Idle Hour Coffee

4.0 (143 reviews)

ModerateCoffee & Tea, Coffee Roasteries, Breakfast & Brunch

Open • 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Idle Hour Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Idle Hour Coffee - Pumpkin cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Menu photo 1 Idle Hour Coffee Raleigh, NC

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IDLE HOUR COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

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Outside

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Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

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Monica M.

Not to sound judgy but it would be great if they could get our 2 drink order right. I ordered chai latte and a Vietnamese coffee. The chai latte came out quickly but they forgot about my Vietnamese coffee. I went up after 10 mins to see if it was ready. They had forgotten and then said they would get right on it but proceeded to serve about 7 customers after me and give them their drinks before finally getting mine after my friend had to go up to them again to ask for it. The barista was not apologetic at all and the male barista that took our order was probably a little... high. I'll have to pass on this place in future. Drinks are fine. Service not so much.

Yolanda Y.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This coffee shop has the most charming storefront, surrounded by greenery and blooming florals in the spring and summer, really looks like something out of a storybook (matching its fairytale theme!).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Inside, the vibe is warm, cozy, and inviting, with real plants at every table and friendly staff at the front.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] For drinks and food, they offer some fun, creative syrup flavors for latte, though I find the coffee itself decent but not especially memorable. Matcha latte pretty good. Their desserts are beautiful and delicate, but very sweet. [[HIGHLIGHT]]For ambience, this is one of my absolute favorite places in Raleigh to get work done! There are individual booths with outlets, round tables that are perfect for group work, and velvet couches near the front with great Zoom backgrounds[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music is soft, the space never feels crowded, and the people tend to be courteous and quiet.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great "get productive" coffee shop, not to mention it has a free parking lot at the back!

Valerie H.

Aesthetically, this café is definitely my vibe--small, charming, and decorated like a cozy country café. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It seems like a nice spot to grab a coffee, a light snack, and get some remote work done.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Unfortunately, the experience didn't quite live up to the hype. I came specifically for the mushroom and orange pastries that are all over their social media, but both were sold out. I decided to try two other options instead, and honestly, I wish I hadn't. The raspberry cheesecake pastry had a hard, rubbery texture that made me question its freshness--it tasted like it had been sitting in the fridge too long. I only managed a couple of bites before tossing it. The cookies and cream option was a bit better, but still disappointing. The cherry flavor was barely there, and overall it was overly sweet with no real depth or complexity. Ironically, the best part of my visit was the drinks--and those were just a sparkling water and an orange Fanta. Cute place, but unfortunately, the food didn't deliver and The service was ok at best.

Amanda K.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is to die for-- so so cute![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got a vanilla matcha and it was wonderful. I also got a breakfast sandwich on an English muffin which was pretty good. The main reason I came was for the mousse. The mushroom was strawberry cheesecake flavored and the apple was apple (I know, shocking). I thought the flavors were good and the presentation was amazing. I wasn't a huge fan just because of the texture. Obviously to hold its shape it's going to have to be more on the gelatinous side, but I didn't think that through. So no hate whatsoever, it was just not my favorite texture. I'll definitely come back to try some of their other treats though!

Avocado toast and iced maple bourbon latte

Elisa A.

Had such an amazing experience here! Came after seeing a barista who works here on TikTok, and brought my friend with me. The desserts are not only pretty, but delicious as well! The drinks were awesome, and the customer service was fantastic! Definitely recommend!

Peppermint white mocha matcha with oat milk.

Lauren T.

The Granny Smith apple cheesecakes are adorable and incredibly delicious. The service was friendly, the barista recommended a peppermint white mocha matcha that was phenomenal. If you aren't sure what to order, ask the barista. You will not be disappointed.

Shanelle Y.

I met up with some friends here to read/study. Initially, I was impressed by the variety of food and drink options offered, but was disappointed that they only had regular milk & oat milk since I usually prefer almond milk. I ordered a vanilla latte with oat milk since that was the only dairy free milk option, and it was actually pretty good! I didn't order any food, but the desserts/cakes that were on display looked super cute and delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Although the coffee was good, it was very hard for me to focus, read, and study here because of the loud music playing and the multicolored lights reflecting off of the disco ball that was hanging from the ceiling.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]I think this would be a nice place to hangout and talk, but personally I would not recommend coming here to read/study/work without headphones (& maybe sunglasses lol) or if you are easily distracted.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Katharine B.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the ambience of this coffee shop.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have a plush velvety sofa, a great plant collection and delicious coffee and teas.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the matcha latte (yum) and hot chocolate. They serve the delectable donuts from Tepuy so we had to pick up a few to try. The staff is really friendly and so are the patrons. Thank you to the kind lady that helped with the door as I left with my arms full of donuts and drinks! I can't wait to go back. There is also ample parking in the back.

Black Coffee and a Raspberry Glazed Donut

Thomas D.

This coffee shop feels like it was made to comfort me specifically. They roast their own coffee, and it is really delicious. I get a basic black coffee and it hits the spot every time. It has notes of complexity which set it apart from your typical cup, but at the same time it is welcoming and robust in that typical diner sense. On top of that, they sell Tepuy Donuts most days and I LOVE these donuts. They're the only donut I know that can satisfy my cravings with just one donut. If you haven't had one and you're a donut lover, these are a must try. On top of that the inside is nice and spacious with a lot of seating for a coffee shop. I like that they have some booths to sit in, on top of the handful of tables. Give this place a try if you haven't!

Yummier than it looks - English muffin with jelly and cream cheese. Loved the spotted mug too.

Charlotte B.

I've been wanting to go to Idle Hour Coffee for so long! My main objective was to get my hands on a Tepuy donut. I'm not a donut person but these donuts look amazing (I definitely haven't been looking at pictures of them for weeks until I could go). So I finally made my way there as it's a good 30 minute drive for me, and no donuts on this day! So sad! I was told just some fluke thing happened and they just didn't have any. Such is life. I opted for an English muffin with cream cheese and jelly. It was really good, and probably saved me a few calories from donuts. It was warm and not like a store bought English muffin. To drink I got a drip coffee and it too did not disappoint. The interior is minimalist, bright and airy. The dessert case had beautiful mini cakes that I'll definitely try another time. But I still want a Tepuy donut! Go here; it's a lovely neighborhood coffee shop. Parking was a little tight but that because it's a popular place. Didn't have to wait long for my coffee and food though.

Annabelle P.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]We went during the holiday season and the place was decorated beautifully![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was delicious and the service was quick! Highly recommend! They also had lots of gluten-free options which is great!

Angie S.

Idle hour coffee got me with the beautiful deserts. I had to come try them. When I came on a Saturday morning it was very crowded and had a long line at the register, which told me how popular the cafe is. The service, however, was quick. I did not wait long to get my order. The pumpkin cheesecake tasted more like flan, but it was still good. The inside is small for the number of guests that come, but it's otherwise a nice place to grab a coffee and a snack!

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Review Insights

Samantha W.

Elite 23

322

1379

6 years ago

I came here for donuts after work and it was amazing. I didn't get coffee because it was 5pm but I came for the sweets & they were really good. The shop is super cute and has some outdoor seating. We got the lemon poppy seed, strawberry, and cannoli donuts! They had an amazing texture. They were light, fluffy, and stretchy. So good! I will be back to try coffee and more donuts. The staff was super friendly and helpful. We were in & out in 5 min. So easy. read more

Idle Hour Coffee - Tepuy Donut - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - Sweets - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Alexa L.

Elite 21

332

583

658

5 years ago

The 30 min drive from Apex to get to Idle Hour was well worth it. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw they did have their own parking lot in the back. We came on a sunny Saturday morning and everything just felt RIGHT. My matcha latte was the best I've had in the area (yes, they use a wooden whisk! get it with oat milk!) and husband enjoyed his cappuccino too. My lox bagel was awesome (albeit a bit pricey) and my husband literally couldn't stop gushing over the muffaleta. The grand finale was the beautiful hibiscus donut I was ogling at the cash register, made by Tepuy Donuts. This was the highlight of my experience here, y'all. That was the best donut I've had in the Triangle. period. The environment here is so chill, some people working on laptops, others gathered with friends outside. The social distancing policies were enforced so I felt safe too. Highly recommend! read more

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Kelsey N.

Elite 22

263

374

985

6 years ago

Nothing is better than a delicious hot coffee on a cold morning and I most recently decided to get my caffeine fix from Idle Hour after seeing their maple ginger latte and their beautiful desserts on yelp and instagram. I went on a weekday morning around 7:30 and there were just a couple of people sitting down at one of the tables (so looks like you can dine in). But I decided to get my drinks and food to go. Me and my husband ordered the maple ginger latte and the mocha (with oat milk). Both drinks were really good, although I think the maple ginger latte could have use a bit more punch with the ginger. And then we couldn't help but also get a couple of the desserts - the very instagrammable apple cheesecake and nutella cheesecake. Holy cow were these good! The apple cheesecake was definitely our favorite, but the nutella cheesecake was also really good and rich. They had a whole case of gorgeous desserts and it was hard deciding which ones to get. We'll definitely be back to try more and to also get our hands on those tepuy donuts! COVID details: The staff was all masked up and the place was super clean. There wasn't anyone else ordering while I was there, so there were no problems staying 6 feet apart from others. read more

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Ali M.

2 years ago

We love coming here every time we are in Raleigh! Great coffee, neighborhood and donuts!

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Dillon P.

199

5 years ago

This place is the real deal, the service is amazing and the food and drinks are top quality. The desserts are beyond amazing, it feels like we're in NYC. The Caprese Panini is a favorite of mine, the quality of food is unmatched in Raleigh Coffee Shops. They grind all their coffee in house and their hard work is easy to see. It can get busy, but, it's never too long of a wait. read more

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Anna P.

304

6 years ago

I'm sorry but you cannot charge $10 for a cold "caprese panini" that looks like this. No melted mozzarella, not even warm! Panini blasphemy. Trendy decor, pleasant staff, and their treats look amazing, but this is a sad sandwich. read more

Idle Hour Coffee - "Caprese panini" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Melanie W.

Elite 23

6 years ago

Came with my family to check out Idle Hour coffee on a Saturday morning. They were super busy and had several people waiting. My husband got a latte and I got one of Tepuy's creme brûlée donuts. I've been a fan of Tepuy's donuts for a while and was thrilled to see that they were carrying them at Idle Hour. My husband said his latte was delicious too. The space looks hip, modern and open, but would love to see clearer directions on where to order and wait. The space seemed a little crowded and hard to social distance. Hopefully I can check back in on a less busy day. read more

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Alexandra A.

Elite 25

297

213

212

6 years ago

Idle Hour Coffee is this adorable coffee shop nestled on Oberlin Rd. It's got great decor and an awesome vibe. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was their beautiful pastry and dessert case. They had the most scrumptious looking baked goods. I had to purchase their blueberry, banana and almond loaf. It was the right amount of sweet, tart and moist. My brother ordered the Cheesecake, which was uniquely shaped like an apple and had apple filling in the middle. I also ordered the Golden Hour Latte. It wasn't my cup of tea, literally, but it was beautifully made and smelled amazing. It just wasn't that strong chai type tea that I thought it would be. However, that will not stop me from coming back and trying something else. They have great outdoor seating and they are following CDC guidelines during COVID. read more

Idle Hour Coffee - Vanilla Apple Cheesecake and Blueberry, Banana and Almond Loaf. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - Golden Hour Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Kieran H.

4 years ago

Excellent service and appreciate their business hours. Beautiful espresso presentation with unique demitasse and a side of fizzy. Parking in the back. read more

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Jan H.

2 years ago

The setting is fun and welcoming. I liked the unique bakery options. The coffee great and the staff very friendly.

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Victoria A.

6 years ago

Stopped in on a Wednesday just as they were starting to lock up, the guy working was so nice and didn't make us feel rushed at all! We got to chatting and it was clear that he takes his craft seriously- he was super knowledgeable about the different types of coffees, where the beans are from, and whether or not they're ethically sourced. He ended up making three separate types of coffee for my group, and also letting us sample their house made cold brew. My sister convinced me to get some of their sweets and we ended up buying 4 different kinds because they all looked so great. I really appreciated the social distancing protocols in effect, although we were the only people in the store at the time you could see legible floor markers measuring out 6ft of space between people in line. I had such a great time here and can't wait to come back to try some of the sandwiches, if they're half as good as the pastries we had, this place will definitely be one of my top 3 favorite coffee shops. read more

Idle Hour Coffee - Really appreciate that they're taking social distancing seriously here - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - Cozy seating area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - DESSERTS SECTION OMG - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Ellie W.

Elite 21

487

207

494

6 years ago

New coffee shops ~ yeah! I drove by Idle Hour Coffee and knew I had to stop soon. I went at 7:15am on a weekday and they were already bustling with business. The atmosphere is so hip and trendy. I could spend all day inside. They also have outdoor seating which is a huge plus -- don't expect spread out tables. The baristas were friendly as well. My friend and I both had drip coffee which was wonderful! It came in the cutest branded cups as well I can't wait to go back. They do have food but don't come with high expectations of a variety. It is more pastries. They seem to serve sandwiches starting at 11am. Also, they have gluten-free torte and flan. read more

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Tom S.

Elite 24

115

192

6 years ago

Service was extremely friendly. The atmosphere is perfect to set up and do some work or grab coffee and a treat with a friend. The food we got tasted great. Definitely will be a regular stop for us. read more

Idle Hour Coffee - Matcha late and GOAT open faced sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - What's left of my Banh Mi. DELICIOUS - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Kate W.

Elite 23

137

123

4 years ago

Great place to stop in for a coffee! Iced coffee was on point! Very clean and bright atmosphere if you're looking for a mid day pick me up and trying to get some work done this is a top spot!! read more

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Shirley C.

345

4 years ago

In love with the Norwegian and hibiscus tepuy doughnuts!!! They also make my favorite iced oat milk latte in the area. Service can be hit or miss but I keep coming back for the food and work space! read more

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Joanna R.

3 years ago

Fantastic service, delicious coffee, and always friendly owner and staff. Super cool decor and vibe!

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Abbey B.

3 years ago

I LOVE Idle hour! The baristas are always lovely, the drinks are delicious (I go for the Vietnamese), and the plants everywhere are gorgeous. The food is tasty and they have gluten free options :) read more

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Allyson C.

557

6 years ago

Okay so first off the ambience is amazing. The quality of the lattes is amazing. The bagels and donuts are well worth it ! It's a new hip area and they are eco friendly. read more

Idle Hour Coffee - Oat latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Maggie B.

4 years ago

Great coffee shop with indoor and outside seating! Coffee and doughnuts were great! The friendly staff keep me coming back!

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Steve H.

6 years ago

Awesome coffee. Amazing service. Great location Good vibe hang out place. Clean store. Pretty good parking. Friendly staff Relaxing atmosphere read more

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Calvin D.

Elite 24

108

331

151

4 years ago

Absolutely love this coffee shop. Great coffee, and beautiful lively interior. Very relaxing and comfortable inside. Highly recommend.

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Lindsey P.

5 years ago

Very cute coffee shop in a quaint part of Raleigh. I grabbed a cold brew which was delicious and my friend grabbed a reg hot coffee. They have a very nice indoors, and seating outside which was perfect on a nice warm day. When I come back, I'll definitely be trying the pastries! read more

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Audrey L.

3 years ago

Food and service exceptional! Fresh sandwiches and will customize to meet the customers need. Atmosphere friendly and appears clean. Prices not bad for a healthier breakfast. read more

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Jay M.

5 years ago

No donuts at 8:05am. When my daughter, 10, said "but they were ready last time we were here at this time," the bedhead register guy said "if you don't like it, you can open your own donut shop." That is the attitude we get as regulars, who made extra time in our morning and went out of our way to stop by -- only to be disappointed they don't plan on serving donuts until after 9am. Or, as Bedhead put it, "when we're that good at making donuts, we can do it whenever we want." Cute place, crappy attitude and service -- with no problem being mean to little girls. A simple "sorry their not ready," would have gone so much further. Instead, I seriously doubt we'll ever go back. read more

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Grady F.

3 years ago

It's alright. Feels like a Pinterest coffee shop... all the decor has been carefully curated and the cute, teeny weeny lattes are meant to be posted on an Instagram story. Pastries are good, coffee is average. Overpriced which makes sense because of its location (rent ain't cheap on Oberlin). There are worse places you could go. read more

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Season M.

4 years ago

Great place to grab some coffee and get work done. They have really good coffee and nice vibe to get some work done. The owner is really friendly as well. read more

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Jimmy B.

5 years ago

Super friendly staff, nice patio seating, WiFi, sofas, a counter with stools and booths. What more could you ask for? How about local sweets and kombucha? Yeah they've got that too. Great local spot for your idle hours. read more

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Lauren B.

Elite 22

185

5 years ago

We stopped by Idle Hour Coffee on our way home from Dorothea Dix Park. First of all, the houses around this area are #goals. I would go back just to drive around the neighborhood. We ordered two seasonal lattes: Honey lavender latte with oat milk and the amaretto and orange latte with cow's milk + lemon poppyseed doughnut. All were delicious. The atmosphere is definitely bougie coffee shop that could be found in Brooklyn/ San Francisco. Definitely a place to let your bougie side out. Would 100% go back and get a beautiful dessert and coffee. read more

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Ross V.

256

4 years ago

Solid baristas. Solid coffee. Solid atmosphere. If you are close to downtown, check this spot out.

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Samuel H.

4 years ago

I came here with my wife while visiting Raleigh and I can't say enough awesome things about this place. The service was impeccable and the treats were delicious. Each item is hand-made every morning and you can tell. Marissa had recommended the raspberry-filled white chocolate mushroom and the caramel apple cheesecake. Both were off the charts with flavor. SO GOOD! My wife tried the made-in-house lavendar honey syrup in her coffee. Despite never having a floral flare in her coffee before, she was blown away by the flavor. The atmosphere inside the shop and on the patio area was very chill and laid back. A great place to do some work or meet with friends to chat. 5/5 - will definitely be going back next time I'm in Raleigh!! read more

Idle Hour Coffee - tables and chairs outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - a bagel sandwich on a plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - a green apple on a plate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - a mushroom on top of a cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Idle Hour Coffee - a cup of coffee and a saucer - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Eric P.

183

4 years ago

Great team and great coffee, today the water line burst at an adjoining building and the team calming took care of the guests and the building before closing due to this random event. Very nice staff and excellent coffee/donuts read more

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Caitlin R.

5 years ago

This is a great place to catch Covid. No social distancing measures in place, no enforcement in the capacity indoors, and no one is wearing masks. My husband and I walked in, took one look around, and walked right out. I guess I'll come back in two years when people get vaccinated....if the place stays in business. read more

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Angelique A.

5 years ago

Some of the best tasting coffee in the area and great atmosphere! They have a delicious selection of baked goods, and a few cute tables for outdoor seating. Definitely swing by and give it a go! read more

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Paulie G.

5 years ago

Pseudo-fancy coffee shop. The drinks are too small and the baristas are clueless. Nobody should be paying $6 for a baby sized double shot. This place is designed to be tagged in a cute lifestyle Instagram post; the actual coffee is secondary. read more

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Janet A.

6 years ago

The service was excellent. The owner showed us the various varieties of coffee and explained how important the brewing process was for coffee. Who knew? The desserts were so beautiful, I didn't want to eat but it was oh so delicious. Kudos to the shop for having such a variety of products. read more

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Lauren M.

Elite 21

420

136

6 years ago

What a cute little coffee shop. Nice, open interior, with a few different tables with chairs outside. Dare I say it, totally ~aesthetically~ pleasing? I was worried about parking, but there's a parking lot on the side and behind the building. It's on a busy street as well, so there's quite a bit of loud traffic if you sit outside, but it's doable. Oh, and hurry up and get the maple ginger latte while you still can! I got mine iced, because it was fairly warm today, but you can get it hot. Only reason I'm taking away a star is because the drink didn't mix well / I didn't get a good taste of the maple ginger until I got halfway through the drink, but I would give it another shot, for sure. read more

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Anika W.

335

5 years ago

Had the lox bagel - did not disappoint! Latte had unique, quality flavors. Haven't had tiramisu yes but it looks incredible. Will be back for more read more

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Taylor C.

415

3 years ago

Got my order wrong twice and then upon giving me my corrected drink it was the wrong size. I went ahead and asked for the correct size since I had already paid.. they proceeded to add ice to the drink and hand it back. Love that service! :) read more

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Chase D.

6 years ago

Good temp cortado, bold (not burnt), and engaging baristas that always have a smile. Great outdoor seating as well. Open until 7pm every day. Idle Hour came correct and will soon become a Raleigh favorite for espresso addicts! read more

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Rahul Y.

4 years ago

Idle Hour screams passion for coffee. The baristas are knowledgeable and passionate, and the coffee is excellent. The espresso was mellow and had notes of red cherry, and the Colombian pour over was fruit-forward but not too acidic. The decor of this place is fantastic, although there isn't a lot of seating. Just the staff make me want to revisit this café over and over. read more

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Page 3 of 4

1818 Oberlin Rd
Ste 103
Raleigh, NC 27608
Directions
(984) 200-1605
Call Now
Visit Website
https://idlehourcoffee.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Idle Hour Coffee open?

Idle Hour Coffee opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Idle Hour Coffee opens at 8:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does Idle Hour Coffee close?

Idle Hour Coffee closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sat 7:00 AM - 5:00 PMSun 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Idle Hour Coffee serve alcohol?

Yes, Idle Hour Coffee serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Idle Hour Coffee allow dogs?

Yes, Idle Hour Coffee allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Idle Hour Coffee have outdoor seating?

Yes, Idle Hour Coffee has outdoor seating options.

Does Idle Hour Coffee have parking?

Yes, Idle Hour Coffee has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Idle Hour Coffee have free WiFi?

Yes, Idle Hour Coffee has free WiFi.

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Larry's Coffee

Larry's is clearly for the community! I love it here. They offer drip coffee and lots of local…read moreblends to purchase. Their coffee is delicious and the staff is super kind. They let me sample their coffee to see which one i would like. It is located in an industrial building with wooden and metal pieces of vintage furniture which makes for a very cozy vibe. I feel great supporting this local business as they focus on high quality ingredients, giving back to the community, and taking care of the environment. What is not to love here! They have seating inside (some booths, a high table, and coffee table seating) and a courtyard which im sure is lovely during warm seasons. I was able to park in a booth and get some work done for a few hours. Its very calm with little distractions. I will say, their parking lot is limited to a few spots in the front but there is plenty street parking. Im not sure if you can park long but i wouldnt be afraid of parking there for grab and go! My only regret was not finding Larry's sooner. What a gem

Roaster offers drip coffee and a lovely atmosphere to enjoy it in . Service was warm and friendly.read more

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Larry's laid back atmosphere!

Nitro cold brew

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Their courtyard seating. Lovely inside too

Black and White Coffee

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.

Stopped by Black & White Coffee while looking for a cup of coffee downtown. I noticed that there…read morewas a coffee shop located in the local Videri Chocolate shop. Parking can be a bit tricky here as the coffee shop is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh. The vibe inside this coffee shop is bright and open. I ordered a caramel latte which was excellent and the latte art was also a nice touch. If you are trying to work remotely there isn't much seating available here. If I'm in the area again I'll definitely be stopping by black and white coffee for a cup of coffee.

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Entrance of the main road

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Joe Van Gogh - Cedar West

4.8

(20 reviews)

2.9 mi

Amazing toasted coconut! House made syrups! Wonderful barista, nice quiet and cozy spot to truly…read moreget some peace and quiet and a great cup of coffee

This is def a hidden gem! I'm a supporter of Joe Van Gogh and have been to most of the locations…read moreand when I found that this one was in my neighborhood, I was psyched! This location is connected to a medical office/building and has plenty of free parking. There's a few tables and chairs for outside seating and a more open concept for indoor seating including bar stools. This is a great location for quiet remote work. I've yet to see much socializing at this location but others definitely have that vibe. I love how they have various seasonal offerings each month. The syrups are homemade and not overly sweet. And they offer several nondairy options including macadamia milk. Service is always friendly and prompt. Definitely a part of my regular rotation.

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Inside

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Bad Cat Coffee

4.0

(63 reviews)

2.1 mi

The absolute best chai latte I've ever had. Usually they aren't sweet enough but I got this iced…read morewith a pump of vanilla and it was perfect. It's right at the front entrance of Morgan Street Food Hall. The menu was a little chaotic lol just a hand written paper but barista was super friendly.

No reason to write a review and waste your time, when the picture will do the work. I ordered their…read moreburrito and this is what I got.

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Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Bagel

Coffee booth

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Raleigh Coffee Company

Big thank you to Raleigh Coffee Company for supporting our silent auction with the generous…read moredonation of a selection of coffee beans! The residents at our permanent supportive housing program already enjoy your coffee daily, so this was an exciting donation to receive! The proceeds from our Gala went to benefit Christ House, https://christhouse.org/, a medical respite center and permanent supportive housing program, serving men experiencing homelessness in Washington, D.C. Thank you for being a valued partner- we truly appreciate your generosity!

Great coffee and super nice people!! Small orders,large orders they can set you up !!read more

Black•ology Coffee Company

2.0

(1 review)

1.7 mi

Great customer service. Not very knowledgeable about coffee. drinks were luke warm. They used…read morecold milk for the lattes and very weak espresso. Didn't watch them make so can't give a reason for that.

From the owner: Black•ology Coffee Company is a black woman owned coffee company that specializes in high-quality…read moreand sustainably-grown coffees that are low in acidity and bold in flavor.

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Lucky Tree Bakery & Coffee Roastery

5.0

(1 review)

2.5 mi

Cute, hippy and vintage decor. Dining room has a couch and good amount of seatings. Staff is…read morefriendly. Service is great. The coffee is fabulous. I tried the bullet coffee ( hint of coconut oil,cinnamon and honey). Coffee is really smooth and creamy. Also I tried the oatmeal cookie sandwich it is made in house. It is so refreshing and yummy with a slightly sweet cream in between.

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Smooth Joe Coffee

4.4

(30 reviews)

7.6 mi

Wow! Wow! We are new to this little pocket of Raleigh and I got an iced mocha my first time…read more DELISH! We tried the peanut butter bar too and oooo it was perfect. I wish I could make it myself. My husband got the vanilla latte and that was great as well, as I saw they use monin syrups. Our second time I tried a caramel pumpkin and he got the lavender cloud (specialty) with an apple cinnamon muffin warmed up. The apple chunks and goo were amazing. We love the ambiance and natural lighting! It's our new fav spot!

we stopped by for an iced coffee, an iced latte, and a ham and cheese croissant. the croissant…read moredidn't make it into my photo, but my boyfriend really enjoyed it and said it was delicious. the drinks, on the other hand, were just okay. nothing was necessarily wrong with them, but they didn't stand out enough to make me want to come back specifically for the coffee. what i did love was the atmosphere. despite having a steady stream of customers, the cafe stayed calm and relaxed. it's located in a quiet neighborhood, has outdoor seating, and just has an overall pleasant vibe. the woman who took our order was also genuinely friendly, which made the visit even nicer. i really liked the area and the feel of the cafe. i just don't think i'd return for the drinks alone.

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Interior

Ham & Cheese Croissant

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Postino Village District

I returned here with a friend after enjoying a Yelp event. It was very busy on a week day at lunch…read moretime and our lunch took a bit to arrive but it was all good once it did. I ordered the crispy cauliflower app which was delish! Don't let the raisins sway your decision - it's suttle but just right with the cauli. They add a romesco sauce that's flavorful add capers to add the salty goodness. Loved this! I also ordered the meatball app which was plenty. They were perfect size and more than enough for two. The sauce was rich and bold with flavor and a sprinkle of goat cheese was just right. I will return and try a few more apps next time.

Loved walking in to a kind hostess who even commented on my dress! I was hopeful when this happened…read moreand expected the experience to be over the top. I had yet to visit and the dining room was small but separate from the bar area which was nice and the wine as decor was unique. Met my daughter and roommate for lunch and while it was "fine" I'd leave it there. The water didn't have ice which is fine. That said our server never refilled it and only after a switch of servers were we offered a refill. I got the Brie and Prosciutto on Focaccia and it was fine. When one upgrades to fries I expect it to be an upgraded fry. It was fine. Our second server was very sweet but the service overall left something to be desired. There was no table visit at any time and I was grateful for the incredible company because outside that, this spot didn't make the grade.

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Ponysaurus Brewing Co

If you're heading to Raleigh Iron Works and think Ponysaurus is just another brewery, think again…read more The Chicken Schnitzel completely exceeded my expectations. The chicken was perfectly crispy, thin, and juicy, while the fresh arugula salad added just the right peppery bite. The roasted fingerling potatoes were seasoned perfectly and rounded out a simple dish executed exceptionally well. Ponysaurus Brewing Co. serves the schnitzel with arugula, fried red potatoes, celery, red onion, parsley, and a whole-grain dressing, and it all comes together beautifully. Of course, the craft beer selection is what gets you in the door, but don't overlook the kitchen. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service was friendly, and the food easily holds its own against many restaurants in Raleigh.

Some things are better than others, but the star if the show is the beer for sure…read more Other drinks all come across a bit on the overly sweet side Wings are really good but overpriced And by far their best pizza is the chicken parm but you have to add the burrata mozz which again takes you away from value for money. I like it there overall but I'm definitely not a fan of the thunder-dome cut throat atmosphere of the "seat yourself" first come first serve...just make a wait list, takes 3 seconds

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Ponysaurus in Raleigh

Wings!

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Ponysaurus in Raleigh

Death & Taxes

Wow, this might be one of the best restaurants in Raleigh! I stopped in for a business dinner and…read morewas really excited to finally try one of Ashley Christensen's restaurants. Parking can be a bit challenging as you'll either need to find street parking or in a open lot near by. The restaurant itself is located in a historic building that once was a funeral home and also was also a tax practice in a different chapter. The restaurant feels very upscale but there isn't a strict dress code. The kitchen is open as well if yo prefer to sit along the kitchen and watch the chefs cook. When you order you'll have to place everything at the same time but they'll pace it out to your table. For drinks, I ordered the In Gold Blood (Bourbon, amaro, Fino sherry, banana, golden raisin) and the head in the clouds (Vodka, Falernum, strawberry, pistachio). Both drinks were excellent and extremely easy to drink. You'll definitely want to start with the sourdough bread, NC Oysters (Roasted NC oysters, chili butter, preserved lemon gremolata), and fried NC shrimp (Fried NC shrimp, buried garlic aioli, pickled green tomatoes). All of the appetizers were excellent in their own way. The bread and butter just complemented each other so well, the oysters were well balanced and almost seared where they weren't chargrilled but partially still raw, and the fried nc shrimp has a nice contrast of flavor with the pickled green tomatoes and fried shrimp. For the entree we split the Prime-aged Delmonico (ribeye; and was served in a red wine jus, and topped with sea salt and peppercorn). The steak fell apart as you bit into it. For sides, we ordered the crispy potatoes (Crispy potatoes, Italian chili crisp, piquillo peppers) and Brussel sprouts (Embered Brussels sprouts, apples, lardon vinaigrette, almonds). The steak and potatoes were definitely my favorite. The Brussel sprouts were good but a bit on the salad side where they were still a little hard. For dessert, we ordered the cheesecake (Basque cheesecake, strawberry compote, olive oil shortbread) and the Sticky Toffee Pudding (Sticky toffee pudding, embered vanilla ice cream, benne seed brittle). The sticky toffee pudding was so warm and was excellent. The cheesecake also had a nice balance of flavor and the strawberry compote combination worked perfectly. This is by far one of my favorite meals I've had in Raleigh and you definitely need to go here if you are in the area.

It's not every day you get to dine in a former mortuary. Eating solo, I opted for a seat at the…read morebar, which turned out to be the right decision. While the food left me somewhat underwhelmed, the cocktails were exceptional, among the best I've had in recent memory. The standout was the Over/Under, a beet-infused gin take on a Negroni. Absolutely phenomenal. The earthy beet notes were subtle but present, complementing the bitterness of the Campari, the floral qualities of the gin, and just enough sweetness to tie everything together. Every cocktail I tried was excellent, but this was the clear winner. As for the food, it never quite reached the same heights. The beef tartare was the best dish I had all evening. In fact, I found myself enjoying it more on the accompanying sourdough bread than on the rice crisps it was served with, which ultimately justified ordering the bread. The "pickled egg yolk" was an inventive twist, essentially replacing both the raw egg and cornichons found in a traditional French tartare. Clever in concept, but the pickling process seemed to sacrifice some of the creamy richness that the dish could have benefited from. The rice crisp accompaniment is also part of a trend I've noticed at several restaurants and one I'm not particularly sold on. They're usually too brittle to hold much tartare and often end up scattered across the plate. I find they work better crushed into the tartare itself than as a delivery vehicle. The oysters were the biggest disappointment of the meal. Heavily drenched in butter, they felt one-dimensional, with the lemon zest providing the only real counterbalance. To be fair, this is likely intended as a shared dish, and as a solo diner consuming the entire portion myself, the richness may have become more pronounced than intended. The gnocchi delivered deep, satisfying flavor and were impressively light, though perhaps a touch too soft for my personal preference. As I glanced over at the roast chicken being served to the couple next to me, a sense of ordering regret began to creep in. What ultimately elevates Death & Taxes is its hospitality. The service was genuinely five-star. Every dish was explained thoughtfully as it was delivered, and the bar team struck that perfect balance of attentiveness and conversation, making a solo diner feel completely welcome. Their warmth and professionalism raised this experience from a three-star meal to a four-star evening. And they are all 5 star.

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Interior

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Potatoes

Crumbl - Raleigh

3.7

(163 reviews)

2.1 mi

TLDR: Large, tasty, but expensive cookies. Exciting rotating menu. Subpar flavors…read more While in the area and needing a Friday sugar fix, I stopped at Crumbl. To save time I started an online order. It took a while to go through the log in process and a $2 tip was required. This brought the total of one cookie to nearly $7! Then when it said the wait time was 15-20 min, I decided to abandon the online order and order at the counter. There were about 3 employees busy at work and no customers. I was greeted upon arrival and helped right away. I ordered one cookie and the order came to over $9 before tip. I questioned the total and the employee returned to fix it. I like how you can easily see and pay on the screen so I could see the error. When fixed the total was about $5. Pricy for one cookie, but they do look pretty and are packaged well so they make a great gift. The rotating weekly menu is exciting, but the cookies are not very flavorful so they taste similar. Even the guava cookie had a very faint fruity flavor and mainly tasted like sugar. Many times I have noticed that the unique flavors are just in the frosting not the cookie itself. I understand having a weekly changing menu is challenging, but there is room for improvement on their flavors. The cookies are all perfectly baked and decorated beautifully. Overall, good place for the occasional treat or gift.

The cookies here are awesome. This weeks selections are insane. They are huge and taste delicious.read more

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7/20/26 - 7/25/26: Dubai-Style Chocolate Thin Sandwich Cookie

7/20/26 - 7/25/26: Mallow Thin Sandwich Cookie

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7/20/26 - 7/25/26: Cookie Butter Cookie Thins ft. Biscoff

Raleigh Brewing Company

Nice stop for a beer! They had several styles, and had the choice of a full pour or a half pour…read more Huge indoor space with plenty of seating. Service was friendly. No food.

Horrible beer! Save your money and buy Old English it would…read moretaste better. I would search for other local brewing spots before this location.

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Taking a brew tour

Chido Taco Mercado Style Taqueria

4.0

(53 reviews)

2.6 mi

Super friendly staff, quick service, and great tacos! Wasn't able to order online but the manager…read morehooked it up when I came into the store!

Came here on a Saturday afternoon and got our orders pretty quickly. I had the vegan tacos and they…read morewere full of flavor. Parking deck close by.

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