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Cup A Joe in North Carolina

A friendly food place offering a relaxed atmosphere and affordable coffee options on Hillsborough St in Raleigh.

4.6 1,198 reviews $1–10 Cafe American · Southern

3100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States

FoodPlacee Passport United States · North Carolina · 10757
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Cup A Joe

Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Rating★ 4.6 / 5
Price$1–10
CategoryCafe
Today 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Cup A Joe is a vibrant cafe located on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, NC. Known for its funky ambiance and house-roasted beans, this coffee shop offers an extensive menu of specialty coffee drinks, making it a go-to spot for both casual sippers and coffee aficionados alike.

With a friendly atmosphere and affordable prices ranging from $1 to $10, visitors can enjoy a variety of rich, flavorful brews alongside tasty snacks. This local favorite combines a welcoming vibe with convenience, offering delivery, takeout, dine-in, and onsite services.

Gallery

Photos from Cup A Joe

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

Known for its lively vibe and extensive menu, this cafe offers a unique coffee experience in Raleigh’s Hillsborough Street area.

Specialty Coffee Drinks

An extensive menu features specialty coffee brewed from house-roasted beans, delivering rich and flavorful options.

Welcoming & Inclusive Atmosphere

Known as an LGBTQ+ friendly space and transgender safe haven with a chill, lively ambiance and friendly staff.

Affordable Prices

With drinks starting as low as $1 and fair pricing throughout, it’s one of the most budget-friendly coffee shops in Raleigh.

Convenient Service Options

Offering delivery, takeout, dine-in, and onsite services to suit every customer’s preference and schedule.

Highly Rated by Locals

Praised for fast service, tasty drinks, and a cozy vibe, it holds a strong 4.6-star rating from over 1,100 reviewers.

Accessible Location & Parking

Located on Hillsborough Street with multiple free and paid parking options plus wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Cup A Joe offers a dynamic environment suitable for quick coffee breaks or relaxed hangouts, welcoming visitors throughout the day with friendly service and a cozy vibe.

The strong, house-roasted coffees combined with a lively yet comfortable setting make this cafe an ideal spot for both energizing mornings and laid-back afternoons near NC State University. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Morning Pick-Me-Up

Start the day with a bold specialty coffee made from freshly roasted beans while settling in for a peaceful early morning before classes or work.

Catch Up with Friends

The lively atmosphere and ample seating make it perfect for meeting friends over flavorful coffees and affordable baked goods.

Study or Work Session

A calm and cozy vibe supports productivity, allowing long study sessions or casual work with excellent drinks and quick service to keep focus sharp.

Grab & Go

Take advantage of convenient takeout and delivery options for quality coffee and snacks when on the move around Raleigh.

Park and Sip

With free and paid parking options nearby, visiting by car is hassle-free, perfect for a quick stop or a longer visit.

Best for

Specialty Coffees LGBTQ+ Friendly Takeout Available Morning & Evening Hours Affordable Pricing Cozy Study Spot Free Parking

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

VM
Veronika Mazur 2 month ago

"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."

KB
Katelynn Bellamy 2 month ago

"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."

PM
Peter McCarthy 3 month ago

"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."

AJ
Annie Jeong 4 month ago

"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."

KD
Kate D 4 month ago

"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."

B
Brittany 5 month ago

"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!"

YL
Yin-Chun Lu 5 month ago

"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."

EL
Emily Leister 5 month ago

"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!"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Closed
Weekly hours
Monday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday 06:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Ideal for quick stops or relaxing breaks, this cafe fits well into various daily schedules with generous hours and flexible dining.

Weekdays 6 AM to 5–7 PM for a calm coffee experience Weekends slightly busier, but still great for catching up or study breaks Perfect for quick visits or up to an hour of dining and work Morning and early evenings offer fresh roasts and vibrant ambiance Consider arriving before peak hours for seating availability

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Cup A Joe in North Carolina .

Address 3100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27607, United States
Phone +1 919-828-9665
Area North Carolina
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about Cup A Joe, a popular café in Raleigh known for its house-roasted coffee and welcoming atmosphere.

Cup A Joe features an extensive menu of specialty coffee drinks made from house-roasted beans. In addition to coffee, baked goods and breakfast items like croissants and bagels are available. Menu items and availability may vary.

The café is open Monday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday also until 7:00 PM. Tuesday through Saturday, hours are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hours may change, so it’s best to check ahead before visiting.

Yes, services include dine-in, takeout, delivery, and onsite options. The space is cozy and welcoming, with seating available, though it can get busy at peak times.

The café provides full accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restrooms, and seating to accommodate all guests comfortably.

Payments can be made using credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Cash payment options are not specified.

Several parking options exist, including free and paid parking lots as well as free and paid street parking. On-site parking is also available for convenience.

The café is known as an LGBTQ+ friendly space and a transgender safespace, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.