Dave Sullivan, Founder of Cup A Joe
about Us
Welcome to Cup a Joe, a beloved coffee institution that has been a staple in the heart of Raleigh, NC since 1991. With a rich history and a loyal community of customers, we have proudly served as a gathering place for students, professionals, and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Fresh roast = better beans
At Cup a Joe, we roast our beans in-house to ensure the freshest and most flavorful coffee and all beans are roasted to order, usually on the same day or the day after an order is placed. From bean to cup, we’re committed to delivering a truly exceptional coffee experience.
our values
We take pride in creating a welcoming space where you can study, meet friends, or simply unwind. Our friendly baristas are always ready with a warm smile and a passion for crafting your perfect cup. We’re here to make your coffee experience not only delicious but also a moment of respite from the bustling downtown scene.
What our customers say
Since 1991, Cup a Joe has been the go-to spot for coffee lovers in Raleigh and beyond. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Hear it straight from our customers who have been raving about us for decades.
Cup a Joe is definitely a coffee shop with a vibe. Baristas were really friendly and helpful. I appreciate that they have daily specials (helps narrow down their very large menu). It’s also great that they’re open into the evening. I had a king four shot espresso with hazelnut and it was really good. I’ll definitely be back
Local Guide
This coffee shop has been a recreational staple in Raleigh for years and we hope it continues.
Terran Justice
Customer
coffee is delicious and affordable (they have daily specials) and employees are super nice! Nice place to study with outlets, lots of tables and seating, or just to hang out with friends 🙂
Grace S
Student
Cup of Joe is a great environment! it is not only one of the cheapest places to get a straight black coffee but also a great place to study with a group. The staff is always super friendly and if you are an NC State student, going here is a must.
Josh Love
Local Guide
Great location, nice college atmosphere within distance to NC state and many other amenities. Great for first dates!!
Rheetin Ghasi
Local Guide
One of the last vestiges of proprietor owned and operated businesses near campus cupajoe offers strong coffee, great ambiance, and the few remaining locals post raleigh gentrification.Like
Yo Sultan
Local Guide
More Reviews
MrOxion
15:37 01 Aug 23
Cup a Joe is an institution for the NC State area of Raleigh. The coffee is roasted on the darker end, which is perfect for my tastes. They offer daily specials on drinks, and they roast their own beans and sell them as well. The staff is friendly and quick. They will make an effort to learn your name if you become a regular. The food options are somewhat limited to bagels, muffins, cookies, and a couple of breakfast /lunch options. Their main focus is on coffee drinks, but they also have good smoothies too!The atmosphere is a quintessential college coffee shop. The college radio station is always playing, so you may hear a baseball game, classical music, underground hip hop or speed metal you never know! The seating area is mish mash of tables and chairs that look like old school stock and garage sale finds. The building is old, and it shows its age proudly. In short, it's a great place to set up and get work done (but you may want to bring headphones just in case).
Kal Smith
21:41 26 Jul 23
I like this place. I go here sometimes. It’s a good crowd, not just college students even though it’s close to campus. The employees are nice; one of them has an impressive ability of remembering all the customer’s names. I would recommend this place if you’re looking to spend an hour doing whatever. There’s honestly nothing special about this place compared to other coffee shops, but the people are nice and in 2023 that seems to be rare.
Rachel Bramble
10:37 11 Jul 23
This place is a Raleigh institution. In the mornings, you can see the locals have coffee out front with friends, pull out a book to read alone, or just sit to get some studying done before the work hour. The coffee is burnt, but is the best price for the size(a king size lasts me all morning until lunch). I've even come to love the burnt taste. The owner recognizes people well so if you become a regular, he's going to say good morning! This place holds a special place in my heart.
Darsh Nathwani
22:17 21 Jun 23
This place is amazing. The vibe is vibrant in the morning and peaceful in the evening.They have a really good collection of freshly roasted coffee beans. Additionally, they have different special offers on different days.The hot Latte is super smooth and at the perfect temperature.
Eduardo Castaneda
11:19 12 Apr 23
Every major college town has an iconic coffee spot that students frequent. For NCSU Wolfpack, Cup a Joe is that spot! Ever since 2016 as a graduate student I have been hooked. The staff is quick and efficient. They are extremely friendly and you can often hear them offering you their daily "weekly special." The owner/manager is a nice person that likes to check around his establishment making sure everything is running smoothly.I am a regular and always get the Baileys Irish Cream Cold Brew, and if I'm feeling tired, make it a train wreck (Iced coffee + espresso). Not to mention the coffee beans are slowly roasted and its distinct smell fills Hillsborough Street. The fresh Cold Brew with a hint of Baileys is defintely the reason I keep coming back
