitting at a bar
    Amanda H.

    I found it!! At last, the latte that became my daily addiction in Columbus (yeah, thanks for that habit, Brioso) can in fact be had in Raleigh as well. While I'd consider myself every bit as picky about my espresso as Brian W, I found they did a phenomenal job here. Anyone who can pour my latte and leave the crema intact (w/ a milk froth leaf design to boot) gets mad props, and that it was rich and full in flavor and not over-extracted just sealed the deal. Not to mention it's a funky little downtown shop with barrels of bulk candy and ice cream (!!!) in addition to small lunch items. Did I luck out with the fantastic cup of coffee? Maybe. Will I be back plenty more to find out? Count on it.

    Frederick L.

    This is my favorite ice cream place in Raleigh! I have been here numerous times and it has been a great each time. The mint chocolate chip is my girlfriends favorite and is excellent. I prefer to jump around their menu but tend to go for the hot beverages. On New Years, I had a great eggnog latte! Highly recommended. I haven't really had much of the food but I'm pretty sure that it's all pretty good. The only downside is the difficulty in parking. Being right on Fayetteville St is just asking for trouble. Walk peoples!

    Marinated tomato and brie sandwich
    Meghan B.

    I can't believe this place doesn't have a higher rating. Please allow me to run down the reasons why I give Crema 5 stars. FOOD -Crema offers some of the best sandwiches I have eaten in downtown Raleigh. My favorites are the Marinated Tomato and Brie sandwich, which is served on a delicious, crusty baguette and the Chicken Salad Sandwich, which is served on a buttery croissant. All the sandwiches come with your choice of side, either crunchy kettle potato chips or a light cucumber salad. -The ice cream and frozen yogurt are great. You can choose up to 3 toppings that they will mix in for you for no additional cost. There is a wide selection of toppings with everything from fresh fruit to Snickers for you to choose from. PRICE -Crema is an absolute steal for lunch. The super-duper yummy Marinated Tomato and Brie sandwich? $4.99 and no, that is not a typo. Even better, they're not shy with the brie. They also offer the traditional pick 2 out of three combo for lunch with soup, salad, and 1/2 sandwiches. The price on that baby is $6.99-$7.99, depending on your choices. PARKING -While street parking is hard to find, Crema is located below a parking deck. Enter the deck from Wilmington St. and exit on Fayetteville St. Look to your left and Crema is just a few steps away!

    a cup of coffee on a wooden table
    Ryu D.

    This place not only has a wonderful selection of coffee and pastries - ITS HANDICAP FRIENDLY! I love coming here any time I'm in the area buying groceries at H Mart. The service is amazing and the staff has gone above and beyond my expectations. One day I came in and ordered a matcha latte to find out they were out of matcha, so they offered me their personal supply of matcha (from the girl's purse)! Amazing!

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    4 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Soup Nazi no longer owns Crema. The new staff has been great and very kind. If you had a bad experience in the past you should try again.

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    4 years ago

    Friendly service but cappuccino was dreadful tasting and all foam. Had to add coffee to have anything to drink at all. Would not retire

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    Page 1 of 3

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    I decided to read the reviews for the crema and this lady raved out their marinated tomato and brie sandwich so I decided to try it and OMG!

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    Bittersweet

    Bittersweet

    4.4
    (482 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    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!

    My wife and I stopped into Bittersweet last night for dessert, and the whole experience was…read moreexcellent. As soon as we walked in, we met Brandon, and he immediately made the night better. We were honestly a little overwhelmed by all the options, but he gave us an extremely thoughtful and knowledgeable walk-through of the menu, helped us narrow down drinks, and absolutely crushed the recommendations. The desserts were great, the drinks were even better, but Brandon was easily the highlight of our experience. He was kind, helpful, sharp, and clearly knew exactly what he was talking about. Five stars all around. We'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Chai espresso martini
    Chai espresso martini
    Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic
    Derby Pie and Gin n Tonic
    Pecan pie

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    Pecan pie
    Heirloom Brewshop

    Heirloom Brewshop

    4.4
    (234 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    This was place was AMAZING. The parking was so convenient with parallel spots and a parking deck…read moreright next to it. And the interior was just so cute, I couldn't get enough of it. The server was super friendly and was well informed on what is on the menu. And the wait wasn't too long, especially with ordering a meal. I got the salmon bowl with rice, and trust I will be back to get it. The flavors were amazing and the rice was cooked just right.

    I went to bloom for an early dinner. I was not alone in finding this place a true coffee shop where…read morenearly everyone had a laptop out, so I felt at home to work as well. The decor is nice. Minimalist but chic. Clean. Not too loud or noisy. You can get service at your table. Everyone was nice. It's not totally like a traditional waitstaff, as they don't come by as often, but still helpful and around when I needed something. The cocktails were good - I had the honey bourbon smash. It was well made. So much so I had two! For food, these are shareable small plates. Morning truly felt like a meal. The food came out fast and was hot/fresh. I had the crab claws, crispy shrimp and dumplings. The crab claws were delicious. Lots of them too. Served with bread I didn't use. The crispy shrimp were nice large shrimp and a spicy sauce with rice. I ended up using the rice with the crab claw sauce. And the dumplings were ok but I didn't eat many of them. They were my least favorite. I would come back to enjoy coffee and breakfast, but doubt I come back for dinner.

    Photos
    Interior of entryway
    Interior of entryway
    Cruller with ice cream and chili oil
    Cruller with ice cream and chili oil
    @_thencfoodie_

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    @_thencfoodie_
    Lucky Tree

    Lucky Tree

    4.3
    (164 reviews)
    3.1 mi
    $$

    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.

    I decided to try this out for a quick coffee stop while in town for a conference. The service was…read morefriendly and quick! I tried the breakfast bagel bites, which were soft and warm. I loved the cheese on top! I was not a huge fan of the flavor the almond flour gave them but it was not overpowering. I would probably get them again! They had a lot of options as far as specialty lattes but I am glad I went with the Vanilla Maple. I was worried that the maple flavor would be too much but it complimented the vanilla well. The inside was VERY well decorated, and I would've loved to stay and do a little computer work! I could see myself coming by and sitting down for a quick brunch, meeting up with friends, or staying for a work session.

    Photos
    Cool light fixture made of bottles
    Cool light fixture made of bottles
    Front of building
    Front of building
    Ordering counter

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    Ordering counter
    Iris Coffee Lab

    Iris Coffee Lab

    4.4
    (155 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Iris Coffee Lab is where you bring the friend who can tell you the origin of a bean after one sip,…read morewho 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.

    Stopped by Iris Coffee Lab for a cup of coffee over the weekend. When you arrive parking can be a…read morebit 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.

    Photos
    Atmosphere
    Atmosphere
    Atmosphere
    Atmosphere
    Interior

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    Interior
    Morning Times

    Morning Times

    4.2
    (694 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $

    This downtown Raleigh stop really came through when I was craving a breakfast sandwich!!! LOL…read more The staff was very friendly. Service was prompt. It's a small space but there's plenty of outdoor seating (and I believe there is additional indoor seating next door). Loved my bacon, egg, and cheese croissant! Added a nice fruit salad too. Just love the vibe of this part of downtown Raleigh!

    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)

    Photos
    Front counter
    Front counter
    Morning Times
    Upstairs seating

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    Upstairs seating
    Black and White Coffee

    Black and White Coffee

    4.7
    (75 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    On travel for work and wanted a place outside my hotel that i could do some work and this place fit…read morethe bill. Staff were very warm and welcoming; easy to have conversations with. I got a hot americano first which was fantastic; i use this as a base measure for how well a shop pulls shots without having to completely sacrifice the drink if its subpar. I then grabbed an espresso which was perfectly balanced and easily drinkable; no need for sugar to offset bitterness; appropriate temperature; served in warmed ceramic shot glass. I also grabbed a baked good which was also great, i wouldve preferred it warmed up, although admittedly, they probably could have if id asked. There is a large amount of outdoor seating but inside seating is limited as well as outlets for work. Luckily it wasnt busy when i arrived and was able to find a spot to get setup. Will absolutely be coming back and recommending this place to others.

    The perfect coffee roaster might actually exist -- and it might be Black & White Coffee Roasters in…read moredowntown Raleigh. I'm a big fan of lighter-roasted, funky, expressive coffees, and Black & White absolutely delivers. Their roasting style leans into vibrant, fruit-forward profiles, and they do it with confidence. The downtown Raleigh location is fantastic too. It's right in the middle of everything, making it a great stop for a date night, meeting up with friends, or just dropping in for a quick but exceptional cup. Their seasonal menu was small but mighty -- just a couple of options -- but the kind where every drink looks so good you wish they'd never rotate them off the menu. I started with the orange cardamom flat white, and it was perfect in every way. Beautifully presented and incredibly balanced. The espresso, milk, orange, and cardamom all complemented each other without any one flavor taking over. It was nuanced, aromatic, and just a joy to drink. For my second drink, I ordered a Rodrigo Sanchez pour-over, a co-fermented Colombian coffee labeled with passion fruit notes. It was everything I want from a pour-over -- bright, juicy, and expressive, with the kind of sweet stone fruit and berry notes that make light-roasted coffee so exciting. Black & White continues to prove why they're one of the most respected specialty roasters around. If you love adventurous coffee with huge flavor and careful execution, this place is an absolute must-visit.

    Photos
    Entrance of the main road
    Entrance of the main road
    Black and White Coffee
    Interior

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    Interior
    NoRa Cafe

    NoRa Cafe

    4.5
    (207 reviews)
    9.8 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.

    Needed a latte for my drive home, I got the chocolate turtle decaf latte and it was delicious. It…read morepaired chocolate, pecan and caramel to make the perfect road trip drink. The space was packed on a beautiful Friday morning. A lot of people working and connecting over coffee. The library space was super cute too! I snapped a photo and sent it to a colleague for a potential event venue in the future!

    Photos
    Iced vanilla oat latte and rosemary olive English muffins with bacon and pimento cheese - lifewithhanny
    Iced vanilla oat latte and rosemary olive English muffins with bacon and pimento cheese - lifewithhanny
    S'mores latte + Michaels English muffins breakfast sandwich - lifewithhanny
    S'mores latte + Michaels English muffins breakfast sandwich - lifewithhanny
    "Chicken Salad Sandwich"

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    "Chicken Salad Sandwich"

    Crema - coffee - Updated July 2026

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