Looking for the best coffee shops in Wilmington, NC?
I’ve got you covered!
Wilmington is my happy place. It’s where my husband I went to college, where we got married, and now where we spend many of our summer days.
And lucky for you, I’ve had my fair share of coffees over the years. So, whether you’re in the mood for a cold brew, iced coffee, latte, or just good quality coffee, there are plenty of awesome coffee shops in Wilmington NC for your next caffeine fix!
The Best Coffee Shops in Wilmington NC
As you may know, it can take a fair bit of time to get across town in Wilmington. Depending on the time of day and the season, traffic can be a beast. Below are the best coffee shops in Wilmington sorted by area of town.
Downtown Wilmington Coffee Shops
Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods
Bespoke Coffee is hands down one of my favorite downtown Wilmington coffee shops. Bespoke offers Counter Culture coffee (based out of Durham, NC) as well as tea, kombucha, wine, and beer. It’s the perfect spot downtown to meet up with friends or find a quiet corner to get some work done!
The aesthetic and vibe of Bespoke will have you returning time and time again.
Location: 202 Princess Street Wilmington, NC
While you’re in town, be sure to check out some of these fun and free things to do in Wilmington NC!
24 South Coffeehouse
The first word that comes to mind about 24 South Coffeehouse is “local.”
Carrying local baked goods and local art, 24 South embraces the local community like no other. The oldest coffee shop in Wilmington also houses the city’s only manual lever espresso machine. Non coffee lovers need not worry, you can grab a tea, matcha, chai, milkshake, or smoothie at one of the best coffee shops in Wilmington, NC.
Make sure to check out their seasonal specialty drinks as well!
Location: 24 S. Front Street Wilmington, NC
Hungry? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Wilmington NC!
Maroon Monkey Coffee (Formerly Cheeky Monkey Coffee)
The cutest little coffee shop, owned by a local family, serving up delicious coffee…does it get much better?
Supporting small local business is my jam! And Cheeky Monkey Coffee is one of my favorite downtown Wilmington coffee shops. Cheeky Monkey roasts all coffee in house in small batches weekly. They have a variety of milk options, teas, and some of the best specialty lattes around.
I recommend trying the s’mores latte if you’re looking for a sweet treat!
Location: 124 South Front Street Wilmington, NC
There are so many fun things to do in Wilmington! Check out my ultimate guide to Wilmington and start exploring!
Java Dog Coffee House
No visit to Wilmington would be complete without a visit to The Cotton Exchange. And while you’re there, grab a coffee from Java Dog’s. Best known for their drip coffees, you can also grab a chai, pastry, or smoothie while you’re perusing the fun shops. Be sure to ask what the daily latte special is before you order.
Bonus! Java Dogs is locally owned and dog friendly too!
Location: 303 N Front Street Wilmington, NC
Luna Caffe
Located in the arts and antique district of downtown Wilmington, Luna Caffe works with local roasters to bring you the freshest coffee in town. Locally owned and operated, grab a coffee, tea, and local baked good and start exploring one of the most unique areas of Wilmington.
Bonus: Be sure to check out some of the fun street art in this area of downtown Wilmington.
Location: 604 Castle Street Wilmington, NC
Looking for a sweet treat? Check out our picks for the best ice cream shops in Wilmington NC!
Cargo District Coffee Shops
The Cargo District is the place to be. One of the up and coming areas of Wilmington, The Cargo District is home to Blue Cup Roastery, Wilmington’s first container coffee shop AND Brighter Days Coffee.
You simply cannot go wrong with either of these fantastic coffee shops when in the Cargo District!
Best Coffee in Central Wilmington
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Need an instant mood booster? Go to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee.
Love supporting a good cause? Go to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee.
Love good coffee? Go to Bitty & Beau’s Coffee.
The second you step into Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Shop you will literally feel how special this place is. Originally founded in Wilmington in 2016, Bitty & Beau’s was established to create a place where intellectually and developmentally people felt valued and included. Now with over 24 locations in 12 different states, they have started a movement!
Not only do they have delicious coffee, but be sure to grab some of their meaningful merch and hang out in the store for the regular dance parties. This is something you do not want to miss!
Bitty & Beau’s is definitely one of the best coffee shops in Wilmington NC for many many reasons.
Location: 4949 New Centre Drive Wilmington, NC
Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop
Lucky Joe Craft Coffee Shop is known as Wilmington’s original cold brew coffee shop.
Known to be a local’s hangout and also popular with the college crowd, Lucky Joe’s also happens to serve up a deliciously smooth cup of coffee.
If you’re looking for nitro coffee, this is the place to go. But you’ll also be able to find both hot and cold coffees, smoothies, wraps, pastries, local beer on tap, and more! They have a great seasonal menu as well that is sure to delight.
BONUS: They are dog friendly AND sell growlers of coffee and beer here!
Location: 1414 College Road Wilmington, NC
Spill Coffee Co
Arguably the most insta-worthy coffee shop on the list of the best coffee shops in Wilmington NC, Spill is a fun and flavorful coffee stop! Doling out “therapeudic” coffees, you can add healthy extras to your drink like collagen, coconut oil, MCT oil, and more.
If you like pink, RUN, don’t walk to Spill. Trust me on this one.
Location: 1207 S Kerr Ave. Wilmington, NC
Port City Java
What started as a small coffeehouse in 1995 is now big time. I certainly spent a fair share of my college days hanging out in a Port City Java with my friends.
With locations all over North Carolina, you will find Port City Java coffee still has that local feel. Grab your fresh drip coffee, iced coffee, or even a smoothie. Some locations have a super convenient drive through or come on in if you need a quiet space to get some work done.
Location: Locations all over Wilmington, but my favorite by far is downtown on Front Street.
Social Coffee & Supply Co
With a mission to “serve and love others through coffee,” I’m not sure how you can’t like Social Coffee & Supply!
Grab a flat white, espresso, or latte and enjoy the most dreamy aesthetic inside Social Coffee & Supply. They also serve drip coffee, pourovers, cold brews, matcha, and chai. Be sure to check out their seasonal menu too!
Social Saturdays, coffee flights, seasonal menus and themed trivia?!? I don’t know about you, but I’m in!!
2 Locations: 5317 Wrightsville Avenue & 4718 Oriole Drive both in Wilmington!
Coffee Shops in Wrightsville Beach
The Workshop Wrightsville Beach
The Workshop on Wrightsville Beach is such a vibe. In the most walkable location, you can easily grab a coffee to enjoy on the beach.
With a mission to serve you the best espresso beverages on the beach, you will also find french style sandwiches and pastries available. They roast their coffee onsite and it’s all certified organic!
BONUS: At the Workshop you’ll also find the coolest fossils, shark teeth, and jewelry!
Location: 86 Waynick Blvd, Wrightsville Beach, NC
For more fun things do in WB, read our ultimate guide to Wrightsville Beach!
Drift Coffee & Kitchen
Drift Coffee specializes in high end coffee and a premium breakfast and lunch. In an absolutely beautiful environment, you will love Drift’s lattes, espresso drinks, flat white, iced drinks, and more. They make all of their syrups in house and offer many unique drink options including several holistic drinks.
From the coffee to the atmosphere to the food, Drift has to be one of the best coffee shops in Wilmington NC!
3 Locations in the Wilmington area:
- 114 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC
- 1005 International Dr Wilmington, NC (Mayfaire Shopping Center)
- 110 Dungannon Blvd Wilmington, NC (Autumn Hall neighborhood)
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for more than coffee, Drift is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or coffee in Wilmington!
Got time for more than coffee? Grab our ultimate guide to breakfast and brunch in Wilmington!
Coffee Shops in Carolina Beach
Malama Cafe
Malama is a Hawaiian word meaning “to care for oneself, one’s community, and one’s environment.” And Malama Cafe is doing its very best to live up to the name. With a focus on healthy food and drink, you can get your caffeine fix alongside a delicious breakfast or lunch while you’re at it.
Malama serves North Carolina based Counter Culture Coffee and is working on being a sustainable business. The local owners love where they live and are striving to make their community the best it can be!
Insider Tip: Malama is a great option if you’re looking to have breakfast in Carolina Beach- we personally love the acai bowls!
Location: 108 Cape Fear Boulevard Carolina Beach NC
Have more time in CB? Check out our picks for the best things to do in Carolina Beach!
Crush & Grind Coffee
Crush & Grind is more than just a coffee shop!
Not only can you get your caffeine fix on the Carolina Beach Boardwalk, but you can enjoy beer, wine, and live entertainment too.
Check their Facebook or Instagram pages to see what the daily specials are and what’s happening!
Location: 7 Harper Avenue Carolina Beach, NC
Love coffee anytime of day? Crush and Grind is open late! Grab your drink and head to one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Wilmington NC!
Three Friends Coffee
BONUS! Although Three Friends Coffee isn’t technically a coffee shop, it still deserves a mention!
If you find yourself on Market Street near Target, stop by the cutest coffee truck you ever did see. Pick up a traditional coffee, espresso, or cold brew in their convenient drive through.
Or try one of their signature specialty drinks for a real treat. (I recommend the Carolina Beach latte!)
Not in the mood for coffee? Try one of their lotus drinks (pictured above)- full of organic adaptogenic botanicals, vitamins, and plant based energy- these drinks are DE-LICIOUS!
Location: 5224 Market Street Wilmington, NC
Sidenote: There are of course serveral Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts locations all over town if you’re a die hard fan of either chain coffee shop.
Get Caffeinated!
What do you think of your options for coffee shops in Wilmington NC?
No matter what part of town you’re in, coffee culture is alive and well in Wilmington. Each coffee shop offers a unique experience serving up a delicious cup of joe- so don’t miss out!
