Cup A Joe

Veronika Mazur

Great spot! Stopped by on a summer weekend morning and was pleasantly surprised it wasn’t too busy. The coffee is strong, flavorful, and very affordable—exactly what I needed. Chill vibe, friendly staff, and quick service.

Katelynn Bellamy

Great drinks and fantastic, amazingly priced baked goods. In-house food isn't as stellar, but it gets the job done. Smells like burnt coffee from the in-house roastery (super cool) but seating is limited at times due to well-deserved popularity. All in all, a Hillsborough Street/NCSU staple and the Trainwreck got me through orgo/biochem.

Peter McCarthy

Wow. Amazing spot - just what you want a coffee and bagel spot to be in a college town. The jalapeño cheddar bagel was superb; fresh, chewy, perfectly balanced interior/exterior. The staff was so friendly and the service was quite fast for such a line.

Annie Jeong

Cup A Joe will always be a special place for me. The coffee is strong and definitely what got me through college haha. It’s one of those classic Raleigh spots that brings back so many good memories.

Kate D

Fast, cheap, delicious. Best hangover cure but always busy on the weekends. Love they have fre parking behind their building but if you wander you have to repeal or risk towing. As a former service worker I cannot comprehend their sticky note system but I also can't complain because it is accurate and fast. Staff are very friendly and the work environment seems healthy. It is always busy when I go so it can get a little crowded, I prefer to sit outside tho. Their pumpkin chai is great and i us usually get the everything bagel breakfast sandwich w bacon. Did not get a pic bc I always scarf it down lol.

Brittany

I am actually visiting from out of state and I've been here for a month. While visiting new places I usually make it a priority to try all of the local coffee shops. It's a fun way to explore a new city and I try to find my favorite spot. Cup A Joe is the best coffee in town. Hands down. I've been all over Raleigh trying different spots! This place has a great atmosphere AND most importantly, really great, affordable, and strong coffee drinks. I'm going to be going here exclusively now until I go back home!

Yin-Chun Lu

This is my favorite café near NC State. As soon as you walk in, the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the space. The staff are always very friendly. I actually do not drink coffee, and I usually order matcha or Thai tea instead, and they are always great. It is a comfortable place to sit down, do your work, and spend a few relaxing hours. I really enjoy the calm and cozy atmosphere here. Their breakfast croissant is also delicious. The simple combination of ham and cheese is flavorful and satisfying. I have been back many times and will definitely keep coming.

Emily Leister

I spent almost every evening at Cup a Joe doing school work while I was at NC State, and their coffee is amazing! Drinks are affordable, beans are roasted in-house, and they have interesting drink specials that rotate each month. I have since moved away, but I always make sure to stop by when I’m in the area. I even have my sister (who lives nearby) bring me Cup a Joe’s Colombian beans so I can make espresso at home (although it’s somehow never as good as the real deal). My all-time favorite coffee spot!