44 Best Coffee Shops in Wilmington

“Top favorite coffee shop I have ever visited (apart from my other favorite North Carolina coffee shops that staff those with special needs and disabilities)!! AMAZING drinks, the most phenomenal backyard space to hang out and bring your kiddos (human or pup), coolest concept and decor, and some really friendly and personable staff. I was so excited to find this awesome new(er) spot and I can’t wait to come back!“

“wonderful customer service, sweet, personable staff. this movement shows there are still those who care and whose who can do“

“Awesome coffee and great knowledge of their products! We have been going there regularly for a little over a year and have never been disappointed!“

“Let me start this off with, This is honestly the best coffee shop in Wilmington!

I recently visited Maroon Monkey and was thoroughly impressed with their fall menu! The Pomegranate Punch is a delightful blend of flavors, perfectly capturing the essence of the season with a hibiscus tea! I also loved the Sugar & Spice Shaken Espresso—it's the ideal pick-me-up with just the right amount of sweetness.

What truly made my experience memorable were the amazing workers, Liz and Georgia. Their friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm made me feel right at home. If you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious seasonal drinks, Maroon Monkey is the place to be! Highly recommend!“

“dog friendly, great service, amazing drinks, what more could you ask for?“

“Folks Cafe is the best! The owners are so sweet and we had the best breakfast. Truly a highlight of our trip to Wilmington“

“Social is leading the local coffees in Wilmington. Their seasonal/rotating menu of drinks are out of control. Their regular menu has amazing choices too! The Local, Daydreamer, and Saltwater Cowboy are must-tries. The staff is always friendly. We make it a point to go every week! My only complaint is they are closed Sunday and I would love a location closer to midtown/MJ/Pine Valley, because I CANNOT GET ENOUGH!! <3“

“Great coffee and atmosphere. Staff was friendly and even gave my doggie a pup cup! 💕“

“The best iced coffee I've had. Atmosphere is welcoming. Prices are good and the coffee is perfect. Espresso is outstanding. I wish they could replicate this shop where we're from.

Dietary restrictions: Have gluten free oatmilk & snacks

Kid-friendliness: My child came with me. A lot visually for him to see!“

“We loved that this place is so dog friendly! We struggle to find cute places that allow pups inside. It was a great experience. The bagels and coffee were great too!“

“I usually go to the Bean for coffee but just tried a smoothie yesterday. It was literally the best smoothie I have ever had. The lady at the window was super patient with my questions!!! I got the mango/strawberry. It was ridiculous!!!! Will definitely get that again.“

“The coffee is great, the service is always quick, and the owner and employees are always happy to see you! It's Coffee Time is the only place in Wilmington I will go to get coffee. If not for the coffee, for the owner and the employees!“

“Coffee is delish and the staff is always genuinely friendly! ☕️❤️“

“I really enjoy the people and the overall atmosphere here. Came to Grinders quite often when I first moved back to Wilmington. However, Grinders has always been on the high end for prices. Just got my first Dirty Chai over 8 dollars in Wilmington! I didn’t mind that it was made iced instead of hot as I requested but the prices are pretty ridiculous for the area. Go to Bespoke or Casablanca, get the same ambience and mucchhh more affordable coffee in my opinion!“

“I had the Bombshell and it was AMAZING! 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND 💯“

“Cool vibe, relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, lots of different separate spaces to sit and work on your laptop or relax and read a book as well as a large outdoor space. We ordered the cowboy coffee iced, dark drip coffee, and a blueberry muffin and everything was great.

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with parking space and ramp to door.“

“This is the best place to have coffee, work and just take a minute to relax…“

“Oh my goodness where to start?! First, the beignets are the best ever, filled with cinnamon cream cheese and fresh whipped cream with strawberries and jam... superb. Then the plate with the over easy eggs on top of the best fried chicken breast and drizzled with ranch & hot honey...wow, amazing! The biscuits are so delicious, can't say anything but gotta go back alot! Five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“Best Latte I've had in Wilmington
We ate the spanikopta (small portion) & BLAT sandwich
Outdoor patio is nice but we came here on a rainy Sunday. Easy to find a seat but there were a lot of people hanging out for a while.“

“My wife and I stumbled into Drift for the first time last Sunday while spending the weekend in Wilmington for a comedy show I did. Absolute great coffee and a fantastic brunch. Bought a bag of beans for home, and the coffee I’ve had the last two days is out of this world. The coffee is rich and flavorful. I can’t wait to get back to Wilmington so I can go to Drift. Java Junkie approved! Thanks, Beau Johnson Java Junkie Comedy @bjohnsoncomedy“

“Delicious baked goods and breakfast Grits Bowls, and a wonderful atmosphere of a unique local bakery. One of my favorite places to get a takeout dozen or two of glazed croissants for coworkers or to meet a friend for a hearty breakfast.“

“We stopped here twice in one day because it was that good. The banana ball was so good and my daughter LOVED their beignets. Their frappe was the best she has ever had. The dirty hippie was my favorite drink. We had to grab one of their donuts as literally just staring at them is mouth watering. The staff is so friendly and welcoming we love the vibe of the entire place. This place is a must if you are in Wilmington and it's vegan friendly. Hands down best customer service and coffee“

“Hidden gem in wilmington. I absolutely love Zola Cafe. They have the best chai in town! Also all of their lattes are so yummy and unique. I always enjoy going there and taking my little one to the bookstore attached. Such a special space. ?“

“Shout out to Veronica for saving the day! Drinks for pickup were missing and the other employees were so busy they couldn’t stop to help. Veronica saw us standing there for a while and made time to come over and figure out what was going on. We had our drinks made in seconds!“

“SO dank! The food is so clean!“

“Getting ready to go to bed ?️?



Parking: Eastwood Rd in Wilmington NC honey ?????



Kid-friendliness: Just Saw some. I guess ?



Wheelchair accessibility: Lady had a cane. Just prayed for her to loosen that cane“

“I am going back tomorrow because the adult grilled cheese was just fabulous and I want to try everything. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. Such a fabulous business with a fantastic staff.“

“This is the best place to have coffee, work and just take a minute to relax…“

“I usually never write a review for Starbucks mainly because I almost always grab my coffee from here and it's a go-to place for me. This one was special. I visited this Starbucks recently and i wanted to write their lavender flavored drinks on the menu. I had ordered the iced lavender oat milk Latte for the first time and to my surprise I didn't enjoy the drink. While I usually love trying new drinks at Starbucks, I have never been in a situation to return a drink because it didn't meet my expectations. I went ahead and did it for the first time, I wasn't sure about the response. I requested a replacement for the drink I had ordered and to my surprise they offered to replace my drink for free. I really moved by their service and I believe that deserves a mention. Thank you!“

“Love coffee, so Blue Cup Roastery is my place to go when I visit Wilmington. I highly recommend it.“

“Review of Playa Bowls - Wilmington, NC (Pura Vida Acai Bowl)

If you’re craving a refreshing and healthy treat in Wilmington, NC, Playa Bowls is the place to be. My go to is the Pura Vida Acai Bowl. Playa Bowls has created a great atmosphere that blends beachy vibes with vibrant decor—perfect for catching up with friends or simply enjoying a solo escape into deliciousness.

Flavor & Texture
The Pura Vida Acai Bowl is loaded with fresh ingredients that feel carefully chosen and well-balanced. The base is a smooth and creamy acai blend, chilled to perfection, with a consistency that’s thick enough to hold up the toppings without feeling too heavy. Every bite is packed with flavor—sweet from the acai and bananas, with a touch of tartness from the strawberries and blueberries. The granola adds a satisfying crunch, which contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the acai. Topped with a drizzle of honey, the bowl has the perfect hint of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.

Portion Size & Presentation
One thing I love about Playa Bowls is that they don’t skimp on the portions. The Pura Vida bowl is generous, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even a light lunch. The toppings are beautifully arranged, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ambiance & Service
The Wilmington location has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that aligns perfectly with Playa Bowls’ beachy branding. The staff is friendly and efficient, always ready with recommendations and willing to make adjustments if you have dietary preferences. The atmosphere feels casual yet clean, and you’ll often see locals stopping in for their go-to orders.

Price & Value
For the quality of ingredients and portion size, I think Playa Bowls offers excellent value. The Pura Vida Acai Bowl is priced reasonably compared to other acai bowls in the area, and the freshness and flavor make it worth every penny. It’s a satisfying, nourishing option for anyone looking to eat healthy without compromising on taste.

Overall Experience
If you’re an acai bowl lover or new to the trend, the Pura Vida at Playa Bowls is a fantastic option. Playa Bowls brings a taste of the tropics to Wilmington, with high-quality ingredients and an inviting atmosphere that’s hard to beat. I highly recommend giving the Pura Vida Acai Bowl a try—it’s a flavorful, wholesome treat that leaves you feeling both energized and indulged.“

“i love this PCJ location!!! the people here are always so friendly and sweet! the drinks are amazing every time i come. i also love their baked goods. the lobby has a very cozy environment with lots of games and books. i wish i could give it 6 stars!!! highly recommend!!“

“Was there on Saturday afternoon and was a great place to hang out. Preston the bartender was the best! Will be going back for sure!!“

“The crew here is amazing. Best Dunkin' Donuts experience I've ever had. Carlos, you are the best!“

“The coffee is delicious. The service is amazing. It’s owned by women. 💕👌🏽“

“This is the best coffee in Wilmington, coming from an avid coffee drinker.. They use Counter Culture coffee beans and always make it strong! Friendly, quick service and they offer a drive-thru. I have already tried almost every coffee shop in town and this one is still my favorite.“

“I love Ibis so much and really would recommend it to everyone - BUT since it's opening it has had terrible wifi connection. I know this is a problem with many others. I barely come here anymore because I often go to cafes to do a little bit of work. Currently writing this because I just missed a work meeting while here.

I do however recommend this place 100%. I love the atmosphere and music.“

“I had been a customer of Starbucks for decades and I was absolutely thrilled when they decided to start having stores down here in North Carolina! Where else can you go and have great coffee and great WiFi while talking to super nice people that you just meant . I have never been to a bad one ever! I highly recommend this place to all!!“

“Starbucks is finally staying open until 10:00! Great service, atmosphere; and......of course, great coffee!“

“I was visiting from Boston and was met wit impeccable service from the two barista’s!
I don’t leave a tunnel reviews, but felt compelled after my experience at this in particular Starbucks!
It would be nice if some of the Starbucks up north would take these lovely ladies energy!“

“They make good coffee but everytime I ask for cold foam they give me the smallest amount. Why am I paying extra for something they barely put on?? I mean the coffee is good they're always friendly but dang they never give me the cold foam.... so annoying“