Great place. Price is marginally higher but the coffee is great. Have tried egg sandwiches and the Monday Special Milkshakes. They are really good. I see lots of cookies and muffins. They are cheap and huge. Still have to try that. But the place feels nice. read more

One of my go-to coffee shops in Raleigh! Great place to meet up with friends or to go and get some work done on your own. You will leave smelling a little like burned coffee beans, but that's the only "complaint" I have, and this only happens if you're there for an extended amount of time. Great coffee and tea, and great options. Friendly staff, too! read more

I am amending my previous review for two reasons: Thai tea and Heart Thrive bars. Cup A Joe has both. Their teas are their Friday special so sometimes I'll stop in for a Thai tea. It's a delicious treat for surviving the week. They also have Heart Thrive bars which I cannot find anywhere else in Raleigh. They are now my go-to for these two items, but still not for coffee or espresso. read more

Well this is a great place. At first, the burrito was being a little coy with me, because I am indecisive. But later in my visit, I went to order a sandwich and the burritos face lit up with joy because he was so proud of his Sammy creation. Yummy that ham joe was so good. read more

Best coffee and atmosphere by far! Iced-king- mocca-4 on Thursdays FTW!

Cup of Joe's coffee is wonderful! I like the atmosphere because it is casual and eclectic. The staff have always been friendly and I have found my fave drink consistently well made. Great place to go to get some work done or to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation with friends. read more

The espresso is the best I have ever drink in my 7 years here in the US. Is the original Italian in every way. I live in New York and not even there I could find an espresso that good! read more

A very unique place with great atmosphere. Any drink I've had has been delicious. My friends and I hang out here quite a bit. There's always someone interesting to meet! read more

A splendid place for studying, getting work done, or meeting up to chat with a friend. The furniture/decor is eclectic and intriguing, with a semi-hipster-esque vibe, but it's not overbearingly so at all. The drinks are great, especially for the price. It definitely appeals to the college age, but I think all sorts could appreciate the ambiance. Can't comment on the food personally, but have heard good (not fantastic but definitely not bad) things from people I've been with. I'd definitely recommend this place if you (or you and friends) are wanting a place to sit down and stay awhile with your drink. It can get busy, but I've never felt any pressure to give up my space. read more

This place is a Raleigh institution. No, it's not fancy. The food is not fresh. But oh, the coffee... I'm warning you, if you love coffee, don't go here, because you'll never want another cup of coffee from anywhere else again. After cup of joe, nothing else satisfies. The best part about this place, though, is it's one of those centers of community which seems to be lacking in the modern world. 9 times out of 10, I run into a friendly face here. It's the people that will keep bringing you back. Just real people, willing to take a minute to chat, and who will remember your name. read more

Main Takeaways: They've brewed good coffee for years, but it is losing charm. The staff is turning gruff and it needs a serious revamp. There are plenty of better options in the Raleigh area that would service your coffee needs and seem like they actually enjoyed doing it. I usually don't complain, but this is just ridiculous. I am a third generation customer. My father came in every morning to get a cup of coffee before work, and so did his father. I do the same now, as it is walking distance from my house. Both my father and his father have stopped coming due to their growing discontent with a few disrespectful staff members at Cup A Joe, and I have finally accepted that claim. The coffee is good. The ambiance is good, even with the construction. The people are as interesting as ever. I have made some great friends just by sitting down next to the right person at the right time. But just as Raleigh is, Cup A Joe is changing. I don't really get why they go through staff like there is no tomorrow. There are at least 3-4 people doing barista work or just hanging out behind the bar. I don't really understand it. It is cluttered, but they get it done. Some days they clean tables around the clock. Not because they should, but just because management deems it necessary. It seems like if you even so much as drop a crumb from a muffin onto another table, the whole bar drops what they are doing and runs around cleaning. It appears frantic, or as if they are overstaffed. It also makes grading and research very difficult. However, my main issue is with some of the older staff members. They are confrontational, abrasive and rude. I pick and choose my days due to this. I didn't want to believe it and tried to put up a façade. But, eventually, you see the true picture and it isn't a good one for Cup A Joe. They just bark orders to others and treat you like you have no idea what you are doing. After certain exchanges, I doubt whether or not I am even capable of making orders myself. They are quick, consistent, and know coffee. But isn't customer service a little more than that? I know names, but I am not going there. I go in about once every two days and I get the same thing: a large coffee or espresso drink, a snack, and a cup of hot water (for my own tea). That comes to a little under five bucks. That isn't what irks me. The prices are perfect. But when all of the sudden I have to pay for that little cup of hot water, that is ridiculous. If it is costing you pennies to fill up, I shouldn't have to pay two dollars for a mug of hot water. Starbucks doesn't even do that, yet you mock them with the likes of legendary Frank Zappa. The nerve. However, not everyone on the staff does this. So, the lack of consistency really makes me wonder what the big deal is. Is it just a snarly upper level employee or just an issue with pricing? I don't see a glass of cold water for two bucks. All I am saying is if it is going to be a regular charge, put it on the board. Food Service 101. They also put new hires on the register. I don't see a problem, but why push them through huge rushes, instead of easing them in. It hurts to see these guys just pushed out. I know that it isn't my business to run this place. But if I come in and order something, don't scold an employee in front of me. Especially if he is new. It is a great place for coffee if you want to see what old NC State use to be like. The new construction around it ruins the feel, but it embodies the spirit of that campus. It was grungy, pushing the border, and just interesting. I mean look at the wall mural that has been there forever. I will be coming back, but only on certain days when it resembles the youthful, edgy side of NC State. When the staff isn't full of old timers, it is actually a really great place to hang out. I don't like the way some of those senior staff members treated me and other customers in line. I've seen it too much. There are also too many good coffee shops in the area for me to receive such treatment and idly stand it. Someone needs to do a serious evaluation on the direction of this place, as it is losing its old charm. I don't enjoy it. My father doesn't anymore. And his father the same. This place was founded to service the university and surrounding area, so make it feel like it. I mean the place and staff are aging as gracefully as Axel Rose. /rant read more

Very cool atmosphere and very friendly staff. The only thing better is the amazingly good coffee.

The best coffee around with the friendliest staff and a great atmosphere. The only downside is it can become quite the habit.

First time coming and really into this place. Wifi available "with a purchase," private parking in back, walkable to restaurants and other places on Hillsborough. I got a $2 ice coffee- good, a pizza pocket- great and a $2.5 rice crispy- awesome. All of it for $8. Lots of seating and outlets if you want to work and daily specials to keep you coming. read more

Mmmmm... Cup a Joe coffee nice and stong! I definitely leave with an extra boost to help get the day started!!! :)

Not a fan of this place. The parking situation is terrible, and it just seems old and dingy. A lot of times there will be dirty tables or napkins on the tables. The staff seems ok, I have never had them be friendly or chatty with me. I am not a hipster and I am in my 30s so maybe they just don't know how to talk to people outside their own scene. The coffee is good enough to keep me away from Starbucks, and I would have rated this place a 3, but I'm taking an extra star off for the environmentally-unfriendly styrofoam cups. read more

I've been coming here on and off for years, and the service and coffee have both always been pretty middle of the road. I am a regular supporter of local business (I come from family business stock), and always prefer to give my money to someone I can recognize and who recognizes me. Now, I don't come here enough to know all the rules, and I'm currently studying heavily for the CPA exam, so I often tune out the world around me. Therefore, I want to start off by saying that I didn't read any of the signage they apparently have posted around telling you what you are NOT allowed to do. I don't know what kind of person would, since the decor is already so busy that it's hard to spot what's a sign and what's a poster. I also don't blame the employee involved. So, I have had their food before, and have found it to be pretty gross if not only as passable as a frozen dinner, so I no longer order their food. Whilst studying with a cup a joe beverage in hand, my mom asked where I was and brought me a small salad, then left. My blood sugar was quite low, so I'm proud of myself for not being rude to the poor employee who immediately walked up as I opened the container to tell me "we don't allow outside food or beverage here." She then stood there staring at me, eyes shifting nervously while she remained unmovable as a statue, until I said "ok" and started to close the container. I chugged what was left of my beverage (ahem, the whole thing), and left peacefully. Now, I won't be back, and not just because they told me I could not eat something they don't even have on their tiny food menu. The basic reason is that she told me as if she were an officer in a communist army. There was actual fear in her eyes, and she was clearly uncomfortable saying anything to me. Every time I've been here, the staff have tried to push products on me when I order, no matter what, and will even try a second time if I pause for too long. They rush me down the line, even if no one is behind me. They CONSTANTLY are wiping tables and countertops where nobody has been since the last wipe down, as if they are afraid to stand still for one second, and as if they are being watched by a sniper. I know the signs of dictatorship in management. This is why I do not blame the employees, but the owner (who, if he is who I think he is, has creeped me out in the past anyway). To make a long story short, the products are ok, but other local coffee shops in Raleigh have much better coffee AND their employees are permitted to breathe, express themselves, and generally do not act like or treat customers like prisoners. It's just personal preference, but as long as I'm spending money at an establishment (and I spend a lot at coffee shops) and conducting myself respectfully, I expect to be able to exercise a reasonable amount of free will. That's my opinion, take it or leave it. read more

Great place to study and do work. The coffee is good and cheap. They have specials monday thru friday. Like the reviews say, don't go for the ambiance. I usually stay for hours at a time because I only go when I need to get something done and I know I'll get distracted if I stay at home. That being said, I always, always leave smelling of coffee. So expect to throw all your clothes into the wash and jump in the shower if the coffee smell makes you nauseous after a while. Oh and I love that they have a parking lot. read more

Came here for coffee on a rainy morning. Staff and atmosphere are just right, everyone was so friendly and helpful and who wouldn't love all their mismatched furniture. FYI it seems that those whole bean cartons they have set up by the register are just for show. So if you're looking for a hazelnut coffee, they're just gonna add syrup to it. On that note the regular drip coffee I purchased sans flavoring is good, not gonna change your life or anything, but you definitely won't be filled with sleepy regret. read more

The coffee is very good, the staff is very nice, and the service is faster than any other coffee shop I've been to before.

Cup a Joe has the best roasted coffee. Every version of coffee to your liking is wonderful. My favorite is the Votaire but we like it so much, we take their beans home. Their staff works through a crowd so well and they are so friendly. I don't like the chains like Starbucks. Bitter coffee there but Cup of Joe is awesome! I just wish there was one closer to me. read more

This is my staple coffee place. It's unpretentious and comfortable with plenty of space to sit and lots of windows looking at Hillsborough street. I like the coffee a lot, it's strong and the mixed drinks aren't too sweet with excessive artificial syrup. Staff is always pleasant and efficient. read more

Well prepared, UNBELIEVAABLY CHEAP FOOD, in a great atmosphere (inside and out) at the NCSU Vet School. Serious go here for lunch or a break you will be super happy you found this gem.reasonably read more

By far the best espresso within many miles, drinks cannot be beat anywhere. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The ambience is grunge but the bad part is - it is very, very dirty. Needs a deep cleaning from the ceiling down. Cushions stained, tables in back room disgusting. Dust an inch thick on the pipes and vents - difficult to even consider ordering food much less enjoying it. read more

By far my favorite place in the Raleigh area for a great cup of coffee for a reasonable price. They roast their beans every morning in house and it definitely shows in their brew. I haven't widely explored the menu. My go to is just a black coffee, but I also really enjoy a Joe Juice on a hot day. The furniture and decor is mismatched and worn, which for me creates a chill, unpretentious vibe. The one downside that I have experienced a few times is a poor attitude amongst employees. There are a few good baristas that are welcoming and always have a smile, but another few that give off an "hipster elitist" vibe as another review put it. Honestly the quality and price of the coffee allows me to overlook this. So if you're searching for a relaxed place to get an unpretentious cup of coffee, Cup A Joe is for you. read more

Best espresso in town. Limited selection of food items. Service fast , daily specials , all coffee drinks are well worth a visit. Enjoy !

Don't go here. They use old fruit for their smoothies. Also they make the barista (yeah, you know the one who makes YOUR drink) wash dishes. They have their hands in gross water and then have to come up to the front to make a drink when there is a customer. Management is also horrible, I know someone who used to work there and they don't treat their employees well at ALL, they are constantly in fear of being fired and they are not allowed to talk to customers when the manager is around. They also spray counters with water and no sanitizing formula. It's gross. The atmosphere is grungy and the coffee is not up to par. I can make better coffee in my own kitchen. If you want good coffee try Global Village, also on Hillsborough St. Seriously, don't go to either of Cup a Joe's locations. It's not a good coffee shop. read more

General Overview: So I have been going to Cup a Joe after work to study. Wifi speed is pretty good, when it is up. Oftentimes, they have to reset it, when they are busy. Old broken seats and tables. Other seats have holes in it. They have a line of cigarette smokers at the entrance, so you get a free drag of smoke, wether you are a smoker or not. If you are looking for caffeine kick for low price, which is ideal for students with limited budget, if you can deal with their unruly staff. Would I recommend this place, it depends.. Personally, I would recommend Caribou or other local shops. Cup A Joe staff needs proper training. I have had confrontations with some of their staff and management. They are just bunch of young, untrained, staff with the worst customer service to date. They think that since they are shift leaders, they have the authority to speak and treat customers with patronizing and disrespectful manner. Here is what happened to me. Early this year, sometime around February, I purchased green tea mango iced drink. It was from their recommendations. I wanted something cold, and minimal amount of caffeine. The color was yellow, I was expecting bright green, and the taste of the drink was pure syrup, with a hint of mango, but no green tea. I asked one of their staff what type of green tea was used. She asked why. I replied I was expecting green tea, and was wondering if you used loose leaf green tea or the power form(matcha). She had no idea. I am a big time fan of both loose leaf and powder form, which is primarily from Japan, and used in food. Starbucks green tea used in their drinks is lower grade matcha, which gives it a bright green color and a very distinguishable flavor. She replies" this isn't starbucks, and if you want green drinks, you should go there." she continues, " if you don't go back to your seat right this incident, I am going to ban you from this place, and call the cops!" This really pissed me off. The proper thing for her to say was, would you like a refund, or exchange for something else. Or just stated she didn't know the type of green tea, and could of asked me to explain why I was asking these line of questions. Few months later, last week, I went into to setup my laptop. Another employee comes up and shouts in front of the other customers, " HEY! are you going to buy something, because you never purchase anything when you come in." I replied, " I might little later, after I am setup. Besides, it you should make accusations like that." I was a little embarrassed again. They he come and approaches me and states, " I heard you like to cause trouble, and if you do, I will call the cops and ban you from here." I asked him if he would like to hear the whole story, and he stated 'no" and walked away. I was so humiliated by this I packed up my gear and left immediately. He was outside smoking, so I expressed my better sentiments of his unprofessional, confrontational, hostile, and humiliating speech towards me, in front of the other customers. I left, and told him I will be back to discuss this further with the owner and the manager. Today, I went in and spoke with the Manager name Andy. I thought the person who is in charge as a manager would have more sensibility about them. I was wrong. As soon as I entered, the employee that I had the confrontation with and the mgr locked eyes, hinting that I was the customer that he had probably discussed with her(Andy). I told Andy(mgr) the story, and her reply was, "What would you like for me to do?" I was thinking are you kidding me. Why are you asking me how to manage your people and how to do your job. Here are some suggestion, which I didn't state that she do. -Simple, apologize for the rude, hostile behavior of your staff -Address the situation with your employees and use it as a teaching moment I think those two things would of resolved it for my end. Nope, this is what she tells me. It would be best that you don't come back, since you are having difficulty with the staff. I replied, "are you asking me to not come back, are you banning me?" She didn't confirm or deny. She was elusive and not direct. I asked are you going to address this with your employee, she stated, " I will talk to him on a personal level." What does that mean. I don't think I will ever wanna go back to a place that treats their customers like crap. However, instead of penalizing the customer, they should address the issue properly internally with their staff. I should still have the option to go have the cheap, terrible tasting caffeine beverage of my choice, if I choose to. I have done nothing wrong. I only responded to defend myself and the tyrannical jerks who call themselves barista at Cup a Joe. This place is a joke. I think they care as much about their business, their customers and staff, as much as they care about their broken, torn, smokey, hostile environment. I guess the cliche runs true, "You get what you paid for." read more

I am not giving Cup a Joe five starts for two reasons. First, the noise level in this place is, at times, a bit ridiculous. Now, it is one thing if the noise is coming from patrons; there is not much you can do about this. However, the noise that is particularly obnoxious comes from employees, and generally involves chairs. OH MY GOD put some tennis balls or felt on the bottom of the chairs. It sounds like nails on a chalk board whenever anyone even slightly moves a chair (which, given the size and popularity of the place, is quite often). The second issue involves the excessive cleaning. I am going to wager a guess: the owner grew up in a military family? There is absolutely ZERO reason to clean the table next to me 10 times in a one hour period when said table has been occupied zero times. Relatedly, spraying the table next to me also sends a subtle (or not so subtle) message: you don not want me here. It almost seems like a strategy to say "you about done there? No? Ok, I'm going to keep spraying the tables on both side of you every 5 minutes until you are annoyed enough to leave." Other then these two issues which, I must add, are easily fixed, I think Cup a Joe is great. I love there coffee, location and price. read more

Being a coffee fanatic, I've heard that Cup A Joe is the place to go if you're around NCSU. I'll be the first to admit, I don't get it. The atmosphere there is not warm or welcoming to me, yet it is always packed when I drive by. On my first visit, I got a flavored iced latte, and was not impressed. It was obviously not stirred. The first sip through my straw was straight syrup. It was shockingly sweet. Luckily, I don't mind just espresso and milk, because after that first sip, it tasted like a plain iced latte. It's possible they were trying to layer the drink, but if so, they didn't layer the espresso shots on top so I would have known to stir it. I sat at a table for twenty minutes or so to do some work. The seating was a bit grungy and appeared to have been around the block a few times. The staff didn't go out of their way to make anyone happy, yet everyone that was there when I got there was still there when I left. People seem to love it, but it was not for me. read more

got coffee here once. it's messy and disorganized.and the staff was very unpleasant.

spent my first 2 weeks homeless in Raleigh cup a joe was my go to place to charge my phone and grab a coffee or a comp. cup of water (also to use the bathroom) I loved it. the people were nice, of course everyone stares.. but that's given. the décor is definitely grunge esque, but I think that's what theyre going for. went in there one time and the chair actually broke on someone... not sure if they repurposed the chair or got rid of it. I like it though all the artsy fartsy crap is real nice. the coffee is good, the workers were nice and nice to look at too, that girl with the dreads, pretty dame. Okay so yeah I liked cup a joe and my smiley faced mug. a great place to sit in for hours on end day and night. good vibes. read more